An Oldie But a Goodie -- May 3, 2013

Last night at 9:37 pm, the sound on our television went wacko.

Have you ever heard someone after throat surgery that talks with an electronic device against their larynx?  That metallic, robotic sound?

That's what our TV now sounds like.

It's amazing that it has lasted this long.

Quick bet (am I allowed to gamble with my Sunday School class?):  Who has the oldest TV in your living room that you watch on a daily basis?

I think we'd win.  You see, I got our television set in a sales contest when I worked for Wachovia Bank in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2000.

Anybody using a TV that's older than 13 years?  Anyone?  Anyone?

Now you may think that I'm chomping at the bit to run down to Best Buy for a new HD set.  Not really.

Before we invest in something new, I want to make sure that what we have isn't easily fixable.  If I can plug some $15 speakers into an audio-out jack and keep using it, then we are golden.  Just because it's old doesn't mean it doesn't work.

Same thing can be said about the Bible.  Just because it's old doesn't mean it doesn't work.

The Bible has been an inconvenient book for thousands of years.  It's God's Light shining in a dark world.

Some argue that the Bible is no longer relevant; that it's just stories that belong in the history section of the library.

Others say the Bible has lost its usefulness; that we as a culture have grown past it.

What say you?

Do you know the Bible well enough to answer someone who criticizes it?  Have you read the Bible all the way through?

I'll let you in on a little secret.  No matter what you may be going through, there is something in the Bible that either tells of someone else who went through it or gives you a way to handle it.  And if you can't find it by yourself, ask an older Christian.  They'll know.

I challenge you to read the Bible.  You'll find things that will surprise you.

Just a reminder: we'll be combining with the other adult classes in the sanctuary this Sunday at 9:50 am.  Nate will lead our lesson.  I have no clue what it will be about, but I know it will be wonderful.

Finish Friday strong.  Enjoy Saturday with your family.  See you Sunday!

Loyally yours,

Darren Bayne

"The Bible gives us a list of human stories on both sides of the ledger. One list of human stories is used as examples--do what these people did. Another list of human stories is used as warnings--don't do what these people did. So if your story ever gets in one of these books, make sure they use it as an example, not a warning."  Jim Rohn