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The importance of Bible Study cannot be overstated. The Bible is
abounding with statements of the importance of Bible knowledge, and knowledge can only come as a result of diligent Bible study. Notice the following verses: We Are To Grow In Knowledge. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). We Are To Prove (Test) Every Teacher Whether They Speak God’s Word. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). We Are To Be Ready To Give An Answer (Defense). “…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in your with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). We Are To Discern The Good From That Not Good. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). How are we to prove, defend, or discern without Bible knowledge? Knowledge Of The Truth Makes One Free From Sin. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Bible Knowledge Keeps One From Sin. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). Temptation Can Be Overcome By Bible Knowledge. In Matthew chapter 4 our Lord Jesus, in overcoming temptation, said three times “It is written.” As We Grow In Knowledge We Are To Pass It On To Others. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19- 20). “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). As We Grow in The Knowledge Of The Bible, Let Us Also Practice It In Our Daily Lives. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22- 25). Do we study the Bible daily? Do we participate in those opportunities to grow in Bible knowledge? May we always seek to increase our Bible knowledge. It is so important! Jerry Sturgill Where Your Treasure Is
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers a challenge to the human heart. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19– 20). These verses are not merely a warning against materialism—they are a call to consider the affections and desires of the heart. Earthly Wealth Fades Away Jesus begins with a contrast. Earthly treasures are vulnerable because moths can consume, rust will corrode, and thieves break in and steal. In a world where possessions can vanish overnight, the pursuit of security through material wealth is extremely hazardous. But the deeper issue is not the treasure itself—it’s the heart’s attachment to it. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). The location of our treasure reveals the focus of our hearts. The Eye as the Lamp Jesus then uses another metaphor to explain, saying, “The eye is the lamp of the body.” A healthy eye—generous, clear in purpose—fills the whole body with light. But an unhealthy eye-- stingy, clouded by greed—plunges the soul into darkness. This imagery suggests that our spiritual vision, our way of seeing material things, determines whether we walk in light or darkness. The Greek word for healthy here implies generosity, while the word for unhealthy implies selfishness. We Must Choose Jesus concludes with a stark reality: “No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). The word translated as mammon is money or wealth, a term that personifies wealth as a rival deity (the almighty dollar, if you will). Divided loyalty is impossible. Our heart/mind will inevitably choose one master over the other. This passage invites us to examine not just our bank accounts, but also our desires, our focus, and our allegiance. What do we treasure? What fills our vision? Whom do we serve? In a culture that prizes accumulation and wealth as a sign of success, Jesus’ words are countercultural. They call for us to invest in that which is eternal—acts of mercy, love, obedience, and faith. These are the treasures that neither moth nor rust can corrupt. - Dale J. Babinsky Psalm 16 is a psalm every Christian should soak in and let sink
deeply into every fiber of our being. Ultimately, Psalm 16 can be summarized in one word – Confidence. But the confidence expressed in Psalm 16 is not personal pride or arrogance; it is confidence in God (cf. John 15:4-5; 2 Corinthians 3:5). God is our treasure! (Matthew 6:21; Colossians 3:11). He is our present trust and future hope. Few have understood this as well as this psalm’s writer, David. However, it’s also important to bring out that Psalm 16 also is a Messianic Psalm – verses 8-11 are quoted in both Acts 2:25-28 by Peter and in Acts 13:35-38 by Paul. In both of these passages, Psalm 16:8-11 is applied to David’s greater son, Jesus. They are applied to the One David called, “Lord” (Matthew 22:41- 46). The confidence David had in God certainly was great. Surely that’s one of the reasons we recognize him even now as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). But David’s greater son Jesus displayed even greater confidence in God as His trust and hope – His greatest Treasure! Consider how God is spoken of in this psalm. Yahweh is described as – 1. My Protector (Preserver and Refuge) – vs. 1. 2. My Lord – vs. 2. 3. My Benefactor – vs. 2. 4. My Delight – (God and His People) – vs. 3. 5. My God – vs. 4. 6. My Inheritance – vv. 5-6. 7. My Counselor and Instructor – vs. 7. 8. My Rock – vv. 8-9. 9. My Resurrection – vs. 10. 10. My Life and Joy – vs. 11. What David seemed to understand so clearly prior to the coming of Jesus is something many of us as Christians today need to appreciate even more! When we do, what seem to be the main issues of life to far too many will have no real negative impact on us. Problems like peer pressure (vv. 2-4), idolatry (vs. 4), the uncertainty of the future (vv. 5-8) and the inescapability of death (vv. 9-11) can all be dealt with in trust and in hope in Him. We really need to let the message of Psalm 16 be like a refreshing clear stream in which we immerse ourselves. God IS our trust and hope! Mike Vestal One of the ways the Bible refers to the church is as a family. We are the
