SEARCH RESULTS

By: Dr. K. Lynn Lewis What is my calling? Where should I work? What should I do with my life? What is God’s best for me? How would God prefer I use my time, gifts and talents? Are there things He would prefer I NOT do, at least not right now, or maybe never again? Are there things I need to learn, to pursue, to train for? In seeking answers to these questions, I once made a list of 50 people I respected. I then arranged to meet with them one-on-one and asked them, “What do you do, and how did you know God wants you to do it?” At the time, I had a good job as an engineer. My boss, a strong Christian, had hired me as his protégé and my future in the engineering business looked bright. However, I had such a strong passion for ministry that I wanted to explore what serving in ministry as a profession might look like. I didn’t know, so I asked others what they were doing and why. Some were in business; some in education; some served as pastors, missionaries, or non-profit ministry leaders; some were family and friends. God did use many of their answers to help clarify His call in my life, both at the time and during the years since. It would be nice if those questions were answered once and for all, but, even where there is a clear call, how that call is lived out varies on a year-to-year, day-to-day basis. It has for me. I have sought to serve God faithfully as a student, an engineer, a pastor, a businessman, an educator, and an executive. I believe God wants to use me where I am, but He also seems to always be preparing for me for where He wants me to be. One measure I use is what I call “net kingdom gain.” Out of all of the choices set before me, which one(s) seem most likely to further advance the kingdom of God? Given who I am, and how God has made, gifted, and experienced me, how can I best serve Him and others? One businessman told me that God had gifted him with “knowing people and giving away money.” He wasn’t good in school, or working with his hands, or teaching or preaching or singing. But, he knew people, and He knew the Lord. So, he hired well-educated, competent people, invested in their lives and families, and their successful business blessed all of their lives and made a lot of money, a tithing portion of which he shared joyfully. Others confessed that God wanted them to lay some things down, or repurpose them for His kingdom, in ways that required significant life, work, and sometimes educational changes on their part. One person framed their own search this way. “Perhaps, anybody can do X,” they said, “My question is what is God’s unique call on my life, and how can I best live that out right now?” I also learned to include regular ebb and flow in my considerations. Working hard – putting our hands to whatever plow the Lord has given us – is part of our call. But so is eating, exercising, playing, resting, and worshiping well as part of a healthy, balanced life. Jesus lived out net Kingdom gain by choosing timely priorities. For a long time, working in the local Nazareth family business was his priority. Then, reaching a lost world through preaching, healing, and leading others was his priority. Sometimes, prayer alone, or offering to heal some people but not others, or going to a different town even though there was plenty to do locally, was his priority. Later, offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins was his priority. He did the math regularly, and chose His priorities accordingly, even when some of his actions seemed to make no sense at the time. So should we. Let’s do the math, and calculate our life actions and priorities according to net kingdom gain. Published in Meat and Potatoes for the Soul 2, © 2015 by K. Lynn Lewis. Original Post

By Dr. K. Lynn Lewis They kept thanking God, and helping others. Joseph ascended from a pit to a palace, thanked God that what his brothers meant for evil God meant for good, and helped his family and multiple nations survive a seven-year famine. Daniel descended from a palace to a pit, thanked God for shutting the mouths of lions, and faithfully served the Lord under a captor king to conserve a remnant of his people during a seventy-year exile. Moses moved from Egyptian prince to Midianite shepherd to Hebrew leader, thanked God continuously even amidst trials and tribulations, and shepherded God's chosen people into a tribal nation. David moved from shepherd boy to military hero to mighty king, thanked God continuously even amidst trials and tribulations, and shephereded his nation into a united kingdom. Nebuchadnezzar arrogantly lost his throne and royal authority for seven years, thanked God for His sovereignty and blessings following his return to sanity, and returned to greater power and glory in service to the people and temporal kingdom God granted him. Jesus humbly gave up his throne and royal authority for approximately 33 years, thanked God for His sovereignty and blessings throughout his trials and sacrifice, and returned to greater power and glory in service to the people and eternal kingdom God granted him. Barren Hannah and old Elizabeth became bold mothers, thanked God for their blessings, and gave their children up to serve the Lord and others in His name. Young unwed Mary became married Mother Mary, thanked God for His sovereign grace and mercy, and faithfully and temporally raised the Lord who would faithfully and eternally raise her. Likewise, in and through all of our own uniqure circumstances, The Bible Seminary (TBS) is full of thanksgiving today and always, for the Lord and for you, and for the many opportunities we have to help others in His name. We love you, and pray you have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

