 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
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 |