”Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God” (2 Peter 1:20-21).
"It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God” means that the Scripture did not come from the creative work of the prophets’ own invention or interpretation. God inspired the writers, so their message is authentic and reliable. God used the talents, education, and cultural background of each writer (they were not mindless robots); and God cooperated with the writers in such a way to insure that the message he intended was faithfully communicated in the very words.. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16).
The Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths, or merely human ideas about God Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed his person and plan to certain believers, who wrote down his message for his people (2 Peter 1:20-21).
This process is known as inspiration. The writers wrote from their own personal, historical, and cultural contexts. Although they used their own mind, talents, language, and style, they wrote what God wanted them to write.
Scripture is completely trustworthy because God was in control of its writing. Its words are entirely authoritative for our faith and lives. The Bible is “God-breathed.”
”I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands. Don’t hide them from me” (Psalm 119:19.
The psalmist says that he is a “foreigner here on earth,” and so he needed guidance. Almost any long trip requires a map or guide. As we travel through life, the Bible should be our road map, pointing out safe routes, obstacles to avoid, and our final destination. We must recognize ourselves as pilgrims, travelers here on earth who need to study God’s map to learn the way. If we ignore the map, we will wander aimlessly through life and risk missing our real destination.
“It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do” (2 Timothy 3:17).
In our zeal for the truth of Scripture, we must never forget its purpose-to equip us to do good. We should not study God’s Word simply to increase our knowledge or to prepare us to win arguments. We should study the Bible so that we will know how to do Christ’s work in the world. Our knowledge of God’s Word is not useful unless it strengthens our faith and leads us to good works.
”I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of God’s law will remain until its purpose is achieved” (Matthew 5:18).
If Jesus did not come to abolish the law, does that mean all the Old Testament laws still apply to us today? In the Old Testament, there were three categories of law: ceremonial, civil, and moral.
(1) The ceremonial law related specifically to Israel’s worship (see Leviticus 1:2-3, for example). Its primary purpose was to point forward to Jesus Christ; these laws, therefore, were no longer necessary after Jesus’ death and resurrection. While we are no longer bound by ceremonial laws, the principles behind them-to worship and love a holy God-still apply. Jesus was often accused by the Pharisees of violating ceremonial law.
(2) The civil law applied to daily living in Israel (see Deuteronomy 24:10-11, for example). Because modern society and culture are so radically different from that time and setting, all of these guidelines cannot be followed specifically. But the principles behind the commands are timeless and should guide our conduct. Jesus demonstrated these principles by example.
(3) The moral law (such as the Ten Commandments) is the direct command of God, and it requires strict obedience (see Exodus 20:13, for example). The moral law reveals the nature and will of God, and it still applies today. Jesus obeyed the moral law completely. “He isn’t here! He has risen from the dead! Don’t you remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again the third day (Luke 24:6-7)?”
The two angels (appearing as men “clothed in dazzling robes") asked the women why they were looking in a tomb for someone who was alive. Often we run into people who are looking for God among the dead. They study the Bible as a mere historical document and go to church as if going to a memorial service. But Jesus is not among the dead-he lives! He reigns in the hearts of Christians, and he is the head of his church. Do you look for Jesus among the living? Do you expect him to be active in the world and in the church?
“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. But now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he made the universe and everything in it” (Hebrews 1:1-2).
The book of Hebrews describes in detail how Jesus Christ not only fulfills the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, but Jesus Christ is better than everything in the Jewish system of thought. The Jews believed in the Old Testament, but most of them rejected Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. The recipients of this letter seem to have been Jewish Christians. They were well-versed in Scripture, and they had professed faith in Christ. Whether through doubt, persecution, or false teaching, however, they may have been in danger of giving up their Christian faith and returning to Judaism.
God used many approaches to send his messages to people in Old Testament times. He spoke to Isaiah in visions (Isaiah 6), to Jacob in a dream (Genesis 28:10-22), and to Abraham and Moses personally (Genesis 18; Exodus 31:18).
Jewish people familiar with these stories would not have found it hard to believe that God was still revealing his will, but it was astonishing for them to think that God had revealed himself by speaking through his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is the fulfillment and culmination of God’s revelation through the centuries. When we know him, we have all we need to be saved from our sin and to have a perfect relationship with God.
