Thursday, January 26, 2006

The Word of God Part VII

“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11  

There are many incidents and events recorded in the Bible.  These are historical accounts that are written for our admonition and to illustrate how man reacts in various situations as well as God’s attitude toward man’s behavior.  When we read of stories such as Saul’s conferring with a witch, David’s sin with Bathsheba, Samson’s laying with a harlot, and other accounts such as these, we must realize that these are only recorded to show the consequences of sin and the actions are not always condoned by God.  Read the Bible as fact and take the whole word of God as truth so you can fully understand why an event is recorded.  That’s why Paul told Timothy that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16  Read the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelations in order.  You can do it in a year by only reading three or four chapters a day.  There are treasures in that book that you will find that can be found no where else.  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46

Monday, January 23, 2006

The Word of God Part VI

PERSONAL NOTE: It’s been a couple of weeks since the last post due to my having some of my family here for some time as well as making a trip to the border last week.  

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” Psalms 119:160  

It has been said by many throughout the ages that the miracles recorded in the bible, such as the departure of the Red Sea, never happened.  It’s very simple.  If you don’t believe that God parted the Red Sea, sent manna to the children of Israel, sent the plagues in Egypt, and performed many other miracles recorded in his Word, then you can’t believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again.  You either take it all or none.  That includes the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, the nine gifts of the spirit, and holiness.  God’s Word is real and true and man may doubt it but we will be judged by this Book called the Bible.  The more men try to disprove the Bible, the more they have found it to be correct.  Even when giving historical accounts, it matches history and the recorded miracles in the Old and New Testament are real.  Don’t let some one who may have a degree from the local seminary, beter known as “cemetery” talk you out of it.  

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  1 Corinthians 2:14    The preceding scripture gives the reason why many have so much trouble understanding and believing the Bible.  In order to read it and receive from it you must have the Holy Spirit to guide you and that can only be obtained by first excepting Christ as Savior and then continuing to walk and live for him.  …for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:6

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

The Word of God Part IV

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”  Hebrews 13:8  
It has been said many times, “The Bible is not relevant for today as it is only a history book dealing with the Jews in ancient times.”   However, the Bible is as real today as when it was written.  Many prophesies have been fulfilled but many have to be fulfilled thus making it a book of the past, present, and future.  It is a most interesting book.  I challenge you to read it through.  There are stories of heroism, battle, romance, and interesting historical accounts.  There are also practical suggestions as to how one should live and conduct a business, treat his fellow man, as well as what to expect in the future.  This is not a book of the past, but a book that lives on and on.  

There is comfort when reading the Psalms, advice when reading Proverbs, good practical teaching when reading the gospels, and most of all, it shows us the way to eternal life through Jesus Christ.  If you want to know the future, look at the prophesies as it is written, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:20-21  You may say you don’t understand everything in the Bible.  Welcome to the club.  I don’t think the greatest Bible scholar ever understood everything written.  That’s what is so wonderful about the Word of God.  You can read it over and over again and it comes to life, bringing a deeper message each time.  This book is alive and will continue to live!  Read it daily.