Hello Village Church family and friends,

I am always encouraging Christians to read the Bible and to read the whole Bible, but not the Bible only. First, read the Bible! A good reading plan, like the one listed here in The Village News, helps you to focus and push you beyond your favorite topics or passages, and into the entire Bible. Christians should strive to read and know as much of God's Word as possible, but there is also great encouragement to be found in reading books outside of the Bible. However, reading books that are not the Bible, even books by or about Christians, comes with a warning! Reading “Christian” books must be treated similar to listening to any “Christian” speaker, “Christian” talk radio, or “Christian” music. You should be asking, “Is this biblically sound? Is the message based in and upon Scripture?” We must always bring everything back to God's Word. This is precisely, first and foremost, why we must read the Bible! “What kind of books do you read, pastor?” Well, I read a lot of Bible and church commentary and this year, I’m working to read more biographical writings about Christian preachers and missionaries from long ago. I'm so encouraged by these Christian ancestors; their stories, the times they lived in, the challenges they faced, and how the Spirit of God used them in their day. They were all imperfect, but as Christians, they are as much a part of our Christian heritage as my grandmother’s cranberry relish recipe is a part of our family’s Thanksgiving dinner! An untold number of Christians have lived since the time of Christ until now, and there are many writings by and about them that can be greatly encouraging to us in our time. I know this to be true for me, and I’m thankful.

I hope you will join us this Sunday! I'm looking forward to singing, praying, and opening God's Word together!

Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)