So often, we search for happiness in empty places. One of my recent online articles with Christianity.com on how to find happiness is available here.
Viktor Frankl was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor who endured immense suffering during his time in Nazi concentration camps, including the loss of his family and the daily struggle for survival. Despite the horrors he experienced, Frankl observed that some prisoners were able to maintain a sense of inner freedom and resilience through suffering. He realized that while individuals cannot always control their circumstances, they can choose their attitude and response to those circumstances.
Frankl’s story powerfully reminds us that true happiness depends not on external circumstances but on our inner attitude and outlook. Even in the darkest times, God’s Holy Word is the foundation that anchors us in the truth that engages life and eternity. (Continue online).
I sprained my ankle four weeks ago. While our grandson and family were visiting, we went to the zoo. While walking, I stumbled on an uneven surface, falling face down and coming up with a bulging knee, thinking that was the worst of it. It wasn’t long before I discovered my foot wasn’t enjoying the walk back to the entrance. In the ER the next morning, the x-rays revealed it was only a sprain; thankfully, nothing was broken.
Hearing from my son and grandson, who have endured a few sprains in their lifetime, left me with the facts: it takes longer to heal a sprain than a broken bone. Ugh. After three weeks, I assumed I was ready to walk. I set the timer for five minutes, only to find I tweaked my foot, as my son Matt called it, forcing me back to using my wheely chair (really my drafting chair, which I use in my recording studio).
One night, while pondering and worrying about the healing process, I was engaging in the “what if’s” of not walking. So many things I usually do can’t be done without two walking feet. Walking to another room, scurrying around the kitchen for meal prep, going to the grocery store, walking to the mailbox, getting to church. We often don’t appreciate what we have when we have it. My husband and I had been walking thirty minutes daily until this happened. But now, I am lifting light weights and exercising my arms since my foot doesn’t work, at least not yet.
After a night wrestling with anxiety, the next morning during my Bible reading time, I finished the Old Testament book and paged to the New Testament Book of Philippians. In the Final Exhortations, it was as if God was speaking directly in follow up of my anxious thoughts the previous night. The sixth verse grabbed my attention. Although I can say this verse by heart, it was fresh, stand-off-the-page, bolded: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
How often have I been anxious only to have God bring His comfort again, “Do not be anxious ABOUT ANYTHING! (my emphasis), You would think at this stage of life, I would have conquered this kind of worry. However, God is so good, kind, and patient to remind us one more time.
The next verses affirm I need to keep practicing the “do not be anxious” part. Look at verses 8 and 9. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
As I closed my devotional time after reading the Philippians passage and repenting, a new calm settled in my mind. Remembering that God has my life in His control, I can rest in what He allows. Yes, a non-walking foot may hinder my comfort and make life a bit more challenging, yet His loving affirmation reminds me, “Do not be anxious about anything.”
The same God who sees the sparrow that falls (Matthew 10:29-31), knows how many hairs I have on my head (Luke 12:7) and knows where I will sit in a room before I do (Psalm 139:2), certainly doesn’t want me to be anxious. He’s got this, and I have Him, and therefore I have peace! I just need to keep practicing!
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
It’s hard to find the truth from news sources, politicians, scientists, and woke pastors and teachers. What is the criteria for truth? Jesus said it was the Word of God. Truth cannot be reduced by the lies of a godless culture, the opinions of powerful people, or even the lies of the Deceiver. God’s truth is above all other truths and is divinely written in the Scripture. By reading the Bible, reading it first, and applying what we read to our attitudes, choices, and behaviors, we can walk in the truth.
Truth oozes from God’s holy nature. Jesus declares Himself the Truth (John 14:6). Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through your truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). The more we know the Scripture, the more truth we will gain.
Jude gives a warning to believers to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3-4). Contend (give your all, confront, grapple, push for, lock horns) for the faith, the genuine faith, which is truth.
