When the Bible is Followed! - The President's Blog for September 18, 2009
This week’s update is a copy of an article on Follow the Bible shared with the media. Thanks to all of you who attended the joint service on Wednesday, September 9th to launch this initiative and also the September 12th service at Grant’s Town where we wrote our portion of the Bible in just over one hour owing to light rain showers as we were on the outside. Also, special thanks to local coordinator Pastor Peter Joseph, and assistant coordinator Pastor Andrew Burrows, as well as Executive Secretary, Elder Kenny Deveaux for their leadership.
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Weekly Update
September 20, 2009
When the Bible is Followed!
There are many prayers recorded in the Bible. However, one that captures my attention is a short one found in 2 Thessalonians 3:1. In fact, it may be rightly interpreted as a prayer request. It is not a request for selfish gain; it’s a plea for us to be instrumental in spreading the Word of God. The Apostle Paul says, in 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (KJV), “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.” A look at the same passage in the New King James version provides for a clearer understanding, as it says, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you.” So it is clear that Paul wanted the word to go unhindered in a rapid or swift manner.
It is no secret that this is, or ought to be, the desire of all followers of Christ; for in the word having “free course,” God is glorified and persons get to know His will and His thoughts toward them. As Seventh-day Adventists we take this prayer request of the Apostle Paul seriously. Therefore, we have launched a program or drive to highlight and showcase the Word of God in a positive way, through an initiative known as “Follow the Bible.” Apart from seeking to spread the Word of God, Adventists through this initiative are attempting:
• To create worldwide community awareness among members and others to believe and follow the Bible as the Word of God.
• To revive and encourage members and non-Seventh-day Adventists around the world to return to the Bible, to accept its authority, and determine to follow the Bible in their daily life.
• To involve members and non-members around the world in personal study, small-group study, and sharing the message of the Bible to others in the community.
Why Such an Initiative?
Studies of religious groups, conducted by the Barna Research Study of June 2001, point to a decline in the study of the Word of God and prayer, among other practices. The research which compared “seven religious practices of 12 major denominations” (Adventists included), speak to the need for a stronger devotional life among administrators, pastors and lay members. If that were not enough, the Institute of Church Ministry at the theological seminary at Andrews University, a Seventh-day Adventist university, correlated the Barna’s findings. In some ways, Seventh-day Adventists “in some places are no longer regarded as the ‘People of the Book’.” Accordingly, the “Follow the Bible” initiative attempts to get members and others back to focusing on the Word of God, allowing it to have the impact that God intended. Though the Bible was written many years ago, Seventh-day Adventists believe that it is very much relevant and speaks to
current needs and issues. Proper understanding comes under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul states in 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV): “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Key to Addressing Social Ills
Furthermore, Seventh-day Adventists firmly believe that the Word of God is absolutely necessary in addressing current social ills. It would seem that many persons are seeking significance and or some sense of identity. Hope, unfortunately, seems to be waning and in some instance does not exist. The Word of God clearly explains that each person is “fearfully and wonderfully made,” and may I add “in the image of God” to reflect God’s glory. Also, there is no situation, no matter how bad and dismal, that God cannot remedy.
It is Necessary for the Bible to be Embraced!
However, I ask these questions: “How will the message of the Bible ever get to those who need to hear it?” “How and when will an interest be awakened toward God and His word?” I am naïve enough to believe that when parents and guardians take it upon themselves to intentionally read Bible stories, get their children involved in church, expose them to good gospel music, among other wholesome practices, we will reap a generation more in tune with godly values and possessing hope. Yes, I am naïve to believe the behavior of such persons will be responsible and exemplary compared to some of the unacceptable behavior we witness today. The Bahamas with just over 300,000 people has a murder rate that is too high. It would seem that there exists a sense of lawlessness, and I am naïve enough to believe that it will not change, unless there is a return to spiritual and wholesome values accepted and modeled by parents and guardians. Thereby,
children and
youth will have true Christian examples to emulate. Essentially, there is a need to follow the Bible in its teaching, precepts and values. Many will attest that it makes great sense to do so. A noted religious author, Ellen White, penned: "no other Book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad enabling truths of the Bible" (SC 90), and that "none but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict" (GC 593).
