10. Everyone from Adam to the present has been called on to live by faith. God Is Light The Bible also says that God is light. Bible verses were never meant to be read in isolation. The result? Fifteen percent said they thought that event would take place soon, within their lifetime. They have heard God's exhortation to repent and obey. God will help people who diligently seek Him. Subscribe to Plans, daily portions of Scripture paired with devotional, audio, or video selections. Although substantial, the evidence that the Bible is true is not enough to satisfy every agnostic and atheist. This can refer to the glory and majesty of God. - Weymouth Bible For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” He said. Why is the Bible’s advice helpful for us today? 42: New Year’s Resolution From God to You BREAKING: Pence Has Announced His Decision on Whether to Certify … The God of the Bible is not merely one of a plethora of gods from which we may pick and choose to worship nor is He to be put on par with other supposed deities. If the main events of the Bible didn't take place, then how can we believe anything it says? The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. It is God's Word to a spiritually bankrupt humanity. He is listed in the ancestry of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1 Matthew 1:1The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.American King James Version×). It is our Maker's instruction book, telling us how we … As members of the first television generation, baby boomers were conditioned for what Roof calls the "mentalizing" of salvation. It is our Maker's instruction book, telling us how we should live. We wholeheartedly believe a daily rhythm of seeking intimacy with God has the power to transform lives. Some have termed this a quest for a designer god or boutique religion. Isaiah 43:2 says: When you go through deep waters, He makes me as surefooted as a deer, Here's some questions to ask when you're doubting your value in God's eyes. Unsure of what truth is or whether it even exists, such people tend to look for a church that meets their personal preference rather than a place where objective biblical truth is to be found. It is the authority for Christian life and practice and is a foundation on which believers must build their thinking. The verse serves as a brilliant reminder that God has big plans for us despite what other people may say about us. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. We have presented solid evidence confirming that it is. I don't know about you, but at any given moment my mind can be filled with doubt and questions. The Sovereign Lord is my strength! Recent generations have taken a different philosophical attitude toward God, churches, religious experience and the Bible.     you will not be burned up; I love how God describes the love he has for us in Jeremiah 31:3 and John 3:16. What does God say about them? So as we ponder this question, let’s remember one important truth. Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow | Learn more... With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later! The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad. He is the omnipotent Creator and Redeemer of mankind. Archaeology offers support of the biblical record in this regard, as we've seen. One way of seeking God is through careful study of the Bible. God responds to a two word cry for help in the middle of a busy afternoon, just like He does to a focused prayer time after reading Scripture in the morning. God wants us to trust in him that he has our best interests in mind and that he will sustain, guide and strengthen us according to his plan. You will have confidence that He is fulfilling His plan not only in the world, but in your personal life as well. People have heard the Word of God from its pages and from the prophets. Read God’s Word at anytime, anywhere using the YouVersion Bible App. But, why do I doubt myself? But it does matter. Consider Abraham as an example. Another is the exercise of free will. The message is clear: No matter what others may do, you have the power and responsibility to take personal action and seek God. If the God who claims to have inspired the Bible gave us a collection of myths and legends, then how could we have confidence in anything He says? God wants us to have this same trust in Him. A continuing, earnest investigation of Scripture will promote the faith you need (Romans 10:17 Romans 10:17So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.American King James Version×). God has allowed us the right of free choice and doesn't force us to do things His way. I want to give you five reasons to affirm the Bible is the Word of God. I question who I am, whether I have any right to do what I do and whether I am any good at it. Available for iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone and more. While some insist on hard scientific evidence before they will believe, others fall into the other philosophical ditch. And I say to you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I doubt my character, my talent and my qualification. (In most other countries these percentages are smaller.). Every rational person would exercise his free will to at least believe, if not obey. The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. What is different about those who respond compared with those who do not? What words bring you down? "It is no accident that the Bible came down to us through so many centuries with such accuracy and power. Verse 16. (1 John 4:7-9 NIV) Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. In all recorded history only one society has repented as a group when God warned of impending troubles. That’s why YouVersion creates biblically centered, culturally relevant experiences that encourage and challenge people to seek God throughout each day. They tend to steer away from structured religion. - World English Bible For it is God that worchith in you, bothe to wilne, and to performe, for good wille. Doctrinal debate and theological reflection flourished under these conditions...But in an image culture the subjective takes precedence over the objective" (ibid., p. 135, emphasis added).     