SWITCH ON YOUR BRAIN
I just completed a fantastic book, Switch on Your Brain, by Dr. Caroline Leaf. “You are not a victim of your biology! Our culture is undergoing an epidemic of toxic thoughts that, left unchecked, create ideal conditions for illnesses.” Dr. Leaf confirms the need to “switch” on your brain (renew your mind, Romans 12:1-2), and as you do, you will enable a happier, healthier, more enjoyable life by knowing the truth.
Since 1985 she has worked in cognitive neuroscience, and her research has been in linking scientific principles to the truth of Scripture. She proclaims, “Each morning when you wake up, you have new baby nerve cells born inside your brain to use wisely as you remove bad thoughts and wire in new ones (Lam 3:23). This is called neurogenesis. You have been designed for deep intellectual thought (Psalm139:14). You were wired for love, and fear is a learned and not a natural response (2 Timothy 1:7). You have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). You are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).”
Here’s a few of Dr. Leaf’s practical side of Scriptural truths:
You can be happy and filled with peace regardless of your circumstances.
You can overcome and control depression and anxiety—some scientists show you can even control and overcome schizophrenia and OCD.
Forgiveness is not the battle you think it is.
You can get the chaos in your mind under control.
You don’t have to walk around in guilt and condemnation.
If you wired those toxic thoughts in, you can wire them out.
You don’t have to fear that if a condition runs in your family, you will get it (for example, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or depression).
You can balance your over-thinking and over-analyzing mind.
You don’t have to keep digging into the past to get free from it.
Dr. Leaf concludes that the path to wholeness is found in the Scripture. You can be an overcomer! That is the truth!
TRUTH DEFENDS AGAINST THE LIES OF THE CULTURE. We are made in God’s image, and we can have the mind of Christ. Where do we acquire that mind? Through reading, meditation, studying, and abiding in the Word of God, we think, learn, and find purpose.
John the beloved Apostle writes in 1 John 4:6, We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
The Apostle Paul urges the believer to put on the truth of Scripture like armor. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist (Ephesians 6:14). Without truth, listed by Paul as the first piece of armor around our core, we have doubts, fears, uncertainty and are easily deceived. The reality we learn in God’s Word will defend us against the culture’s lies and the lies of the enemy of our souls.
START reading in one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), or a Psalm, or an Epistles one of Paul’s shorter letters such as Colossians, Ephesians, or Galatians with only 4 – 6 chapters).
Psalm 119, The longest chapter in the center of the Bible, defines the power and life of God’s written eternal revelation of His Word. Don’t you think that is significant – at the center of the Bible, the longest chapter with 176 verses?! When God’s Word is the center of our lives, we will prioritize reading as it tells us what is right and what is wrong and keeps us from sin (Psalm 119:11).
In the New Testament, the book of Titus (a letter of Paul to a young pastor) says God, through the Word, “teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:12).
With Scripture hidden in our hearts, the very core/depth/foundation of our being, it teaches, corrects, exhorts, and instructs in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16,17). But we have to grab it, take hold of it, and desperately desire it to acquire the truth. We can know the truth (and Jesus, who is the Truth). If you haven’t read my previous post, CAN YOU LOVE JESUS WITHOUT LOVING THE BIBLE? You can do it here.
TRUTH IS KNOWABLE “You will know the truth (John 8:32). Truth is truth, whether you believe it or not. God’s truth triumphs my truth or anyone’s truth. The Author of all truth gives us the secrets to knowing and walking in truth (Psalm 86:11).
1. READ THE WORD DAILY
Read it, read it, read it, and reread it until you get it. Read it until it gets into your heart and changes you. Each day the Holy Spirit will bring you a new revelation of truth, an answer, a direction, a conviction. The Divine Author’s divine words speak. “Take hold of my words with all your heart;keep my commands, and you will live” Proverbs 4:4. That’s the truth!
REPETITION BRINGS CLARITY. The more we spend in the Word, the more we will understand God’s Word’s beauty, instruction, and intrigue. Like a puzzle at times, repetition and consistency will reveal the missing pieces. So keep reading.
