June Focus:  Once again we turn the calendar pages and see that in June we will be honoring the men who lead us, are our role models, spiritual guides, and heads of our families. The Bible gives us  many snippets of instructions and hints on how a man is to lead and guide. This month our topic is to honor and reflect upon Father’s Day. Pastor Hampton Keathley III left his family, and us in turn, not only wisdom but a challenge. Read about it in this article: “A Challenge for Fathers”  . In addition, one of our women authors, Sue Bohlin, gives women a challenge on “The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands”. Coupled together we have a two sided coin of  Father’s Day from both perspectives.

The bible.org contest for June is to highlight ...
One man who left (or is leaving) a lasting imprint on my life is ____. From him I want to pass on to other men this nugget….

Submit your description in this form.  (we will award two prizes from our bible.org store for the best description written by a woman and one written by a man.)

*bible.org reserves the right to determine either physical or downloadable gifts determinant upon the geographical location of the winner chosen*

SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH:  Bible.org is privileged to have men authors; many who serve sacrificially and provide us with many wise tools to lead and teach us. They are from all walks of life: pastors, teachers, missionaries, leaders in secular work as well as ministerial work. Come acquaint yourself with some of the men of bible.org. These authors are featured on the new Equipping Men for Impact page: Jim Smith;  Dr. Ken Boa, Pastor Jeff Miller, Bill Hull, Pastor Bob Deffinbaugh, Dr. Poythress; J. Hampton Keathley IV, Pastor Hampton Keathley III.

Michael Garrett will be the new Admin Manager for all men on the new Equipping Men for Impact page. In addition, Michael Garrett and his "Equipped Bloggers" will start their new Men's Blog titled: Equipping Men for Impact. Start date: June  2010.

For Men Only: Check out the bible.org  men's only Forum   with Moderator Mike Craven. Their statement is from Ephesians 6:10-13  which teaches us that if you are a Christian man, then you are called into battle. This is not an invitation. This is a command. For far too long, men have been on the sidelines, in the bleachers, or on the couch while the "spiritual forces of evil" have corrupted our culture, attacked our families, and infiltrated Christ's church. If you are a Christian man, then you are a leader. As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we must become the sacrificial servant leaders that He modeled for us. We are to be His true ambassadors 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year.

May Spotlight Contest Winner: In May the women of bible.org had a mini-contest and received many winsome notes back. Of all that sent in their responses the Women’s Leadership Team chose the letter written by Elizma Zaayman fro Pretoria, South Africa. Her prize is a First Ed. of the NET Bible and it is on its way across the sea to her. Her letter is here for you to read and enjoy. Elizma’s theme that she wishes to pass on is this: “Press On!! Never give up.”  In Phil 3:12-14 we are told to press on and never give up.  A special woman has taught me this and is still continuing to teach me this very special value in life.  My mother was 59 years old when she felt the Lord pressing her to become a missionary. There was just one problem.  Her age.   READ MORE --->

 Bible.org Mailbox Letters: Quoted as received with links added by staff.

Bible.org is incredibly encouraged when you, the reader take time to send notes of encouragement to the staff and especially as you take time to jot a note about an article or some new piece of spiritual understanding that you have received. In May we received several which referenced specific authors and have chosen those letters that were impacted by bible.org authors Hope Olson and Dan Wallace. The authors that were referenced in May each received a copy of  the emails. In return,  they tell us how encouraged they were. One of God's amazing ways of showing His sensitivity to our author's needs is that often your notes come just at the moment when one of the "enemy's" deadly darts has headed their way. Your letter is the shield that disarms those arrows and sends them to "arrow-ville". So for these precious authors, we thank you for the words of encouragement. Keep them coming!

Here are the ones received recently that referenced our authors.

From “John” I was aware of your internet site for years and would at times listen to certain subjects, but I decided to start at the beginning. I have been totally blessed as I have completed the Introduction to theology sessions. I am encouraging my church to see how we can implement this teaching. I am looking forward to continue through everything you have. 

