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.