During the past month our church has been studying the concept of the fear of the Lord and the book of Proverbs. Our definition of the fear of the Lord was knowing God and then responding correctly. The fear of God is knowing him, worshipping him, obeying him, and living in wisdom. This is very similar to our definition of wisdom, which is living correctly under God’s sovereignty. So it comes as no surprise that Proverbs reminds us from the outset that knowing God and living according to that knowledge is what wise living is all about. Proverbs 1:7 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” The wise fear God and live in submission to God, but the foolish refuse to listen or heed God’s Word. James 1:19–27 is an expansion and application of this truth: if we are wise, we listen and obey God’s Word. True religion isn’t just showing up at church; it involves living in accordance with the truth of God’s Word.

This past month we have had many visits and chances to make disciples—if our records are correct, 21 visits. We try to make ourselves available and as flexible as possible, so sometimes we drive or walk or take a bus to people’s homes, often in the evening, returning late. Other times, we invite them to our home, and we try to serve them here. We do a lot of listening, we try to encourage, and when we get the chance, we always want to point them to Jesus and his Word. Sometimes people have lots of questions, and other times, they think they have all the answers. We don’t want to quarrel, but to be gentle, patiently teaching, humbly pointing them to the True Wisdom, and always praying for God to work in their hearts (2 Tim 2:24–26). We ask for your prayers for us as we try to point out the two ways: wisdom and folly, fearing the Lord and leaning on our own understanding.

This past week we had the opportunity to travel to the area of Viña del Mar. We’ve been trying to get some time away since 2018, and each year things come up. This year our elders organized it for us and made it happen. We thank God for their care for us.

This is our June 2024 email update. You can sign up to receive our updates in your inbox here. You can download a printable PDF here.