There are multitude promises of blessing for the person who’s pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in the true revelation of light. (Psalm 1:TPT).
Confusion and ignorance of Christians are often the results of not knowing the Scripture. According to the American Bible Society, only 9% of respondents read their Bible daily. Is it any wonder Christians are not sure what is the truth?
READING LEADS TO FRUITFUL LIVING. When we measure life against the Scripture, we find the truth that God will be our guide. God’s promise to Joshua is a promise to each reader. Never stop reading this Book of the Law. Day and night you must think about what it says. Make sure you do everything written in it. Then things will go well with you. And you will have great success (Joshua 1:8).
We won’t have one foot in the world if we have daily time in the Bible. John the Apostle, who walked with Jesus, learned the difference between loving the world’s things or loving God. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” 1 John 2:15. Believing the lies of the Enemy of our soul play along with cultural approval of moral issues and dissipate God’s favor.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
2. LET THE BIBLE BE YOUR DEVOTIONAL – READ THE BIBLE FIRST
Instead of a page out of a devotional written by someone else, read right out of your Bible. Let God’s Spirit connect with your spirit.
READ THE BIBLE FIRST! Devotionals are helpful but often only an appetizer. Get to the entrée. Explore the Scripture for yourself, first! You will hear the Holy Spirit speak to you directly rather than through another person’s version of what God is saying. You’re an adult with a sound, capable mind. You can think through and hear what the Spirit is saying to you, personally. Scripture is alive (Heb 4:12). It speaks! Read the Bible first, then add the devotionals and commentaries.
READ AT LEAST TEN CHAPTERS A DAY. Better yet, read an entire book of the Bible in one day. Let it fill your mind and heart. Attitudes and behaviors will change.
What you are thinking every moment of every day becomes a physical reality in your brain and body, which affects our optimal mental and physical health. These thoughts collectively form your attitude…and it’s your attitude and not your DNA that determines much of the quality of your life (Switch on Your Brain, p 13).
Your thinking affects our spirit, soul, and body and the people around us. Scripture can train our thoughts to be pleasing to God and wholesome to others. We cannot control circumstances, but we can control how we respond. Dr. Leaf puts it this way: “Good thinking = good choices = healthy thoughts; toxic thinking = toxic choices = toxic thoughts” (Deut 30:19).
Reading a book of the Bible a day reveals a hungry seeker after God. Human nature is exposed. Applying principles from the Author of Truth teaches ethics, relationships, self-control, decision making, character development, persevering faith, and much more. It’s the cherished textbook for life and eternity.
DIVE into the Old Testament. The New Testament refers to or quotes 250 Old Testament quotations and 1000 references by Jesus, Paul, John, James, Matthew, Luke, Mark, and Peter. Jesus proclaimed he fulfilled the Old Testament Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17-22).
READ COVER TO COVER The first time I read from cover to cover, and I was amazed by the balance of God’s justice (Old Testament) and love (new Testament). In religious circles, love is often emphasized to the exclusion of justice. Those who say they love the Lord but ignore His commands do not read Scripture from cover to cover. If they did, they would realize there is no real justice without agape love. Just think of the cross, justice paid for the penalty of sin by the divine love of a perfect sacrifice, Jesus.
Reading each day will build a firm foundation in God, His truth, and in how to live life to the fullest!
Find Bible reading plans on the menu of my blog here .
3. BECOME A STUDENT OF SCRIPTURE
Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 3:15,16).
I seek to honor God and know His approval. I gain confidence through time in the Word. Obedience becomes a joy and not a burden.
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Obedience is key. With knowledge of the Scripture, we will know what is required. And, when we abide in the Word, “Then you will know the truth” (John 8:31-32). Truth brings changes and builds godly character as it unleashes the favor of God.
