Category: Scripture
Subject: Scripture
Daily Bible Reading
“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” (Psalms 119:9).
Our encouragements to read and study God’s word are constant. That is because they are important. It only takes a few minutes to consider why:
- God is in control.
- God requires us to do His will in order to please Him.
- His will is wholly contained in scripture which is readily available to all, and we are encouraged to use it!
It is like being able to take an open book test in school. Even the smart kids are going to take advantage of the open book. However, religiously many feel free to guess, to assume, to opine, to invent—all when God’s word is easily opened, and God’s will is easily found.
So, consider these truths while thinking about whether you are interested in reading the Bible through in this next year. It only take a few moments a day. It shouldn’t be the sum total of your Bible study in the new year, but it is a good place to start.
The Help of God’s Holy Word
Paul told Timothy, “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
This passage succinctly establishes the purpose and holiness of the Old Testament scriptures. Timothy was half Jewish (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5), and had been taught by his grandmother and mother from the Old Testament scriptures. These verses paved the way for the coming of the Christ. They prophesied His coming, described His kingdom, and established what constitutes righteousness before the Father. They were able to make Timothy “wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
The Old and New Testaments are both God’s word, coming through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Together they make the whole of God’s revelation to man. While we are under the authority of the new covenant, we must learn and familiarize ourselves with the entirety of the Bible.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
All Scripture
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
This is, of course, a passage that is close to the heart of every Christian. It shows how God determined to reveal His will to men, through scripture. God’s Mosaic covenant was to be followed by the Jews. It supplied them everything needed to be prepared for the coming of Jesus (cf. Galatians 3:24-25).
In these last days God has spoken to us “by His Son” (Hebrews 1:2). The words of Jesus, spoken by Him while He was on earth, and given to the disciples (John 16:13) by the Holy Spirit when He departed, constitutes the “faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3); the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25); and “that which is perfect” (1 Corinthians 13:10).
This is clearly affirmed in Hebrews 2:1-4, and makes the words of Peter true when he stated, “no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21).
God’s word is how we know His will. We are so thankful for his omniscience and mercy.
Expectations VS Reality
Luke 3 reveals that the Jewish people, because the reasoned in their hearts rather than appealing to God’s word, had mistaken expectations both about John the Baptist, and the Messiah Himself. Such problems remain for religious people today.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Sermon: Teach Me, O Lord (Psalm 25)
The Psalmist asked God to “show me Your ways”, “teach me Your paths”, “lead me in Your truth.” Jesus has done all of these things for us!
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
The Patternists: What Nature Teaches Us
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Psalm 19:1-4).
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead…” (Romans 1:20).
These two passages, and others like them reveal that the physical universe testifies of both the existence of God, and of certain attributes He possesses. Consider the truths we can discern from them.
Sermon: The Gospel is Sufficient
Speaker: Ian Tilley
A fundamental truth found in the inspired word is that the gospel is sufficient to bring instruction and salvation to mankind.
Pieces of Armor
Paul wrote in Ephesians 6, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (10-13).
What is the armor of God? Well, it certainly is not any type of physical armor. While Paul uses the metaphor, mentioning shields, swords and helmets, he is of course not talking about physical pieces of a literal suit of armor. This is because of the nature of the conflict waged between the child of God and the forces of evil we fight. We must stand against the wiles (devious or cunning stratagems employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants) of the devil. A literal shield or sword is of no use in such a conflict.
Sermon: The Burning Bush
In Exodus 3, Jehovah spoke to Moses from the midst of a bush that burned, but was not consumed. A number of important lessons can be learned from that occasion.
That Which is Perfect
The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians serves as a parenthetical discussion of the importance of love, within the greater context of spiritual gifts. In the twelfth chapter, Paul admonished the Corinthians not to turn their use of spiritual gifts into a contest. The gifts all emanate from the Holy Spirit, and He gives the gifts “to each one individually as He wills.” (11). Since this is so, no man should be seeking to elevate himself above another based upon the gift the Holy Spirit has given him. Nor should any Christian perceive his own gift to be insignificant or unneeded.
Paul ends the chapter with these questions, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way” (29-31).
So, what is that better way? It is the way of love. Tongues and prophecy without love do no good (cf. 13:1-2). Even charity or self-sacrifice, if love is not present will be of no profit (cf. 13:3).
Sermon: I Have Set the Lord Always Before Me
The Psalmist depended upon God as should we. However, sometimes we struggle in this matter. However, attention to nature, God’s word and prayer will help us to do the same.
Sermon: God’s Mirror
The word of God is His mirror for us to gaze into, and see what manner of Christian we are. We must know how we look to God that we might approve our appearance, and make whatever changes are necessary to please Him.
Sermon: God’s Word is Excellent!
The text of Psalm 119 is devoted to expressing to man the blessings which come from God’s excellent word. It guards and directs us, brings us comfort and wisdom, and ultimately brings salvation to mankind.
Sermon: Those Noble Bereans
The Bereans were noble because they kept OPEN minds, OPEN Bibles and OPEN Schedules. We need to emulate them.
