Unlocking Deeper Understanding: What it Means to Study the Word
“Read your bible!” — You may be very familiar with hearing that phrase from your Pastor, Bible study leader or parent. As Christians seeking to grow in our faith, we are encouraged to read the bible and through the help of the Holy Spirit we grow in our knowledge of God.
Bible reading is useful for breadth of knowledge but if we want more depth, studying the context is necessary. To illustrate, consider this agricultural analogy: Are you a ‘raker’ or a ‘digger’ of biblical scripture? As readers of the bible, of course, you know agricultural-related references are a must! I have been asking myself similar questions, as I have felt more challenged and convicted to delve deeper into the Word of God
What Does it Mean to ‘Study’ the Bible?
Exegesis: careful analytical study of the biblical passages
Exegesis involves discovering the original intended meaning of scripture considering its historical and literary context. This helps us understand what the text meant to its original audience, forming an objective foundation before applying it to our own lives. In doing this, we cannot be skewed by our own bias or interpretation. By starting with exegesis, we seek God’s intended message for us rather than what might simply sound pleasing to us.
Questions to consider when studying the bible:
When and where was it written?
How did God interact with people at that time?
What type of book is it?
Who wrote it?
Who was meant to read it?
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable
2 Timothy 3:16
Hermeneutics: the study of biblical interpretation
Hermeneutics involves applying scripture to the present, allowing for some subjectivity. For each of us, the process of arriving at the meaning of Scripture is influenced by who we are as individuals but also by our cultural, socioeconomic and historical contexts. These can all affect the interpretive process.
Some learning strategies for the bible
Read through the Bible in different translations
Use an application bible which has a commentary section
Look into the root meaning of biblical words
Have a separate journal to jot down new revelations
Bible verse mapping
Study the bible according to biblical characters or topics
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach, as you study more, you will discover a strategy that is effective for you.
When I started this journey of studying my bible more, I felt like I was ‘behind’ or ‘lacking in some way’ but I was reminded that our faith is a beautiful lifetime journey, and will be strengthened as we continue to grow in our relationship with God. But ultimately the end goal is to know God, we can do all this extended research and reading and still miss Him in the process also due to lack of sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.” Ephesians 1:17 NIV. The goal is to know God better through His Word. Let’s move from being ‘rakers’ to ‘diggers’ of Scripture, uncovering the profound truths God has for us.
In the book of Luke Jesus gives the parable of the two builders. The parable warns us about the dangers of paying lip service to Jesus and his teachings but not obeying.
Luke Chapter 6 verses 46-49
The Wise and Foolish Builders 46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well-built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
Everyone is building some kind of house
Jesus makes it clear that upon hearing Jesus, we are all in two camps. There is no neutral ground. You are either building a solid house that will stand or you are building a house that will eventually collapse. In other words, we are all pouring our treasure into some sort of alabaster box. We live in an age of cognitive dissonance where people say one thing and practice another. Jesus speaks directly to this culture and says, if you love me, you will keep my commands. If you profess to follow me, you won’t just say the right things, you will do the right things.
Storms are coming
Another enlightening point Jesus makes is about the certainty of storms. In these end times, there is a certain prosperity gospel that is pervasive in many circles. False teachers make the case that believing in Jesus will lead to a life with no storms, strife or hardship. Jesus in this parable says ‘when’ a flood came putting in the parable the inevitability of storms. In a sense, he is saying expect storms. The storms of life will rage, however, those who have built on solid rock will stand.
Look at verse 48
‘When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built’
When we obey Jesus and put his words into action, it’s akin to building a rain shelter before it starts to rain. We are protecting a future version of ourselves from being rocked by the storms of life that will surely come.
Authentic faith lasts
I love the sheer confidence with which Jesus speaks in this parable. He declares boldly that he is the firm foundation and a house built on him will stand. This security and assuredness should comfort us and give us hope. Everything else we build on will cave on itself. On the other hand, Jesus declares that he is secure and his word can be trusted. Jesus says in this passage that we can bank and trust him. He is saying he can handle the weight of our trust and expectations.
