II Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Job 23:12 “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.”
I recently had the opportunity to spend a Sunday morning worshiping in a church in Seoul, South Korea. The church was run by an American missionary, but was unique in one important way – it was fully bilingual. The entire service was performed in both Korean and English. The preaching and announcements were fully translated. The singing included verses in both English and Korean. It was a blessing to worship with the English speakers in the English language and the Korean speakers in the Korean language. Each derived great blessing and encouragement by being part of a service that they could understand, and to see others blessed and encouraged by being part of a service that they could understand.
John Wycliffe, the 14thCentury English theologian, stated the following: “Englishmen learn Christ’s law best in English. Moses heard God’s law in his own tongue; so did Christ’s apostles.” He recognized the importance of every single person having the opportunity to own God’s word, read God’s word, and study God’s word – in his own language. In that way, it was most accessible to all! Such accessibility had not been the norm throughout our history and around the world.
PLEASE PRAY THAT WE WOULD VALUE GOD’S WORD APPROPRIATELY IN OUR LAND. After all, it should be esteemed more than our necessary food. It furnishes us for all good works, and it is profitable!
