But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.
2nd Timothy 3:14-17
What is your belief about the Holy Bible?
For hundreds of years and still today there is debate about the authenticity of the scriptures. Even among theologians, discussion rages as to the way we should interpret what we have. Are these just nice stories or should we take the Bible literally as God’s Word?
Scripture says about itself that God is the source. It is God-breathed! Scripture also says about itself that we should not doubt it but rather believe its truths. You can participate with all the debaters and doubters if you like. You can study with all the scientist and archeologist (who have only been able to confirm what scripture says is true … who have nothing to disprove any of scripture). Or you can accept and believe by faith.
It is the Bible that gives “you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.”
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
DRESS UP FOR ETERNITY
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires. Don’t be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry. God’s terrible anger will come upon those who do such things. You used to do them when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds. In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you.
Colossians 3:5-10
I grew up in a life style that required that we dress a certain way to go to church. In my closet hung clothes that were labeled ‘Sunday-go-to-meeting’. That meant they were only worn to church events and a few other very important occasions. The religious significance of this was based on coming into God’s presence … into God’s house … in only your very best. Anything less was considered flippant and disrespectful.
1st Samuel 16:7 gives us some incite on God’s thoughts on this idea. “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions.”
God is more interested that “…you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature…”
By no means do I want to disrespect the teachings and traditions of parents and grandparents or be flippant or disrespectful of God. There is nothing wrong with ‘dressing up’ to go to church. I just think it is most important to God that we ‘dress up’ for eternity by putting off the “old evil nature” and putting on the “brand-new nature” we get through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:5-10
I grew up in a life style that required that we dress a certain way to go to church. In my closet hung clothes that were labeled ‘Sunday-go-to-meeting’. That meant they were only worn to church events and a few other very important occasions. The religious significance of this was based on coming into God’s presence … into God’s house … in only your very best. Anything less was considered flippant and disrespectful.
1st Samuel 16:7 gives us some incite on God’s thoughts on this idea. “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions.”
God is more interested that “…you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature…”
By no means do I want to disrespect the teachings and traditions of parents and grandparents or be flippant or disrespectful of God. There is nothing wrong with ‘dressing up’ to go to church. I just think it is most important to God that we ‘dress up’ for eternity by putting off the “old evil nature” and putting on the “brand-new nature” we get through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Monday, January 02, 2006
FRESH START
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:9-15
Is there someone from your past or maybe even your present that you are holding in unforgiveness?
Pray about it. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your mind anyone who you need to forgive. You just might be surprised by who pops into your mind.
“I thought I had forgotten all about him.”
“That situation is long past. It is not an issue in my life any more.”
The truth is you may have never worked through the forgiveness process, no matter how old the circumstance. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to those you need to forgive, whether they are aware of it or not. This would be a wonderful fresh start for the New Year. Experience God’s refreshing peace as you release the burden of unforgiveness.
Matthew 6:9-15
Is there someone from your past or maybe even your present that you are holding in unforgiveness?
Pray about it. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your mind anyone who you need to forgive. You just might be surprised by who pops into your mind.
“I thought I had forgotten all about him.”
“That situation is long past. It is not an issue in my life any more.”
The truth is you may have never worked through the forgiveness process, no matter how old the circumstance. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to those you need to forgive, whether they are aware of it or not. This would be a wonderful fresh start for the New Year. Experience God’s refreshing peace as you release the burden of unforgiveness.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
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