Tuesday, June 23, 2009

TITLE: THE BASICS – THE BIBLE: PART 1


INTRODUCTION

How many Bibles are in your home? Why would you swear on a Bible in court? Why do the Gideons place Bibles in hotel rooms and other public places?

I could go on with many more questions. But the main question I have for you is, “What does the Bible mean to you?”

For the next couple of devotionals, I will focus on a few of the fundamental aspects of what Christians believe about the Bible.


SCRIPTURE

Focus Verse: Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.

Additional Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Mark 13:31, Hebrews 13:8


DISCUSSION

Simply stated, Christians believe that the Bible is the Word of God. It was written by men as they were moved (inspired) by the Holy Spirit. The Bible reveals to us what God wants us to know (“the thoughts of His heart to all generations”). As the Word of God, we believe the Bible contains no mistakes or contradictions. We also believe the Bible has been preserved by God and the meaning and intent of God’s word does not change over time.

The Bible was written over the course of about 1600 years (from approximately 1500 BC to AD 100) by more than 40 kings, prophets, leaders and followers of Jesus Christ. In summary, the Old Testament tells the story of the creation of the universe, the creation of a nation (the Jews) through which the world will be blessed and prophesy of the coming Messiah – the Son of God. The New Testament tells the story of Jesus Christ (the Messiah – God in flesh, who came to earth by a virgin birth to die for the sins of the world), the spread of the Christian Church and prophesy about the rapture of the church, the final judgment of God, the punishment of Satan and his demons along with those that have not accepted Christ as their Savior, and creation of a new heaven and earth where Christians will live for eternity praising God.

You may hear the Bible referred to as the Living Word of God. This is because as a Christian, you have a loving relationship with God and He will speak to you through His Word as you study and draw closer to Him. Also, as you grow in your faith and Christian maturity, you will continue to learn more and see the deeper meaning of scripture as the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of God’s Word to you.


PRAYER

Father in Heaven, You are worthy of so much more praise than I am able to give. But I lift my praise to You in song and in spirit and pray that it is pleasing to You. I thank You for Your Word. I pray Father that as I read Your Word daily You will sanctify me, that I will submit fully to your sovereignty and that I allow Your Holy Spirit to create in me a clean heart. Please speak to someone through this devotional and bring them closer to You. Thank You for all the precious gifts and blessings You provide in my life. Amen.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

TITLE: HOW CAN I SAY THANKS


INTRODUCTION

The God of the universe came to earth as a man and dwelt among us. He lived a sinless life and was humiliated, tortured and crucified by the ones He came to save. As He hung on the cross, He took on all the sins of the world (past, present and future) to redeem those of us who will accept and profess Him as our Lord and Savior.

How can we possibly show adequate appreciation for what Jesus Christ has done for us? We can’t. But we can show him how much we love Him and appreciate His sacrifice. Christ told us that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. He told us that loving God with all your heart, mind and soul is the greatest commandment. And he also told us that loving your neighbor as yourself was the second greatest commandment. We can praise His holy name now and look forward to praising Him in Heaven for all eternity.


SCRIPTURE

Focus Verse: John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Additional Verses: Matthew 22:37-40, Matthew 16:24-25, Ephesians 2:8-9, Matthew 17:20


DISCUSSION

How can I say thanks,
For all You’ve done for me;
When Your mercy, grace and love,
Mean so much more than I can see.

How can I say thanks,
For I was lost in sin;
But by Your grace You saved me,
A brand new life I did begin.

How can I say thanks,
For living in my heart;
Your Holy Spirit guides me,
I know we’ll never be apart.

How can I say thanks,
Your death has brought me life;
I’ll praise Your name forever,
No more to deal with fear and strife.

How can I say thanks,
There’s nothing I can do;
But die to myself daily,
Take up my cross and follow You.

How can I say thanks,
You meet my every need;
By faith I can move mountains,
Faith as a grain of mustard seed.

How can I say thanks,
Your will is never wrong;
Your grace is all sufficient,
When I am weak then am I strong.

How can I say thanks,
By keeping Your commands;
Love God with heart, soul and mind.
And neighbors as Your law demands.

How can I say thanks,
You change me everyday;
To make me more like Yourself,
Please sanctify me this I pray.

How can I say thanks,
In Heaven praising You;
Sing glory, praise and honor,
There’s nothing else I’d rather do.


PRAYER

Heavenly Father, may the way I live my life show my love for You and my appreciation for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins. May your Holy Spirit guide and teach me. May I deny myself and allow Your strength to be made perfect in my weakness. Help me Father, to love You with all that I am and to love others as You have loved me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.