By Dr. K. Lynn Lewis If you have not already done so, would YOU please adopt at least one book in the TBS library today? Your contribution of $100 per book directly supports the TBS mission of training leaders in all 66 books of the Bible and helps build a legacy of faith until Jesus returns. We need your help. Will you join together with others to support TBS by adopting at least one book? Adoptions may include a dedication in honor or memory of someone special, and your personalized tribute will be included in a book highlighting your legacy gift. Adoptions can be made securely online, by mail, email, in-person, or by contacting our office. Adopt-a-Book today and join us in strengthening faith, training minds, and building Christian community. Don't delay. Adopt-a-Book today! The giving table above shows GOALs and ACTUAL support. For example, we are seeking 255 donors who will together contribute nearly $79,000 per month during the fiscal year. We currently have 50 donors contributing a little over $25,000 per month and are seeking 205 additional donors. For example: At the $100/month level, we are seeking 25 donors, currently have 13, and are seeking 12 more. At the $300/month level, we have 3 committed and are seeking 12 more. At the $2,000/month level, we have 2 committed, and are seeking 2 more. The Adopt-a-Book boxes show the number of books available for adoption and the number adopted so far.

By Dr. K. Lynn Lewis They thrived, even amidst great challenges. Joseph's brothers threw him in a pit and sold him as a slave. But, his new owner - Potiphar, Pharaoh's captain of the guard - saw that the Lord was with him and caused all that he did to succeed. Joseph persevered and found favor in his sight, and Potiphar made Joseph overseer of all that he had, until his wife's lies sent Joseph to prison. But, the prison keeper saw that the Lord was with Joseph and blessed the work of his hands, and he put him in charge of all the prisoners. Eventually, Pharoah saw the blessing of God over Joseph's life and made him second in command over all Egypt. (Genesis 37-41) The prophet Samuel anointed the young shepherd David, but David's seven older brothers ridiculed him. Then, David's boss (also his father-in-law) tried to kill him for years, but David persevered to become king over the united tribes of Israel. Ashpenaz, King Nebuchadnezzar's chief eunuch, captured Daniel and took him to Babylon, but Daniel persevered and rose to prominent leadership in Babylon's royal court. Paul faced beatings, hunger, imprisonment, lies, robbers, shipwrecks, snakebites, and untold other dangers. Yet, he planted churches around the Mediterranean and wrote much of the New Testament. Jesus warned and encouraged those he called and trained for leadership, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The Bible Seminary (TBS) continues to offer leadership training today to those whom Jesus calls. While the blessings of the Lord are clearly evident in many, life and circumstances are not always easy. Your financial support helps TBS provide encouraging, life-changing, and ministry multiplying educational ministries. If you have not already, please: Adopt-a-Book in honor or memory of a loved one. General donation: HELP provide critical income toward funding TBS facilities, personnel, and programming. Great Commission Scholarship Fund: Up to $50,000 is available through a matching gift toward establishing a $100,000 scholarship endowment to generate income to benefit future students. Thank you for giving opportunities for others to lead and learn, to persevere when the going gets tough, and to display the blessings of the Lord in their lives, The giving table above shows GOALs and ACTUAL support. For example, we are seeking 255 donors who will together contribute nearly $79,000 per month during the fiscal year. We currently have 50 donors contributing a little over $25,000 per month and are seeking 205 additional donors. For example: At the $100/month level, we are seeking 25 donors, currently have 13, and are seeking 12 more. At the $300/month level, we have 3 committed and are seeking 12 more. At the $2,000/month level, we have 2 committed, and are seeking 2 more. The Adopt-a-Book boxes show the number of books available for adoption and the number adopted so far.

