Lamps and Lights

The Word is the teacher... and we are the illustration.

This is the mantra of Let's Start Talking, and I love the focus. It really summarizes well the theology of Karl Barth, a German theologian of the 19th century. When people have questions, refer them back to the text. When in doubt, preach the word. Teach people what God says. Help them understand his message. God's word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path, so let the word be the guide.

God's word is powerful, and makes a huge difference in people's lives. It is amazing to watch as people read Scripture and are confronted by its message. Here are just a few examples from the past week:

One reader, who is a devote Catholic, recently told an LST worker, "I think I've had the order of baptism wrong all these years..."

Another read the story of the Prodigal Son and felt ANGRY that the Father would take the younger son back with no punishment, no consequences, simply grace. "The world SHOULDN'T work this way. It isn't fair!" Isn't it great that grace isn't fair?!?!?

Another reader, who calls himself "agnostic," told me the other day that he likes the teachings of Jesus, that he's never really read them for himself before.

It is amazing to see how God is using His word to touch hearts and lives here in Buenos Aires.

Our next post will focus on the idea that we are the illustration. However, I want to ask: How have you seen the power of God's word in your own life or in the lives of others?