The B-I-B-L-E

Scripture Readings: Psalm 119: 12-16, 105; 2 Timothy 3:10-17

If someone who did not know anything about the Bible should ask you, “What’s the Bible about and what makes it so special?” how would you respond? That’s the question I considered in developing this sermon in addressing the topic of “scriptures” as a part of the Lenten series on Five Essential Practices for a Vital Christian Life. 

A pastor visited a children’s Sunday school class and asked this question: “Who tore down the walls of Jericho?” The class looked blank. So he asked Tommy, “Don’t you know, Tommy?” Tommy replied, “Not me Pastor! I didn’t have anything to do with it!” Surprised at the response, he asked the teacher, “How is it that I get a response like that?” The teacher was quick to defend Tommy and said, ”Well Pastor, Tommy is a good honest boy, and if he said he didn’t do it, I believe him.” The pastor was equally surprised at the teacher’s response and the apparent lack of biblical knowledge. At the next Board meeting he told church members about his experience in the Sunday school class. One man responded, “Well, Reverend, we will probably never find out who did it, so let’s just get it fixed and mark it off to vandalism.”

In this sermon I want to answer the question, “What is so special about the Bible?”  I recall an old favorite children’s song some of you may remember.  It goes like this: “The B-I-B-L-E, Yes that’s the book for me. I stand alone on the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E!”    

The word Bible comes from the Greek word, biblio, which means “books.” Here’s a good overview: “The Bible was written on two continents in several languages by more than100 different writers. Some of its pages were written in a palace, some in a simple cottage, some on a hillside, and some in a prison cell. The authors include persons from all walks of life. They were kings, shepherds, fishermen, statesmen, missionaries, and even a physician. The writings were compiled over a period of 1000 years, dating back to the events which are more than 3000 years removed from our day. Yet the Bible remains the most popular book ever written.” 

To own a Bible is to have a library of rich literature in all forms. We find in its pages history, romance, short stories, poetry, biography, fables, drama, parables, and mystery. The Old Testament is based on God’s act of deliverance as revealed in the Exodus story of Moses being selected to lead his people out for bondage in Egypt to a promised land. Old Testament writings are enriched by the writings of David known as the Psalms. One of the most popular scriptures of the Old Testament are those we know as the Twenty-third Psalm, also known as ”the Shepherd’s Psalm.” In picturesque words, David describes the unique relationship between God and God’s people. This Psalm, one that many have learned to recite,  pictures a caring God who provides and cares for his people, rather than a god of wrath to fear.  

As Christians we focus mostly on the New Testament and God’s story of the birth, life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus, the promised Savior and the gift of salvation. That story from beginning to end composes what has been called “the greatest story ever told.” Simply put, the core message of the Bible tells us who God is, what God has done on our behalf, and what God desires of us. One thing is for certain -- knowledge of scripture is crucial for faithful living. 

I have hundreds of books in my personal library. I consider them tools of my trade as a minister for more than 50 years. Most of my books center on the Christian faith, the church, discipleship, Christian behavior, and roles and responsibilities of believers.  My collection includes more than a dozen Bibles of various translations.  Some were gifts with special words inscribed by the giver. One of my favorite possessions from my collection is a Bible given me by my parents on Christmas Day 1951. The front and back covers are held on by black “duck tape.” It looks worn and fragile, but the message inside is as strong as ever! 

I was fortunate to have been raised in a Christian home, and brought up in a Methodist Church. I was exposed to the great stories of the Bible at an early age. My mother read from her Bible regularly and it both formed and informed her faith. That’s what scriptures do for us. They hold up a mirror for us to see who we are and offer a glimpse of who God desires us to become.

