Traveler’s Tales

In this episode of Traveler's Tales, Greg Dowdy recounts 1 Samuel 7, when Samuel set up the stone Ebenezer after God's miraculous deliverance of  Israel from the Philistines at Mizpah. Samuel named the stone as a lasting reminder of God’s help.  We also find a wonderful parallel to Christ as the greatest Ebenezer, at Calvary and by the empty tomb. Click HERE to read or cite the full article on Enjoying the Journey by John Buckner.  (Click HERE for an overview of 1 Samuel.) Browse more Traveler’s Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

This episode explores John 1's brief but powerful encounter where Jesus tells Nathanael, "When thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee," explaining the fig tree as a symbol of peace, faithful waiting, and intimate devotion in a biblical context. Read More About This Account HERE Biblical Account: John 1:45-51 45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. 50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. 51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

John Leland, an 18th-century Baptist preacher, championed religious liberty. He was instrumental in securing those freedoms for the United States. Leland argued that the gospel does not need (and should not wield) government power to succeed. Rather, that they should enforce laws for society while recognizing the Spirit's work within the human heart. No power can legislate regeneration.  Many people today squabble over their freedoms more than they exercise them. If you have the right to share the gospel? Are you even doing that?  Be sure to listen to this Traveler’s Tale with Greg Dowdy.  Learn more about John Leland on Enjoying the Journey.  Browse more Traveler’s Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Is your heart's longing to draw nearer to God or simply to escape the challenges you are facing?  This episode shares the life and ministry of Fanny Crosby, a blind hymn writer who composed thousands of hymns—including "I Am Thine, O Lord." Fanny Crosby, although blind from infancy, memorized vast portions of Scripture and served among the poor and addicted while traveling and ministering across America. Hymn Lyrics: I Am Thine 1. I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, And it told Thy love to me; But I long to rise in the arms of faith, And be closer drawn to Thee. (Refrain) Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, To the cross where Thou hast died; Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, To Thy precious, bleeding side. 2. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, By the pow’r of grace divine; Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, And my will be lost in Thine. (Refrain) 3. Oh, the pure delight of a single hour That before Thy throne I spend, When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend! (Refrain) 4. There are depths of love that I cannot know Till I cross the narrow sea; There are heights of joy that I may not reach Till I rest in peace with Thee. (Refrain)

Journey back to the Mayflower and meet William Bradford, a Pilgrim leader whose life was shaped by Scripture, steadfast faith, and a willingness to endure hardship and grief for the sake of the gospel and those following in his footsteps.  From the perilous ocean crossing and unbelievable losses to decades of leadership in the early days of Plymouth, Bradford trusted in God’s providence and obeyed His Word. He lived with the conviction to be a stepping stone for future generations. Be sure to listen to this stirring Traveler's Tale with Greg Dowdy.  Read more about Bradford's life HERE. Browse more Traveler’s Tales HERE Visit enjoyingthejourney.org/gospel/ to learn more about knowing Jesus. To support this ministry, visit enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/