Devotion 8.30.2018

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Did God really create the earth, heavens, animals and us in just six days? Did Lot’s wife really turn into a pillar of salt? Did Jonah really get swallowed by a big fish? Is the bible believable? What about slavery, the treatment of women and is God just a big ole meanie?

I must say that Satan is working hard and has claimed so many. The debates that take place about the bible, the truth of God and the relevance of the bible is just amazing. You have so many atheists and haters of God arguing that God is mean and the bible is myth.

None of these current non-believers were there in the beginning when God was creating this world and they would benefit from reading Job. We do not know exactly how long those first six days were because we do not know how long a day was then. I know that the bible speaks the truth and I know that God is the Creator and Father of us all. I believe that Lot’s wife did turn into a pillar of salt and that if there is not any understanding as to why and what lessons are provided in the telling of that story then it should be read again and again but I will say that disobedience and a longing for this world were a part of her character. I do believe that Jonah got swallowed by a big fish and I know that it was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ time in the ‘tomb’ which was when He descended into the lower parts of this earth to preach to those who slept.

I believe that slavery has been a part of humanity since the beginning of time and just because we believe ourselves ‘civilized’ does not mean that it does not still occur in this world or that it will not be seen again by those who believe that it is a thing of the past. There is instructions in the bible to honor women and to respect them just as there are instructions for the men to be respected as well but the one that deserves the most honor and the glory is God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

There will be naysayers and non-believers that will try to undermine your faith by preaching their philosophy of civilization and education but I know that the most civilized place with the most educated souls reside in heaven and it is the blessing of the believer to be permitted to enter those heavenly gates upon their death.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.” 2 Timothy 2:15-16

LOVE THAT CROSS, PASTOR JOHN

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