By Dr. K. Lynn Lewis Things were bad! Skyrocketing inflation, enraged leaders, abhorrent behaviors, and despondent citizens. The Aramean siege so decimated Samaria that four lepers decided that they preferred death at the hands of the enemy. Unbeknownst to them, the Lord frightened king Ben-Hadad’s soldiers into abandoning their camp and leaving abundant food and treasures behind. Although selfishly indulgent at first, the lepers decided it would be better to share their good fortune. “This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves,” they realized. “Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace.” (2 Kings 7:9). By sharing their good news, they helped save their community. Similarly, after Andrew decided to follow Jesus, the first thing he did was find his brother Simon (Peter). “We have found the Messiah,” Andrew told him. And he brought him to Jesus. After Jesus found Philip and invited Philip to follow him, Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. (John 1:41-46) And that’s how the Gospel spread: Jesus finding lost people, and those people sharing the Good News with other people. The Bible Seminary (TBS) continues sharing this same wonderful news. We help disciples make more disciples by bringing them to Jesus, fielding questions, teaching, training, and sending them out to invite and disciple others. Your financial support helps us continue to read from the book of the Law of God, make it clear and give the meaning so that people can understand what is being read (Nehemiah 8:8). We invite your support in any or all of the following ways: Adopt-a-Book for $100 each in honor or memory of a loved one. General donation: HELP provide critical income toward the costs of TBS facilities, personnel, and programming. Great Commission Scholarship Fund: Up to $50,000 is available through a matching gift toward establishing a $100,000 scholarship endowment to generate income to benefit future students. Thank you for helping share the Good News about Jesus and for connecting your loved ones to TBS, The giving table above shows GOALs and ACTUAL support. For example, we are seeking 255 donors who will together contribute nearly $79,000 per month during the fiscal year. We currently have 50 donors contributing a little over $25,000 per month and are seeking 205 additional donors. For example: At the $100/month level, we are seeking 25 donors, currently have 13, and are seeking 12 more. At the $300/month level, we have 3 committed and are seeking 12 more. At the $2,000/month level, we have 2 committed, and are seeking 2 more. The Adopt-a-Book boxes show the number of books available for adoption and the number adopted so far.

By Dr. K. Lynn Lewis Following Jesus was not a game. The disciples didn't drop their nets, ledgers, and swords to go play around. They didn't study under Jesus' teaching because his classes were easy and fun. They didn't train under Jesus' coaching because his teams won championships. They didn't battle storms, climb mountains, confront demons, face ridicule, and touch lepers for entertainment. They didn't travel to villages, towns, and cities on a luxury tour with a paid guide and opportunities to take classic photos in iconic places. They didn't submit to inquiries, trials, and tribunals to jockey for political favors and name recognition. No, the disciples first followed Jesus THINKING he was the Messiah. They continued following increasingly BELIEVING he was the Messiah. And, after observing his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, they followed KNOWING he was the Messiah. Thereafter, they dedicated their lives in service to the only One who had been given all authority on heaven and earth, Jesus Christ. They accepted his co-mission to go, make disciples of all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Bible Seminary (TBS) continues their legacy today. We are a family of disciples who have dedicated all that we are, all that we have, and all that we ever hope to the Lord God Almighty and His Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power of His Holy Spirit, we continue to spread and live out the Gospel in co-mission with Jesus. We serve in gratitude for the disciples who came before us, in love with the disciples with whom we co-laborer, and with hope for all the disciples who will come after as a result of all the faithful since the dawn of time. Your financial support in the following ways helps fund training disciples who want to help fulfill the Great Commission. Adopt-a-Book for $100 each in honor or memory of a loved one. General donation: HELP provide critical income toward the costs of TBS facilities, personnel, and programming. Great Commission Scholarship Fund: Up to $50,000 is available through a matching gift toward establishing a $100,000 scholarship endowment to generate income to benefit future students. Thank you for help fund disciples making more disciples, The giving table above shows GOALs and ACTUAL support. For example, we are seeking 255 donors who will together contribute nearly $79,000 per month during the fiscal year. We currently have 50 donors contributing a little over $25,000 per month and are seeking 205 additional donors. At the $100/month level, we are seeking 25 donors, currently have 13, and are seeking 12 more. At the $300/month level, we have 3 and are seeking 12 more. At the $2,000/month level, we have 2, and are seeking 2 more. The Adopt-a-Book boxes show the number of books available for adoption and the number adopted so far.

