II Timothy 3:16-17
”All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.”
Each week, as I write an article for Matters of Faith, it’s my intent to show that the Bible is a book for everyday life. It’s neither a mystery nor a fantasy. It is an instructional book that looks at every aspect of our lives and gives us practical and God-inspired direction for dealing with common, everyday situations. Sometimes, the instruction comes through stories of others who have exemplified the directives outlined in the book. At other times, it gives practical information that’s immediately or will soon be applicable. It is a lot like an instruction manual one gets with new appliances. As the verses above indicate, “All scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults and giving instruction for right living.” Many believers describe its usefulness by using Bible as an acronym; “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.”
The best way to illustrate its practicality is by example;
When you’re celebrating the birth of a child, read Psalm 100, Luke 18:15-17, and John 16:16-22. When you’ve experienced the death of a loved one, read Psalm 116:15, and John 14:1-3+. When you are facing a difficult decision, read Psalm 139, and Colossians 3:12-17. For guidance in raising your children, find direction in Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:1-3, and Colossians 3:20. If you’re starting a new job, read Proverbs 11:3 and 22:29, Romans 12:3-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18, and 1 Peter 4:10-11. When your career is winding down and you’re looking at retirement, read Psalm 145, Matthew 25:31-46, and Philippians 3:12-21.
Scripture is the sacred writings of both the Old and New Testaments. Theopneustos is the Greek word for God-breathed, meaning that scripture is not only the word of God, it is birthed by the breath of God.
In whatever situation or circumstance you find yourself, whether good or bad, the inspired word of God, the scripture, is your constant source of guidance, inspiration and encouragement. I invite you to get to know the practical side of scripture so that you can discover for yourself that He Only Loves You, so He gave us Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, the HOLY BIBLE! As you read it, you will discover for yourself that it’s for your own good.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen here or by phone at 626-226-1448. He is the author of Matters of Faith: The Book. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook, follow @JLorenr on Twitter and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com.
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