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Jesus answered, "It is

written: ‘Man does not live
on bread alone, but on
every word that comes from
the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4
LIVING BY THE BIBLE
Pastor Dave Jones March 2018, Issue 71
The Bible is commonly referred to as “Basic Instructions Before Leaving read a section of Scripture while you eat. Some individuals enjoy
Earth” but how vital are these instructions in a Christian’s life? reading Scripture at the end of the day, because they see God’s loving
This month, Dave Jones shares his thoughts on how to live by the Bible. care highlighted in personal ways in the passage.
1. For the years you served as a pastor at Bethel Grove Bible Church, Reading Scripture takes discipline. Some follow reading plans that take
what would you say is the most profound lesson you learnt? one through the Bible in a year. Others find it advantageous to read
We live in a broken and sinful world. Scripture is clear that God is large sections of Scripture and meditate on the passage’s meaning for
sovereign, that He loves this world, and that people experience life’s life.
brokenness due to mankind’s sin and alienation from God. So, personal Bible reading must fit the rhythm of one’s life as well as
Because all Scripture points to Christ, the Bible addresses the foolish- follow a disciplined approach for developing a consistent relationship
ness of thinking there is no need for God with the wisdom of seeking with the Lord.
first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Years of pastoral 4. How much value should the Bible have in a Christian’s life?
ministry have reinforced the truth that those who forsake the gospel God speaks to us through Scripture and it is imperative that
and the reading of Scripture are living in a world of their own making. Christ-followers understand the Bible’s role in one’s spiritual life.
Much hardship in life is avoided by embracing God’s grace and taking Scripture reveals God’s purpose and plan of salvation, as well as life as
heed unto His Word. it was created to be. In some ways, Scripture is as important to our
lives as food is to our bodies. If we don’t eat food, we die. If one fails to

“
Scripture reveals God’s purpose
and plan
read Scripture, we die spiritually. So, one needs to take and digest
God’s Word daily. Yet, it is comforting to know that the same Holy
Spirit who inspired
Scripture is the
one who illumi-
nates God’s Word
as a lamp for our
daily walk with
Christ.
Dave facilitating a church leaders’ training in Masaka District, Uganda The Lord longs for
us to know Him
2. As a pastor, how was your experience keeping the discipline of personally and to
reading God’s Word? know how to live
Of course I found it hard to have the discipline of reading Scripture. for His glory! So,
dig in and feast on
In this age of instant media access, attention spans are shrinking. As a
God’s Word!
result, reading Scripture requires one to make this discipline a priority.
To teach God’s Word, I have to read it and understand it. I am grateful Dave and his wife, Joyce
for the responsibility of teaching Scripture because it requires a diligent Dave came to know Christ at the age of eight.
spirit in me. I often wonder if I would be as diligent in reading God’s He is sixty seven years old.
Word if I didn’t have to teach it. Since 1974, he has served the Lord as a Camp Director, Youth Pastor, Associate
and Senior Pastor in several Churches in the Unites States.
Honestly, there are times between teaching assignments when I am
He is married to Joyce and they will be celebrating 40 years of marriage in June.
not as faithful in reading Scripture as when I have to teach. So, yes, it is
With Joyce they have one son, Matt.
hard to make this a priority each day.
In June of 2014, Dave concluded serving as Senior Pastor at Bethel Grove Bible
3. What would you recommend as the best way for personal reading Church in Ithaca, New York and developed a ministry focus entitled Partnerships
of the Bible? For Training Pastors (www.partnershipsfortraining.org).
No two people are alike. I always counsel a person to read Scripture The KEY RING is a monthly publication by the Kampala Baptist Church Media Team
when it fits best into the rhythms of their daily life. If one is a morning that seeks to provide an avenue where men and women can share knowledge and
person, use time in the morning to read God’s Word when you are alert understanding of the word of God, experiences and encourage one another as the
older perform the act of ‘paralambano’ to the younger.
and eager to jump into the day. Or, if time at lunch is available, then
Our prayer is that the Lord will speak to you through this publication.

Drop us an email at kbcmediateam@gmail.com | Visit the church website at www.kbcuganda.org