Marie’s daily verse: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you,I will uphold you with My righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

DAILY DEVOTION, May 31, 2024

Our church is Christ-centered and Bible-based. We are firmly rooted in the two “3:16’s. “The first is from Paul’s letter to Timothy: “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).

While many today question the inspiration and authority of the Bible, this is one of many verses affirming the divine authority of Scripture. The word “inspiration” is a unique Greek word meaning “God-breathed.” God breathed into the authors of Scripture, and they wrote the Word of God. The result is a book reflecting the mind and will of God infallibly. Others have pointed out the parallels between 2 Tim. 3:16 and John 3:16. The two verses have more in common than the same address. Note these parallels.

Both refer to “the Word.” Jesus is the living Word who became flesh and lived among us, and the Bible is the written Word pointing us to Jesus. Jesus is fully human and fully divine. The Bible has human authors but is the sacred truth of God. Jesus was without sin. The Bible is without error. Jesus came to save us. The Scriptures tell us how to appropriate His salvation. These two “3:16s” have much in common. We need Jesus to be our Savior. We require the Bible to tell us that salvation is by faith in Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:15 tells us that the Scriptures can make us wise unto salvation. Why? Because they lead us to place our faith in Jesus. God has given us two beautiful gifts to lead us to eternal life. Jesus came to save us. The Bible is the only book that directs us infallibly to Jesus. If you wish to grow in faith, read and study the Bible. If you want to be a Christian dwarf, let the Bible remain unopened on the coffee table!

Yes, some churches have drifted to the left theologically. I aim not to criticize other churches with different views of Jesus and the Bible but to clarify where we stand as a church.

Father, we thank you for the written word, the Bible, and the living Word, Jesus. May our little church be ever faithful to the 3:16’s of the Bible! In Jesus’ name, Amen.