We Must Learn to Disciple Ourselves

This may come as a surprise if you have not heard my ministry testimony, but I was once a person who did not enjoy reading.  At the age of 30, I may have read ten books in my entire life, not counting school assignments and such (although I’m not sure that I technically ever finished Where the Red Fern Grows, from 7th grade).

But then something happened.  God began to show me the value of investing my time in a resource which honored Him.  Of course, the Bible is the primary and ultimate authority, but there is also much benefit in supplemental resources to the Bible, be it a book, an audio sermon, or a video lecture.  

Most people who do not read are turned off to the idea of reading because of a poor or difficult experience from their school days.  Think about this for a moment.  Your assigned reading from school was likely either fiction, or history, or maybe even math or science.  It was difficult.  It was time-consuming.  It was boring.  And very likely, you did not understand how it could ever be beneficial.  The other thing is this: there is no explicit promise from God that understanding more about history, math, or science, will come with a blessing from Him.  

But’s God’s word is different!  Reading the Bible comes with specific promises from the very One who created you.  He promises that His word will guide and inspire you to holy living.  Take a moment and go look up Psalm 119:105, 2 Peter 1:19, Proverbs 6:23, and Job 29:3.  One challenge is that God’s word is sometimes difficult to understand.  Peter even says as much in 2 Peter 3:16, when speaking of Paul’s writings.  Therefore, it is important, even vital, for the Christian to consult supplemental resources.  I often recommend a book or an article for you to read.  In the coming weeks and months, I plan to ramp that up quite a bit, challenging the Lakewood congregation to read more, and to feed ourselves more resources for understanding and applying God’s word.  The goal is not to make our brains bigger, but to live in holiness and righteousness through the work of Christ on the cross and the power of the Holy Spirit living in us.  When you see a recommendation from me, please know that it is something that I have prayed about and deeply desire for you to investigate as well.

Blessings, 

Pastor Bruce

bruce.cullom@gmail.com