The Weekly Update page is extracted from a weekly e-mail sent out by
Assistant Pastor Donna Pollock
“What’s the good word?” That was the greeting Fred B. often used. If this saying is deployed as more than an ordinary howdy-do, it may point to the scriptures and the good news of the gospel transmitted through the Bible, all of which started me thinking about the Bible. While some people read the Bible with the help of an app on their phones or tablets, many of us still read hard copy. After all, the Bible is simply a form of technology for recording, storing, and retrieving things people want to remember.
As the best-selling book in the world over the last 50 years—3.9 billion copies, the Bible comes in all sizes and shapes, from large print to eye-strain versions, and has been rendered in various translations (at least 636) to paraphrases, such as the accessible Living Bible or The Message. The most popular translation remains the King James (KJV), but the New International Version (found in our pews), are two of the most popular. Some offer word for word translations (New American Standard, my personal favorite), while others offer thought for thought translations (NIV, NRSV, and HCB, which I am currently using in Sunday morning worship).
I hold that the Bible, as recorded, is the Word of God. It can claim dual authorship: it is both the Word of God and the Word of humans. It is a witness to the revelation of Jesus Christ (his identity). This was made known to me—revealed, after I believed and received Jesus as my Savior and Lord, after I had been brought into a right relationship with God. What seemed dry and dusty as ancient history suddenly came alive in my heart and imagination. As with St. Paul, it was as if scales tumbled from my eyes. No longer was it only God addressing the world, but God speaking to me, personally. God took the initiative to disclose himself and his ways and purposes to me through the printed words.
I’ve had many encounters with God through the scriptures. I’ll never forget the time a guest speaker thrust his bible into my hands, saying, “My Bible is wrecked!” Yes, as he was preaching it was seeping oil from Isaiah 61! No, I can’t prove that the Bible is the Word of God, not if you demand scientific proof, but it is not unreasonable to think so. What would constitute proof that your spouse loves you? Or, God! Yet, we believe and come to know. For all of this, it takes the grace of God to open our eyes to the truth of His Word and of His authorship. May our garrulous God continue to speak!
Pastor Jeff