Here's a statement that might shock some of us. Bible study will not give you eternal life! You could memorize the entire Bible and be able to discuss various issues of biblical scholarship, but fail to experience the truths found in its pages. It is a temptation to prefer the book to the Author. A book will not confront you about your sin, you can just turn the page if you don't like what the one you are reading says. However, the Author of the Bible will confront you about your sin. Books can be ignored, but its hard to ignore the Author when He is seeking a relationship with you.
"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life." John 5:39-40.
I think the Pharisees in Jesus' day thought God would be pleased with their knowledge of His Word. They could quote long, complicated passages of Scripture. They loved to recite and study God's Law for hours on end. Still, Jesus condemned them because, although they knew the Scriptures, they did not know Him. They were proud of their Bible knowledge, but they rejected the invitation to know God's Son.
Can we imagine ourselves knowing all that God has promised to do in our life, but then turning to something else instead? We may be tempted to turn to substitutes. These substitutes are not necessarily bad things, they might include serving in the church, doing good deeds, or reading Christian books, however, no amount of Christian activity will ever replace your relationship with Jesus! We looked at Bible knowledge today. There is nothing wrong with being knowledgeable about God's Word, unless it is the book we are serving instead of God. Bible knowledge is supposed to help us grow in our relationship with Christ! Some of us might use this statement, "The Bible says..." Instead of using this statement, try using what I use, "God tells us through His Word..."
The apostle Paul considered every good thing he had ever done to be rubbish when compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ (Phil 3:8). And Paul, as a Pharisee, was well versed in God's Law. Friends, let us never become satisfied with religious activity rather than a personal, vibrant, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ!
May God richly bless you today!! H Trent!
"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life." John 5:39-40.
I think the Pharisees in Jesus' day thought God would be pleased with their knowledge of His Word. They could quote long, complicated passages of Scripture. They loved to recite and study God's Law for hours on end. Still, Jesus condemned them because, although they knew the Scriptures, they did not know Him. They were proud of their Bible knowledge, but they rejected the invitation to know God's Son.
Can we imagine ourselves knowing all that God has promised to do in our life, but then turning to something else instead? We may be tempted to turn to substitutes. These substitutes are not necessarily bad things, they might include serving in the church, doing good deeds, or reading Christian books, however, no amount of Christian activity will ever replace your relationship with Jesus! We looked at Bible knowledge today. There is nothing wrong with being knowledgeable about God's Word, unless it is the book we are serving instead of God. Bible knowledge is supposed to help us grow in our relationship with Christ! Some of us might use this statement, "The Bible says..." Instead of using this statement, try using what I use, "God tells us through His Word..."
The apostle Paul considered every good thing he had ever done to be rubbish when compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ (Phil 3:8). And Paul, as a Pharisee, was well versed in God's Law. Friends, let us never become satisfied with religious activity rather than a personal, vibrant, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ!
May God richly bless you today!! H Trent!
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