BUILD A FIRM FOUNDATION OF TRUTH
Knowing the Scripture will produce confidence in God’s love and promises and culminating eternal life. God’s Word teaches how to live daily life, making the right choices. God’s Word vanquishes fear, worry, unforgiveness, selfishness, and hatred. God’s Word provides direction for a successful life as a triumphant overcomer. It reveals who you are and who God is. God’s word is TRUTH for each day, each situation, each relationship, and each circumstance.
Ask questions as you read. What did this mean to the people to whom it was written? What promise is there to claim? What example to follow? What command to obey? What sin to confess? And, how does it apply to my life today? The Holy Spirit will speak as you listen for the truth!
In a world of lies, how do we find the truth? Read God’s Truth – the Bible. Read it and reread it over and over, cover to cover, all of it. Read it first! Read it every day, not just a chapter, but a book of the Bible. Become a Word student, filled with wisdom that leads in straight paths every day, though falsehood is all around.
LET THE WORD OF CHRIST RICHLY DWELL WITHIN YOU. Colossians 3:16
A Brief Study from Scripture on Satan and His Demonic Forces
Created by God as an anointed and ordained guardian cherub in heaven, Satan sought to usurp God’s authority. Should we worry about the devil giving us trouble? Despite being a created being, Satan’s blinding pride led him to believe he could overcome God and assume His place. He aimed to establish his own fame throughout history. Ezekiel 38 and Isaiah 14 detail his creation and downfall. Through scripture, we see that his time and the havoc he creates are limited by the Lion of Judah, who has all authority in heaven and on earth.
Satan was created by God.
“You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:14-15 NIV).
Satan was in the Garden of Eden
“You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God” (Ezekiel 28:12 NIV).
Satan was cast out of heaven
“So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth” (Ezekiel 28: 17 NIV).
Isaiah 14 Describes Satan’s Pride
Isaiah 14:12-14 (KJV) affirms Satan’s removal from God’s presence because of his arrogant pride.
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
God removed Satan from heaven.
In Luke 10:18, Jesus tells the disciples He witnessed Satan’s fall from heaven. A coordinating reference in Revelation 12:7-9 describes the devil as “filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short,” and his evil work will culminate in eternal punishment in the lake of fire. Revelation 20:10 states, “And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Satan is Subject to God’s Authority
In the gospel accounts, the demons cry out when Jesus approaches, calling Him the Son of the Most High God.
Mark 5 tells the story of impure spirits who had taken over a man living among the tombs, so strong no one could bind him, not even with chains. He cut himself with stones and made his abode near graves. The demons possessing the man saw Jesus approaching and fell in front of Him, asking, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name, don’t torture me” (v 7).
Although the demons were many, “my name is Legion,” they were subject to Jesus’ authority. “And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area (v 9-10).
They had to seek permission before doing anything. “The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them. He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs” (v 12, 13).
Another account of demons who knew the authority of Jesus pleaded, “What do you want with us, Son of God’ they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” (Matthew 8:29).
The demons’ plea for Jesus to delay their torture reveals their fear that He might be coming to bind them prematurely before the appointed time of final judgment. Jude 1:6 describes their awareness of other demons already imprisoned: “The angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” Similarly, 2 Peter 2:4 emphasizes that God did not spare sinful angels but chained them in darkness and held them for judgment.
Satan’s demonic “spiritual forces of the world” (Colossians 2:8) are ultimately disarmed by Christ, who triumphed over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15).
The story of Job helps us see the limitations they have. Chapter one opens with Satan walking before God, and his request to test Job is limited to what God allowed. Read it here in Job 1:6-12.
After Satan’s first attempt failed to get Job to curse God, he asked permission but only received another limitation: “You must spare his life” (Job 2:1-6).
Good Angels Fight Demons with God’s Authority
Gabriel appeared to Daniel (8:15-26; 9:26), to Zacharias (Luke 1:11-19), and Mary (Luke 1:26-29). In Daniel 10:13, Gabriel was delayed in his answer to Daniel during his twenty-one days of fasting and prayer until the archangel Michael came to help him overcome the prince of the Persian kingdom.