By Dr. K. Lynn Lewis The Lord sent them. Administrators and artisans, farmers and fishermen, mariners and merchants, physicians and politicians, scribes and shepherds. Kings and queens; princes and paupers; commanders and soldiers; cupbearers and teachers; husbands and wives; married and unmarried; Jews and Gentiles; formerly blind, deaf, demon-possessed, diseased, harlots, lepers, mutes, tax collectors, and zealots. Both the Old and New Testaments are filled with accounts of people the Lord called, rescued, redeemed, taught, touched, empowered, and employed to reach individuals, groups, communities and nations. Jesus sent out the Twelve, the 72, and many more to tell His story through their story in order to make disciples of all nations. "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story" (Psalm 107:2-3) and "Go tell how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you" (Mark 5:19). That is why The Bible Seminary (TBS) alumni, Board, faculty, staff, students, and more serve as ministry leaders in multiple countries on five continents and in numerous cities and states across America. As TBS pours into them, they in turn share their witness and do good deeds that impact thousands of souls weekly near and far. Your financial support helps us train disciples of Jesus Christ to better tell their story and serve the Lord and others wherever they live and work. Thank you for giving us a voice to reach communities near and far through TBS, The giving table above shows GOALs and ACTUAL support. For example, we are seeking 255 donors who will together contribute $78,917 per month totaling $947,000 during the fiscal year. We currently have 50 donors contributing $25,258 per month and are seeking 205 additional donors. At the $100/month level, we are seeking 25 donors, currently have 12, and need 13 more. At the $2,000/month level, we are seeking 4 donors, currently have 2, and are seeking 2 more. The total columns show progress at each giving level as well as the overall totals. The Adopt-a-Book boxes show the number of books available for adoption and the number adopted so far.

By Dr. K. Lynn Lewis Jesus had a couple of busy, but revelatory days. As John chronicles those hours in his gospel, Jesus first goes up a mountain, teaches his disciples, multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed more than 5,000 men (not counting women and children) who followed them to listen and watch, and then walks across the Sea of Galilee through a nighttime storm on the way back to Capernaum where he and his disciples lived at the time. John then describes Jesus teaching in the Capernaum synagogue, fielding complaints, answering questions, and inviting belief in him. "I am the bread of life," Jesus declared, "for this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him will have eternal life, and I myself will raise them up on the last day" (John 6:35,40). Following a Passover-connected illustration in which Jesus referenced the need to eat his flesh and drink his blood in order to obtain eternal life, many disciples abandoned him, even after he clarified that his words were spirit and life. When Jesus asked the twelve if they wanted to leave, too, Peter replied, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we believe and know that you are the Holy One of God" (6:68-69). As do we, which is why we continue to teach Jesus' words of spirit and life. From Genesis to Revelation, old creation to new, sin to salvation, The Bible Seminary (TBS) exists to glorify God by impacting multitudes of souls for Christ and to help fulfill the Great Commission by the power of God’s Spirit. Through courses, seminars, productions, and publications, we are working to foster biblical literacy through studies of all 66 books of the Bible, cultivate professional and lay leadership skills, and deploy trained Christian disciples in service worldwide. Your financial support helps our faculty, staff, and others speak life into our students, as well as those they serve near and far. Thank you for giving Jesus a voice through TBS,

In this issue Giving Tuesday: Help make TBS possible! Public Reading of Scripture: Monday's at Noon Beyond: Daily prayer prompts TBS App: Download yours! Share your TBS experience: Leave a social media review Giving Tuesday Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20 The Bible Seminary’s Board of Trustees recently approved the following two statements to help concisely capture the description of our role in fulfilling the Great Commission. YOU help make it possible for: WITHOUT YOU it is more challenging for: Faculty to TEACH archaeology, culture & languages, hermeneutics, history & theology, leadership, missions & evangelism, preaching & teaching, and spiritual formation & ministry. Staff to SERVE the Lord in administration, advancement, business, communications, education, and marketing. Students to affordably STUDY and TRAIN for ministry leadership. Alumni to GRADUATE debt-free (all 92 alumni so far have graduated free of seminary debt). Visitors to ENJOY our archaeological museum exhibits on campus, at local community events (like the Katy Community Expo) and international events (like the annual Evangelical Theological Society meeting), and on other church, college, and ministry campuses. TBS to HOST courses and seminars, for our leaders to