March 22, 2000
TOGETHER:
The Bible, God's word, stands above every other book
___An old friend came by this week to wish me well in the new work Texas Baptists have called me to do. He said he knew it was a big job, and he just wanted to encourage me. "Don't let anybody get you down," he said.
___"Thanks," I replied and assured him that Rosemary and I are doing well, and, in fact, feel a deep sense of joy and peace that we are right where God wants us to be.
___Then, he startled me. "Be sure you tell everybody that you believe the Bible," he said.
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___It startled me because I have always believed the Bible. How could anyone doubt that? As a little child, when other children would sing or play the piano to impress guests, I would quote Scripture. It's a good thing, too, since trying to sing or play the piano would have emptied the room! Psalm 23 and John 3:16 were the favorites. In Vacation Bible School, I learned the five verses for each day and recited the books of the Bible in order. Many of you have done the same thing. We Baptist children learned the Scripture.
___When God saved me in a country church where my father was preaching a revival, I knew I could trust the preacher, but I truly understood that the only one who could save me was Jesus. I was 6 years old, and the words of the Bible became fire in my heart as I stepped forward to pledge my life to the Savior as the Holy Spirit, gently but urgently, called me to God. Five years later, God called me to preach. I quickly responded. I had been hoping God would call me to that mysterious and wonderful calling. I assumed it would be years before I would ever be expected to preach a real sermon.
___God had in mind another thing. While in high school, I was called to pastor two "part-time" churches. Each week, as I studied the Scriptures to prepare to bring the best message I could, I asked God to help me know the truth and preach it faithfully to the congregation. Never in my life could I have stood before those people if I had not had complete confidence that the book from which I preached was God's true and trustworthy word to my heart and to theirs. God blessed the preaching of a young lad who wasn't old enough to realize what a stretch it must have been for people to listen and take him seriously.
___I could stand there and preach because I knew it was not my ability, my words or my credibility that was at issue. Then, and now, I knew the only authority I had in preaching was the authority of the Bible, God's holy word. And the only power in preaching came from the Holy Spirit's unction or anointing. From first to last, I was totally dependent upon God--his Son, his Spirit, his word and his people. Their prayers for me, their encouragement and support, were God's gift to this young preacher.
___Beside open graves, I have stood and quoted God's promises. Standing before young couples, I have reminded them of God's expectations. Before young and old, I have announced the good news of Jesus and called people to repentance and faith.
___I have no book to preach other than God's book. There are no promises that are certain, except his promises.
___2 Timothy 3:14-17 and the statement on the Scriptures in the Baptist Faith & Message express clearly my convictions about the Bible. It is the book that stands above every book. Like the Savior it bears witness to, it is God's life-changing gift to the human heart.
___The Bible is the way we know ...
___We are loved.
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