Feast or Famine
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4
A good friend of mine was married a few years ago and moved south, making many changes, including having to leave a church she loved and people she cherished.
She could never understand why her fiancée really didn’t enjoy her church here. She liked his and thought he should enjoy hers – if for no other reason than to please her. In his mind the two were not comparable. She chalked it up to a cultural difference and let it go.
After she had moved and attended “his” church for about three years, she came to visit. When she arrived at my home, her hands were full. She brought me CDs of the Pastor’s preaching from her new church. It was biblically sound, exegetical (verse by verse) preaching.
Her thinking had changed. She could now see why her husband had objected to her church. Using her forefinger and thumb about 1/8 of an inch apart she said, “This is how much Bible was in my church here,” and then with her arms spread wide she said, “This is how much Bible is in our church now.” That’s very little Bible compared to a whole lot of Bible. The difference is showing in her life.
Even in phone conversations I was able to hear the spiritual growth in her. She was seeing things from God’s perspective. The adjustment to leaving her friends and being married after years of a single life, the transition into a new family while hers stayed “up North”, and going from full time work to “just a wife” for a while were traumatic. But, she could look back and see how God had used these things to grow her faith and her trust in Him!
It wasn’t until this friend had the comparison of longer term teaching of the Word of God that she realized what she had been missing.
I do wonder about the Pastor of “her” church. James 3:1 says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” These men and women will have to give an account to God one day for what they have taught (or not taught). They have the call to feed the sheep and shepherd the flock of Jesus Christ.
There are also considerations to be made for those who sit under this kind of teaching. The Bible teaches us that learning sound Biblical doctrine is to our advantage (1 Timothy 6:3-4, Titus 1:9).
When we obey God’s Word we reap His blessings. When we don’t know it, we miss the blessing. Studying the Word of God is important.
In your church, and in mine, are we feasting on the Word of God, or is there a famine in our midst?
I pray I will feast on God’s Word every day. When I read His Word, I am comforted.
Beth, what a great story about your friend and the difference a lot of Bible teaching makes in a life. We have been blessed to be a part of many Bible-focused churches over the years. Sitting under teachers who diligently study the Bible and then share what God’s revealed to them through His word is powerful. As is sitting with Jesus and studying the Bible for ourselves. May we choose to feast on His word often.
Yes, Jeanne, The amazing part at the time was just how clearly the Lord revealed the difference to her! I, too, am grateful for these godly men and women who faithfully teach the Word of God.
That will be one delicious feast, Melissa. Enjoy!
I have been to churches like this. The minister may read one Scripture and then spend the rest of the time talking about things that have nothing to do with the verses. I have definitely found that churches that teach the Word are more likely to encourage their members to study the Word for themselves. Thanks for sharing this!
Teaching is serious business. And the Bible is the most reliable textbook every. Thanks and God bless!
Great thoughts. Being obedient to God’s word is so important. Thanks for all your wisdom!
Have you run across Amos 8:11? He warns of this. I know preachers who spend hours thinking they are expositing the text but it is not preaching but lecture. Thanks for the thoughts
It is critical to marry sound teaching with reaching out. Too many churches today are light on the Bible for fear of offending those they long to reach. However, they end up winning them to morality and membership, rather than Jesus. Thank you for sharing; as usual, your blog is spot on. May God continue to bless your ministry, sister.
Unfortunately, often we don’t know what we’re missing until it finds us!
Thanks for reading it and commenting, S.A., I pray the Lord will fill His pulpits with Bible preachers! I fear for the man who is a “hireling” rather than a “Shepherd.”
Amen to that, Nancy!
Thanks, Ava! May Christ be praised by more and more teaching of His Word!
Oh yes, Roy, A famine of the Word of God. I fear the Lord has sent this famine to us.
Thanks for commenting.
Candice, I once heard someone say, “What you win them with is what you win them to.” Faithful preaching of the Word of God will them to Christ!
Thanks for the encouragement!
SO true, Ava, Praise God that we have a “Hound of Heaven” who does pursue us, even using His Word!