Purpose In The Pen
I’ve been asked why I write. Until today, my response has been one that didn’t really explain the depth to satisfy the inquisitor. Though true, it was simplistic: “I can’t not write.” Since my meeting Jesus in ’69, right after my separation from the army, my love for God’s word has taken root and grown into a passion to know it, love it, trust it, and share it. I believe today’s church has drifted into lethargy when it comes to knowing Scripture’s truth.
I know that many of you who read my ramblings already know and have a solid relationship with Jesus. So you’ll understand my attempt at a more meaningful answer. Today, while reading in Second Peter, I read Peter’s explanation. It fits my thinking, so I’m “borrowing” it here: “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them and have been established in the truth which is present with you. I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder.” (2 Pet. 1:12,13)
Peter’s main concern
was the proliferation of false teachers. Praise God for the many pastors who preach God’s word Sunday after Sunday. As ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20), we are to “be ready in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2) to also preach the word in our homes, our workplaces, wherever there is a listening ear.
The Bible is true cover to cover. We can’t pick and choose what we’ll believe. The false teachers that Peter was warning against do just that: take “proof texts” out of context. This is why we need to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11: “…they received the word with great eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see if these things [the apostles’ teaching] were so.” If what we hear from the pulpit or “influencers” on social media, doesn’t line up 100% with scripture, toss it. It’s from the mouth and heart of a false teacher.
In addition to warning us to be aware
and on the lookout for false teaching in our sphere of living, he encourages us with these words, “So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Pet. 1:19). He likens the word of God to a lamp shining in the dark. What’s the thing you want most when you can’t see where you’re going? Scripture tells us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105).
He also reminds us “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.””(2Pet. 3:3,4). “First of all” means what come next is very important. What is it that is being mocked? The truth of scripture. That’s why we need to follow Jesus’ example when Satan tempted Him three times. What was Jesus’ response each time? “It is written.”
We can’t say that unless we know what was written.
How’s your time in God’s word doing? Do you treasure it like a lamp in the dark? In our last post, Knowing Isn’t Doing, we talked about our daily foray into God’s word as one of the things on our “practicing righteousness” list. Don’t we want to be the best equipped child of the King we can be? The Psalmist tells us in 119:38, “Establish Your word to Your servant as that which produces reverence for You.” So now we know two major things the Bible does for us. But it can’t if it just sits on a shelf.
Fellow believers, I urge you to not look at the Bible as an obligation, but as a privilege God has given us to know His heart, to understand the unfathomable price He paid for us to know Him, to get excited about our future with Him in a place so far beyond our comprehension, words can’t describe it. All that comes from our immersion in it on a daily basis. Make it a priority so that you’ll hear “well done” not “depart from me” when you make it to heaven’s gate.
If you’re not yet in God’s family but you’d like to know more,
the link Steps To Salvation gives you a step-by-step explanation of your position with God and your future if you choose Jesus. It can be challenging to do this on our own. You should find a friend or pastor who lives the righteousness required to get to heaven and tell them that you want to meet Jesus. We MUST come to Jesus in humility and repentance to become part of His family. Hope to see you there. Thanks for reading.