Christianity is a contact sport. In our information age, it’s easy to see it as following Jesus as a life philosophy or a bunch of claims we agree to. Jesus in this passage says it is more than that. It is a pattern of living, a pathology of behaviour that demands something from us.
Everything else we build our life on will disappoint us. Everything else will crumble under the weight of the expectations we put on it. Christianity is a contact sport, you have to connect with his word. You cannot just mentally accept it. You have to put your weight on it. If you do this authentically, your life will be secure and whatever life throws, you will stand.
When Jesus said we should worship him in spirit and truth, what did he mean and how do we as Christians lay claim to this?
In the Gospel of John, chapter 4, verses 21-24, we find a profound and transformative conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at the well. This passage unveils essential truths about worship, urging believers to transcend physical and cultural boundaries in pursuit of a deeper, more authentic connection with God. Let’s delve into the rich teachings encapsulated in John 4:21-24.
To fully grasp the significance of these verses, it’s crucial to understand the context. Jesus, tired and thirsty from his journey, engages in a conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. This encounter alone breaks cultural norms, as Samaritans and Jews traditionally avoided interactions. However, Jesus goes beyond societal barriers, revealing a timeless truth about worship that transcends cultural, religious, and physical distinctions.
Worship beyond temples
In verse 21, Jesus declares, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.” Here, Jesus challenges the notion that worship is confined to a specific physical location or religious institution. He shifts the focus from the external, emphasizing that genuine worship is not about the place but the heart. He makes it clear to her that worship is not only about singing in a church but a disposition we can all maintain
In verse 23, Jesus proclaims, “But the hour is coming, and is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” This statement is revolutionary. Jesus introduces the concept of worshipping in spirit, emphasizing the internal, spiritual aspect of worship. True worship transcends rituals, traditions, and external forms; it emanates from a sincere connection with God at the core of one’s being.
The phrase “in spirit” implies a deep, personal engagement with the divine. It encourages believers to cultivate an authentic, heartfelt relationship with God, recognizing that true worship involves the surrender of the spirit to the Father. This spiritual connection allows for a genuine expression of love, gratitude, and devotion, unbound by external constraints.
Worship in truth
Jesus pairs worship in spirit with worship in truth. In verse 24, he says, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Truth in worship involves sincerity, honesty, and a genuine acknowledgement of who God is. It rejects hypocrisy and external displays of religiosity in favour of an authentic, transparent relationship with the Creator.
Worshiping in truth requires aligning our lives with the revealed truths of God’s Word. It involves living a life that reflects the character and teachings of Christ. This sincerity in worship extends beyond mere rituals and rituals, inviting believers to embrace a holistic approach to their faith.
How can we apply this?
The message of John 4:21-24 is as relevant today as it was when Jesus spoke these words. In a world characterized by division, religious differences, and cultural barriers, believers are called to rise above external distinctions and engage in worship that is deeply rooted in the spirit and truth.
Christians are urged to transcend denominational boundaries and focus on the essential elements of worship: a sincere, heart-driven connection with God and a commitment to living out the truths found in Scripture. This passage challenges us to evaluate our worship practices, ensuring that they are not mere routines but authentic expressions of love and devotion.
John 4:21-24 challenges believers to redefine their understanding of worship. It invites us to break free from the constraints of physical locations and cultural norms, emphasizing that true worship is an internal, spiritual, and truthful connection with God. As we embrace this transformative perspective, we discover a worship that transcends boundaries and fosters a genuine, life-transforming relationship with our Heavenly Father. May we be true worshipers who worship in spirit and truth, bringing glory to God in every aspect of our lives.
John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey my commandments. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever.
In this passage, there is a radically counter-cultural message presented. Jesus says obedience is the most vivid expression of love. On the other hand, culture says love is primarily to be seen as a feeling and that obedience is cold. How are we to think about this passage of scripture?
Two sides of the same coin
In John 14:15, Jesus presents love and obedience as inextricably linked. Love and obedience are presented as two sides of the same coin. God is saying to love him is to obey him. He is telling the people, don’t just honour me with your lips, while your heart is far away from me. In other words, the authenticity of our love is demonstrated by our obedience to God.