WRITE, SPEAK, and PRESENT locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Three ways you can GIVE throughout November! Adopt-a-Book: PLEASE adopt at least one TBS library book for $100. Gratitude for adoptions in honor or memory of your loved one will be recorded on the inside cover of each book you adopt. General Donation: HELP provide critical income toward the $875,000 in charitable contributions needed this fiscal year to pay the costs of TBS facilities, personnel, and programming. TBS funding comes from tuition and fees (17%) and donations (83%). Fiscal year income June through October 2023 has been VERY LOW and SLOW. We are asking all TBS family and friends to join together to help provide the monthly and annual financial resources needed to carry out our exciting, life-changing, and community-impacting vision and mission. Our world has serious problems, and TBS is working weekdays, weeknights, and weekends to teach and train ministry leaders who live and work in communities near and far to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Together, we can keep making a positive difference, but we desperately need your help to continue to do so!! Great Commission Scholarship Fund: Up to $50,000 is available through a matching gift toward establishing a $100,000 scholarship endowment to generate income to benefit future students. Note: All donations are charitable and tax-deductible as allowed by law. If you have any legal questions, please see your tax advisor for more information. Donate ONLINE (click any link above), by MAIL (see mailing address at end), or by TEXT (see below). Text "Any Amount" to 84321 Follow prompt link. Search for "The Bible Seminary." Create your profile. Add or select a payment method. Submit a donation. After this one-time setup, you can TEXT your donation amount to 84321 to make an online donation. Public Reading of Scripture Beyond Prayer Campaign This one-year prayer initiative launched in September and will continue through August 2024. Enjoy daily prayer prompts on social media as well as companion podcasts, news articles, events, and more. Download the TBS App! We are thrilled to announce the launch of The Bible Seminary's brand-new app, now available on both Apple and Android stores! Enjoy an easy and convenient way to stay connected to The Bible Seminary. Features include instant access to courses, event notifications, and a rich library of video resources. It is the perfect tool for students, alumni, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Bible. Download your TBS App today! Share your experience! Please take a moment to leave a review on Great Non-Profits and Google to let others know how awesome TBS is! Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve and serve our community better. Thank you! *Click each logo to leave your review. The Bible Seminary (TBS) is an independent, non- denominational, 501(c)(3) charitable institution of higher education incorporated in Texas in 2010 to offer training for laity and vocational ministry professionals. TBS is an Accredited member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), an approved participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) for Distance Education, and an approved CEU provider for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Goals include helping nurture a biblically literate populace via comprehensive, strategic, Bible-based training through classes and seminars, museum exhibits, productions and publications, and archaeological digs and study tours. “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.” - Nehemiah 8:8 Campus 2655 S MASON RD KATY TX 77450-1772 Mailing 23501 CINCO RANCH BLVD STE H120-930 KATY TX 77494-3109 E-mail: info@TheBibleSeminary.edu Phone: 281-646-1109 Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 4 PM

In this issue Adopt-a-Book: Leave a legacy inside a TBS book. Public Reading of Scripture: Monday's at Noon. Beyond: One-year TBS prayer initiative. The TBS App: Download the NEW App. Share your TBS experience: Leave a review on Google and Great Non-Profits. Will you PLEASE adopt at least one TBS library book for $100? Gratitude for your adoption in honor or memory of an individual, family, group organization, or even pet will be recorded on the inside cover of a TBS library book. Public Reading of Scripture Beyond Prayer Campaign This one-year TBS prayer initiative launched September 1 and will continue through August 2024. Enjoy daily prayer prompts shared on multiple social media platforms and via digital newsletters, weekly companion podcasts, news articles, events, and more according to the following schedule: We are thrilled to announce the launch of The Bible Seminary's brand-new app, now available on both Apple and Android stores! This app is designed to provide our community with an easy and convenient way to stay connected to The Bible Seminary. With features like instant access to courses, event notifications, and a rich library of video resources, it's the perfect tool for students, alumni, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Bible. Download it today and experience a seamless way to engage with our institution and its teachings. Stay connected, stay inspired, and stay informed with The Bible Seminary app! YOU help make TBS possible! TBS depends on support from donors to do