Today, while listening to the Bible, it hit me: “No wonder people hate the Bible!!”
“No wonder people hate the Bible!”
Seriously, it’s no wonder it get’s so much negative press…it deserves it! While 95% of what is presented is completely false, no one cares: it’s a book we all love to hate…
I did too. Anyone who dared to try direct me towards it would get an instant and angry attack: those who had represented it to me while young had hurt me, so NO WAY! But today, I see things very differently. 1I have met the author: He exposed my sin, broke my heart and healed it all in one. My eyes were opened for good and I suddenly understood and experienced the love of the Father. A love towards me despite my determined heart full of hatred towards Him, pride towards others and a love for sin that was all consuming. Since that day He has changed my heart to want to please Him – to want to do good – and to love my Saviour…the King of the universe!
I pray you discover the same…
Here’s the verse that I was listening to this morning:
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”
Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)
It is so true: the Bible cuts through everything. While many try to use it as a ‘nice book of good feels’, there is much more to it… It exposes what we are *really* like – which, for the most part can be pretty bleak!
The Bible exposes what we are really like!
But who would want to connect with what we spend most of our lives trying to keep hidden (from others and ourselves)?? The wise, that’s who!
The Bible pokes at what we try our hardest to ignore or deny – but it does so for our good. It may not feel nice, but it is what we need…it does it for our good!
What? Why would it do this? Simple. Love tells the truth – it says what is needed despite the reaction.
“A good friend will always stab you in the front”
– Oscar Wilde
The Bible can be like your very best friend!
The Bible examines, reveals and ultimately stabs you in the heart and soul. It does so with the power of a sword, but the accuracy and benefit of a scalpel. And that is because it is no ordinary book…
When you read it – it is actually the Author – the Creator – Jesus Himself – that communicates with you!
While many view it as an outdated religious or historic book – the truth is it has far, far more value. The Bible pulls no punches…it is a mirror that gives us a glimpse of the way God sees us. And what could be more important?!
Are you wise? Can you handle it? Go pick it up & see what work God wants to do on / in you…
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,
and desperately wicked.
Who really knows how bad it is?
But I, the LORD, search all hearts
and examine secret motives.
I give all people their due rewards,
according to what their actions deserve.”Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NLT)
“But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
Matthew 5:20 (NLT)
“With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Living in the Light
1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret”Ephesians 4:17 – 5:12 (NLT)
NOTES:
- Would you listen to a truthful mechanics diagnosis of a problem with your car?
- Would you want your plumber to tell you about a problem before it got out of hand?
- Would you want a doctor to tell you the truth about your health or lie to you to make you feel better that day?
The same is true of the Bible: it has the ability to reveal the true state of your soul. Ignoring it will have the worst consequences of all. Eternal consequences.
Warning: Do not give in to the temptation to follow false religion: follow Jesus! He will never let you down. Read the Bible & do what it says – you will be BLOWN AWAY!
Footnotes:
- 1I have met the author: He exposed my sin, broke my heart and healed it all in one. My eyes were opened for good and I suddenly understood and experienced the love of the Father. A love towards me despite my determined heart full of hatred towards Him, pride towards others and a love for sin that was all consuming. Since that day He has changed my heart to want to please Him – to want to do good – and to love my Saviour…the King of the universe!
I pray you discover the same…