Transformative Power of the Bible in Communities
Summary
The sermon begins with a reflection on the past year and a look forward to the upcoming year, emphasizing the importance of communion and the role of the Bible in the lives of individuals and communities. The speaker highlights the transformative power of the Bible, citing the prosperity that came about in the 19th century when Jonathan Wesley emphasized the importance of reading the Bible. The speaker then shares two stories of successful Bible studies that had a significant impact on their communities. The first story is about a small Bible study group that grew and eventually purchased a building on Wabash Avenue, transforming it from a topless bar into a reputable coffee house. The second story is about John Wesley's Bible studies in 18th century England, which provided hope and spiritual guidance in a time of hopelessness and hardship.
The speaker then discusses the importance of reading the Bible and encourages the congregation to join him in a reading plan. He invites 10 people to connect with him so they can form a group message to discuss and encourage each other in their reading journey. The speaker believes that a church that reads the Bible can have a significant impact on their lives and the community around them. They emphasize the importance of truly believing and living out the words in the Bible. The speaker expresses excitement about what God can do through people who are willing to read, think, talk, and live according to the Bible.
The speaker then focuses on a passage from the book of Joshua, emphasizing the importance of keeping the book of the law in one's mouth and meditating on it day and night. By doing so, one can be careful to follow all that is written in it, leading to prosperity and success. The speaker provides background information on Joshua, who has recently assumed command of the Israelites after Moses. Joshua is tasked with leading the Israelites into the promised land of Canaan. To ensure his success, God instructs Joshua to do three things: keep talking about the book of the law, keep thinking about it day and night, and meditate on its words.
The speaker shares two stories of transformation and the power of the Bible. The first story is about the Monolonian tribesmen in Colombia who were previously known for hunting and eating their neighbors. However, after hearing about the Bible, hundreds of them came to Christ within weeks. The second story is about Tom Camp, the father of Grammy Award artist Jeremy Camp. Tom was involved in a life of drugs and alcohol, but after giving his life to Christ, he brought up his new wife and daughter in a relationship with the Lord. Tom started a small Bible study in the sketchy area of Wabash Avenue in Lafayette, Indiana, where buses and cops would not go. Through following the teachings of the Bible, Tom brought transformation to the community.
Key Takeaways:
- The Bible has the power to transform individuals and communities. This was evident in the 19th century when Jonathan Wesley emphasized the importance of reading the Bible, leading to prosperity and success. This transformative power is still relevant today and can bring about positive change in our communities. [01:02:15]
- Reading the Bible is not just about personal growth but also about impacting the community around us. The speaker shares the story of a small Bible study group that grew and transformed a topless bar into a reputable coffee house, bringing positive change to the community. This story illustrates the potential impact of Bible studies on communities. [52:15]
- The Bible is not meant to be kept secret or personal, but rather shared and contemplated upon. This is evident in the story of Joshua, who was instructed by God to keep talking about the book of the law, keep thinking about it day and night, and meditate on its words. This practice led to his success in leading the Israelites into the promised land of Canaan. [34:44]
- The Bible has the power to bring about significant social changes. This was evident in the Bible reading movement led by John Wesley, which inspired the establishment of orphanages, mental health asylums, hospitals, and prisons. It also brought about significant social changes, such as the end of the English slave trade, women's right to vote, and the formation of the Salvation Army. [57:25]
- The Bible can bring about personal transformation and redemption. This is evident in the story of Tom Camp, who was involved in a life of drugs and alcohol but after giving his life to Christ, he brought up his new wife and daughter in a relationship with the Lord. His commitment to the teachings of the Bible brought transformation to his life and his community. [46:37]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 1:6-9
> "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses, my servant, commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
2. Psalm 119:1-8
> "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!"