On the occasion of her tenth birthday, Sarah received a special gift from her grandmother. It was a copy of the Children’s Bible, complete with highlighted stories of famous biblical characters and colored pictures. She took it with her to Sunday school and proudly showed it to her teacher and classmates. She became even more excited when her teacher asked her to look up Genesis 21:1. There she found her name. When she got home she immediately told her mother about her discovery. She opened her Bible, and read the passage: “The Lord dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as he had promised. Then Sarah said, “I learned today what the Bible is about!  It’s about God’s promises.”  From the lips of child came a profound truth: the Bible is about God’s promises toward the faithful who chose to live by the Biblical faith. 

  

It was not until my teens that I realized how important the Bible was for life’s journey.  I discovered that the stories were about what God had to offer for my life. I came to realize that It included instructions for Christian living, what  God’s desires for our lives as Christian disciples,  and the mandates Jesus gave us so that we might live by his example according to God’s purposes.

There was once a devotional booklet written for teenagers called Power. One story particularly has stuck with me all these years.  A man was shopping several days before Christmas. The lines were long, and some customers were tired, impatient, and irritable while waiting and even rude when waited upon. He observed how the sales clerk dealt with each one with a smile and kind words. Her gentleness seemed to be a calming influence. When it came his turn, he complimented the salesclerk for how she was doing her job. She smiled and thanked him. Then he said to her, “May I asked you a question?”  “Of course,” she replied. “Are you a Christian?” he asked. “Why yes, I am,” she said. Then he said, “I thought so. It shows. You know, you’re the only Bible some people will ever read.” How true that is!  Our challenge as Christians is to become “the living Word of God” through our actions toward others. 

   

So what do I consider special about the Bible? It helps us understand the nature of God, grace, forgiveness and the depth and power of God’s reconciling love. It contains valuable information through its timeless truths that are applicable to life.  It provides insights about how we are to live in relation to God and each other. It not only gives meaning and purpose to life, but direction for life’s journey as well. The hymn writer knew the role of scripture when he wrote: “Thy words are a lamp unto my feet...” 

The Bible is also special to me because it provides inspiration and comfort. There is a passage of scripture that applies to every human situation; words that can turn sorrow into joy, darkness into light, despair into hope and valley experiences into mountaintop ones.

The Bible is also special to me because of its transforming power to change lives. About twenty-five years ago a quiet transforming revival began in many churches across the nation, especially in United Methodist Churches. The revival came about from church members using resources written by UM Bishop Richard Wilke, Disciple Bible study. Participants made a commitment to a 34-week study of scriptures in a small group setting. I know first-hand how leading a group through that study transformed lives, restored broken relationships, mended aching hearts, and reestablished Christian community in the life of a church that I pastored. Studying God’s word can become transforming in many ways: it can heal grief, offer hope, and pave the way to reconciliation. This is what God’s Word continues to offer for life’s journey whatever circumstances we face.

Let me remind all of us what someone once said, “The Bible is not worth the paper it is printed on, unless it is read and applied to daily living.”  It has also been said, “Owning a Bible doesn’t make someone a Christian any more than owning a piano makes one a pianist. It is what you do with it that makes the difference.” 

 

People from all walks of life and from every position in society have found the Bible to be the most important book ever published. Former President of the United States, Herbert Hoover, wrote: “There is no other book so various as the Bible, not one so full of concentrated wisdom.  Whether it be law, business, morals, or that vision which leads the imagination in the creation of constructive enterprises for the happiness of mankind, he who seeks for guidance in any of these things may look inside its covers and find illumination.” May it be so for us as well! 

I close with a quotation by an unknown author. “The Holy Bible is the book that reveals the mind of God, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, the joy of believers. Its doctrines are holy; its precepts are biding; its history revealing; its message inspiring. Read it to be wise: believe it to increase faith, practice it to become holy. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully for inspiration. Owned it is a treasure book. Studied it increases wisdom. Trusted it leads to salvation. It contains guidance to direct your path, food to feed your soul, a road map for this life and for preparing for the next one as a reward to the faithful.” 

May we continue to read and reflect upon God’s Word so that our lives can be all God desires for us. And may we also become  “the living Word” for others. In Jesus name, Amen.