But isn’t freedom about the absence of restriction?
Many might look at this portion of scripture and recoil at what is being described. We live in a culture that celebrates freedom and this message from Jesus goes against the culture norm. It’s important to consider that the way the world looks at freedom may be wrong. The idea that freedom is about being able to do whatever you please is essentially a childish and immature way to look at issues.
If your house is burgled, you will would care about about rules, regulations and the law. We all recognise the importance of rules and regulations when we consider people who would happily violate them and hurt us in the process. We must recognise the importance of limiting some people’s absolute freedom to protect others. A world where we all have absolute freedom with no boundaries whatsoever quickly descends into anarchy.
Also, consider someone addicted to alcohol; who can’t stop themselves from picking up another bottle. Would you say they are free or are they really in bondage and a slave to their desires?
This shows you that freedom cannot simply be the ability for us to do whatever we want to do. Its more complicated and nuanced.
Why does God tell us what to do?
When God says don’t do something, he says it because he knows what’s best for us. When he speaks forcefully to us, he does it because his love for us is intense and he desperately wants our lives to be full of joy.
Let’s consider lying
In the bible, God is very serious and unequivocal about lying. He says ‘‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another (Leviticus 19:11).
If you lie, it will first corrode your reality. A life where you don’t take the truth seriously will eventually leave you in a constant state of cognitive dissonance and confusion. If everyone keeps on lying, it will eventually corrode society, leading to a culture, where we don’t trust each other, especially does in authority or positions of power. In turn, we start to undermine institutions and believe only our imaginations over the truth. Does any of this sound familiar?
Because God sees this end right from the start, he tells us forcefully, ‘do not lie’. It’s not him being bossy, instead, it’s his love and his desire to protect us.
The worst thing God could do is say ‘Do what you want’. Imagine if God left you to your own devices and didn’t instruct you in any way. Imagine who you would become without his instructions and his law. He is projecting from that person and giving you the guardrails for a life of flourishing and peace.
I remember, years ago, I visited one of my younger brothers who is a musician. He was headlining a show and after I made my way through security, I found my seats and prepared for the show to begin. When it all started, he was electric; thousands of people seemed to be enjoying themselves and he was having the time of his life. Before his last song, he was thanking some people who had made the night possible. Everyone nodded politely as we went through names and told us stories.
He then called out my name, I was sure this was a mistake so I looked around for another Micheal. Soon he was pointing and I an introvert, crippled by the spotlight stood up and waved. I sat down quickly however the memory lingered. He singled me out in a large crowd and he saw me.
It’s a small example to show us how God sees in what may seem like a crowd of many people. What’s even more impressive is that God, amongst billions of his creation sees us and calls us by name. He knows us, notices us and no matter how insignificant we think we are, God calls us out in the middle of a crowd.
Hagar’s Revelation: Understanding How God Sees and Knows Us
In Genesis 16:13, we find a profound moment in the life of Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarai. Hagar, pregnant with Abram’s child and mistreated by Sarai, found herself in the wilderness, contemplating her uncertain future. In the midst of her despair, Hagar encountered the divine revelation that speaks volumes about how God sees and understands each one of us.
The verse states, “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.'” These words echo the comforting truth that God is not a distant, indifferent deity; rather, He is intimately involved in our lives, fully aware of our struggles, joys, and everything in between.
Firstly, the acknowledgement that “You are the God who sees me” is a powerful affirmation of God’s omniscience. Unlike human relationships that may falter due to misunderstandings or lack of communication, God perceives every facet of our being. He sees not only our outward actions but also the depths of our hearts. In times of loneliness or despair, we can find solace in the fact that God’s gaze is unwavering, His understanding limitless.
Hagar’s declaration reveals a divine comprehension that goes beyond mere observation. God doesn’t just see us; He understands us. He comprehends the complexities of our emotions, the intricacies of our thoughts, and the depths of our struggles. When life seems overwhelming, and we feel misunderstood by the world, we can take refuge in the understanding gaze of our Creator.
