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The Bible has been the most influential and controversial piece of literature in human history. It’s still the best-selling book in the world even though Rick Warren is quickly closing the gap with his book, “The Purpose Driven Life”, the second best-selling book! (I’m only kidding. I don’t think it’s quite that close!)
I believe the reason why “The Purpose Driven Life” has been so successful is because it, too, like the Bible, has presented people with a context for faith in God so that it can be personally understood, personally embraced and personally expressed to the world in which we live. But, unlike The Purpose Driven Life, the Bible is unique in its authority, inspiration and writings. (Sorry Rick!)
The Bible is the story of God interacting and moving among broken humanity, giving mercy, offering forgiveness and delivering justice with a heart to redeem and transform every living soul. Many of those who believed in Him felt the urge of God to write down what He put in their hearts. He gave the privilege of speaking for Him, in spite of their flaws and brokenness. There’s no doubt that they were inspired by Him to tell His story. These inspired stories have been written down so that we who followed could hear their story and the story of God.
Just like those before us, we have a great opportunity to be affected by God when we read the Bible. The still, small voice of God begins to speak as we read, reflect and open our hearts to what we discover. The power that lies within the truth we read has the capacity to work deeply and change us from the inside out (Heb. 4:12). The very presence of Jesus steps into our heart and into our story. He meets us right where we are and invites us into His greater story.
I believe there are more people who want to learn about God than we realize. The entry points most churches offer can make starting the journey more complex than Jesus intended. The standard for following Jesus is still worthy of being held high but the initial steps must be accessible and relational for as many people as possible. The searching soul still needs a helping hand of grace to meet them where they are, as they are. It’s the essence of the gospel and we must do all we can to embody it’s message.
For those following Christ and those who have yet to follow, the barriers to reading and engaging the Bible are many. So, I’m on a quest to help people open the Bible and begin reading it. My hope is that in the simplicity of reading, God will be revealed and people will be changed.
What do you think?
It is so funny that you are writing about this, as I go through my “new year” renewal, I have been in the word daily and as you (Jason) know, I am wound pretty tight, but what is so amazing is the calm and peace that I have and feel when I am in the word. I don’t worry about what my wife is giving or not giving me, how easy or difficult the kids are being, or how I deserve this or that. I feel calm. I feel connected to the Lord. I feel that He is nourishing me in some strange sort of way. I am less prone to snap to anger as my response. It’s like a fly wheel that is just starting to get momentum. Without question it is sutble, but at the same time it exists and provides a sustenance of the spirit if you will.
Craig,
Thanks for the comment. It’s exciting to hear what you are experiencing. I call these transformational times “turnings of the heart” (More on this soon.) We greatly underestimate what can happen in our lives once our heart begins to turn, especially towards the Scriptures. We have to intentionally create space to refocus our mind and reengage our heart with the Creator. The truths we encounter in Scripture are illuminated in our hearts through the presence of the Holy Spirit. God reveals Himself, intimacy blossoms and our transformation begins. When we experience God’s presence and person, we can truly never be the same.
Thanks again for sharing. I’m looking forward to hearing more!
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