November 27, 2009
November 24, 2009
In Short Term
The Bible has two main divisions: the Old and New Testaments. The 39 books of the Old Testament contain 5 books of law, 12 books of history, 5 poetical books and 17 books of prophecy. The 27 books of the New Testament contain 4 gospels (accounts of Jesus' life), 1 book of history, 21 epistles and 1 book of prophecy in that order.
The Old Testament deals with the early history of man from the creation to Abraham, and then focuses on Abraham and his descendants as the people through whom the Messiah would come and bless all nations (Genesis 12:1-3).
The New Testament deals with how the promise of the Messiah is fulfilled in Jesus and reveals that eternal hope exists only in Him.
(Acts 4:12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The Old Testament deals with the early history of man from the creation to Abraham, and then focuses on Abraham and his descendants as the people through whom the Messiah would come and bless all nations (Genesis 12:1-3).
The New Testament deals with how the promise of the Messiah is fulfilled in Jesus and reveals that eternal hope exists only in Him.
(Acts 4:12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
November 21, 2009
THE HISTORY OF THE BIBLE
The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. Many copies of the originals were made and circulated. We have complete manuscripts of the New Testament dating back to about 350 A.D. We have many fragments of the New Testament dating back to about 120 A.D. just 20 years after its last writer, the apostle John, died.
There are also abundant early manuscripts of the Old Testament dating back several centuries before Christ. The most famous of these are the Dead Sea Scrolls. The importance of this is that when we compare our translations with these early works, we find that we have reliable Bibles. We do not have to worry that errors have crept in over the centuries. God has seen to it that His Word has been preserved for us today.
(1 Peter 1:24-25) For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
There are also abundant early manuscripts of the Old Testament dating back several centuries before Christ. The most famous of these are the Dead Sea Scrolls. The importance of this is that when we compare our translations with these early works, we find that we have reliable Bibles. We do not have to worry that errors have crept in over the centuries. God has seen to it that His Word has been preserved for us today.
(1 Peter 1:24-25) For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
November 19, 2009
THE SOURCE OF THE BIBLE
The Bible is a product of God's mind. The writers were instruments through whom God revealed His message.
The word "inspiration" means "inbreathed". God "breathed" the words into the writers. In fact, much of the Bible could never have been written by man alone! There are hundreds of prophecies made generations before they were fulfilled. Not one failed! Examples include that the Messiah would be born in the tiny town of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and a very vivid account of the crucifixion (Psalm 22:6-18). Also, there are the early, somewhat casual statements of natural facts which were yet to be discovered by science. Examples of this include the earth's roundness (Isaiah 40:22), the ever expanding nature of the universe (Genesis 1:8) and that the earth does not rest on any visible base
Concerning the New Testament, Jesus planned for its occurrence. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles. It is easy to trace how Jesus' plan unfolded thus building our confidence in the Bible as God's word.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
The word "inspiration" means "inbreathed". God "breathed" the words into the writers. In fact, much of the Bible could never have been written by man alone! There are hundreds of prophecies made generations before they were fulfilled. Not one failed! Examples include that the Messiah would be born in the tiny town of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and a very vivid account of the crucifixion (Psalm 22:6-18). Also, there are the early, somewhat casual statements of natural facts which were yet to be discovered by science. Examples of this include the earth's roundness (Isaiah 40:22), the ever expanding nature of the universe (Genesis 1:8) and that the earth does not rest on any visible base
Concerning the New Testament, Jesus planned for its occurrence. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles. It is easy to trace how Jesus' plan unfolded thus building our confidence in the Bible as God's word.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
November 17, 2009
WHO SAID WHAT
Sir Isaac Newton: "There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history."
George Washington: "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."
Abraham Lincoln: "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."
Daniel Webster: "If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures."
You are in good company if you respect the Bible. The Bible's greatness, however, does not depend upon what men may say about it, good or bad. It is the greatest of books because of its author and its important message.
George Washington: "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."
Abraham Lincoln: "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."
Daniel Webster: "If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures."
You are in good company if you respect the Bible. The Bible's greatness, however, does not depend upon what men may say about it, good or bad. It is the greatest of books because of its author and its important message.
November 16, 2009
OUR GOD HE IS ALIVE
It is important to know our God. Not just to know about Him but to know Him as God. In this universe and in eternity, when all has been said and done, man cannot fail more seriously than to live out his life estranged from his Creator. On the other hand, there cannot be a brighter success story than that of a man or woman who walks with God.
Our God he Is Alive
1. “There is beyond the azure blue, a God concealed from human sight; He tinted skies with heavenly hue and framed the worlds with his great might.” Brother Dicus begins by taking our minds to a beautiful blue sky, which is specifically described by the word “azure.” But Someone is beyond that sky, although we cannot see Him with our human eyes. The Bible says no one can see God and live (Exo. 33:20; Jud. 13:22; Gen. 32:30; John 1:18; 5:37). He is “the invisible God” (Col. 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:16; 1 John 4:12).