Michael, when arguing with Satan about the body of Moses rebuked Satan “in the name of the Lord” (Jude verse 9).
At the end of time, Michael will wage war against Satan and his demons (Revelation 12:7).
In Matthew 10:1, Jesus gave the disciples authority “over unclean spirits, to cast them out.” Luke 10:19 describes the same authority given to the disciples: “Over all the power of the enemy (Satan), and nothing will injure you.”
Gabriel and Michael, along with thousands of other angels, carry out God’s purposes in
heaven and on earth, operating under His authority.
Believers Resist the Devil and Demons with God’s Authority
The seventy disciples were overjoyed and told Jesus, “Even the demons are subject to us in Your name” (Luke 10:17).
An example of Paul exercising God’s authority over evil spirits is seen in the story of a female slave who made money for her owners by predicting the future. She followed Paul and Silas, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved” (Acts 16:17). After several days, Paul became annoyed and cast out the demonic spirit, which immediately left her.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that demonic forces may oppress and try to deceive us, but God’s power resides within. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” But for the child of God, the weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. We are strong in the Lord and can stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Eternal Punishment of Satan and His Demons
We, as believers, have God’s strength to stand against Satan’s attacks. Eventually, he and his forces, will be thrown into eternal punishment.
Revelation defines the unholy trinity as Satan, the Beast, and his False Prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire where “they will be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20-7-10).
All who rejected God will also join Satan and his cohorts in the lake of fire, the second death, for “anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life” (Revelation 20:11-15).
Believers Need Not Fear Satan
Scripture is filled with assurance that we don’t need to be afraid. “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7). We are given the “full armor of God” so we can “stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 4:11).
We may face temptations or oppression from evil sources, but God supplies the necessary equipment to withstand the evil one. 2 Corinthians 10:4 affirms, “The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish the strongholds” of the enemy.
Satan is a created being, cast from God’s presence, and operates with limited power, subject to God’s authority. He will not thwart God’s plan and will eventually be sealed in hell forever.
Should we worry about the devil giving us trouble? As believers, we don’t have to fear Satan or his minions. We have the highest, supreme God, magnificent in power, Ruler over all things in heaven and earth dwelling in us. The scripture reminds us, “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Remember this story When you begin to fear the enemy’s power. Smith Wigglesworth, a revivalist preacher, gives this account of his encounter with Satan, illustrating God’s ultimate power and control over them. One night, he was roused from his sleep by an evil presence. Sitting up, he saw the devil and calmly remarked, ‘Oh, it’s just you.’ With that, he turned over and went back to sleep,
Damage to the depths of our being caused by a betrayal, slanderous attacks, or a broken relationship wreaks havoc emotionally and spiritually. Feelings of worthlessness, remorse and depression accompany the pain. In such times, will peace ever come?
I love the scripture that gives us insight into how God restores us through the many trials of life.
May God speak to you with encouragement from the life of David in one of the darkest days of his life.
This is my second published article with Christiainity.com. I’m pleased to share it with you.
Authority, instituted by God, is necessary to rule a nation. Since 1776, the Constitution has governed Americans, guaranteeing freedoms of inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Over the last few months, the authoritarian mindset of political leaders, health officials, Big Tech, and elites has attempted to alter those freedoms.
In welcoming contrast, the perfect authority of God brings a joyful response, offering privileges and liberties and guidance from a loving, powerful God. On the other hand, the abuse of power of human leaders leads to losing individual rights and freedoms.
Professor of Theology Richard Mayhue says, “The rightful idea of authority has fallen on hard times at the start of the twenty-first century. Illegitimate forms and expressions of authority range from the illegal and abusive exercise of authoritarianism/totalitarianism to individual authority which emerges from a postmodern mindset of selfishness” (Richard Mayhue, The Authority of Scripture, Fall 2004)[i]
Jesus hadn’t been sanctioned or ordained by the religious officials. His incomparable authority healed the diseased, opened blind eyes, caused the crippled to walk, and the dead raised to life.
