Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5:39 KJV)
"You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! (John 5:39 MSG)
You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, (John 5:39 NIV84)
I love how modern technology enables me to have different Bibles translations literally right at my fingertips! Such a big help as I open myself to the truth of God's Word.
I so see myself in this verse! 'Of course, I am a Christian! I have read the Bible. I know the books of the Bible and I can recite scripture.'. Yep, that was me - so proud of my Biblical knowledge and understanding.
Unfortunately, I was so very, very wrong. Having all that head knowledge about all those Bible stories was never going to get me into heaven. Although reading the Bible is an excellent habit to acquire for continued Christian growth, reading and studying the Bible itself does not save us.
However, the Bible does tell me HOW to find salvation. The bible is truth - testifying to the one true way by which you and I can find eternal life.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Bible Reading - Reason #3
God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. (Hebrews 4:12 MSG)
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)
It would be accurate to say that the Bible, God's word, cuts straight to the heart. God is not concerned so much with how I look or with what others might think of me. God wants to know what fills my heart and mind.
As I begin the journey of reading deeper into God's Word, I am learning just how much I have failed at keeping my heart filled with God. There is still a lot of me in there. I am busy trying to figure out the how and the when. I'm putting too much time and effort into trying to keep God on my schedule.
God has more plans for my life. I am quite sure that He is not finished with me yet. I'm learning that I don't have to figure out how to make God's plans work. God knows how to accomplish His work. I just need to be willing to be used by Him.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)
It would be accurate to say that the Bible, God's word, cuts straight to the heart. God is not concerned so much with how I look or with what others might think of me. God wants to know what fills my heart and mind.
As I begin the journey of reading deeper into God's Word, I am learning just how much I have failed at keeping my heart filled with God. There is still a lot of me in there. I am busy trying to figure out the how and the when. I'm putting too much time and effort into trying to keep God on my schedule.
God has more plans for my life. I am quite sure that He is not finished with me yet. I'm learning that I don't have to figure out how to make God's plans work. God knows how to accomplish His work. I just need to be willing to be used by Him.
Monday, July 25, 2011
John & Jesus
These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it. (John 20:31 MSG)
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31 KJV)
John had lived with Jesus, eaten with Jesus, and walked many dusty roads with Jesus. John had heard Jesus teach. He had seen Jesus perform miracles. Surely there were many long conversations as Jesus walked from town to town with the disciples. John knew that Jesus was the promised one - The Messiah. And he needed to share that information with others.
So he wrote the Gospel of John for us to read today. John shared the good news so that we would know and believe.
We read the Bible today to learn about Christ. As we learn, our faith is deepened and our belief is strengthened. Through belief, we are given the gift of forgiveness and ultimately the gift of eternal life with Jesus.
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31 KJV)
John had lived with Jesus, eaten with Jesus, and walked many dusty roads with Jesus. John had heard Jesus teach. He had seen Jesus perform miracles. Surely there were many long conversations as Jesus walked from town to town with the disciples. John knew that Jesus was the promised one - The Messiah. And he needed to share that information with others.
So he wrote the Gospel of John for us to read today. John shared the good news so that we would know and believe.
We read the Bible today to learn about Christ. As we learn, our faith is deepened and our belief is strengthened. Through belief, we are given the gift of forgiveness and ultimately the gift of eternal life with Jesus.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Why read the Bible - Reason #1
Sharing thoughts from my nightly devotional. And thankful for the YouVersion Bible App and their daily reading plans.
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another-showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. (2 3:16 MSG)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 3:16 KJV)
Why read the Bible? Because it is God's Word! Do you realize how astounding that is? We don't have mere stories or tales about our God. We have God's very own words. Words of creation and change. Words of redemption and hope. God's words are holy, true, and timeless.
The Bible is truth and because of that the Bible points out to us how far we each have fallen. Sin has created a distance between us and God.
The Bible is also a book of hope. For it teaches us how to live Godly lives today and how we can find the gift of eternal life. God does not want to be eternally distance from any of us. He wants to draw us close to Him and the Bible tells us how.
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another-showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. (2 3:16 MSG)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 3:16 KJV)
Why read the Bible? Because it is God's Word! Do you realize how astounding that is? We don't have mere stories or tales about our God. We have God's very own words. Words of creation and change. Words of redemption and hope. God's words are holy, true, and timeless.
The Bible is truth and because of that the Bible points out to us how far we each have fallen. Sin has created a distance between us and God.
The Bible is also a book of hope. For it teaches us how to live Godly lives today and how we can find the gift of eternal life. God does not want to be eternally distance from any of us. He wants to draw us close to Him and the Bible tells us how.
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