 

Hope InTimes of Despair

I believe I am finally recovering from two “minor” surgeries (knee and sinus) that have impacted my life for the last six months. At times I’ve become discouraged, wanting to resume a more healthy and active lifestyle. Throughout these difficulties though, I did not give up hope. As each day came to a close, I projected that the next day would be better. I thought of others who were fighting greater health issues and prayed for them. Doing so renewed my hope, knowing that my health issues were temporary inconveniences and not life threatening ones. Scripture were also a means of encouragement. The Apostle Paul’s words were especially helpful: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  (Philippians 4:6, NIV) 

As I reflect on my experiences and recovery, I am reminded of the importance of faith which enables us to face each day with hope. Hope restores confidence and reminds us of God’s promise that we face nothing in life alone. The biblical word for that assurance is Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” While we may not know what tomorrow will bring, we can be assured that we do not journey alone. 

As I write this message, my 100+ year-old mother-in-law is hospitalized.My sister-in-law is having hip replacement surgery tomorrow, a colleague’s husband is fighting a very serious infection, a longtime friend and former parishioner faces surgery. Several others I know are beginning or continuing treatment for cancer; others are grieving the loss of loved ones. Such are life’s realities and challenges. What do these situations have in common? Each of these persons know the hope that faith offers. Paul reminds us to” be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12 NIV) 

Life certainly has its challenges. Paul’s words to the Roman Christians of his day are an affirmation for us today: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)  Live each day in hope. After all, God is in charge of all our tomorrows.

Take Time - A Reflection for the Advent/Christmas Journey

While this Advent/Christmas season is filled with music that reminds us of what is so special about this time of year, an age-old hymn has been on my mind lately. A poem that was later set to music was written by neither a pastor nor composer. William Longstaff was an English businessman, a Christian layman who took his faith seriously. The title offers good advice for us during these days of preparation: “Take Time to Be Holy.”  It is so easy to get caught up in the frantic pursuit of gift-buying and numerous other preparations, it’s little wonder that many folks are exhausted by Christmas morning.  The secular approach to the season often overpowers the sacred.

As Christians we need to remember that Advent is primarily a season of spiritual preparation that has to do with soul matters. Too often we fail to pursue the quiet times of reflection, meditation, and discernment that are a part of our spiritual journey especially during these holy days, commonly known as holidays. Amidst all the sights and sounds, and even the noise that accompanies this time of year, we have to be intentional in finding quiet times. We need to take a “spiritual time out” to experience the fullness of peace and joy that the coming of Jesus Christ brings.

So, let’s fill some of our time with activities that will fill our souls and the souls of others. Take time to be holy through prayer and discernment. Review the carols of the season and concentrate on their meaning and message for your life. Read again the Christmas story from the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Attend and participate in worship expectantly. Spend time in prayer for the needs of others, and consider what we can do to make this a holy season for them. The heart of Christmas is love, and the joy of Christmas lies in sharing “gifts of love” not only with loved ones, but with those who need it the most. When we do, our lives will be enriched and so will the lives of others as we are led to share the good news of God’s love through word and deed. These are Holy Days. Take time to be holy. 

Aging Gracefully

We have just returned home from Lafayette, Indiana and from celebrating my mother-in-law’s 100th  Birthday! The party last Sunday was a big success! The birthday card count as of today was 203!  Many thanks to each of you who responded to my invitation to send greetings. She has had a practice of sending birthday cards to friends and family for many years, and continues that tradition to this day. That in part is why it was so meaningful for her to be on the receiving end for her 100th birthday!   

We have been playing catch up after being gone for a week, but I have also been reflecting on how my mother-in-law has handled growing old so gracefully and the life lessons I have learned and observed from her. She is the most gracious lady I know. She has a strong faith and lives her faith fully each day. She stays active, and attends many scheduled activities, including exercise classes and Bible study, even on the days when she may not feel like it, because doing so usually makes her feel better. She is thoughtful, considerate and always looking for ways to bring good cheer to others who live in her residence. She is generally positive, and rarely complains, even though many health problems have created limitations and adjustments have been challenging. 