But we know He is there because of the evidence of the universe. God created the earth with an atmosphere that separates the light coming from the sun so that we see the beautiful blue color spread out from horizon to horizon. I don’t fully understand how it all works, but I can surely enjoy the majesty of a clear blue sky (Psa. 19:1).
The Bible teaches that God “created the heaven and the earth” (Gen. 1:1), and “he that built all things is God” (Heb. 3:4). “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Heb. 11:3).
2. “There was, a long, long time ago, a God whose voice the prophets heard. He is the God that we should know, who speaks from His inspired word.” Here we move beyond the creation to God’s dealings with man. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets” (Heb. 1:1). The God of the Bible is the only “living and true God” (1 The. 1:9). “I am God, and there is none else” (Isa. 46:9). It is essential that we know God (2 The. 1:7-8). To know God is to obey His commandments (1 John 2:3-4). God speaks to us today through His written word (1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21; 2 Sam. 23:2).
3. “Secure is life from mortal mind, God holds the germ within his hand. Tho’ men may search, they cannot find, for God alone does understand.” These words declare that the power of life belongs to God exclusively. Man can determine what sort of elements comprise the human body, and even the proper proportions. But if one were to mix those elements in a test tube, the result would an indeterminate mass of goo. No life would come from that mixture. Man will never figure out the secret of life. Cloning is not the answer. They start with a fertilized ovum and simply transfer the nucleus of that cell into another one. It is no more than cellular manipulation. Man will never create life.
4. “Our God, whose Son upon a tree, a life was willing there to give, that He from sin might set man free, and evermore with Him could live.” Here brother Dicus has summarized the Gospel of Jesus Christ in one stanza. The “tree” refers to the cross of Calvary. God gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross, to be the perfect sacrifice for all mankind (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2). Here we see the love, grace and mercy of God in providing our salvation so that His creation could live with Him forever in Heaven. “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15).
Then the chorus: “There is a God, He is alive, in Him we live, and we survive.” Again, this is a bold affirmation given the philosophical climate of our day, when many people believe that “God is dead.” But Christians know better! Paul wrote, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
“From dust our God created man, He is our God, the great I AM.” The chorus closes by reminding us of God’s creative power in making man from the “dust of the ground” (Gen. 2:7). When Moses wanted to know how to refer to God, he was told to say, “I AM hath sent me unto you” (Exo. 3:14). God is self-existent, with no beginning and no end. He always has been and always will be. “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God” (Psalm 90:2).
Our God he Is Alive
1. “There is beyond the azure blue, a God concealed from human sight; He tinted skies with heavenly hue and framed the worlds with his great might.” Brother Dicus begins by taking our minds to a beautiful blue sky, which is specifically described by the word “azure.” But Someone is beyond that sky, although we cannot see Him with our human eyes. The Bible says no one can see God and live (Exo. 33:20; Jud. 13:22; Gen. 32:30; John 1:18; 5:37). He is “the invisible God” (Col. 1:15; 1 Tim. 1:17; 6:16; 1 John 4:12).
But we know He is there because of the evidence of the universe. God created the earth with an atmosphere that separates the light coming from the sun so that we see the beautiful blue color spread out from horizon to horizon. I don’t fully understand how it all works, but I can surely enjoy the majesty of a clear blue sky (Psa. 19:1).
The Bible teaches that God “created the heaven and the earth” (Gen. 1:1), and “he that built all things is God” (Heb. 3:4). “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Heb. 11:3).
2. “There was, a long, long time ago, a God whose voice the prophets heard. He is the God that we should know, who speaks from His inspired word.” Here we move beyond the creation to God’s dealings with man. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets” (Heb. 1:1). The God of the Bible is the only “living and true God” (1 The. 1:9). “I am God, and there is none else” (Isa. 46:9). It is essential that we know God (2 The. 1:7-8). To know God is to obey His commandments (1 John 2:3-4). God speaks to us today through His written word (1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21; 2 Sam. 23:2).
3. “Secure is life from mortal mind, God holds the germ within his hand. Tho’ men may search, they cannot find, for God alone does understand.” These words declare that the power of life belongs to God exclusively. Man can determine what sort of elements comprise the human body, and even the proper proportions. But if one were to mix those elements in a test tube, the result would an indeterminate mass of goo. No life would come from that mixture. Man will never figure out the secret of life. Cloning is not the answer. They start with a fertilized ovum and simply transfer the nucleus of that cell into another one. It is no more than cellular manipulation. Man will never create life.