From “Marquita” who wrote about Author:  Hope Olson: Article: Choosing a Godly Husband  

“Marquita”  wrote: Bible.org has been a tremendous blessing in my life. I could not begin to tell you of all the great things that have come about in my life because of the articles and sermons that you post weekly for our encouragement and growth in God. I recently read the Choosing a Godly Husband article and it has helped me in a way that no other book has. I am able to walk away with a realistic approach to marriage and relationships, while not putting unrealistic expectations on the man of God in my life but yet being aware of the things that will cause a problem in the future if left unchallenged. I am greatly inspired. I also enjoyed a study on John, which was very in-depth and informative. I look forward to logging on and learning more and more about God and his kingdom. I just really wanted to encourage the staff of bible.org and pray that this operation continue many years in the future.
Thanks again for being led by God and impacting so many lives! Be blessed! 

  From “Matthew” who wrote about Author: Dr. Dan Wallace:    Article: "My Take on Inerrancy"

 “Matthew”  wrote: In Mr. Wallace's article entitled "My Take on Inerrancy," there is a comment of his that rang rather true in my mind as it is reflective of foundational circumstances that have caused my faith to be all but lost. In his article he said that, "One does not have the deepest assurance about inerrancy simply by convincing himself that it must be true. Indeed, I would argue that such a presuppositional approach often caves in on itself." I cannot agree with him more - and I justify my agreement with him from experience.

Letters about the NET Bible:

“Pastor Steven”  wrote: The NET Bible has become my main English translation for Bible study and sermon preparation.  Of particular value are the thousands of notes explaining the translators' choices.  This has helped me to think through the textual issues and to make informed decisions about meaning. I have recommended the NET heartily to pastor friends and laypeople alike.  The Word of God dependably translated into one's native tongue is an incredible blessing.  Praise the Lord for His work through you!
“Dr. William” wrote:  I lead a group of clergy in Lectionary Study each week. I would feel handicapped if I did not have my NET Bible. I also use it in a weekly Adult Class. And, of course, for sermon preparation and reading scripture at worship. I have it in both hard copy and software. I find it not only accurate as a translation but stylish for reading aloud.

Financial Update'1'  Again this month: Praise, Praise,Praise, As we have shared the needs of the ministry, God has graciously sent us new donors and one who gave another very large gift this month which reduces our Jan2009 through Apr2010 shortfall from $132.5k to $95.8k. Also, while not reflected in this report, he gave us another generous gift in early May. We praise God for each of you who sacrificially donated to His Work which allows us to maintain our "Ministry First" approach and offer our material free to all 2 billion users on the Internet. . You can help us eliminate our 2009/2010 shortfall and Donate now by clicking HERE 

Note1- All income (Donations and Bible sales/revenues) are accounted for. The original plan was for the store sales to be greater than store expenses and the store would donate all its profits to the ministry but to date the sales have not been sufficient to accomplish that goal. As sales increase and are greater than store expenses we will show those profits on the donation line above

Social Networking News and Initiatives:
  1- What is new on the  Users.bible.org: site

►This section has seen growth over the past month especially in those groups being managed by Cory Howell. He is manager of “Best Bible Study Programs and Bible Readers”. 10 members/ 13 posts: 2557 reads. And  “Online Bible Study with the NET Bible”  55 members/ 5 posts: 436 reads.

Another group headed by Tony Tucci  is: Ministry – Growing in Obedience to the Great Commission. 81 members. Do you have ideas? Post them.  Sources? Post them. How was your last week’s sermon challenging you to grow in this area of obedience? How are you living out the Great Commission practically?

Are you interested in Apologetics? Join in and discuss these ideas along with Henry Middleton.

