What is the Bible?

There are many ways to answer this question.  The word Bible
itself means book.  But it is not just a book, it is a library.  It is a
collection of 66 books, written by over 40 authors during a 1500
year period.  Part of the wonder of the Bible is that in spite of all
these authors over such a long period of time, it does not
contradict itself.  The reason for this is that the authors of the
books of the Bible were inspired by God.  For that reason, as
Christians we answer that the Bible is the Word of God.

Another way to answer the question is to say what the Bible has
to say about itself.  Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light
unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)  His word is in my heart like a fire
shut up in my bones. (Jeremiah 20:9)  Your word is truth. (John
17:17)  In the parables, Jesus compares God’s word to a see that
is planted and grows.  (Mark 4:14)  The author of Hebrews says
that the word of God is living and active and compares the Bible
to a two edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12)  Paul also refers to the
word of God as the sword of the Spirit. (Ephesians 6:17).  The
Word of God also became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:
14).  Jesus is the embodiment of the Bible.  In Jesus, we see
what God expects and yes demands of us.  In Jesus, we see
the heart of God and understand that God is a forgiving and
merciful God.  In Jesus, we see that God’s word is not just
words but it is fulfilled.  So when God makes a promise in his
word, we can trust it.

There is so much more that could be said in answer to this
simple question.  But let me end with how a former member of
St. Paul would always answer this question.  The Bible is
Basic
Instruction
Before
Leaving
Earth

The Bible is a great treasure that God has given us.  I pray that
we can also say with the psalmist, “Oh how I love your law.   I
meditate on it day and night. (Psalm 119:97).


Rim to Rim for the City
Earlier, I mentioned that I plan to hike the Grand Canyon rim to
rim (hopefully in one day).  As I thought about all the preparation
that it would take to get ready for this hike, I thought why
shouldn’t the church benefit as well?  So here is what I am doing.
The hike will actually be a hike-a-thon and pledges will be made
to benefit the outreach efforts at St. Paul.  I have a blog site that
will be dedicated to benefitting those in urban ministry.  There are
three important components on this site.  First, it will focus on the
importance of the city in the Bible.  Did you know that the city is
mentioned over 600 times in the Bible?  Second, it will encourage
those who are involved in city ministry.  Third, it will network with
other churches.  It is not necessary to go to foreign countries to
do mission work.  The Lord has brought the mission to us.
If you want to follow along with the blog site, here is the address:
http://www.rim2rim4thecity.blogspot.com/

ESL Report- The Lord opens doors
The Lord brought many people into our doors this year with our
ESL program, over 70 people and 25 children in just the last
session.  Each year we have three sessions.  So close to
200 people came to St. Paul this year because of this
ministry of love.  They have come because the Lord
has opened our hearts to open our doors.

Throughout the year, we have talked about more than just the
English language.  The lessons give us opportunity to not only
share the language we speak.  They also give us opportunity
to share the faith that we hold dearly.  During the break
time, we talk about many things.  As I get to know the
students better, the question rises, “what does your church
teach?”  The Lord opens doors.

We will start anew in September.  We pray for those who will
again come through our doors.  We pray for those who will
continue to support this ministry by teaching and child care.  We
also pray for more volunteers so that this ministry may expand.



Pastor Massey
Pastor's Message