People of the Book

Thank you for your prayers while Bethany, Addie, Samuel and I were away on vacation this past week. We saw family that we hadn’t seen in some time and were able to enjoy time in a gorgeous part of our country. Bethany’s family is very generous and we’re grateful for that important time with them. We spent some of our time in St. Simon’s Island, Georgia where John and Charles Wesley spent a short while. The Wesley brothers were leaders of the Methodist movement in England and ambitiously set foot in Georgia to bring the Gospel there. It was a very short visit for them but it is a part of their and our history as Methodists. While visiting there, I did some thinking about our Fall focus on discipleship and what John Wesley said about the Bible as a key part of our formation as Christian disciples.
John Wesley was a "man of one book" and that a Methodist who wants to rediscover some of that "Wesleyan fire" should become very familiar with his or her Bible. Hearing from God through scripture should become as natural as breathing for a Methodist. United Methodist Bishop Will Willimon has said that all great reformations of the church are based in scripture and a fresh encounter with scripture.
One of the frequent questions I am asked is about translations. Which Bible should I buy? Which one should I read? The short answer is, if you don’t have a Bible get your hands on any Bible. If someone is asking you for one, get them one as fast as possible while it’s fresh on their mind and yours. However there are some translations that are better than others. I study with the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). It is true to the original languages and it has some other features I like. Our pew Bibles are the Revised Standard Version (RSV) which is good also. Many of our youth and young adults read the New International Version (NIV). While not quite as close to the original languages, it has a “readability” that is nice and modern. The King James is poetic and beautiful but also takes some liberties with the original Hebrew and Greek.
Bottom line is – the Bible is essential for the formation of Christian discipleship. Private reading and studying with others allows God to speak to us personally and in community with each other.
I am excited about the numerous opportunities you will have for Bible study this Fall, short and long term. Please begin now praying about being in one of these groups. Surprise yourself by committing to one of them and watch God change your life.