I will be with you. According to the New Testament, the patriarchs and prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures were real people. ; Learn how to incorporate prayer and fasting into your life. Some people use their free will to respond positively when God calls; others reject this calling. The evidence is there for those with the courage to accept and act on it. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless … 10 The Bible is “inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Yes, the Bible’s advice is helpful for us today.Jehovah knows how we are made, so he understands how we think and feel. The Word of God: Evidence that Scripture is Divine. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:12: Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. pleaded a man who struggled with his faith (Mark 9:24 Mark 9:24And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help you my unbelief.American King James Version×). Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god. I doubt myself because other people doubt me. You may never understand everything in the Bible, but you can understand something. The phrase is used by St. Paul in this Epistle to emphasize important truths, as in 1 Corinthians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 6:2,.9, 15; 9:13, 24.Out of this Epistle it only occurs in Romans 6:16; Romans 11:2. Accordingly, the Bible never attempts to prove the existence of God; rather, it assumes His existence from the very beginning (Genesis 1:1). Each of us is faced with a choice. Verse of the Day Romans 16:17-18. [27] And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.     the flames will not consume you. If the Judge of all mankind called for an accounting (2 Corinthians 5:10 2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad.American King James Version×), where would you stand? First, I believe the Bible is the Word of God … Accept the evidence that the Bible is true and that it is your Creator's gift to you—His guide for the fruitful, productive and abundant life (John 10:10 John 10:10The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.American King James Version×) that He wants you to enjoy! And what is faith?     you will not drown. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. Author Wade Clark Roof notes that baby boomers, those born between the end of World War II and about 1964, "have grown up in a post-sixties culture that emphasizes choice, knowing and understanding one's self, the importance of personal autonomy, and fulfilling one's potential—all contributing to a highly subjective approach to religion" (A Generation of Seekers, 1993, p. 30). © 1995–2021 All correspondence and questions should be sent to info@ucg.org. If Christ were to return now, what would it mean to the average citizen of the world? God’s Love Through the Creation of Man. Jesus noted a sad fact evident throughout history: Although many have had opportunity to learn of God's truth, only a relative handful have responded and allowed that understanding to change their lives (Matthew 22:14 Matthew 22:14For many are called, but few are chosen.American King James Version×). It is God's purpose to give us a choice as to whether we will exercise a measure of faith. There are many verses in the Bible that tell us to be confident, but I particularly like Habakkuk 3:19 which tells us to be confident because God will keep us surefooted as he leads us to a great and high place. - Know ye not. When we are suffering from a barrage of fear and doubt it can be easy to forget that Jesus is with us wherever we go, but he truly is. When you go through rivers of difficulty, The message is clear: No matter what others may do, you have the power and responsibility to take personal action and seek God. I have found that there is only one way to overcome the power of doubt and to overthrow the venom of people's malicious words, and that way is to remember and recite what God says about those who put their trust in Jesus. [57] Then said the Jews to him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?     and he will make your paths straight. Source: Holy Bible (Psalms 40:4-5 NASB) '. In a discussion with the Pharisees, Jesus referred to Abraham as a real historical figure (John 8:56-58 John 8:56-58 [56] Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and he wants us to be happy. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help you my unbelief. (Click to listen to an audio recording of this article: 19 Bible verses showing God’s thoughts toward us) God’s thoughts toward us – what the Bible says. The Good News: God’s very essence is love; when we love one another, we are fulfilling God’s most … "Faith gives substance to our hopes and convinces us of realities we do not [yet] see" (Hebrews 11:1 Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.American King James Version×, REB). They are not interested in a God who meets them through scriptural revelation; rather, they desire a god who meets them where they are in their own personal view of the world. United Church of God is a 501(c)3 organization. The Bible is no ordinary book. So the accuracy of the Bible does matter! Many people question who the author of the Bible is and wonder if the Bible is really the Word of God. You may also find value in these articles: Commit to spending time with Jesus every day during a Quiet Time.Read and study the Bible using a Bible reading plan. It is usually several things. But there is another factor that figures heavily in how we react to the Word of God. