“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Ted Cooper was a self-described agnostic. He did not profess a faith in God, nor did he believe that a person could come to know God. Ted was also an avid reader. During lunch breaks at work, he would often take a few moments to read. Ted decided that he would read the Bible; after all, it is the most well-known and widely-sold book in the world. He began reading and in just 90 days, he was finished. He had read the entire Bible cover to cover.
Reading the entire Bible is an accomplishment all by itself, but what happened to Ted Cooper while reading the scriptures was life changing. Ted’s studying of the scriptures led him to belief in God and faith in Christ. Before long, he had become an active member of his local Presbyterian church.
Ted Cooper’s intentional study of the scriptures was a life-altering experience. His study opened new possibilities for faith and belief. It was not long after coming to faith that Ted Cooper wanted to share his experience with others. He developed a daily Bible reading plan and curriculum, The Bible in 90 Days. To date over 200,000 people have used Ted Cooper’s curriculum. It has now become an experience for others that has shaped people’s lives through the word of God.
Today is Reformation Day. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church at Whittenburg. This is widely considered the birth of the protestant movement. One of the many gifts that came to the Church, through the Reformation, was the gift of being able to read the Bible in our own language. Martin Luther and many other Reformers knew the Bible was a powerful tool for leading others to a deeper faith in Christ. The work of the Reformers is still a gift to us today. I am sure they would be amazed at how readily accessible the Bible is for the world in 2022.
Ted Cooper’s life was changed when he read the gift of God’s words found in the Bible. Through those ancient stories, God shined a light and directed Ted to a new path of faith and life. God has given each of us the gift of light for our path. If we are intentional about reading the Bible and growing in our faith, we will also find that our study of the scriptures will lead us to a deeper understanding of God and faith in Christ.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
