Benefits of Studying your Bible By: Gerald H. Baldwin M.Div. Aren’t we blessed that we severe a God who never sleeps or slumbers (Ps 121:4). We serve a God who constantly has us on his mind. But what if God handled his relationship with us the way we handle ours with him? You know what I mean, choosing not to go to church because we gave all of our energy and effort to our Jobs. Neglecting to grow in his word because our biblical study time does not exist outside of random posts made on face book. The word of God often finds its way to the bottom of our “To Do” List if we get to it at all. Let’s examine why it’s important to study the word of God and make it a priority in our lives. How to Know God the Father First, I am always amazed when I hear people say that they love God. Love God. In most instances, although they do not realize it, it’s not God that they love but their idea of who they think God is. What do I mean by that? Well think of when you first met your wife or your husband, was it love or did you see someone that you felt you would like to spend some time with and get to know better? After many walks, late night talks, lunch, dinner you realized that your feelings had begun to evolve into something stronger, you realized that you loved this person. In order to arrive at this emotional destination time has to be invested. Jesus tells us that God is a Spirit (John 4:24), he also tells us that a spirit does not have flesh and bones (Luke 24:39) like you and I. So, how can we, as human beings identity with an omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God? We can’t. He is righteous and we are sinful, he has existed since before time, he has no beginning and no end. How can our finite minds embrace all that God is? We cannot. The only way that we can began to analyze and understand the love that God has for humanity or even understand his nature is by examining the life of Jesus. Paul states to the Colossians that “The entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ (1:9)”. The writer of Hebrews states that: The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word (Hebrews 1:3)”. God is Jesus, Jesus is God. They are exact in nature, the same mind, the same spiritual DNA. When Jesus came to earth we must realize that his death was not the only benefit to us, his existence on earth, in human form has given us the ability to know God. In time of Battle Jesus told the Pharisees and Herodians “You are in error because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God (Mark 12:24). The word of God directs us so that we may live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God. In the midst of a storm it is the only thing that will spoil the devils schemes. When Jesus was tempted, after he had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, he never spoke anything but scripture to overcome satan’s offers to abandon God. Jesus, having gone without food for 40 days and nights is in a weakened state; this is when satan’s attack will be the most fierce. Our Lord opens his mouth and say’s “for it is written”, “for it is written”, “for it is written (Matthew 4:1-11”. It is important that we sew the word of God in our hearts so that we too can declare to the demons in hell “for it is written”. As David said “Lord, you word have I hidden in my heart, so That I will not sin against you (Psalm 119:11)”. May His truths strengthen your faith and guide your steps
Posted on: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 18:54:58 +0000