Post by tomdurst on Jan 28, 2015 20:17:40 GMT -5
THE PURPOSES OF THE BIBLE
John 20:30-31 New Living Translation (NLT)
30 The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.
There is no question but that the Bible has been terribly abused and misused over the centuries but if its essential purposes are kept in mind we will not be abusing it. John summarizes it well in the verses quoted above (1) that you believe in Jesus; and (2) thus have life by the power of his name (see also John 5:39). The other focal point of the Bible is on practical, godly living (see 2 Timothy 3:15-17). If we focus on Jesus and His salvation, experience His power in our life, and live in harmony with the principles of the Kingdom of God we shall be indeed be a blessing. Water is absolutely vital to sustain life but it can also do tremendous damage and sometimes be lethal if it floods our homes, if we drown in it, or even drink too much. We still depend upon water to sustain physical life in spite of its potential destructive capabilities. Those who really want to know God will find a very present help in the Bible (see Psalm 46:1). Those who want to find fault with the Bible, use it to prove a point of some kind, or misuse it in some other way will always find reasons for so doing. Unless we have clear guidance from the Holy Spirit we will inevitably miss the point. Motivation is the factor which makes all the difference in the world. I have studied the Bible diligently since I began in 1951 and have found in it a Savior Who has met all of my needs all of the time. I couldn’t ask for more. I have often affirmed and will continue to share my faith in the reliability and historicity of the Biblical records. Each of us at some point decides what to believe or disbelieve and in the end it is a leap of faith (see Hebrews 11). Sooner or later we shall indeed reap the results of our choices and there is no escaping that (see Galatians 6:7-8).
“When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message.” ― Oswald Chambers
