Living an exemplary life of revival, writing volumes of Biblical commentaries and with an ardent love for preaching, the Reformer Martin Luther with spirit and belief many centuries ago stated, “One thing, and only one thing, is necessary for Christian life, righteousness, and freedom. That one thing is the most holy Word of God, the gospel of Christ, as Christ says, John 11 [:25], ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live’; and John 8 [:36], ‘So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed’; and Matt. 4 [:4], ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that, proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
Dr. Luther expressed his conviction of the role of God’s Word for the soul with clear understanding, “Let us consider it certain and firmly established that the soul can do without anything except the Word of God and that where the Word of God is missing there is no help at all for the soul. If it has the Word of God it is rich and lacks nothing, since it is the Word of life, truth, light, peace, righteousness, salvation, joy, liberty, wisdom, power, grace, glory, and of every incalculable blessing” (The Freedom of a Christian).
This issue draws our attention to the initiative “Follow the Bible.” General Conference Vice President Michael L. Ryan describes the facts that have given rise to this coordinated effort in the Current feature, “The Power” addressing stewardship, the Word and choices.
With a continued focus on the Bible, Dr. A. Allan Martin contributes his interview with Pastor and founder of Vagabondservant International, Matthew Gamble. The entry “GODencounters: Following the Bible with our Lives” informs us of the “Spirit-led movement among Adventist young adults seeking a 24/7 experience of the living God.”
Dedicated to stewardship, this issue welcomes the participation of world division Stewardship Director Micah Choga addressing the topic of faithfulness and the giver. Our Tool feature will be available for download on our website at www.adventiststewardship.com. Lastly, the Sermon item provides basic components for a stewardship church service.
May you be encouraged to tell your revival story of God’s Word in your life, and in partnership with the Holy Spirit may your preaching and teaching challenge those who read and listen, to ask the question, “how does God’s word use me?” (William A. Dyrness). It is in the merging of your story with God’s story that testifies to revival. An authentic expression of ‘living God.’
Alongside you in His service,