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. They tell me I am unqualified, they say I am just a dreamer, and they say that I am just a young man. I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. "There is no lack of scholars—among them historians, theologians, philologists, and archaeologists—who...have come to the conclusion that fundamentally it is of secondary importance whether the facts reported in the Bible are correct or not" (Werner Keller, The Bible as History, 1982, p. 433).     and lean not on your own understanding; Their parents gained most of their view of the world through reading. For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Notice the Bible does not say that God has light; He is light. But God tells us to trust in him and listen to the words of affirmation that he speaks about us. It's all about God, and how much he loves us. Read the Bible, or let Audio versions read the Bible to you. It is more important for them to feel comfortable with their church or congregation than to participate in a church whose teachings and practices are firmly anchored in the Bible. "But I tell you truly," Jesus said, "many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. American King James Version×). Why do I question my ability, my character and my right to know God? If nations don't mend their ways, what can individuals do? Do we believe God? God says that all of our sins are forgiven, it doesn’t matter how big, small, or shameful they may be. Privacy Policy  Terms of Use. [26] But to none of them was Elias sent, save to Sarepta, a city of Sidon, to a woman that was a widow. ; Many people desire to live healthy lives. A glance at the story of creation reminds us that God loves … The Scriptures have been available for millennia. If Abraham were not a historical figure, millions of Jews and Arabs who claim to be of his lineage hold to mythical traditions and spurious accounts of millennia of history. One is a conviction that the Bible is indeed the Word of God. God intended us to live our lives by this book, and many people dedicated themselves to the preservation of its sacred text" (Paul Wegner, The Journey From Texts to Translations, 1999, p. 24). If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count. Add Bookmarks, Highlights, and private or public Notes to any verse in the Bible. You will find that the Scriptures contain the answers to the colossal problems that confront mankind. Life can be a quite a challenge, especially when those around us begin to criticise us. Verses 16-23. Jesus said Abraham would rise in the resurrection (Matthew 8:11 Matthew 8:11And I say to you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.American King James Version×). This is not the way God has chosen to work. But in the end, the issue comes down to a matter of faith. The God of the Bible. I have even questioned what gives me the right to pray to and to worship Jesus. They are less apt to belong to an organized church, and they are less likely to regard the Bible as objective truth. Doubting yourself? In other words, what should you do with the information you have learned in this booklet? “Mere man sees what appears to the eyes,” the Bible says, “but Jehovah sees into the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) God knows what makes you tick —how heredity, the way you grew up, your environment, and your personality all shape the person you are. Are you listening to others or listening to God. Is the Bible a true and reliable guide to how we should live? People scrutinise my character and question my morals and people cast doubt over my future by criticising my decisions. Whether the Bible is true apparently isn't that important to them. You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Share Scripture with friends, highlight and bookmark passages, and create a daily habit with Bible Plans. The Creator has revealed Himself in both science and history, and the two subjects are intertwined. Doubt and disbelief are not insurmountable hurdles. New Year's Prayer - Commit yourself to God as you start this new year. Documentaries about Jehovah’s Witnesses. I love how God’s forgiveness is described in 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! - The peril and folly of glorying in men.     as the east is from the west. He pointed out to them a shameful fact: Even though they had God's Word, they refused to believe and act on it, so God turned to others. If we had evidence sufficient to refute every skeptic's misgivings, we would have no need for faith. God gives us both promises and principles in Scripture. Grow your Prayer life, with Prayers you can keep private or invite Friends. That was the ancient city of Nineveh, capital of the Assyrian Empire, which repented at the warning of Jonah (Matthew 12:41 Matthew 12:41The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.American King James Version×). Trust in the Lord with all your heart The Bible is a reliable guide to human conduct. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateway’s emails at any time. Bible Verses that describe who God is: (1 John 1:5 NIV) This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. Quick Compelling Bible Study Vol. God wants to speak to you through His Word, and no matter who you are, the Bible can come alive to you. The Bible says that. They are not sure where to turn for answers to religious questions. God loves us passionately despite any faults or flaws we may have and he wants the best for us in every situation. God’s own Word, the Bible, shows what an immense care God has for His whole creation, and especially for each one of us people individually. If the Bible is indeed the inspired instruction of the Creator of the universe to His created beings, what should you do? For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. He will call to Me, 'You are my Father, my God, the Rock of my salvation.' 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