 ► Facebook Update: 11,365+ fans.  Each week bible.org posts a new topic for you to discover and to discuss. The May 24th topic was on evangelism.  Also, there is an evangelism group “W.E.C. or the Web Evangelism Café” on users.bible.org.

• Share how you evangelize others face to face, Facebook to Facebook or web to web. Is there a focus you would like bible.org to consider? Send us a note.
• May 31-June 4 focus will be on the Canon
• June 6-12 will hightlight  author Keith Krell's    work.

►  Blogs: bible.org now has a new blogger interface for its Main site bloggers at blogs.bible.org . You can see all the bloggers posts and profile pictures aggregated on the blog home page which you can find by clicking on the link under blogs/forums on the home page. Just click on the blogger or the group of your choice. Enjoy reading and commenting on any number of topics. You too can blog** even if you are not an author of bible.org. Log into users.bible.org and click create content and then the blogs tab. This is for anyone who wants to blog and share ideas.

NEW The children’s ministry team is beginning a children’s ministry blog called “Heartprints”. The first blog is now up for your review.

. ** Bible.org reserves the right to remove any links to personal websites or any websites that are shared in a blog which directs our audience to a site published for commercial use and is not bible.org related.**

Prayer and Praises: For more items on our Prayer/Praise list see our new Treasure Chest of Praises and Prayer:
Did you know that God is answering your prayers and ours as well? Did you know that God is listening to the dream/vision to identify World Class teachers and provide them a multilingual Internet pulpit to reach the 2 billion users on the Internet with the gospel and to train them to be active Christ centered “Ministry First” laborers?  Matt 9:37-38 . The staff at bible.org believes what God says and we see that you do as well! We claim God’s promises that where two or more are gathered together He is in their midst. God is listening and He knows our needs. At 6 a.m. on Thursday, May 20th we poured out our hearts at His throne and asked specifically that God would give us such as we needed to accomplish “His Work” for the “cup was a bit near the empty mark”.  Remember the story in I Kings 17 about the widow of Zarephath? It was because of her obedience in a test that God provided not just what she needed then but beyond until the famine was reversed.  Bible.org is His work, not ours. We are but His stewards in His vineyard. But, just like the widow, sometimes God waits to hear our prayers and/or waits to see how we will handle a trial.  Once again, we stand in awe and yet we rejoice for how God has once again used you to bring Him glory! God has chosen you along with one individual in particular, to help us reduce our financial deficit. You shared out of your blessings that others may know HIM.  Jer 9:24 says this: “If people want to boast, they should boast about this: They should boast that they understand and know me. They should boast that they know and understand that I, the Lord, act out of faithfulness,…”  Will you join with us in boasting in the Lord? Will you praise God for His faithfulness to meet bible.org’s need, or to borrow Moredcai’s statement, “for such a time as this” so that others will come to know Him?

• Praise continued: Praise for those who have graduated and are taking on new ministries and new responsibilities. May they see the path that God has given to them and remain excited about the future. We honor Dr. Gail Seidel and Margaret Carey for their new achievements.
• Praise for all who are on a daily Bible Reading Plan  If you want it emailed to you each day Click here
• Prayer: 
  •   wisdom and discernment; holiness, and purity for the bible.org staff and volunteers.
  •  bible.org will be wise stewards of the monies given for His work alone.
  •  scholars who will be on sabbatical preparing manuscripts, books, articles, speaking engagements; and   courses for the fall. The ones that we are aware of are: Dr. Sue Edwards, Dr. Michael Burer, and Dr. Darrell Bock. May they “redeem the time” that they are given for this work.
  • Sandra Glahn: dissertation completion, family time; recently widowed sister and family as they adjust
  • missionaries around the globe who are using the bible.org materials.
  • those involved in Muslim ministries who shall remain unnamed here for their safety; open doors, to note and find “persons of peace” who are ready to hear the truth of the gospel’s saving message.
  • freedom to share the gospel wherever God has planted us.
  • New authors to join the bible.org team

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