 

I could say much more, but I think my mother-in-law has captured the essence of what a growing old gracefully lifestyle involves. Aging does cause us to rearrange priorities. Sometimes though, it is the simple things of life that are treasured, like waking up in the morning, watching the sun rise or set, and taking advantage of the opportunities each day offers. I have learned many lessons from those more senior to me. But the most important thing I have learned is not only a guiding principle, but a statement of faith: Take life one day at a time in faith, one step at a time if necessary, and God will provide for all the tomorrows yet to be. 

Fifty Years of Change

On June 10, 1964 at the Virginia Annual Conference in Roanoke, I was ordained a deacon in the Methodist Church by Bishop Paul Neff Garber.  At that time, I was a married pre-ministerial student and had already begun serving student appointments.  During my senior year at Randolph-Macon College, I received my first appointment to the Bethel-Gum Spring Charge on the Richmond district. A popular song of the day was “The Times, They Are a-Changin.”  As I began my ministerial journey, I had no idea what changes were ahead for me both personally and professionally.  I had little understanding about how God would open doors to new opportunities and use me in such a variety of ways.  Neither did I understand as I began my ministry that the Methodist Church (the United Methodist Church by merger in 1968) would have a decline in membership.  Changes would occur in many ways.  Indeed the song of the 6o’s about change was one with a prophetic message for the remainder of the twentieth century to the present. The way the Church did ministry had to change in order to remain relevant for future generations.  As the twentieth century came to a close, churches that refused to address change continued to decline and some were forced to close their doors.

 

This June 20-22 (2014), the 232nd session of the Virginia Annual Conference in Hampton will be conducted by Bishop Young Jin Cho. It will be a significant year for me, marking fifty years of ministry and attending annual conferences.  This Conference brings together clergy and elected laity who will conduct business and act on proposals that will affect the life of local churches. On Sunday the 22nd, we will be dismissed to go back to our churches, where we will resume the hard work of dealing with ministry in rapidly changing times. We will once again be challenged by the many issues and decisions facing our denomination as we confront the major crossroads named “change” concerning the future direction for our Church.

     

When all is said and done at annual conference, a primary question facing church leadership is this: “What changes must occur in our lives as a Church so that we can become all God desires of us?”  The answers lie in spiritual discernment by all members and leadership, which will result in casting a vision for God’s preferred future.  Indeed, “the times they are a changing” and God continues to call the Church and her people to be agents of change who reflect the good news for changing times.  How will we respond to this challenge?

Easter People

A Sermon for Ascension Sunday  (Luke 24:44-53) 

As we gather today in the afterglow of Easter, we do so with an awareness of the greatest story ever told: the story of Jesus’ life, ministry, and teachings found in the New Testament gospels. Luke’s gospel is rich with stories that help form our faith.  In fact it could be called the alpha and omega gospel, one that begins with Jesus’ birth and ends with his resurrection and final words of encouragement and instruction to his disciples. Luke’s gospel begins with the story of Jesus’ birth.  Our observance of Christmas would be so much different if he had not included this magnificent story found only in this gospel. Luke also includes many wonderful parables that offer insights for Christian living.  He concludes his gospel account of Jesus’ life teachings, death and resurrection, and offers an account of Jesus’ final instructions and ascension.

