Billboard
This morning we were out in the car and I looked out and saw a church’s marquee sign. You know those signs that identify the name of the church and the worship times and usually some inspirational message to capture your attention? Well, this church’s marquee sign did capture my attention. It said:
“Store the Bible in your heart and not on a shelf”.
I’ve gone through phases in my life where my Bible was right next to my chair. Unfortunately, I also have to admit that I’ve also gone through periods where I left it somewhere for extended periods of time. Thank God, now is one of those periods where it is near and handy. And as I was thinking about this message more, I realized that this could imply different meanings. he first meaning is more analytical and its use as a tool, along the lines of:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” - 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV
The second meaning is more of who and what you are and how you act:
“Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you. Have I not written for you thirty sayings of counsel and knowledge, to make you know what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?” - Proverbs 22:17-21 ESV
The third meaning is along the lines of utility:
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” - Ephesians 6:13-18 ESV
The last meaning really came from Pastor Patrick’s first advent week sermon where he was relating the story of Martin Luther nailing his points of contention with the Catholic Church. He explained that when Luther was asked to recant his thesis, he declined stating that he trusted the word of God as being the authority. Patrick transitioned that into the Bible being our means to understand God and you just can’t do that if it is hiding on a shelf:
“Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” - Matthew 5:15 ESV
If you want your life to get better and to grow in your faith walk, then my advice is to move your Bible next to your favorite chair. Better yet, have a copy next to your favorite chair and one in your car and a Bible app on your phone - make it available everywhere. But more important than that, open that puppy up and study it. Make it a part of who and what you are. Incorporate it and learn it so that you can use it for teaching, reproof, correction and training. Use it to help the Holy Spirit grow in you.