In our human experiences, there are moments when we feel invisible, as if no one truly understands the challenges we face. Yet, Hagar’s encounter with God serves as a reminder that we are never alone in our journey. God not only sees us in our moments of joy but also in our moments of pain and desperation. He comprehends the depths of our suffering and extends His compassionate understanding.
The verse concludes with Hagar saying, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” This reciprocal relationship is a beautiful depiction of the intimacy God desires with each of His children. Just as God sees and understands us, we are invited to see Him – to recognize His presence in our lives. This mutual acknowledgement fosters a deep, personal connection that transcends the superficiality of mere observation.
As Christians, we can draw strength and encouragement from Hagar’s revelation. In the highs and lows of life, God sees us, and His understanding surpasses our human comprehension. Let us embrace the assurance that we serve a God who is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved in our lives. May we, like Hagar, declare with gratitude, “You are the God who sees me.”
As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors of the Gospel, sharing the transformative message of God’s love and redemption with those around us. In this information age, with cancel culture all around us, the task of sharing the Gospel can seem daunting, but with genuine love, humility, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can be effective witnesses for Christ.
Here are practical tips on how to effectively share the Gospel with people.
Cultivate authentic relationships
The foundation of effective evangelism is genuine relationships. Jesus emphasized the importance of love and unity among His followers in John 13:35 (ESV): “By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Building authentic relationships opens the door for honest conversations about faith.
Invest time in getting to know people, listening to their stories, and demonstrating Christ’s love through your actions. When others see the authenticity of your faith in your daily life, they are more likely to be receptive to the Gospel message you share.
Understand and respect others’ perspectives
There is a very pervasive culture on social media of one person ‘owning’ another person in viral videos built around debates. The Bible does not encourage this approach, instead, it encourages us to approach conversations with humility and a genuine desire to understand others. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) encourages believers to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Its key to recognise that second clause. It’s not just advice, but it’s an instruction, do it with gentleness and respect. This means how we share the message is just as important as the message we are sharing.
Respectful dialogue involves active listening and acknowledging the perspectives of others. Avoid being confrontational or judgmental. Instead, create an atmosphere where people feel heard and valued. By respecting their beliefs, you lay the groundwork for a more open and receptive conversation about the Gospel.
Share your personal testimony
Your personal testimony is a powerful tool in sharing the Gospel. Revelation 12:11 (ESV) declares, “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Your story of how Christ has transformed your life can resonate with others who may be facing similar struggles or searching for meaning.
When sharing your testimony, focus on the impact of your relationship with Jesus. Highlight the changes in your life, the hope you’ve found, and the joy that comes from following Christ. Personal stories connect on a human level and can serve as a compelling testament to the life-changing power of the Gospel.
This can help to bring the truth of God’s word to life for people that need a real-life example of what you are saying,
Use scripture and the power of God’s word
The Bible is a powerful and transformative tool in sharing the Gospel. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) describes the Word of God as “alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
When engaging in conversations about faith, share relevant passages of Scripture that communicate the central message of the Gospel. The Word of God has the ability to speak directly to the hearts of individuals, convicting and transforming lives. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead you to the right verses for each unique conversation.
Pray for divine appointments and opportunities
Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV) encourages believers to “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ.”
Effective evangelism is not solely reliant on our abilities but on the leading and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Regularly pray for divine appointments and opportunities to share the Gospel. Be watchful for moments when God opens doors for meaningful conversations, and trust in His timing and guidance.
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who know, love, and glorify one another. This one true and living God is infinitely perfect both in his love and in his holiness. He is the Creator of all things, visible and invisible, and is therefore worthy to receive all glory and adoration. Immortal and eternal, he perfectly and exhaustively knows the end from the beginning, sustains and sovereignly rules over all things, and providentially brings about his eternal good purposes to redeem a people for himself and restore his fallen creation, to the praise of his glorious grace.
2 Revelation:
God has graciously disclosed his existence and power in the created order, and has supremely revealed himself to fallen human beings in the person of his Son, the incarnate Word. Moreover, this God is a speaking God who by his Spirit has graciously disclosed himself in human words: we believe that God has inspired the words preserved in the Scriptures, the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, which are both recorded and means of his saving work in the world.