### Observation Questions
1. What three specific instructions did God give to Joshua to ensure his success in leading the Israelites? [34:53]
2. According to Psalm 119:1-8, what are the blessings associated with walking in the law of the Lord?
3. How did the Monolonian tribesmen in Colombia transform after being introduced to the Bible? [46:07]
4. What significant change did Tom Camp bring to the community on Wabash Avenue through his Bible study? [52:31]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God emphasized the importance of meditating on the book of the law day and night to Joshua? [34:53]
2. How does the story of the Monolonian tribesmen illustrate the transformative power of the Bible? [46:07]
3. In what ways did the Bible reading movement led by John Wesley bring about social changes in 18th century England? [57:31]
4. How can the practice of reading and meditating on the Bible lead to personal and community transformation, as seen in the stories shared in the sermon? [52:31]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current Bible reading habits. How often do you read the Bible, and is it as much as you would like? What steps can you take to improve this? [01:05:48]
2. The speaker invited 10 people to join him in a Bible reading plan. Would you consider joining or starting a similar group? How might this accountability help you stay committed? [01:12:53]
3. Think about a specific area in your community that could benefit from a Bible study group. What steps could you take to start or support such a group? [52:31]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of not just reading the Bible but also living it out. Can you identify a specific teaching or command from the Bible that you can start applying in your daily life? [37:58]
5. The story of Tom Camp shows how persistent prayer and action can bring about significant change. Is there a place or situation in your life where you feel called to pray and act persistently? [52:31]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of meditating on the Bible day and night into your daily routine? What might this look like practically for you? [34:53]
7. The sermon mentioned the transformative impact of the Bible on individuals and communities. Can you think of a personal experience or a story where you witnessed such transformation? How did it impact your faith? [46:07]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of the Bible
The Bible has the power to transform not only individuals but entire communities. This transformative power was evident in the 19th century when Jonathan Wesley emphasized the importance of reading the Bible, leading to prosperity and success. This transformative power is still relevant today and can bring about positive change in our communities. [01:02:15]
Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when reading the Bible brought about a significant change in your life. How can you use this experience to encourage others to engage with the Bible?
Day 2: Impacting the Community through the Bible
Reading the Bible is not just about personal growth but also about impacting the community around us. A small Bible study group grew and transformed a topless bar into a reputable coffee house, bringing positive change to the community. This story illustrates the potential impact of Bible studies on communities. [52:15]
Acts 2:46-47 - "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Reflection: How can you use your understanding of the Bible to positively impact your community? What steps can you take today to start this process?
Day 3: Sharing and Contemplating the Bible
The Bible is not meant to be kept secret or personal, but rather shared and contemplated upon. This is evident in the story of Joshua, who was instructed by God to keep talking about the book of the law, keep thinking about it day and night, and meditate on its words. This practice led to his success in leading the Israelites into the promised land of Canaan. [34:44]
Psalm 1:2 - "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night."
Reflection: How often do you share and discuss the Bible with others? How can you incorporate more of this practice into your daily routine?
Day 4: The Bible and Social Change
The Bible has the power to bring about significant social changes. This was evident in the Bible reading movement led by John Wesley, which inspired the establishment of orphanages, mental health asylums, hospitals, and prisons. It also brought about significant social changes, such as the end of the English slave trade, women's right to vote, and the formation of the Salvation Army. [57:25]
Isaiah 1:17 - "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."
Reflection: How can you use the teachings of the Bible to advocate for social change in your community? What is one social issue you feel passionate about and how can you address it using biblical principles?
Day 5: Personal Transformation through the Bible
The Bible can bring about personal transformation and redemption. This is evident in the story of Tom Camp, who was involved in a life of drugs and alcohol but after giving his life to Christ, he brought up his new wife and daughter in a relationship with the Lord. His commitment to the teachings of the Bible brought transformation to his life and his community. [46:37]
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life that needs transformation. How can you apply the teachings of the Bible to bring about this change?
Quotes
"But maybe you could be the next Joshua. Maybe you could be the next Jonathan Wesley. Because God will use you if you actually just spend some time in his book." [01:15:44]
"The Bible claims that whenever scripture is spoken, whenever scripture is said, whenever scripture is allowed to be read, it does something that God wants it to do. The exact wording is it will not return void, but accomplish what God wanted and achieve God's purposes." [29:50]
"Put this book into practice. Now the words that you and I have here today are not some meaningless collection of writings. They are a collection of writings that has legitimately changed the world." [39:12]
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." [34:44]
"First of all, God instructs Joshua to keep talking about this book. Keep talking about the commands... Next thing he says is, is God tells Joshua to keep thinking about this book. Think about it frequently, day and night, meditating on these words. Meditating on what this book actually says." [36:42]
"I would love to see that happen again. How amazing would it be to be a part of not just the U.S., but the world understanding the importance of the words in that book." [01:02:15]
"After a few years at the age of 21, Tom gave his life to Christ. And when Tom gave his life to Christ, he brought up his new wife and his baby girl up in a relationship with the Lord." [49:13]
"The next thing Tom did is he started a Bible study, a small Bible study in the basement of somebody's house." [50:43]
"Succeeding in proper endeavors. And this only happens when my focus is not on what I gain, but when my focus is on what God gains." [32:29]
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