For Christians, the bibleprovides access to their faith’s underlying principles. The revelation is not contained in the Bible itself but rather in the teachings of Christ. It testifies to the truth of Jesus, who is the revelation.
Why does understanding the Bible matter?
Spiritually, the Bible reveals truth that is important for our daily lives. So understanding the Bible matters. For example, Psalm 1:2-3 teaches that the person who meditates on God’s Word day and night is blessed.
Why is the Bible important to Christians?
The Bible is more than just a book of stories or teachings – it is actually the authoritative Word of God. As Christians, we believe that the Bible is inspired by God and that its contents are true. We can rely on it as our guide for living a life that pleases God.
Is it judgmental to repeat what the Bible says about sin?
It isn’t being judgmental to simply repeat what the Bible says is Christian activity and what isn’t. Sin is defined by God in His Word. We are meant to read God’s Word and understand it. Furthermore, no Christian should ever want to identify personally with a sin for which Christ died.
What motivates Christians to engage people?
One motivation that compels Christians to engage with people is that the truths of Christianity are public and universal, not private and parochial. The historical record of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection exists because it’s true, not because it’s a propped up religious myth. This fact has to bear on every life, acknowledged or not.
What is the Holy Spirit’s inspiration?
The guidance of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised to his disciples in preserving his teachings , we call inspiration. Inspiration functions to communicate with accuracy and sufficiency the authoritative words delivered by the Lord and his representatives. Apostolic writers spoke of the inspiration of the spoken word of the prophets and of the written word of Scripture (“the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms,” Luke 24:44) that they had received. We know those Scriptures as the Old Testament.
What is the message of the Great Salvation?
The message of the great salvation was at first delivered orally (“spoken by the Lord and was confirmed by those who heard him,” Heb. 2:3; NKJV). Then those who were the eye and ear witnesses and those associated with them committed it to writing (Luke 1:1-4).
Who is the source of authority?
God is the source of authority. He is the Creator of all. As he spoke the worlds into existence (Heb. 11:3; Gen. 1), so he speaks in revelation. His Word is the standard of truth and is authoritative. At one time, he spoke through the prophets who recorded the Old Testament, but now he speaks to human beings through his Son.
What does the Bible say about spirituality?
Spiritually, the Bible reveals truth that is important for our daily lives. So understanding the Bible matters. For example, Psalm 1:2-3 teaches that the person who meditates on God’s Word day and night is blessed.
Why do we understand the Bible?
Still another reason to understand the Bible is because of its power to bring us to maturity. Second Timothy 3:16-17 reveals, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.".
What are the benefits of understanding the Bible?
Another benefit of understanding the Bible is that it increases our wisdom. Psalm 19:7 notes, "the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.". Deuteronomy 4:6 adds, "Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples.".
What is the most published book in the history of the world?
Its words are powerful ( Hebrews 4:12 ). The Bible is the most published book in the history of the world. It has been translated into more languages than any book in the world. Its teachings have changed more nations and lives than any other literary work in history.
Why is it important to understand the Bible?
Another reason understanding the Bible is important is because its words are eternal. Isaiah 40:8 teaches, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.". Jesus taught in Matthew 5:18, "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law …
Climate emergency?
The world is reeling from months of extreme weather events. Wildfires of an unprecedented scale have swept across Greece, Turkey and California. China has experienced its worst flooding in over a thousand years. Europe has also seen devastating floods, and North America has been scorched by a record-breaking heatwave.
A beautiful yet broken world
First, the Bible tells us that creation was made through Jesus and for Jesus (Colossians 1:16). That’s a stunning declaration of our planet’s worth. The Son of God loves this beautiful world that exists in him, and we are called to care for it.
An issue of justice
Second, in my work with Tearfund I see all too clearly the devastating impact of climate breakdown on people in poverty. As global temperatures rise, rains are becoming less reliable and droughts, floods and storms are becoming more frequent and extreme.
What can we do?
If we want to see an end to extreme poverty, we have to tackle the climate crisis. As followers of Jesus, it’s part of how we must work out our faith today. But what can we do?
Why do Christians oppose racism?
As Christians, we must intentionally oppose racism because God through Christ both empowers us and commands us to walk in love with the power of the Spirit. One way Christians walk in the Spirit is when we love our neighbors as ourselves (Gal. 5:13–14).
What does the Bible say about black people?
1:26–27), and our country has a history of dehumanizing black people. The words “black lives matter” affirm a scriptural truth about black people. God created humans in his image.
What does Genesis 1:26-27 mean?
As a black Christian pastor of Asian, black, brown, and white people, I thank God that Genesis 1:26–27 clearly states God created all humans in his image and bestows upon us God-given dignity, and that he promises to redeem us, to reconcile us, and to restore the entire creation through Christ.
What does the Bible say about God’s vision?
From Genesis (3:15) to Matthew’s gospel (28:16–20) to Revelation (5:9), the Bible speaks clearly about God’s vision to restore everything Adam and Eve lost in the Garden of Eden and his vision to redeem ethnically diverse individuals from different tongues, tribes, peoples, and nations.
Do those who live to gratify their flesh inherit eternal life?
Those who live to gratify their flesh will not inherit eternal life (vv. 16–21). One’s complicity in racism may prove one is enslaved to the flesh and to its seductive powers of evil. We must oppose racism whenever and wherever it appears because we are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor 5:17-21).