4. “Our God, whose Son upon a tree, a life was willing there to give, that He from sin might set man free, and evermore with Him could live.” Here brother Dicus has summarized the Gospel of Jesus Christ in one stanza. The “tree” refers to the cross of Calvary. God gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross, to be the perfect sacrifice for all mankind (John 3:16; 1 John 2:2). Here we see the love, grace and mercy of God in providing our salvation so that His creation could live with Him forever in Heaven. “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15).
Then the chorus: “There is a God, He is alive, in Him we live, and we survive.” Again, this is a bold affirmation given the philosophical climate of our day, when many people believe that “God is dead.” But Christians know better! Paul wrote, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
“From dust our God created man, He is our God, the great I AM.” The chorus closes by reminding us of God’s creative power in making man from the “dust of the ground” (Gen. 2:7). When Moses wanted to know how to refer to God, he was told to say, “I AM hath sent me unto you” (Exo. 3:14). God is self-existent, with no beginning and no end. He always has been and always will be. “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God” (Psalm 90:2).
November 14, 2009
God Head
Most are familiar with the concept of three persons in one God. Some refer to this as "the Trinity." But what does the Bible teach?
There is one God. There are not two, three or more. However, we have already noticed the use of the word "Elohim" as one of the names used by God. The interesting thing is that "Elohim" is plural! This certainly helps to explain Genesis 1:26; "And God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.". The one God of the Bible is revealed to be a unity of three Persons. All three are mentioned together several times in the scriptures.
(Matthew 3:13-17) Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
(Matthew 28:18-20) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(2 Corinthians 13:14) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
God, the Father, is separate and distinct from the Son and the Spirit, and yet one with them.
(1 Peter 1:2) Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Jesus, the Son, is referred to in the scripture as God. He also accepted being addressed as God. He was also willing to be worshipped after saying that it was only proper to worship God and no other! (Please compare)
(Matthew 4:10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
(Matthew 28:9) And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
There is one God. There are not two, three or more. However, we have already noticed the use of the word "Elohim" as one of the names used by God. The interesting thing is that "Elohim" is plural! This certainly helps to explain Genesis 1:26; "And God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.". The one God of the Bible is revealed to be a unity of three Persons. All three are mentioned together several times in the scriptures.
(Matthew 3:13-17) Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
(Matthew 28:18-20) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(2 Corinthians 13:14) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
God, the Father, is separate and distinct from the Son and the Spirit, and yet one with them.
(1 Peter 1:2) Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Jesus, the Son, is referred to in the scripture as God. He also accepted being addressed as God. He was also willing to be worshipped after saying that it was only proper to worship God and no other! (Please compare)
(Matthew 4:10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
(Matthew 28:9) And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
November 7, 2009
NAMES OF GOD
There are several names that God uses in identifying Himself. They also tell us something of His nature. We will look at two of these names.
"Jehovah" is the name by which God revealed Himself to Moses from the burning bush. This name continued to be used by God's people throughout history. A shortened form of the name is used in the word "hallelujah" which means "praise to Jehovah". The name "Jehovah" is from the Hebrew language and means "I AM". It shows God's eternal nature; that He has no beginning or end.
(Exodus 3:14) And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
"Elohim" is a name which signifies might and power. It is this Hebrew word that is translated "God" in the very first verse of the Bible.
(Genesis 1:1) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
"Jehovah" is the name by which God revealed Himself to Moses from the burning bush. This name continued to be used by God's people throughout history. A shortened form of the name is used in the word "hallelujah" which means "praise to Jehovah". The name "Jehovah" is from the Hebrew language and means "I AM". It shows God's eternal nature; that He has no beginning or end.
(Exodus 3:14) And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
"Elohim" is a name which signifies might and power. It is this Hebrew word that is translated "God" in the very first verse of the Bible.
(Genesis 1:1) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
November 6, 2009
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD
How does one describe God? Words are inadequate and yet they are all we have. The best approach is to see how God has revealed Himself to us.
Our God is majestic. He is all powerful. His glory surpasses anything else in human experience.
(1 Timothy 6:15-16) Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Our God is wise. He knows His universe down to the smallest detail. He knows the heart. He knows what is best for us.
(Psalms 33:13-15) The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. 14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. 15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
(Romans 11:33-34) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor?
Our God is jealous. This is not to be confused with anything like the petty jealousies of man. It simply means that God demands loyalty from those He loves and redeems.
(Exodus 20:5) Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Our God is love. Our well being is His concern and He has acted in our behalf.
(John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(Hebrews 4:16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Our God is also capable of wrath. He is the righteous judge of a wicked world. His wrath is perfectly dispensed; none will pay an unjust penalty. Also, it must be noted that Divine wrath is what men choose for themselves when they retreat from the light which God has provided.
(2 Thessalonians 1:8) In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
(John 3:18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Our God is majestic. He is all powerful. His glory surpasses anything else in human experience.
