Loving His Word and Obeying It

2 Tim 3:15-16a
and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed.

1. Meaning

What is the meaning of “back to the Bible?” Our name is University Bible Fellowship. The answer for all kinds of life problems - salvation, truth, life, true way of life, eternal life and world mission - are in the Bible, the word of God. Related to this motto, it has been known that late Samuel Lee loved the word of God, studied it in depth and delivered life-giving message. Our organization grew with the foundation on the word of God.

It has been 8 years since I came to plant a church in Uruguay. I recollect that studying the word of God in depth was closely related to the growth of ministry. At the beginning I trained myself with a conviction that the word of God came to me by kneeling down before it. As time passed I took easier path by picking several main points, consulting other manuscripts and even copying and pasting. It bothered my conscience, but I ignored it. After delivering message I myself forgot about it. The word of God did not prevail among congregation. People came and left.

Nowadays I hold on to the verse “All Scripture is God-breathed” and prepare message praying that the Holy Spirit may reveal its meaning. I am encouraged when I secretly observe my wife receiving grace through my Sunday message. One of the sheep grew as a shepherd. He grows in loving God’s words and faith through Bible study, writing reflection, delivering a message once a month and memorizing passage.

I attended the seminary for three years. I learned many things including the entire Bible. I could experience the spiritual atmosphere of Uruguay and the condition of her churches, and enjoyed fellowship with many Christian leaders. Nonetheless I was proud of UBF in that she studies the Bible in depth.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Heb. 4:12). If the word of God had not moved this sinner, I could have taken the path of self-destruction, drinking a lot and cursing world. After studying the Bible for a while John 14:6 touched my heart. While I wandered during college life, I kept the word of Confucius: If I find the truth in the morning I am happy to die in the evening. After 10 years I found the absolute truth and way in Jesus. I had never imagined myself being a missionary to Uruguay unknown to me. But the Holy Spirit led me here by the grace of God. The word of God is living and his power changed my life.

When the late Samuel Lee faced factions and crisis, he advised us to go back to the Bible. Afterwards he went to heaven. The will of Moses was to keep the law of God (Det. 32:46). He left his will to his people through the hymn that the future of Israel depended on their obedience to the word of God (Det. 32). The will of Joshua to his people was also the fear of God and the obedience to his word (Joshua 24). The will of David to his son Solomon was also to obey his command and follow his path (1 Kings 2:3). The will that the risen Jesus gave to his disciples was world mission (Acts. 1:8, Matt. 28:18-20). Therefore it is absolute to obey God’s word.

2. What is our reality?

The world changes itself by advancing science and technology and innovating information technology. Due to the rapid torrent of such change, the situation surrounding the gospel ministry also changes. I am aware that many of our members suggest that we need change. How does the Bible define our generation? The Bible describes it as the generation of suffering, last days, ends of the world and approaching the second coming of Jesus.

Uruguay where I live is spiritually barren. Protestants are below 5 % of the national population. The government decided to grow marihuana, make more products and sell them at lower price. This is the second country after Cuba that has adopted abortion in the Central and South America. The government prohibits evangelization in the public place including universities, citing human right. The country has many beautiful types of scenery including sea shores. On the other hand, she ranks the highest in suicide rate together with Cuba in the Central and South America. In the last days God has sent us here to pray, make this nation a kingdom of priests and holy nation, and raise 12 disciples of Jesus.

Above all, the word of God enables me to anchor my hope in Jesus and God’s kingdom, endure hardship by faith and vision, and obey Jesus’ world mission command. Going back to the Bible is my first priority and goal.

Our UBF community faces changes. I hear that Korean UBF established the denomination called Growth and anointed some staff as a pastor. We actively participate in KIMNET. In my generation, we called those who went to local community church "runaway sheep." We considered ourselves superior to local churches. We have been changed. We acknowledge ourselves as part of the world church where Jesus is the head. We make effort to work together with other churches.

We face all kinds of changes, being small or large. Many missionary organizations that were greatly used by God disappeared after its first generation.

Back to the Bible – When we continue to struggle to love God’s words and obey his word, we can continue to grow despite the difficulties and changes around us. The word of God may touch our hearts and enable us to stand firm and grow so that we keep pioneering new campuses around the world until Jesus comes, small chapters experience revival, and we become useful to God.