These writings alone constitute the verbally inspired Word of God, which is utterly authoritative and without error in the original writings, complete in its revelation of his will for salvation, sufficient for all that God requires us to believe and do, and final in its authority over every domain of knowledge to which it speaks. We confess that both our finitude and our sinfulness preclude the possibility of knowing God’s truth exhaustively, but we affirm that, enlightened by the Spirit of God, we can know God’s revealed truth truly.
The Bible is to be believed, as God’s instruction, in all that it teaches; obeyed, as God’s command, in all that it requires; and trusted, as God’s pledge, in all that it promises. As God’s people hear, believe, and do the Word, they are equipped as disciples of Christ and witnesses to the gospel.
3 Creation of Humanity:
We believe that God created human beings, male and female, in his own image. Adam and Eve belonged to the created order that God himself declared to be very good, serving as God’s agents to care for, manage, and govern creation, living in holy and devoted fellowship with their Maker. Men and women, equally made in the image of God, enjoy equal access to God by faith in Christ Jesus and are both called to move beyond passive self-indulgence to significant private and public engagement in family, church, and civic life.
Adam and Eve were made to complement each other in a one-flesh union that establishes the only normative pattern of sexual relations for men and women, such that marriage ultimately serves as a type of the union between Christ and his church. In God’s wise purposes, men and women are not simply interchangeable, but rather they complement each other in mutually enriching ways. God ordains that they assume distinctive roles which reflect the loving relationship between Christ and the church, the husband exercising headship in a way that displays the caring, sacrificial love of Christ, and the wife submitting to her husband in a way that models the love of the church for her Lord.
In the ministry of the church, both men and women are encouraged to serve Christ and to be developed to their full potential in the manifold ministries of the people of God. The distinctive leadership role within the church given to qualified men is grounded in creation, fall, and redemption and must not be sidelined by appeals to cultural developments.
4 The Fall:
We believe that Adam, made in the image of God, distorted that image and forfeited his original blessedness—for himself and all his progeny—by falling into sin through Satan’s temptation. As a result, all human beings are alienated from God, corrupted in every aspect of their being (e.g., physically, mentally, volitionally, emotionally, spiritually) and condemned finally and irrevocably to death—apart from God’s own gracious intervention.
The supreme need of all human beings is to be reconciled to the God under whose just and holy wrath we stand; the only hope of all human beings is the undeserved love of this same God, who alone can rescue us and restore us to himself.
5 The Plan of God:
We believe that from all eternity God determined in grace to save a great multitude of guilty sinners from every tribe and language and people and nation, and to this end foreknew them and chose them. We believe that God justifies and sanctifies those who by grace have faith in Jesus, and that he will one day glorify them— all to the praise of his glorious grace. In love God commands and implores all people to repent and believe, having set his saving love on those he has chosen and having ordained Christ to be their Redeemer.
6 The Gospel
We believe that the gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ—God’s very wisdom. Utter folly to the world, even though it is the power of God to those who are being saved, this good news is christological, centering on the cross and resurrection: the gospel is not proclaimed if Christ is not proclaimed, and the authentic Christ has not been proclaimed if his death and resurrection are not central (the message is: “Christ died for our sins . . . [and] was raised”).
This good news is biblical (his death and resurrection are according to the Scriptures), theological and salvific (Christ died for our sins, to reconcile us to God), historical (if the saving events did not happen, our faith is worthless, we are still in our sins, and we are to be pitied more than all others), apostolic (the message was entrusted to and transmitted by the apostles, who were witnesses of these saving events), and intensely personal (where it is received, believed, and held firmly, individual persons are saved).
7 The Redemption of Christ
We believe that, moved by love and in obedience to his Father, the eternal Son became human: the Word became flesh, fully God and fully human being, one Person in two natures. The man Jesus, the promised Messiah of Israel, was conceived through the miraculous agency of the Holy Spirit, and was born of the virgin Mary. He perfectly obeyed his heavenly Father, lived a sinless life, performed miraculous signs, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead on the third day, and ascended into heaven.
