The first book I preached through, verse-by-verse, was Ephesians. That was 17 years ago at Faith Baptist Church, Newtownabbey, in Northern Ireland. It has shaped my whole preaching ministry ever since.
At that time I found a story and then lost it, until this morning when I found it again.
It’s not enough for us to get into the Bible, as this story about James Gray demonstrates, the Word of God must get into us:
“The noted Bible scholar James M. Gray told a story that underscores the importance of reading the Scriptures for personal growth.
“He said that when he was a young Bible teacher he became deeply impressed by the peace and spiritual poise of a friend with whom he often talked.
“Since Gray wanted that same stability, he asked his companion the secret of his confident bearing and positive outlook.
“It all started through reading Ephesians,” said the man.
Gray was surprised by this simple response. He had read Ephesians many times but had never experienced the same strength he saw in his friend.
Noticing Gray’s puzzled look, the man explained.
“On one occasion, when I was on a short vacation, I took a pocket edition of Ephesians with me. Lying down one afternoon, I read all six chapters. My interest was so aroused that I read the entire epistle again. In fact, I did not finally lay it down until I had gone through it some 15 times.”
He then said, “When I arose to go into the house, I was in possession of Ephesians; or better yet, it was in possession of me. I had the feeling that I had been lifted up to sit together in heavenly places with Christ Jesus–a feeling that was new to me.”
“This testimony encouraged Gray to master the Scriptures for himself. He began to saturate his mind and heart with God’s Word so that he could freely and effectively communicate it to others.”
– James M. Gray
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