The B-I-B-L-E . . . (Pathfinder Sabbath)

This week  the conversation opened last week about the Bible is taken up by the Calimesa Pathfinders.

First, a note about Pathfinders.  For those not familiar with Adventists, Pathfinders is a ministry that is similar in many ways to the Boy and/or Girl Scouts. Like scouting, there is an emphasis on learning skills, exposure to a wide variety of projects, topic areas, outdoor experiences, and a focus on working together as a team, etc.  Unique to Pathfinders is it's spiritual focus on Christian values and leadership development.  To find out more about Pathfinders, click here. 

Second, a few words about continuing the conversation about the Bible.  The place of the scriptures in the larger conversation about "Choosing our Faith" (which is the focus of this sermon series) is one that can be approached from many angles.  Many of these are fascinating, informative, and perhaps even provocative!  There is much to consider.  There is much to learn.  It is entirely possible, however, to become victims of our own scholarship when we allow our methods of study to depersonalize something that was intended to be primarily relational.  Using the metaphors of handling sharp objects, radio communication, the essence of chocolate, and what it actually means to be relational and get to know someone - the Calimesa Pathfinders explore a significant dimension of what the scriptures are actually intended to be and do.  If you'd like to hear how they did this, click here.              

2 Peter 1:16-21 (The Message)

 16-18We weren't, you know, just wishing on a star when we laid the facts out before you regarding the powerful return of our Master, Jesus Christ. We were there for the preview! We saw it with our own eyes: Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father as the voice of Majestic Glory spoke: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of all my delight." We were there on the holy mountain with him. We heard the voice out of heaven with our very own ears.

 19-21We couldn't be more sure of what we saw and heard—God's glory, God's voice. The prophetic Word was confirmed to us. You'll do well to keep focusing on it. It's the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because it's not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God's Word.