As the mediatorial King, he is seated at the right hand of God the Father, exercising in heaven and on earth all of God’s sovereignty, and is our High Priest and righteous Advocate. We believe that by his incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus Christ acted as our representative and substitute. He did this so that in him we might become the righteousness of God: on the cross he canceled sin, propitiated God, and, by bearing the full penalty of our sins, reconciled to God all those who believe.
By his resurrection Christ Jesus was vindicated by his Father, broke the power of death and defeated Satan who once had power over it, and brought everlasting life to all his people; by his ascension he has been forever exalted as Lord and has prepared a place for us to be with him. We believe that salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name given under heaven by which we must be saved. Because God chose the lowly things of this world, the despised things, the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, no human being can ever boast before him—Christ Jesus has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
8 The Justification of Sinners
We believe that Christ, by his obedience and death, fully discharged the debt of all those who are justified. By his sacrifice, he bore in our stead the punishment due us for our sins, making a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God’s justice on our behalf. By his perfect obedience he satisfied the just demands of God on our behalf, since by faith alone that perfect obedience is credited to all who trust in Christ alone for their acceptance with God.
Since Christ was given by the Father for us, and his obedience and punishment were accepted in place of our own, freely and not for anything in us, this justification is solely of free grace, in order that both the exact justice and the rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners.
We believe that a zeal for personal and public obedience flows from this free justification.
9 The Power of the Holy Spirit
We believe that this salvation, attested in all Scripture and secured by Jesus Christ, is applied to his people by the Holy Spirit. Sent by the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ, and, as the other Paraclete, is present with and in believers. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and by his powerful and mysterious work regenerates spiritually dead sinners, awakening them to repentance and faith, and in him they are baptized into union with the Lord Jesus, such that they are justified before
God by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. By the Spirit’s agency, believers are renewed, sanctified, and adopted into God’s family; they participate in the divine nature and receive his sovereignly distributed gifts. The Holy Spirit is himself the down payment of the promised inheritance, and in this age indwells, guides, instructs, equips, revives, and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.
10 The Kingdom of God
We believe that those who have been saved by the grace of God through union with Christ by faith and through regeneration by the Holy Spirit enter the kingdom of God and delight in the blessings of the new covenant: the forgiveness of sins, the inward transformation that awakens a desire to glorify, trust, and obey God, and the prospect of the glory yet to be revealed. Good works constitute indispensable evidence of saving grace.
Living as salt in a world that is decaying and light in a world that is dark, believers should neither withdraw into seclusion from the world, nor become indistinguishable from it: rather, we are to do good to the city, for all the glory and honor of the nations is to be offered up to the living God. Recognizing whose created order this is, and because we are citizens of God’s kingdom, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, doing good to all, especially to those who belong to the household of God.
The kingdom of God, already present but not fully realized, is the exercise of God’s sovereignty in the world toward the eventual redemption of all creation. The kingdom of God is an invasive power that plunders Satan’s dark kingdom and regenerates and renovates through repentance and faith the lives of individuals rescued from that kingdom. It therefore inevitably establishes a new community of human life together under God.
11 God’s New People
We believe that God’s new covenant people have already come to the heavenly Jerusalem; they are already seated with Christ in the heavenlies. This universal church is manifest in local churches of which Christ is the only Head; thus each “local church” is, in fact, the church, the household of God, the assembly of the living God, and the pillar and foundation of the truth. The church is the body of Christ, the apple of his eye, graven on his hands, and he has pledged himself to her forever. The church is distinguished by her gospel message, her sacred ordinances, her discipline, her great mission, and, above all, by her love for God, and by her members’ love for one another and for the world.
Crucially, this gospel we cherish has both personal and corporate dimensions, neither of which may properly be overlooked. Christ Jesus is our peace: he has not only brought about peace with God, but also peace between alienated peoples. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both Jew and Gentile to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. The church serves as a sign of God’s future new world when its members live for the service of one another and their neighbors, rather than for self-focus. The church is the corporate dwelling place of God’s Spirit, and the continuing witness to God in the world.