Jesus taught with absolute authority, quite unlike the teachers of religious law (The New International Version Matthew 7:29). His authority brought the ire of the religious leaders, priests, and Romans. The religious elite knew of God and the prophecies of the Messiah. Yet, they could not see who Jesus was, although He was right there, standing in front of them, God in the flesh. They asked. “By what authority are you doing these things?” and, “Who gave you this authority?“ (Matthew 21:23).
In contrast to their unbelief, the Gospel writer Matthew, a despised tax collector, got up from his tax business and left all to follow Jesus, the Divine Authority. Matthew saw firsthand the miracles of healings, multiplication of bread and fish, and the calming of the storm. He witnessed the death of Jesus on the cross and experienced the resurrection. Matthew knew authentic authority and saw it fully in Jesus. Thoroughly convinced, Matthew boldly penned the words of Jesus, “All” authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:19).
AUTHORITY DEFINED
The dictionary defines authority as “the power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior.” The New Testament word for authority is ἐξουσία (exousia), “the power of whose will and commands must be submitted to and obeyed.”With Jesus’ sacrifice of death on the cross, the power of His resurrection, and the authority over all things in heaven and earth, Jesus became the supreme authority. Unrivaled. Unmatched. Irrevocable. Eternal.
Theologian and apologist Bernard Ramm describes authority as “that right or power to command action or compliance, determine belief or custom, expect obedience from those under authority, and give a responsible account for the claim to right or power” (The Pattern of Religious Authority, 1959, p 228).
“The Eternal Living Word of God and the Inspired Written Word are forever inseparable. The Bible is Christ portrayed; Christ is the Bible fulfilled. One is the picture, the other is the person, but the features are the same and proclaim their identity.” (Knowing The Scriptures, Rules and Methods of Bible Study, Arthur T. Pierson, p 33).
THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS AND SCRIPTURE
The Apostle Paul describes Jesus in deity and equal with the Father. He says,
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” Colossians 1:15-20.
The everlasting authority of Jesus was prophesied by the prophet Daniel wrote prophetically six hundred years before Jesus came to earth.
“He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14).
The Bible is consistently relevant to all human existence because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:9). Human nature hasn’t changed. We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Every person needs the Savior, Jesus. Salvation is relevant today as much as it was in the Bible times. John Stott ties the connection of relevance when he states, “The modern world detests authority but worships relevance. Our Christian conviction is that the Bible has both authority and relevance and that the secret of both is Jesus Christ.“
We hold in our hands the precious gift of God’s Word. This Word carries the authority of Jesus within its pages with words, chapters and books, inspired divinely by God. Therefore, the Scripture has the power to call us to obey and serve the God who loved us first.
“Scripture is to be authoritatively preached and submissively obeyed since the Author of and the authority within will reward righteous obedience and condemn those who disregard and disobey His authority in Scripture” (Mayhue, p 1).
Jesus and the Word of God are inseparable. We can never reach the end of knowing all there is to know about Jesus, nor the Bible. Yet, we can study, learn, and grow in knowledge. The Bible “belongs to a superhuman level that our investigation of it never reaches its limit of discovery” (Pierson, p 27).
In our relationship with God as Savior and Lord, our love grows deeper and stronger with study in the Holy Word of God. The love we hold for God is strengthened by the love of God’s Word. As Pierson states, “The Holy Scriptures and the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ are so inseparably bound together, that whatever impairs the integrity and authority of the one correspondingly affects the other” (p 28). Therefore, as we submit to loving Jesus, we submit to loving His Word.
How has God’s authority influenced your life?
Continue to Part 2, Jesus Has All Authority, but Does the Scripture?
The world’s patterns fail to bring love and happiness, but the Author of marriage knows how to make it last a lifetime. Adapting God’s ways will instill ongoing, fulfilling joys between husband and wife.
I hope you will read and let me know your secrets for a long, happy marriage. My recently published article on Christianity.com is here.
(The picture is of me marrying a sweet couple from my congregation).