Gerald Paden and the Jehovah's witnesses

Gerald would kill me if he read the title! But the reality is a compliment, because they are total opposites. Let me explain:

When we first arrived here in Leon, we meet some Jehovah's witnesses who asked to study with us and then invited us to one of their Saturday group meetings. Of course we were excited to study with them, innocently thinking we would be studying the Bible. Two things you need to know (or perhaps already know) about the "J Ws": #1. They don't study the Bible, rather they study ABOUT the Bible. Through there own literature, they read ABOUT books of the Bible, etc...rather than just reading the Bible. #2. Their Bible is not the Bible. They have the "JWIV" (that's Jehovah's Witness Inspired Version) which is a far cry from anything I have ever read in English, Spanish or the little Greek I know.

On the other hand, I remember studying in SIBI and hearing of Gerald's reading habits. The story goes that while in Italy, Gerald would read the ENTIRE NEW TESTAMENT every WEEK!!! That's some serious "hooked on phonics" reading people! He said it helped prepare him for studies, because he would often deal with issues such as original sin, the virgin Mary, sprinkling, etc.

Why do I bring this up?! Well, I was thinking about the fact that some times we get caught up in the latest greatest religious books of the day (and there a lot of great ones out there to be sure) and forget to spend some good time in THE WORD. Some times, I like the JW's, get to reading ABOUT the Word, instead of READING the Word. Dive back into the Apostles' teaching, Paul's instructions to the churches, James' wise simplicity and of course "the Red Letters" of Jesus' words. The church of today and tomorrow will only be strong if we follow HIS instructions, rather than the latest book about how to be, think, smell, or feel spiritual.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,reviving the soul.The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right,giving joy to the heart.The commands of the LORD are radiant,giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure,enduring forever.The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold,than much pure gold;they are sweeter than honey,than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned;in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:7-11