In the new year, we pause to reflect on our ministry providing free bible study materials to people all across the world through the wonder that is the Internet.

We live in an unprecedented period in history. Never before has there been such global access to information. This is an enormous blessing as Christian teaching and discipleship materials are made available to cultures and regions which have heretofore had only limited access to the gospel.

At the same time, the barrier to publishing has never been lower—which has proved to be both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because secular gate-keepers who deem Christianity and knowledge of our Creator unworthy of consideration have an increasingly difficult time suppressing the truth from seekers. A curse because anyone with the inclination to launch their own BLOG can now pontificate and speculate concerning biblical teachings, apart from any calling or preparation as a teacher to the body of Christ.

Gone are the days of thoughtful and knowledgeable editors and gate-keepers who ensured that published materials were worthy of consideration—such that rank heresy wasn’t likely to see the light of day.

Add to this the social and instantaneous nature of this enormous "digital river" clamoring for our attention, and the challenge for the Christian of today is how to be nourished in our walk with God while avoiding the intake of toxic materials?

This reality causes us to consider carefully our duty to provide sound resources free of sensationalism and speculation. We strive to ensure that everything that makes its way onto our website is founded upon a careful and legitimate interpretation of God’s inerrant Word.

We were aided and blessed in that process by teachers who continue to make their materials available for wide distribution: contributing over 150 audio and almost 200 video publications this past year alone.

It is difficult to obtain reliable statistics concerning the reach of SpiritAndTruth.org, but conservative statistics indicate, since its inception in 2004, SpiritAndTruth.org has provided over 8,000 CDs and DVDs (by postal mail and direct download) to at least 69 different countries .

It is our prayer, through the resources we offer, that more and more people will come to find redemption in Jesus—and that, having found reconciliation with God, they will be become better equipped to make Him known.

May all of us grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus this coming year!

• Exodus and the Mosaic Covenant, Part 3 by Paul Henebury
• Book Review: The Case for Jesus - by Brandt Pitre , reviewed by Paul Henebury
• A Covenant Keeping God by Alf Cengia
• Merry Christmas from Muhammad and Devotees by Alf Cengia