Truthlines • August 3, 2010

A Fresh Start

Dear Friends,

I always look forward to the month of August because it is the occasion of our wedding anniversary. It is hard for me to believe that it has been 35 years since we were married in Philadelphia. Although it is not my pattern to parade my family, this is a good opportunity for me to acknowledge the extent to which I rely upon Susan’s partnership in all I do. I am glad to be able to testify unashamedly to the fact that “he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”

I also enjoy August because, while it signals the end of summer, it points forward to the fresh opportunities marked by a new school year, the beginning of a college career, the recommencement of local church life and ministry after summer break. This notion has particular relevance for us this month at Truth For Life.

We are presently putting the final touches on a fresh sound for our program, including an updated take on our theme music. The melody of the theme music will not change, but the arrangement has been updated. I’m confident that you will quickly embrace this new sound.

You will also notice that the announcer’s voice will be changing. Next month, I will introduce you to the newest member of our team, but for now, I want to acknowledge the depth of our gratitude to Larry Morrow who has served as the “voice of Truth For Life” since 1995. Larry, who is a member of our church, has endeared himself to the Truth For Life team by his warm demeanor and selfless professionalism. He has never been an employee, because he received far more satisfaction by offering his giftedness as a ministry rather than a means of remuneration. I want to honor his request that there be “no fuss” made of his departure. However, in suggesting that you may care to write him a note of thanks, I’m confident that this does not break my promise to him. (You may send it to us here via our website or postal mail, and we will be sure he receives it.)

I’m confident that many of you will respond to this encouragement because you are so good at writing us here with both your encouragements and suggestions. In trying to be responsive to your feedback, we’re constantly on the lookout for material that will be helpful. Our featured resource this month is a wonderful manual for developing your Bible study patterns. It is entitled “Dig Deeper: Tools for Understanding God’s Word,” and it helps you apply study methods to Bible passages to understand the author’s intended meaning.

Along with this, we also have a new compilation series, Encore 2010, available for free download at www.truthforlife.org. We offer these messages ever confident that God’s Word always accomplishes the purposes for which He has appointed them — God’s Word does not return void.

I trust all is well with you, and I look forward to meeting some of you in Boston, Toronto and Buffalo in early September.

On behalf of all of us, this comes with my love in the Lord Jesus,

Alistair Begg