 

As Christians we understand how Jesus as the resurrected Messiah transformed the lives of his disciples of his day and our lives today.  Today as we prepare to celebrate communion we will recall once again what Jesus did and said in the upper room.  The disciples heard unexpected words coming from Jesus the night they gathered to celebrate the Passover.  Jesus told them that his time with them was nearing an end.  Yet they were unable to comprehend the meaning of his words and actions that night.  They learned that one of them would betray their Master, and they were puzzled not only by why but who would do so such a thing.  They cringed in the garden when the Roman soldiers came and arrested Jesus and took him away.  They soon learned of a speedy trial, and the sentence that Jesus was to be crucified as a common criminal.  They hid out of fear that they might also be tortured and persecuted for being his followers.  With his crucifixion on the cross, they were utterly confused and lost. They could not understand why the one they had followed and called teacher and Lord, and whom they believed to be the promised Messiah could have has his life end so tragically.  After his death they didn’t know what they would do without Jesus.  No doubt many questions went through their minds as they tried to determine what to do without Jesus’ guidance.  And then, they experienced the resurrected Lord.

Yes, we know the story. The scriptures offer us several different accounts of the resurrected Jesus appearing to his disciples, offering them renewed hope and the assurance of God’s power and love. 

Most of us have celebrated Easter many times.  And Easter Sunday comes and goes, and we go on with our lives.  But Luke isn’t content with simply telling the story of Jesus’ life, teachings, death and resurrection.  He wanted us to understand the rest of the story.  He wants us to know that we are called to live as Easter people. So he concluded his gospel with some final words from the resurrected Christ of faith.  Our scripture reading on this Ascension Sunday records the mystery of what happened on that day when Jesus’ disciples gathered with the risen Lord for the final time.  Among his last words to his disciples were: “You are my witnesses.”  What did he mean?   To answer that question we must understand how the term witness is defined.  Our understanding is often limited to a legal term used in a court system.  A witness is defined as someone who has knowledge relevant to an event or other matter of interest and who can bear testimony to what one knows or experienced.  In a court of law, the witness often will determine the outcome of a trial and impact on another person’s life. 


An interesting development takes place as the word witness is used in the New Testament. The noun that means "one who bears witness" is used 24 times, first referred to as those who were witnesses to the earthly experiences and resurrection facts about Jesus.They spoke about these facts from personal knowledge.  At first the term witness was restricted to the  twelve apostles who, through first-hand knowledge, could bear witness to the facts of Jesus life, teachings, and who had actually experienced his resurrection appearances. In fact,the entire written gospel of John assumes the character of a witness as evidenced by his words in passages like John 21:24: "This is the disciple who is bearing witness concerning these things and  has written these things, and we know that his witness is true."  However, as the message of Christianity spread through the apostles and others heard the gospel and accepted its life-changing message, they too, became "witnesses" to the faith. And Christianity grew and spread to other areas, in part because of the faithful witness of the Apostle Paul and his missionary journeys. 

So what does it mean for us who claim to be Christians to be a witness? It doesn’t mean having to be a missionary, evangelist or a preacher.  In simplest terms, it means living in such a way that others can see Christ at work in our lives. It means continuing the work that Christ began.  It means sharing the difference accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior has meant in your life.  In the words of the Apostle Paul it means being able to affirm, “It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives within me.” (Gal.2:20)   Jesus expressed what it means to be his witness in this simple way: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:16)

Before coming to Bon Air as pastor, I served Monumental UM Church in Portsmouth.  One year we developed a major outreach campaign that included bumper stickers and buttons. One Sunday every member attending church was given a button that read: “Let me tell you a Monumental story” and was asked to wear it.  Weeks later persons were asked to share experiences.  Kathryn, a faithful member, but a quiet introvert, shared her experience while checking out at the grocery store. The bag boy noticed her button, which she confessed she had forgotten was on her coat. So she was caught off guard when the young man said to her:  “Tell me a monumental story.” She said the first thing that came to her mind was a lesson she had learned as a child so she replied, “Jesus loves you!” To which he responded, “I remember hearing that once a longtime ago.” What difference did that brief encounter have in this young man’s life? Was it a transformational moment?  We will never know. But perhaps the seed of a basic truth was planted that caused him to reclaim the message. As disciples we are given opportunities every day to plant and cultivate seeds of faith in the lives of others. 