all that we do. Probably due to travel and distractions, our summer income regularly drops fairly low. If you love TBS and want to support our faculty and staff, students, and educational mission training leaders in all 66 books of the Bible, please consider supporting TBS today by: MAIL (see mailing address at the bottom of this email) ONLINE Or by TEXT (see instructions below). Thank you! Text-to-Give Text "Any Amount" to 84321 Follow prompt link Find The Bible Seminary in search Create profile Add or select a payment method Submit a donate *This is a one-time setup. After setup, you can text your donation amount to 84321 to make an online donation. Visit TheBibleSeminary.edu/support * All donations are charitable and tax-deductible as allowed by law. If you have any legal questions, please see your tax advisor for more information. The Bible Seminary (TBS) is an independent, non- denominational, 501(c)(3) charitable institution of higher education incorporated in Texas in 2010 to offer training for laity and vocational ministry professionals. TBS is an Accredited member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and an approved CEU provider for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Goals include helping nurture a biblically literate populace via comprehensive, strategic, Bible-based training through classes and seminars, museum exhibits, productions and publications, and archaeological digs and study tours. “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.” - Nehemiah 8:8 Share your experience! Please take a moment to leave a review on Great Non-Profits and Google to let others know how awesome TBS is! Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve and serve our community better. Thank you! *Click each logo to leave your review. Campus 2655 S MASON RD KATY TX 77450-1772 Mailing 23501 CINCO RANCH BLVD STE H120-930 KATY TX 77494-3109 E-mail: info@TheBibleSeminary.edu Phone: 281-646-1109 Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 4 PM

In this issue Beyond: One-year prayer initiative at TBS began September 1 Fall Semester: Classes begin this week Public Reading of Scripture: Begins Monday, September 11 Share your TBS experience: Leave a review on Google and Great Non-Profits Beyond Prayer Campaign Beyond is a one-year prayer adventure for TBS family and friends to pray for TBS health and growth. Watch for prayer prompts in online and print communications September 2023 through August 2024. Visit TheBibleSeminary.edu/beyond and join the journey! Fall Semester first day snapshots Photos from Hebrew, Bible Study Methods & Spiritual Formation classes. Public Reading of Scripture Please join us for Public Reading of Scripture Mondays from Noon - 1:00 PM beginning Monday, September 11 in Classroom 270 on campus of The Bible Seminary. A Zoom link is available for online attendees. In-Person attendees will enjoy free lunch and fellowship. RSVP below to let us know that you plan to attend and how you plan to participate. Thank you! Didn't make it to the "Top 10 Finds in Biblical Archaeology" seminar last month? No problem! Dive into the Top Ten Finds seminar at The Bible Seminary ON-DEMAND and explore the fascinating world of Biblical Archaeology at your own pace. 3J Museum on location at Katy Expo The Joshua, Judges, and Jesus Museum (3J), shone brightly in the spotlight during the Katy Community Expo. The Expo provided a platform for over 2,000 visitors to explore the museum's engaging presentations, fostering a deeper understanding of the Bible's historical, literary, and spiritual importance. *Pictured are TBS Students & Staff: Jeff Young, Patrick Wise, Jordan McClinton, Angela McClinton, Dr. Scott Stripling & Stella Stripling. YOU help make TBS possible! TBS depends on support from donors to do all that we do. Probably due to travel and distractions, our summer income regularly drops fairly low. If you love TBS and want to support our faculty and staff, students, and educational mission training leaders in all 66 books of the Bible, please consider supporting TBS today by: MAIL (see mailing address at the bottom of this email) ONLINE Or by TEXT (see instructions below). Thank you! Text-to-Give Text "Any Amount" to 84321 Follow prompt link Find The Bible Seminary in search Create profile Add or select a payment method Submit a donate *This is a one-time setup. After setup, you can text your donation amount to 84321 to make an online donation. Visit TheBibleSeminary.edu/support * All donations are charitable and tax-deductible as allowed by law. If you have any legal questions, please see your tax advisor for more information. The Bible Seminary (TBS) is an independent, non- denominational, 501(c)(3) charitable institution of higher education incorporated in Texas in 2010 to offer training for laity and vocational ministry professionals. TBS is an Accredited member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and an approved CEU provider for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Goals include helping nurture a biblically literate populace via comprehensive, strategic, Bible-based training through classes and seminars, museum exhibits, productions and publications, and archaeological digs and study tours. “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.” - Nehemiah 8:8 Share your experience! Please take a moment to leave a review on Great Non-Profits and Google to let others know how awesome TBS is! Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve and serve our community better. Thank you! *Click each logo to leave your review. Campus 2655 S MASON RD KATY TX 77450-1772 Mailing 23501 CINCO RANCH BLVD STE H120-930 KATY TX 77494-3109 E-mail: info@TheBibleSeminary.edu Phone: 281-646-1109 Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 4 PM