Thought to Ponder: “Give me the Bible, star of gladness gleaming, To cheer the wand’rer lone and tempest tossed; No storm can hide that radiance peaceful beaming, Since Jesus came to seek and save the lost.”
Priscilla J. Owens
Thanks to those of you who responded last week to assist with the roof of the new Bahamas Academy. Your continued support is needed. Again thanks!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weekly Update
September 20, 2009
When the Bible is Followed!
There are many prayers recorded in the Bible. However, one that captures my attention is a short one found in 2 Thessalonians 3:1. In fact, it may be rightly interpreted as a prayer request. It is not a request for selfish gain; it’s a plea for us to be instrumental in spreading the Word of God. The Apostle Paul says, in 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (KJV), “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.” A look at the same passage in the New King James version provides for a clearer understanding, as it says, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you.” So it is clear that Paul wanted the word to go unhindered in a rapid or swift manner.
It is no secret that this is, or ought to be, the desire of all followers of Christ; for in the word having “free course,” God is glorified and persons get to know His will and His thoughts toward them. As Seventh-day Adventists we take this prayer request of the Apostle Paul seriously. Therefore, we have launched a program or drive to highlight and showcase the Word of God in a positive way, through an initiative known as “Follow the Bible.” Apart from seeking to spread the Word of God, Adventists through this initiative are attempting:
• To create worldwide community awareness among members and others to believe and follow the Bible as the Word of God.
• To revive and encourage members and non-Seventh-day Adventists around the world to return to the Bible, to accept its authority, and determine to follow the Bible in their daily life.
• To involve members and non-members around the world in personal study, small-group study, and sharing the message of the Bible to others in the community.
Why Such an Initiative?
Studies of religious groups, conducted by the Barna Research Study of June 2001, point to a decline in the study of the Word of God and prayer, among other practices. The research which compared “seven religious practices of 12 major denominations” (Adventists included), speak to the need for a stronger devotional life among administrators, pastors and lay members. If that were not enough, the Institute of Church Ministry at the theological seminary at Andrews University, a Seventh-day Adventist university, correlated the Barna’s findings. In some ways, Seventh-day Adventists “in some places are no longer regarded as the ‘People of the Book’.” Accordingly, the “Follow the Bible” initiative attempts to get members and others back to focusing on the Word of God, allowing it to have the impact that God intended. Though the Bible was written many years ago, Seventh-day Adventists believe that it is very much relevant and speaks to
current needs and issues. Proper understanding comes under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul states in 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV): “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Key to Addressing Social Ills
Furthermore, Seventh-day Adventists firmly believe that the Word of God is absolutely necessary in addressing current social ills. It would seem that many persons are seeking significance and or some sense of identity. Hope, unfortunately, seems to be waning and in some instance does not exist. The Word of God clearly explains that each person is “fearfully and wonderfully made,” and may I add “in the image of God” to reflect God’s glory. Also, there is no situation, no matter how bad and dismal, that God cannot remedy.
It is Necessary for the Bible to be Embraced!
However, I ask these questions: “How will the message of the Bible ever get to those who need to hear it?” “How and when will an interest be awakened toward God and His word?” I am naïve enough to believe that when parents and guardians take it upon themselves to intentionally read Bible stories, get their children involved in church, expose them to good gospel music, among other wholesome practices, we will reap a generation more in tune with godly values and possessing hope. Yes, I am naïve to believe the behavior of such persons will be responsible and exemplary compared to some of the unacceptable behavior we witness today. The Bahamas with just over 300,000 people has a murder rate that is too high. It would seem that there exists a sense of lawlessness, and I am naïve enough to believe that it will not change, unless there is a return to spiritual and wholesome values accepted and modeled by parents and guardians. Thereby,
children and
youth will have true Christian examples to emulate. Essentially, there is a need to follow the Bible in its teaching, precepts and values. Many will attest that it makes great sense to do so. A noted religious author, Ellen White, penned: "no other Book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad enabling truths of the Bible" (SC 90), and that "none but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict" (GC 593).
Thought to Ponder: “Give me the Bible, star of gladness gleaming, To cheer the wand’rer lone and tempest tossed; No storm can hide that radiance peaceful beaming, Since Jesus came to seek and save the lost.”
Priscilla J. Owens
Thanks to those of you who responded last week to assist with the roof of the new Bahamas Academy. Your continued support is needed. Again thanks!
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