household of God (1 Timothy 3:15), members of the same family (Ephesians 2:19), and eternal brothers and sisters in Christ (Matthew 23:8; 1 Peter 2:17). This is how the church is viewed from heaven’s perspective. We must strive to share this same view of the family of God. This means we must be more than worship partners who come to the same building three times a week. God’s desire is that as we prepare to spend eternity together in His presence, our bonds with each other would deepen in view of the eternal fellowship we will enjoy in heaven (Revelation 7:9-17). We often talk about wanting to be closer and strengthening our love and affiliation as a church family. It is right that this be a top priority because love among disciples is one of Jesus’ top requirements for His church (John 13:34-35; 15:12; 1 John 4:19-21). How can we build stronger relationships as a church family? This is not to suggest there are no strong relationships or that we are distant and cold, but how can we excel and abound? 1. Worship Together (Acts 2:42) - Our worship is vertical toward God but also horizontal as we build each other up. The early church assembled to worship, and as they did, they grew closer (Acts 2:42). While there are times to worship privately (James 5:16), corporate worship is a time of blessing as we draw near to each other and to God (James 4:8). When we worship, be sure you worship. Sing to God but also to me (Ephesians 5:19). Take the Lord’s Supper and examine what He did for you and for us as a family (1 Corinthians 11:23-30). When we pray and say “Amen,” we agree together and draw closer as family. 2. Work Together (Acts 5:42; 8:4) - As we do kingdom work together, our lives intertwine in healthy ways. Fellowship is joint participation in spiritual things. As we engage in evangelism (Acts 5:42; 8:4), service to the needy (James 1:27), and encouragement (Hebrews 10:24), we become closer than ever. If you are not as close to others as you’d like, be more invested in the church’s work (1 Corinthians 15:58). As we labor together, our relationships evolve (Philippians 1:27). 3. Walk Through Life Together (Romans 12:15) - Doing life together builds bonds that can’t be manufactured. Rejoicing and weeping together remind us we do not live the Christian life alone. As we restore each other and bear burdens (Galatians 6:1-5), we grow beyond acquaintances. The early church spent their days together, shaping their relationships (Acts 2:43-47). The more time we spend together, the stronger our ties become. 4. Willing to Forgive (Ephesians 4:32) - Strong relationships require forgiveness. Getting close means there will be hurts and disappointments. As we repent, reconcile, and forgive, our connections grow stronger. Refuse to hold a grudge (Colossians 3:12-14). Forgive as Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). Reject bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). When we do, our relationships will blossom, and we will behave like the forever family we truly are. -Hiram Kemp Marriage problems. Troubles with children. Disagreements over the Bible.
Homes are falling apart. How can we endure? Remember you’re not alone. As a start, read the book of Genesis. You’ll see husbands and wives, parents and children making a lot of mistakes and living with tremendous pain. But they endured. So can you. Don’t let guilt crush you. If you’ve done wrong or neglected to do right, own it, confess it to God and move on. David failed as a husband with Bathsheba and as a parent with his spoiled son Adonijah, but he accepted God’s forgiveness and is at peace now (II Sam.11:4; I Kings 1:6; Heb. 11:32). At the same time, avoid taking all the blame. Conscientious Christians can easily fall prey to this syndrome. “What did I do wrong? What did I do to cause this?” You’re not a perfect parent or mate. No one is. Expect criticism. Some of it may be just and helpful. If it is, admit it and learn from it. But some criticism will be unfair. Those who have never been through these problems can’t imagine themselves having them and can be unsympathetic and harsh—until the same thing happens to one of their children or grandchildren. Lean on Christians who understand and care. Family scandals are extremely hurtful and embarrassing. No one knows this better than those who have been there. Don’t hesitate to open up and talk to these counselors right in front of you. Their own struggles have made them plenty strong enough to help you bear your burdens (Gal. 6:2). Remember that everyone has a will. A good father can have a bad son and the son of a bad man can choose not to be like his father (Ezek. 18:1-14). Stand alone with God when necessary. “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me” (Psa. 27:10). Love God first and more than any loved one (Luke 14:26; Matt. 10:34-37). Never compromise for family. Be patient and press forward. Time can change a lot of things. However long the prodigal son was gone must have seemed like eternity to his father, but in time the son changed (Luke 15:11-24). Believe that good will come out of and in spite of the worst situations. Be faithful regardless of the outcome and you’ll grow in ways you won’t even realize. Do the right thing and you’ll influence people without knowing it. Character is forged in the fires of hardship, the “furnace of affliction” (Isa. 48:10). Keep your mind on that home where these troubles will be no more. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Kerry Duke |
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