Lisa Notes: A people of the Book?

A people of the Book?

Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:10

It’s not bad to be known as people of the Book.
But isn’t it better to be known as people of God?

In my younger years, I thought only my religious tribe was a people of the Book. The “walking Bibles.”

I was wrong.

The more exposed I became to other Christians in other churches, I discovered there were many who diligently studied the Bible. Many who quoted scriptures. Many who believed in God’s Word just as much as I did.

While we didn’t always agree on interpretations, we each held the Bible as our standard.

But there was more we had in common.

It was Jesus.

The Bible by itself is a story tale unless it’s backed up by the living, breathing Savior written about in its pages.

As I’ve tried to focus on main things this Lent, I keep returning to this main truth: It’s Jesus.

It’s not church
It’s not perfect doctrine
It’s not even the Bible

Those are good things, important things, but they’re about more...about Jesus. He’s the point. He’s the center. He’s who I want to be identified with.

While I will continue studying my Bible—it teaches me truths about Jesus!—I don’t want my identity to stop there.

I want to be known for who I worship: the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I won’t stop with the written word; I can’t have a relationship with a book.
The written word leads me to the Living Word. He’s the One who can love me. And whom I can love back.

A Being, not a book.
A Savior, not a system.
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
John 5:39-40

* * *

What is your church or denomination most known for?

What about you?

Comments (16)

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journeytoepiphany 45p · 682 weeks ago

We also pride ourselves in knowing the Book. Word based churches. Full Gospel...Isn't funny how we can all use the same book and come up with different things to focus on? I think that's a God thing, don't you? I'm so glad I've gotten to know you better through Painting Prose. I can't wait to see you over at Emily's!
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Lisa notes 103p · 682 weeks ago

Yes, it is funny how we can turn knowing the Word into a pride thing. I guess the Pharisees were a great example of that...

You have been a great hostess! Thanks.
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Messy Marriage · 682 weeks ago

You bring up a good point, Lisa. Jesus is and should be the center and focus of all that we do as believers. You know the old saying, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Christ gives us that ability to care. Thanks for a thought-provoking post, Lisa!

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Lisa notes 103p · 682 weeks ago

A great quote to share here, Beth. Christ gifts us with both capacity and motivation to live out his message.
My recent post A people of the Book?

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kelliwoodford 24p · 682 weeks ago

Love what you said here, Lisa.

I totally identify with your short testimony of wanting to be a "person of the book".
Have murdered with those letters that kill . . . and most of all reaped death, myself.

Just such a sweet focus for coming Resurrection Sunday!!
Thank you.

1 reply · active 682 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 682 weeks ago

So you know where I'm coming from. Glad we have grace to cover the times when we botched things up...

Resurrection Sunday - I love the annual focus and I love the everyday reality of it!
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Dolly@SoulStops · 682 weeks ago

I could relate to your post because I have always attended a church where Bible study was upheld and the preaching was solid exposition. In the past several years, I have been exposed to more contemplative traditions and have found them helpful in deepening my relationship with Him. Happy Easter, early,
Lisa :)
My recent post On why it is hard to get to the heart of the cross

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Lisa notes 103p · 682 weeks ago

Yes, yes. It's nice to get that full range of experience in our relationship with Jesus. Stepping into more contemplative traditions feels like coming home to me.
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beverleyhirst63 50p · 682 weeks ago

It's Jesus - that's what i tell my class of about 30 adults. It's Jesus, have faith in him and His atoning sacrifice and everything else will follow.
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Lisa notes 103p · 682 weeks ago

Amen, Beverley! It's good to hear the good news is being proclaimed across the pond.
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roelliott 38p · 682 weeks ago

Hi neighbor...A Being, not a book.
A Savior, not a system.
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. amen and amen....great post. blessings~
My recent post I Have A Confession.

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Lisa notes 103p · 682 weeks ago

Back at you. I'm still thankful for your words: "The way of the Cross is the way of life…whether it is Holy week…or any week."
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Lori · 682 weeks ago

I can so relate to your thoughts here, Lisa, as I come from the same tribe as you. I've struggled to know how to have a "relationship with God." I didn't grow up even hearing that term. I recognized several years ago that my spirtual relationship was church-based--not focused on God. And now your words, "I can't have a relationship with a book," has taken that realization a step further in my mind and heart. I've grown so weary of the struggle at times and you have really opened a door for me. Yes! It is a Being, not a Book. A Savior, not a System! I write these words with tears in my eyes. I've been so blinded by the System's focus on the Book that I couldn't see the Savior, the Being, that has been there all along for me. No wonder those contemplative practices are like "coming home" as you say. You have articulated exactly what I've been trying to wrap my mind around for years. God has used your post/comment in a mighty way this morning!
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Lisa notes 103p · 682 weeks ago

You're making me cry now too, Lori. Yes, I know you know exactly where I'm coming from. While I'm thankful for our heritage, I'm more thankful to see beyond any heritage straight into the face of Jesus. Such grace.

Thanks, friend, for sharing your thoughts with me. Even though I cried, you made me smile, too.
My recent post It’s a good Friday because HE IS...

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Julie · 682 weeks ago

A wonderful POST Lisa, THANK you...a reminder to me...it is NOT the reading of the BOOK that produces the conversation I so NEED with my Maker...it is MY HEART searching AS I READ, that allows the SPIRIT within me to converse back...convict....encourage...cheer...inform... "Relationship... Spirit to spirit"...this is what I NEED...to thrive. To hang on. The WORD IS alive. ..The difference that occurs when I am just reading....vs. when I am communing, is out of this world...like night and day... You just FEEL it...yes? Thankful in my heart for that reality... HUGS to you LIsa. Thank you for your encouraging blog~ for your inspiring and motivating words to sisters.... I wish a beautiful Easter celebration to you with your family. xoxo
My recent post There IS Hope!...

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Lisa notes 103p · 682 weeks ago

I pray that you have a blessed Easter, too, Julie! I wish all your boys could be with you, but I know you'll make the best of it with the ones who are there. You're a special mom and wife and sister. I'm SO thankful that God had our paths cross in the bloggy world because you have been such an encouragement to me to keep my eyes on JESUS. He's the one, now and always.
Love you!
My recent post It’s a good Friday because HE IS...