12 Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
We believe that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordained by the Lord Jesus himself. The former is connected with entrance into the new covenant community, the latter with ongoing covenant renewal. Together they are simultaneously God’s pledge to us, divinely ordained means of grace, our public vows of submission to the once crucified and now resurrected Christ, and anticipations of his return and of the consummation of all things.
13 The Restoration of All Things
We believe in the personal, glorious, and bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ with his holy angels, when he will exercise his role as final Judge, and his kingdom will be consummated. We believe in the bodily resurrection of both the just and the unjust—the unjust to judgment and eternal conscious punishment in hell, as our Lord himself taught, and the just to eternal blessedness in the presence of him who sits on the throne and of the Lamb, in the new heaven and the new earth, the home of righteousness.
On that day the church will be presented faultless before God by the obedience, suffering and triumph of Christ, all sin purged and its wretched effects forever banished. God will be all in all and his people will be enthralled by the immediacy of his ineffable holiness, and everything will be to the praise of his glorious grace.
As we step into a new year, many of us are contemplating resolutions to enhance our lives—physical health, career goals, or personal development. While these aspirations are valuable, there’s one resolution that often gets overlooked but can profoundly impact every aspect of our lives: prioritizing prayer. As Christians, turning to the timeless wisdom of the Bible reveals the transformative power of prayer. Here are three compelling reasons why making prayer a priority should be at the top of your 2024 resolutions.
1. Aligning with God’s Will through Prayer (Matthew 6:10)
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus imparts a profound lesson on prayer through the Lord’s Prayer. One key phrase in this prayer is, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, ESV). This serves as a powerful reminder that prayer is not just about presenting our requests to God but aligning our hearts with His divine will. It’s about lining up in order of what he is doing on the earth. It only takes a glance at current affairs to see that so much is beyond us; prayer conforms us to his will.
When we make prayer a priority, we invite God into every aspect of our lives. We seek His guidance, surrendering our desires to His higher purpose. As we embark on the journey of 2024, let our resolutions be guided by the divine compass of God’s will. Through prayer, we can discern His plans for us and confidently step into the purpose He has ordained.
2. Finding Strength and Peace in Times of Challenge (Philippians 4:6-7)
Life is filled with challenges, and the Bible acknowledges this reality. In Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV), the apostle Paul encourages believers, saying, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
By prioritizing prayer, we tap into a source of strength and peace that goes beyond our human understanding. In the face of adversity, uncertainty, or anxiety, prayer becomes our refuge. It is in these moments of communion with God that we find solace, knowing that He is in control. As we embark on a new year, let prayer be our anchor, grounding us in the peace that surpasses all understanding.
3. Cultivating a Deeper Relationship with God (James 4:8)
James 4:8 (NIV) exhorts believers to draw near to God: “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” Prayer is the pathway to a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Creator. In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of spending time in His presence.
As we set our resolutions for 2024, let’s prioritize carving out intentional time for prayer. Whether it’s through moments of silent reflection, earnest intercession, or worshipful praise, each prayerful encounter draws us closer to God. This intimate connection transforms not only our circumstances but also our hearts, fostering a genuine and enduring relationship with the One who loves us unconditionally.
Making prayer a top priority in your 2024 resolutions is a decision that can shape the entire trajectory of your year. Through prayer, we align with God’s will, find strength in challenges, and cultivate a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father. As we step into the new year, let us resolve to make prayer a cornerstone of our lives, trusting in the transformative power it holds and embracing the divine guidance it provides.
As Christmas approaches, streets adorned with twinkling lights and homes filled with the warmth of festive decorations remind us that Christmas is just around the corner. Amidst the hustle and bustle of gift shopping and holiday preparations, it is crucial to pause and reflect on the real reason for Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas is not merely a time for exchanging gifts and indulging in delicious feasts; it is a celebration of the profound love and grace of God, manifested in the birth of His Son, Jesus. The Bible tells us in Luke 2:10-11, “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'”
The birth of Jesus is the fulfilment of the divine promise—a promise of redemption, hope, and eternal life. It is a reminder that, despite our shortcomings and sins, God loves us unconditionally. The real reason for Christmas lies in the acknowledgement of this incredible gift of love and the salvation that it brings to humanity.
