Posts Tagged ‘Bible’
January 26th, 2010 | 
Author: “…because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” 2 Thess 2:13
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17
Many have written and started New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps the most important one you began is to read through the Bible in 2010. It is now 4 weeks into 2010 and I encourage you to keep at it. If it’s not on your list – start today!
The Bible is clear. First- Sanctification is required. Second – The Bible is required for sanctification. You can listen to sermons, read books, study theology, even get a degree from seminary; however, nothing replaces time spent in the Word of God.
The spiritual growth of a believer should always be increasing, never stagnate or decreasing. Books are one of the best ways to enhance, deepen, build and strengthen your relationship with Christ and ultimately love God more. Please check in from time to time as we continue to offer book and reading suggestions. Recommended Reading List.
Pastor Ray
A “Recommended Reading” list may be found under the “Resources” tab on this web page. If you desire to get to know the Word of God and the God of the Word better, you may wish to check out that link.
We have all heard of Moses, Aaron, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Peter, Andrew, James and John. If you have spent much time in the Bible you probably also know of Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Debra, Boaz, Solomon, and David. But, are you familiar with Oholiab and Bezalel? They were both chosen by God for a special purpose – even though they can’t pass spell-check in a Microsoft Word document.
Exodus 31 tells us the Spirit of God filled Bezalel because he was chosen to be the head craftsman for the building of the tabernacle. Bezalel was also given “skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.”
God also appointed Oholiab to help Bezalel. Then God adds: “Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you.”
What a wonder that God chooses to fill workers with skills and abilities. James 1:17 reminds us that, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Do you have skills? Maybe you can build a cake, or turn a sentence, or sculpt a relationship. Every good gift, every skill, every ability that we possess, comes from a good God and should be used to further His kingdom.
All quotes in this post from (NIV).
