One of my favorite times in preparing each issue of Interpreter comes when we email the “WAYS Question.” (The “WAYS Question” is our shorthand for the question we send to several thousand of you that generates the responses we use for “We Asked...,” “You Said ....”) As staff, we’ve learned not to email that question on a day we have other deadlines looming. We know you will respond, some of you very quickly ... and we want to read what you have to say.
This issue’s question – What Scripture guides your life and why? – generated the second-largest and the most diverse response we’ve had (read many more responses at Interpreter OnLine). Many of you named passages that challenge you; others cited sources of comfort or assurance. Some spoke to you first in a particular situation, but you still hold them close; some are new guides.
Your responses provided the perfect opening for our package of stories on the Bible. You’ll read about A Divine Love Story that some of our ancestors were inspired to write that we might know God, that we might be guided to live lives that reflect the Love that created us, redeemed us and from which we cannot be separated.
We start with some Bible “basics,” including a look at how the Gospel writers approached the stories of Jesus and move on to what The United Methodist Church says about the Bible – and how several United Methodists understand that. You will find ideas for meditating on Scripture, for using the Bible with children and more.
Lent will be more than half gone when you read this, but there’s still time to use this season – or the coming season of Easter – to draw nearer to God. Maybe you will choose to take a new look at your Bible, to read some “new” Scripture, to immerse yourself in the old and ever new story of One who loves you with “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.”
A Divine Love Story
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Comparing Versions of The Bible Popular with United Methodists
The Bible: From Age to Age the Same?
The Word of God
Radical Trust and Holy Love: Embodied Encounters with Scripture
Children Receive First Bibles ... and Lifelong Lessons
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National Bible Quiz Winner Plans to Keep Studying
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Features
Sharing Seder Meals
Interfaith celebrations can illustrate parallels between rituals.
‘An example of Christ’s love’
Ex-offender turned prison minister finds grace, liberation in helping others heal.
Forgiveness: A journey filled with choices
Deciding whether to forgive and whether to seek reconciliation can be complex.
Imagine No Malaria proves it is about more than a mosquito
As important as the cash and pledges received are the ways this initiative of The United Methodist Church is fighting malaria and changing lives
Women church planters reach new disciples
Women’s long history as new church planters continues today.
UMCOR celebrates 75 years of compassionate response
United Methodists continue a rich legacy of relieving “human suffering without distinction of race, color or creed.”
UMCOR is...
Current and former leaders of UMCOR share their perspectives on The United Methodist Church's humanitarian agency.
Native American offering enriches heritage, outreach
Financial aid allows families to celebrate heritage.
Departments
First Thoughts
The Rev. Larry Hollon tells how the Bible provided a way through his worst nightmare.
Reflections
Letters from Interpreter readers
It Worked for Us
Musical brings hope; new twist on shaving and fundraising; graduates celebrate heritage, achievements; outreach ministry creates opportunities
IdeaMart
“The Committee” premieres; worship leaders to gather in Indy; tips for planning community gardens and mission trips
‘We asked ...,’ ‘You said ....’
What Scripture guides your life and why?
Technology
Smartphones can aid as much as distract from worship.
I Am United Methodist
Joan Holms hopes United Methodists will remain one in the midst of disagreements.
To Be United Methodist
“Why do we wash one another’s feet on Maundy Thursday?”
Send Letters to the Editor to knoble@umcom.org or to Interpreter Editor, P. O. Box 320, Nashville, TN 37202-0320.