Wednesday, May 28, 2025

“Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” (2 Timothy 3:16, The Message Bible)

(I am doing a pulpit supply at First Baptist Church, Port Hope, for a few Sundays. Service time is 11:00 a.m. I have found the people to be very warm and friendly. If you live in the area, we would love to see you.)

                 Books, books and more books. We could fill  a small library. As we sort and sift through our household in preparation for the big move into an apartment in June, we realize just how many books we have.  Fantasy. Mystery, Science Fiction, Novels. History. Bird books. Cook books by the score. I gave away over half of my personal library when I retired but I still brought home 6 or 7 boxes of theology, commentaries, and favorite authors like Walter Brueggemann, William Willimon  and N.T. Wright. Haven’t touched them since I brought them home.  I don’t just want to throw them out either. There should be book rescues like there are pet rescues. Do you know a good home for a commentary on Timothy? A lot of our other books are going to be donated to the “Friends of the Library” for their annual book sale, but I doubt there is much market for a preachers’ library.

                There are some who might say that the only book I really need is the Bible. There is much truth in that thought. It has been my constant companion for my whole professional career and then some. It has been the first source for my sermons. It has been my personal guide and inspiration. The Bible has been the cornerstone for the growth and development of my theology.  The scriptures have painted a picture and forged an understanding of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I wouldn’t and couldn’t write this blog without my reliance on the Bible. In short, where I go, my Bible goes.

                But you don’t have to be a pastor or a theologian to enjoy the grace, beauty and message of our Bible. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119: 105, The Living Translation) There are some parts that hard difficult to read (e.g. Leviticus) or perhaps to see their relevance. But for the most part, the Bible teems with wisdom, inspiration, moral checkpoints, encouragement, and best of all, perhaps, the stories about Jesus. “Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.” (Psalm 119: 133)

                We Baptists (as well as others, of course) affirm the Bible as the sole authority over our discipleship and within our churches. It doesn’t mean we all agree in our interpretations and understanding. As has been often said about Baptists, when you put two Baptists in a room together, you will  end up with  three opinions. Sadly, we have had some very deep divisions  in our Baptist history over the use of scripture. Even today there are significant divides between us,  over women in ministry, church memberships, sexual orientation, and so on.

                Traditionally, Baptists have practiced what is known as Soul Liberty. “Soul liberty is the freedom to choose what one's conscience or soul dictates is right in the religious realm. It is the freedom to worship according to one's own conscience. Every individual, whether a believer or an unbeliever, is accountable to God personally. Soul liberty asks the believer to accept responsibility for his own actions and not try to force anyone else to do or believe anything contrary to his own conscience.” This definition has also embraced our understanding of scripture. It doesn’t mean that any old meaning will do to suit our purposes. Even Satan can quote scriptures (cf. Matthew 4:6) But it allows us the freedom of thought, of choice in picking our path toward the truth, without any external authority

                Yet, I also believe that our mutual discussion and conversations, even preaching to a congregation, enrich and enhance our understanding of the Bible. We need to gather together around God’s Word.  Not only do we need to read it on our own in our daily or weekly devotional times but we deepen our understanding when we listen to others share their relationship with scriptures. “The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.” (Psalm 119: 160) It is always better to get to that essence by reading, listening and sharing together “Focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.” (1 Timothy 4: 13)

                “This commandment that I’m commanding you today isn’t too much for you, it’s not out of your reach. It’s not on a high mountain—you don’t have to get mountaineers to climb the peak and bring it down to your level and explain it before you can live it. And it’s not across the ocean—you don’t have to send sailors out to get it, bring it back, and then explain it before you can live it. No. The word is right here and now—as near as the tongue in your mouth, as near as the heart in your chest. Just do it!” (Deuteronomy 30: 11 -14 The Message Bible)

Dale