(1 Timothy 6:15-16) Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Our God is wise. He knows His universe down to the smallest detail. He knows the heart. He knows what is best for us.
(Psalms 33:13-15) The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. 14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. 15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
(Romans 11:33-34) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor?
Our God is jealous. This is not to be confused with anything like the petty jealousies of man. It simply means that God demands loyalty from those He loves and redeems.
(Exodus 20:5) Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Our God is love. Our well being is His concern and He has acted in our behalf.
(John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(Hebrews 4:16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Our God is also capable of wrath. He is the righteous judge of a wicked world. His wrath is perfectly dispensed; none will pay an unjust penalty. Also, it must be noted that Divine wrath is what men choose for themselves when they retreat from the light which God has provided.
(2 Thessalonians 1:8) In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
(John 3:18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
November 5, 2009
GOD EXISTS
Knowing God is necessary if one is to do more than stumble through life from one ordeal to another. One needs purpose and direction. God gives us reason to live and reachable goals to attain.
Everything has a cause. Science calls this the "law of cause and effect". Nothing in our universe can be the cause of its own existence, therefore we must look beyond this physical realm to find the Ultimate Cause of all things. The universe is like a huge clock that is winding down. The question is WHO "wound up the clock" in the beginning?
(Genesis 1:1) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
(Revelation 4:11) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
When we buy a watch we recognize that there must have been a watchmaker. If we admire a painting we understand that there must have been an artist. Likewise, the universe tells us of its Maker. We see design all around us. The human eye is much more effective than the finest camera and no one would seriously suggest that a camera came into existence by accident instead of by plan. It makes even less sense to deny the existence of the Designer and Creator of the eye!
(Psalms 19:1-2) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.
(Psalms 139:14) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Also, the nature of man tells us much about his origin. Human beings are moral, rational and spiritual creatures. We ponder our existence asking "how" and "why"; and these very questions point us in God's direction! It is foolish to deny His existence.
(Psalms 14:1) The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Everything has a cause. Science calls this the "law of cause and effect". Nothing in our universe can be the cause of its own existence, therefore we must look beyond this physical realm to find the Ultimate Cause of all things. The universe is like a huge clock that is winding down. The question is WHO "wound up the clock" in the beginning?
(Genesis 1:1) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
(Revelation 4:11) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
When we buy a watch we recognize that there must have been a watchmaker. If we admire a painting we understand that there must have been an artist. Likewise, the universe tells us of its Maker. We see design all around us. The human eye is much more effective than the finest camera and no one would seriously suggest that a camera came into existence by accident instead of by plan. It makes even less sense to deny the existence of the Designer and Creator of the eye!
(Psalms 19:1-2) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.
(Psalms 139:14) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Also, the nature of man tells us much about his origin. Human beings are moral, rational and spiritual creatures. We ponder our existence asking "how" and "why"; and these very questions point us in God's direction! It is foolish to deny His existence.
(Psalms 14:1) The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
November 3, 2009
Seeking the Wisdom of God
God's desire is that we seek wisdom and knowledge. "Receive my instruction and not silver. And knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than rubies." Proverbs 8:10
What makes wisdom so important? Wisdom opens the door to honor, righteousness, and whole-life prosperity. "Riches and honor are with me. Enduring riches and righteousness." Proverbs 8:18
When we seek wisdom, we seek the will of God. Its God will that we have blessed lives. "That I may cause those who love me (wisdom) to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasures." Proverbs 8:21
Treasure refers to more than just money and wealth. Whatever is dear to your heart is a treasure." For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21
Perhaps your treasure is your family. When you seek Godly wisdom, you will invite God to inhabit and bless your family life. And to guide you matters and decisions concerning your family life.
Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety or depression. Your treasure, then would be peace of mind. God is a God of peace. "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
God's word is truth and wisdom. When you seek the wisdom of God, you get so much more in return. Solomon prayed for wisdom and God blessed him with wisdom and more wealth than any many could imagine.
What makes wisdom so important? Wisdom opens the door to honor, righteousness, and whole-life prosperity. "Riches and honor are with me. Enduring riches and righteousness." Proverbs 8:18
When we seek wisdom, we seek the will of God. Its God will that we have blessed lives. "That I may cause those who love me (wisdom) to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasures." Proverbs 8:21
Treasure refers to more than just money and wealth. Whatever is dear to your heart is a treasure." For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21
Perhaps your treasure is your family. When you seek Godly wisdom, you will invite God to inhabit and bless your family life. And to guide you matters and decisions concerning your family life.
Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety or depression. Your treasure, then would be peace of mind. God is a God of peace. "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
God's word is truth and wisdom. When you seek the wisdom of God, you get so much more in return. Solomon prayed for wisdom and God blessed him with wisdom and more wealth than any many could imagine.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)