Every morning I receive an update
from “Believe His Prophets” encouraging me to read or listen one chapter from
the Bible. The initiative of our church
leaders is to get people into the Word.
A friend of mine says “there are
two kinds of people in the church – (1) those who follow TV preachers and
listen to conspiracy theorists, and (2) those who read the Bible and study for
themselves.” While it may be a bit
exaggerated statement, as there more subgroups – like people who do not read,
do not watch YouTube preachers, and there are those who do both, watch media
and also study – it would greatly benefit our church family when everyone gets
into the Word.
Back in 2011 we set 5 goals before
the congregation, and the banner in church is there to remind you that one of
the goals was “Read the Scripture.”
Here’s why I am repeating myself on this subject – the Bible: Evangelism
is about sharing the message of Salvation and the Bible is the text. If we do not have or know the Word, we have
nothing to share. Sharing personal
feelings and experience, even if it is a positive one about your own repentance
and conversion, is still not enough. The
Word of God, the Bible is the safeguard for all believers.
Last week I wrote in the blog to
you that the top priority outlined by the President Ted Wilson, is “getting every church member involved in
evangelism and witnessing.” And as
the step in that direction getting immersed in the Word of God is essential. At the Board meeting we discussed what would
it take for us to become an Evangelistic church, where the culture of
evangelism, culture of witnessing, culture of befriending people and
introducing them to Christ would become evident. The recommendation emerged that we must start
praying for it. In addition to dwelling
in the Word of God, we must also pray for the Holy Spirit to motivate us, use
us, move us to do His Will. I appreciate us coming together Wednesday nights,
but the prayer initiative needs to grow beyond, and involve more people –
praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our church, praying for the
Holy Spirit to involve all people in ministry. As we continue united in Prayer
remember this advice from the Spirit of Prophecy: “Just as long as the church
is satisfied with small things, it is disqualified to receive the great things
of God” (Home Missionary, November 1, 1893 par. 25). However, in
another place we are told, “[God] is well pleased when they [us! our
church] make the very highest demands upon Him, that they may glorify His
name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His promises” (DA.
668).
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