Yes, Jesus called his disciples then and now to be witnesses.  And to insure that we can do so, he offered a promise of God’s presence to strengthen us for the task. The Holy Spirit continues to work in transforming lives and to empower disciples to agents of transformation.

This time in the liturgical year between Easter and Pentecost symbolizes the transformation that sent the apostles into the world to continue what Jesus had begun.  So, what we celebrate on ascension Sunday is really the beginning of a new story, not the end of an old one. As Easter people we continue to write a new chapter for our time and generation by how we live and witness to our faith.  Jesus gave us our marching orders the last week of his earthly life:  “Love one another as I have loved you. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 

Easter people should ask themselves these questions every day:  How can others see the resurrected Christ at work in my life?  How does my life bear witness to the resurrection faith?  More simply put, how can others see Jesus in me?  This is the challenge we continue to face in a world where Christianity is losing ground and influence, where church membership is steadily declining in comparison to population growth, and where the ways of the world are overpowering the ways of self-giving sacrificial love taught by Christ.

In Matthew’s gospel, moments before his ascension, Jesus told his followers exactly what they were to do: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” He urged them to baptize, to teach, and to carry on the work that he had begun. But his first word was direct and clear: “Go.”  Act on what I have taught you, Jesus said. Put my message of love into practice.

 

The account of the ascension in Acts offered another challenge to the disciples, and to us.  After the apostles watched Jesus disappear into the clouds, two men appeared. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing there looking at the sky?”  The apostles were not supposed to spend their time staring nostalgically at the stars, awaiting Christ’s return.  There was work to do.  There was a world waiting to be converted. So, they left the mountain, went into the city, and launched the greatest missionary undertaking in human history.

Christ's word to them and to us is the same.  It's a word of action" "Go."  Go – help those in need.  Go – pick up those who have fallen. Go – tend to the heal those who are hurting. Go – feed the hungry, visit the sick, clothe the naked. Go – offer hope to those what are discouraged. Go – love those who need love the most. Go – make more disciples, so that the world can be transformed by God’s grace and love through you.   

So much of the world is in need of hearing the good news – Christ’s message of hope, redemption, and resurrection –  and to understand why all that matters.  So many need to hear and understand what it means to be a disciple of Christ, and experience the transforming and healing  power of God’s love. 

 

The question for us who have received and accepted the message is this:  How will we witness to the good news of the gospel to those we meet today and every day?  May we search our hearts and find answers to that question as we seek to live as Easter people. 

Angels Among Us

There are angels among us.  Some of them we know. They have befriended us many times.  Others are not familiar to us, and seem to come into our lives at times when we need them the most. The word angel appears many times in scriptures.  The word literally means “messenger.” 

  

I’m not referring to the celestial beings with wings depicted in paintings. Neither am I referring to “guardian angels” as some may be known.  Nor do I desire to discredit the possibility of such. Rather I want to suggest that the angels among us are those who often reveal divine attributes toward others

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Many times I have heard a person referred to as being an “angel.”  On these occasions the bestowed title is the result of some needed act of kindness or word of affirmation toward another.  Angels can bring calm in the midst of confusion.  Angels among us also offer comforting words and a caring presence.  Their words may bring comfort and provide hope in times of despair.

 

Some of the angels in the scriptures began their message with four words.  “Do not be afraid.”  These words are very applicable for living in a world where bad things continue to happen.  As I reflect on angels among us, specific people come to mind.  They have made a positive difference in my life by their words and deeds which challenge me to be a better person.  That’s what angels do best.

 

I don’t know about earning “angels wings,” such as described in the popular holiday movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but I do believe that the angels among us represent what we can become if we live the divine message offered to us through faith. Perhaps the greatest compliment that can be paid to a Christian is this: “You’re an angel!”  May we all be challenged to become messengers of the good news of the Christian faith through word and deed.