August 2025
Dear saints,
Grace and peace to you in Christ our Lord!
I have recently returned from Lebanon, where I had the profound privilege of preaching at a conference focused on the theme of "One Body." My messages centered on how the local church can faithfully navigate conflicts and complex emotions that inevitably arise within any community, especially amidst challenging circumstances.
Lebanon continues to face immense difficulties and deep uncertainty due to prolonged economic hardship, social tensions, and the ongoing regional unrest. Tragically, these external pressures have begun seeping into the very fabric of local congregations, straining relationships and often leaving deep wounds that threaten to drift the members of Christ's body apart.
|
|
 |
| A view of Beirut at 6 am |
|
| Throughout the conference, my approach drew deeply from 1 John 2 and Matthew 18, establishing the unity of believers firmly upon the Gospel itself—God’s abundant grace toward sinners. It is this grace, freely and lavishly bestowed upon us in Christ, that must govern our interactions during times of peace and times of conflict alike. Each sermon aimed to drive home this singular truth: our unity as believers is not sustained merely by human effort or goodwill, but by recognizing, embracing, and reflecting the magnificent grace we have received from our gracious Lord. |
|
 |
|
During the last sermon
|
|
|
After each session, it was profoundly humbling and moving to witness attendees openly weeping under the conviction of the Spirit. Many shared testimonies of how the Word had pierced their hearts, illuminating long-hidden pains and bringing genuine healing to relationships strained or broken. The powerful experiential reality of God's Word preached with conviction was unmistakable—His truth, carried by the Spirit, reached deep into wounded hearts and restored souls.
Indeed, when we grasp how greatly we have been forgiven, we find ourselves equipped to forgive. When we truly understand the depth of Christ's love for us, we begin to love one another beyond our natural ability. This is the living testimony of the church as Christ's body.
|
|
|
Beloved, let us continually remember: the Gospel is not merely the gateway into faith—it is the perpetual source and strength of our unity. May we treasure the grace we have received and extend it generously to one another, knowing that through such grace, Christ builds His church, heals His people, and displays His glorious beauty to a watching world.
|
|
Remember to keep praying for a fruitful and busy fall:
As we look ahead, I ask earnestly for your prayers. The coming weeks and months are filled with several significant ministry opportunities:
-
Weekly Preaching: Starting tomorrow (Saturday, July 26th), I will preach every Saturday at our church until mid-September. Please pray that God's Word would bear abundant fruit in our congregation.
-
Preaching Training Course: In August, I will lead a preaching training course for the men in our church. Please pray that God would raise qualified, equipped, and, above all, called men to faithfully preach His Word.
-
TV Show Recordings (Sept. 1–3): I'll be recording two series: one on the Council of Nicaea and another on the resurrection of Christ, which will be broadcast on TV, YouTube, and social media. Please pray these shows clearly communicate the truth of Christ and for me to be able and have the time to prepare the contents of these two shows.
-
Training Baptist Pastors (Sept. 5–6): I will spend two days teaching Baptist pastors about the theology of the Council of Nicaea, based on my forthcoming book. Please pray for clarity and depth.
-
Public Event: "Text and Its Meaning" (Sept. 17): I'll speak before an audience of Christians, Muslims, and atheists, encouraging them to examine their beliefs honestly in light of truth. Please pray for open hearts and minds.
-
University Youth Conference: "The Reliability of the Bible" (Sept. 19): I'll teach at a conference for youth on the topic of the reliability of the Bible and how to respond to Muslims' objections, and how to engage with the biblical text on a historical and critical level.
-
Book Launch on the Nicene Creed (tentatively Sept. 18): We will host a significant event introducing readers to my book on the Nicene Creed. Please pray that it strengthens believers' confidence in the foundational truths of our faith.
-
European Baptist Conference (Sept. 24): I'll present an academic paper titled "Confessional Foundations: Seventeenth-Century Baptist Theology and Its Contemporary Significance." Please pray for fruitful discussions and lasting impact.
There are even more opportunities lined up this fall, but for now, I share these to invite you to pray fervently with us for faithfulness, effectiveness, and God's abundant blessing in every effort.
|
|
Looking to God for Strength
As I look forward to the upcoming commitments ahead, I turn my eyes and heart wholly toward our sovereign God for strength, wisdom, and endurance. Conscious of my own limitations, yet deeply assured of His boundless provision, I seek to rely entirely on His empowering grace. I humbly ask for your fervent prayers—that the Lord may guide my steps, fill my heart with courage, and use each opportunity to magnify His glory and strengthen His people.
Yours in Christ's steadfast love,
Rami
|
|
|
|