By Ed Thomas God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and all He creates is beautiful and good. I try to reflect on this as I start each day. One incredible place God has created, and continues to sustain, is The Bible Seminary (TBS). I was a rather late bloomer to the notion of formal biblical studies, enrolling in seminary at age 47 and graduating at age 52 (I attended TBS from 2014 through 2019). Returning to an academic environment after 25 years, I honestly had no idea what to expect from the professors, the curriculum, or anything. However, I was absolutely blown away at the high caliber professors and staff that God Himself called to serve at TBS! Never did I expect that I would be learning under world-renowned leaders in the fields of biblical languages, archeology, hermeneutics (Bible study methods), missions, and so much more. It has been said that the Bible is like a swimming pool – shallow enough that a little child can wade in and drink without fear of drowning, yet so deep scholars can never find the bottom. Taking the analogy a step further, the vastness of the Bible is more like all the oceans of the world and then some, with 66 distinct regions. Our TBS professors gave us an expert tour of all 66 books in this vast expanse, and we students experienced complete saturation among a beautiful mix of their knowledge, wisdom, compassion, and deep love for the Lord and each of us. We could tell that our professors had been there many times before and had explored depths much greater than what we saw. One thing I so appreciated was that each was able to share their observations from different angles and vantage points, even when some of their perspectives varied. I witnessed mature, humble, gentle, grace-filled discourse in areas of divergence while at the same time all commonly held firm to Bible absolutes together. This is something our world greatly needs and I got to see it in action and learned how to replicate it in my life. I will be forever grateful for the preparation and development TBS provided so that my wife and I could be better prepared to invest our lives in spreading the Gospel and love of Christ. Another beautiful place God created is the country of Japan. During one of my TBS missions courses, I experienced the Lord’s call on my heart for lost souls in the land of the rising sun. It has been a long season of preparation for my wife, Toby, and I (from our human perspective), but we appear poised to begin full-time missionary work building beautiful image-bearers of Christ in Japan starting in late 2023 or early 2024. A great many people have asked, “Why Japan?” a question that we might also have asked a few years ago. What we have learned is that the Japanese are the second largest unreached people group on the planet. Of a population of about 127 million people, far less than 1% know Jesus (probably less than 0.5%). Japan has abundant material blessings and is quite economically and socially advanced. However, societal and workplace pressures can be absolutely crushing to the soul as indicated by high rates of loneliness, depression, and suicide among Japanese people. In fact, the Japanese government recently established an official “Minister of Loneliness” to tackle this problem. During the COVID pandemic, the number of deaths by suicide was about the same as deaths attributed to COVID. There is even a Japanese word for “death by overwork” – karoshi. Japan also has major looming societal issues: marriage and birth rates are so extremely low that the Japanese population is expected to decrease by one third over the next 40 years. We believe there is a great need for hope in Japan, and we know the Author of Hope, Jesus Christ, and look forward to introducing Him to the Japanese people! We plan to serve with a mission organization planted in Japan six decades ago, Japan Mission (JapanMission.org). Our work will focus on evangelizing lost souls by sharing the love and hope of Christ, and assisting local Bible-believing churches in serving as spiritually-thriving centers of hope. As we move forward in community endeavors and relationship-building with local Japanese pastors, we ask for your prayers for the Lord’s blessings, favor, guidance, and provision as we seek to share the love, hope, and soul-saving Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with people living in the land of the rising sun! Ed Thomas earned a B.S. in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M in 1989 and a Master of Divinity from TBS in 2019. His 25-year clinical career journey at Intermedics, Boston Scientific, LivaNova, and Japan Lifeline Company included several years based in Tokyo, Japan. Interestingly, Ed’s work included research, marketing, and sales of a cardiac rhythm management device implanted in one of his professors and that used a battery developed by the father of another of his TBS professors.