J. C. Ryle, one of Victorian England's greatest evangelicals, a man who became the first Anglican Bishop of Liverpool in 1880, is an inspiration and theological guide for me. His writings and sermons seem to be so appropriate for the time in which we live, they address the problems that 21st century Christians face.
Listen to what he says in a sermon that has been preserved:
Next to praying there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible-reading. God has mercifully given us a book which is "able to make [us] wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). By reading that book we may learn what to believe, what to be, and what to do; how to live with comfort, and how to die in peace. Happy is that man who possesses a Bible! Happier still is he who reads it! Happiest of all is he who not only reads it, but obeys it, and makes it the rule of his faith and practice!
Nevertheless it is a sorrowful fact that man has a sad ability to abuse God’s gifts. His privileges, and power, and abilities, are all ingeniously perverted to other ends than those for which they were bestowed. His speech, his imagination, his intellect, his strength, his time, his influence, his money—instead of being used as instruments for glorifying his Maker—are generally wasted, or employed for his own selfish ends. And just as man naturally makes a bad use of his other mercies from God, so he does of the written Word. One sweeping charge may be brought against the whole of Christendom, and that charge is neglect and abuse of the Bible.
I love that. You can be counted among the "happy" if you own a Bible, but even more so if you read it! Isn't it true that taking the time to read the Bible is often the most difficult thing we do? Some may get up early to do that, but there always seems to be distractions. And finding a time during the day, well if one is working, where does one find time? Late at night seems to be a favorite time, but how many people fall asleep or just read really fast to get it over with, as if it were a duty or obligation?
As I often say, "I'm the preacher and I struggle with this." Reading the Bible is the key to spiritual growth and no wonder the devil would try to remove it from us. If he can't make us bad he'll make us busy. So busy we don't have time to pray more than a quick "bless me or help me" prayer and too busy to read the greatest gift given to all humankind: the Bible.
The Bible is true and timeless. It is inerrant and authoritative in all matters of life. It is the key to a fuller understanding of who we are as humans and who God is. It is trustworthy and inspired. Don't miss out on the blessings and don't only buy a Bible, but read it!
See you this weekend. Remember we now have three worship opportunities every weekend. Saturdays at 6 (gather at 5:00 for conversation and connecting) and 6:00 for praise, teaching and communion. Sundays remain the same: 8:00 and 10:30. Don't forget to invite a friend or stranger!!
Listen to what he says in a sermon that has been preserved:
Next to praying there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible-reading. God has mercifully given us a book which is "able to make [us] wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). By reading that book we may learn what to believe, what to be, and what to do; how to live with comfort, and how to die in peace. Happy is that man who possesses a Bible! Happier still is he who reads it! Happiest of all is he who not only reads it, but obeys it, and makes it the rule of his faith and practice!
Nevertheless it is a sorrowful fact that man has a sad ability to abuse God’s gifts. His privileges, and power, and abilities, are all ingeniously perverted to other ends than those for which they were bestowed. His speech, his imagination, his intellect, his strength, his time, his influence, his money—instead of being used as instruments for glorifying his Maker—are generally wasted, or employed for his own selfish ends. And just as man naturally makes a bad use of his other mercies from God, so he does of the written Word. One sweeping charge may be brought against the whole of Christendom, and that charge is neglect and abuse of the Bible.
I love that. You can be counted among the "happy" if you own a Bible, but even more so if you read it! Isn't it true that taking the time to read the Bible is often the most difficult thing we do? Some may get up early to do that, but there always seems to be distractions. And finding a time during the day, well if one is working, where does one find time? Late at night seems to be a favorite time, but how many people fall asleep or just read really fast to get it over with, as if it were a duty or obligation?
As I often say, "I'm the preacher and I struggle with this." Reading the Bible is the key to spiritual growth and no wonder the devil would try to remove it from us. If he can't make us bad he'll make us busy. So busy we don't have time to pray more than a quick "bless me or help me" prayer and too busy to read the greatest gift given to all humankind: the Bible.
The Bible is true and timeless. It is inerrant and authoritative in all matters of life. It is the key to a fuller understanding of who we are as humans and who God is. It is trustworthy and inspired. Don't miss out on the blessings and don't only buy a Bible, but read it!
See you this weekend. Remember we now have three worship opportunities every weekend. Saturdays at 6 (gather at 5:00 for conversation and connecting) and 6:00 for praise, teaching and communion. Sundays remain the same: 8:00 and 10:30. Don't forget to invite a friend or stranger!!
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