During the secular celebrations, Christians are called to recenter their focus on the nativity story. The humble setting of the stable, the radiant star guiding the shepherds and wise men, and the angelic proclamation of “Glory to God in the highest” all bear witness to the extraordinary nature of Jesus’ birth. It is a story of humility, simplicity, and the accessibility of God’s love to all.
As we exchange presents with loved ones and gather around the Christmas tree, let us not forget the ultimate gift—the gift of God’s Son. This season encourages us to emulate the divine example of selfless love, compassion, and generosity. Just as God gave us His best in the form of Jesus, we are inspired to give our best to others.
Beyond the festivities, Christmas invites believers to reflect on their spiritual journey and draw closer to the heart of God. It is an opportunity to deepen one’s faith, to express gratitude for the gift of salvation, and to share the good news with those who may not yet know the true reason for the season.
Christmas is a time to celebrate the extraordinary love of God, revealed in the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a season of joy, hope, and salvation—a divine invitation for humanity to experience the transformative power of God’s love. As we exchange greetings of “Merry Christmas,” may we also share the message of the real reason for the season—the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
A militant group based in occupied Gaza launched aerial attacks and broke through the heavily secured fence into the State of Israel. Hundreds of Israelis have been killed, a historic scale of violence for the country. The Israeli counterattack will inevitably lead to more death and destruction for Palestinians and a tightened occupation.
In a world marred by strife and division, Christians are called to be instruments of peace and reconciliation. The power of prayer is a divine gift that allows us to bring our concerns and desires before the Creator of the universe. One of the most pressing concerns today is the prevalence of conflicts and wars around the world. As faithful believers, we have a sacred duty to pray fervently for peace to reign in these troubled regions.
The Bible is replete with verses emphasizing the importance of prayer, especially in times of strife and conflict. In Philippians 4:6-7, the apostle Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This verse reminds us that prayer is a powerful means to attain peace that surpasses human comprehension.
Moreover, the Gospel of Matthew (5:9) calls us to be “peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” As children of God, we are not only called to seek peace for ourselves but also to actively work towards peace in the world through our prayers and actions.
Praying for Conflicts Worldwide
When we turn our attention to the conflicts around the world, we see numerous places plagued by violence, hatred, and suffering. From the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East to civil unrest in various countries, countless individuals are experiencing the devastating effects of war. It is our Christian duty to intercede for these regions.
One of the most powerful examples of intercessory prayer can be found in the life of Jesus Christ himself. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the impending crucifixion, Jesus fervently prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Even in the face of immense suffering, Jesus sought the Father’s will through prayer, ultimately paving the way for the redemption of humanity.
How to Pray for Global Conflicts
Pray for Leaders: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 instructs us to pray for all those in authority. Lift up political leaders, diplomats, and those in power, so that they may be guided by wisdom and seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
Pray for Victims: Remember the countless innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. Pray for their protection, comfort, and provision.
Pray for Reconciliation: Ask God to soften the hearts of those involved in conflicts, so that they may be open to reconciliation and forgiveness.
Pray for Healing: Pray for physical and emotional healing for those affected by violence and war.
Pray for Peacekeepers: Lift up those working for peace, including humanitarian organizations, peacekeeping forces, and peacemakers on the ground.
The Power of Persistent Prayer
In the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, Jesus teaches us about the importance of persistent prayer. The widow’s persistence moved the unjust judge to grant her justice. Likewise, our persistent prayers for peace in conflict-ridden regions can move the heart of God and lead to positive change.
As Christians, we should never underestimate the impact of our prayers. James 5:16 affirms, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Let us, therefore, remain steadfast in our commitment to pray for conflicts worldwide, trusting that God hears our cries and is at work in ways we may not fully comprehend.
In conclusion, praying for conflicts around the world is not just a Christian duty; it is a divine calling. Through prayer, we can tap into the extraordinary power of God to bring peace and healing to the darkest corners of our world. Let us heed the biblical mandate, lift our voices in prayer, and stand as beacons of hope and agents of peace in a world that so desperately needs it.
