“I want to know one thing,—the way to heaven; how to land safe on that happy shore. God himself has condescended to teach me the way. For this very end, He came from heaven. He hath written it down in a book. O, give me that book! At any price, give me the book of God! I have it: here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be homo unius libri. Here then I am, far from the busy ways of men. I sit down alone; only God is here. In His presence I open, I read His book; for this end, to find the way to heaven.”
John Wesley “Sermons,” 1746

In an age of instant updates and constant breaking news, we are led to believe we know all that is going on. Everything is at our fingertips, just one click away. This age of instant information is supposed to make us more informed, but are we? 

We are bombarded with so much information that we mostly set aside time for just reading the headlines from social media sites or whatever the talking heads share with us. Unfortunately, this mindset also affects how we might read and study the Bible. 

Almost nine out of 10 households (87 percent) own a bible, according to the American Bible Society, and the average household has three. But Bible reading remains spotty. Barna Groups 2019 “State of the Bible” report showed that more than 35% of those surveyed said they never opened the Bible one time in 2019. This is clearly a disappointing headline. 

This very book we call the Holy Bible tells us that each of us has been called to share the good news, but how are we supposed to do that if we don’t really know or understand the good news?

“So, Philip ran up to it (Ethiopian’s chariot) and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He (Philip) asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ He replied, ‘How can I, unless someone guides me?‘”
Acts 8:30-31 (NRSV)

Did you know there are 7,353 total languages and 7.7 billion people in our world? The Holy Bible has been completely translated into 698 languages with another 3,384 languages have some of the scripture translated. Over 6.9 billion people have access to the “Living Bible.” 

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.”
Psalm 119:130 (NRSV)

Our God inspires so many people to go to tremendous lengths, like the folks from Wycliff Bible Translators, to provide the Bible for people in their native language. No other book in all of mankind has been so widely translated or circulated. Why might that be? Do you suppose this is God’s way of revealing himself to the world?

“Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” Matthew 24:35 (NLT).

I still have my first Bible (Reach Out -Living Bible – New Testament only) given to me by a young friend who no doubt thought it best to share with me. Did he know something I did not know? I may have read it occasionally. Not sure why I kept it. Later as a young adult I rarely read the Bible, certainly never studied it. Then along came a mentor teacher at AUMC through a Disciple One class who introduced me to the NIV Study Bible that I still use today. When we read and studied the words it was as if God was speaking to me directly. It became more than reading a book, it became a lifelong journey to understand my salvation and my destiny.

“In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit.”
Ephesians 1:13 (NRSV)

Paul’s prayer for us in Ephesians 1 was to gain wisdom and revelation by opening the eyes of our heart so that we may know Christ more. As I open this sacred book now, I pray for a message to solve a dilemma or give me some guidance or teach me a lesson. Have you asked God to reveal something to you? Could that message be in the pages of His book?

“Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as scriptures are read and your word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you have to say to us today. Amen”
Prayer of Illumination

The Holy Bible is not a mere compilation of words we read or skim through for some type of feel-good inspiration. These are words steeped in the blood and tears of the saints who went before us. That alone should command our respect and reverent reading.

We deepen our transformation of our mind by immersing ourselves in the “word of God” so that we bear fruit – the fruit that feeds others and leads to eternal life.

^“You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.“
1 Peter 1:23 (NRSV) 

Reading and studying the Bible is more than just the acquisition of knowledge. It can be so much more when we take the approach that study really is a state of contemplation or reverie that ultimately leads to transformation of not just our minds but our hearts and souls. Our journey progresses much further when we transform ourselves in every aspect of our life through earnest Bible study with a spiritual mind.

“Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.”
Charles Spurgeon

Over 59% of the Barna Group’s “State of the Bible” report participants said they have experienced life transformation by reading the Bible regularly. 61% of those who read the bible at least 3-4 times per year experience a greater awareness of how much they need God. They desire a closer connection and want to know God better. This all translates to improved relations with others.

This August we will undertake a journey through the Bible with “The Grand Sweep.” We have an opportunity, collectively as a church, to participate in something spiritually enlightening as we read and study scripture together. No matter your stage in life, your past knowledge, or your level of expertise, the Bible provides each of us an instruction manual for life. All it takes is your willingness to hear what God has to say to you. What will the headline of your life’s story be? 

Here’s the good news: Our salvation and those of others is dependent on the word of God. The word of God is graciously given to us in the Bible. 

How will you let the words of God speak to you in a way that transforms your life? How will you begin to apply the words into action that transforms other lives?

^“For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?……So, faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.“
Romans 10:13-17 (NRSV) 

Peace be with you,
Kenny Shortsleeve, Lay Leader