How remarkable that the God of the universe would actually want to communicate with us! We are creatures of a material, physical world to which we relate through our five senses. God is a spiritual being. We in our physical state cannot see him, hear him, or touch him, so how can He communicate with us?
These writings have been collected into this book, called the Holy Bible-holy because it contains the sacred words of Almighty God. In a miraculous way, the Bible speaks to each of us. Its truths apply across generations, across cultures, across all life experience. When it comes to reading the Bible, most of us read just enough to get by. We miss much that God’s Word has to offer. Read God’s Word daily so you can thoroughly understand all God wants you to know. CAN WE #
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16)
“No prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves . . . It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God” (2 Peter 1:20-21). ”Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses”.( 1 Kings 8:56). ” As for God, his way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true (Psalm 18:30).. HOW CAN A
” The word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are” (Hebrews 4:12) ”Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do (2 Timothy 3:16-17) ” The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. ”The Word of God is as contemporary as the heart of God and as relevant as our most urgent need a heartbeat ago” (Isaiah 40:8).
” I have not departed from his commands but have treasured his word in my heart (Job 23:12) ” They are more desirable than gold . . . They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb” (Psalm 19:10)
“Encourage me by your word” (matt. Psalm 119:28).. ”Your principles have been the music of my life (Psalm 119:54)
”You must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today (Deuteronomy 6:60. ” He must always keep this copy of the law with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of this law(Deuteronomy 17:19).
“Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. The Bible is for daily reading and daily meditation. Continually doesn’t mean reading the Bible just when we get around to it (Joshua 1:8).
”Your words are what sustain me. They bring me great joy and are my heart’s delight (Jeremiah 15:16).
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you fre (John 8:32) ”I know his instructions lead to eternal life (John 12:50)
“The people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day by day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really telling the truth. Reading the Bible helps us recognize true and false teaching. ” This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens (Deuteronomy 17:20).
”They are a warning to those who hear them” (Psalm 19:11).
“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rule (Psalm 119:9).
” I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands” (Psalm 119:19). ”Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).
”Your decrees please me; they give me wise advice (Psalm 119:24). ”Wherever you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up in the morning, they will advise you (Proverbs 6:22).
“Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for my only hope is in your laws (Psalm 119:43). ”Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles” (Psalm 119:50).
” I meditate on your age-old laws; O Lord, they comfort me (Psalm 119:52).
Take to heart all the words I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children” (Deuteronomy 32:46). ”I will write down all these things as a testimony of what the Lord will do. I will entrust it to my disciples, who will pass it down to future generations (Isaiah 8:16). As the Word is life changing to us, so we pass it on to others that it might change their lives also.
” The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it (Deuteronomy 30:14). ”They fill their hearts with God’s law, so they will never slip from his path” (Psalm 37:31).
“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11).
” You must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. . . . tie them to your hands as a reminder. . . . write them on the doorposts of your house” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
What you fill your heart and mind with is what you become. Memorizing Scripture helps you meditate on God’s life-changing words at any time.
”Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).
”You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny” (Psalm 73:24).
”These commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you” (Proverbs 6:23).
” If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask him, and he will gladly tell you” (James 1:5).
The Word of God is from the mind and heart of God, and who can deny that the all-wise, all-powerful, ever-present God is the best guide of all?
”Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope. . . .it comforts me in all my troubles. I meditate on your age-old laws; O Lord, they comfort me. Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage” (Psalm 119:49-54).
”Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection” (Proverbs 30:5).
”Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope” ‘and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises” ((Romans 15:4)).
The Bible is filled with God’s promises, which give us comfort and encouragement in this life, as well as the confident assurance that we will one day live forever in peace and security with him.
”Forever, O Lord, your word stands firm in heaven. God’s word never changes” (Psalm 119:89). “even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” (Luke 11:28) BLESSINGS COME FROM APPLYING GOD’S WORD ”All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16).
”I will put my laws in their minds so they will understand them, and I will write them on their hearts so they will obey them” (Hebrews 8:10).
