“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. ”2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV
Welcome to the 19th devotional recap of the year. This week, we examined some topics to strengthen our convictions: the goodness and trustworthiness of God, the integrity of scriptures, the only way to God, and Creation vs Evolution.
We started this week by learning that God is good, despite all that’s happening in the world today, and that God gave man freewill. However, the influence of sin in man’s heart causes man to exert this freewill negatively. Therefore, God’s goodness is demonstrated in Jesus’ sacrifice that cleansed us of sin and assured us of eternal life and the painless world to come (Revelation 21:1-4).
On Tuesday, we learnt that the scriptures contain the Spirit-inspired word of God. The events recorded in the Bible, including the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, are verifiable historical facts (Joshua 2:9-13, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Moreso, different remarkable men prophesied these events long before they happened. The Bible is accurate, detailed, and authentic. It is to be trusted.
Wednesday’s devotional admonished us to remain unshakeable in our conviction that Jesus is the only way to the Father. Man’s attempt to restore the severed relationship with God led to several religions’ establishment. However, the complete work of salvation wrought by the death and resurrection of Jesus establishes Him as the only mediator between God and man. There is no other way to access God except through Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).
Thursday’s devotional taught us that the intelligent and intentional design of the earth bears witness to the existence of an intelligent designer—a creator, God (Romans 1:20). Evolution describes the adaptation of organisms to changing environmental conditions over time. Only the Bible answers how the world and all that live within it came to be. The Bible also establishes that God, who created the world, also sustains it (Hebrews 1:3, 11:3).
We rounded up the week on Friday by learning about God’s trustworthiness. King David reminds us that our fathers of old trusted in God, and He never let them down (Psalms 22:4). God has a track record of keeping His word to His people, as He did with Abraham (Hebrews 6: 13-18, Hebrews 11:19). God does not lie, and has promised never to leave nor forsake us (Numbers 23:19, Deuteronomy 32:8). He gave us His Spirit as a reminder that we are His, and that He will keep His promises to us.
Our anchor Scripture makes a point for the validity and effectiveness of the Bible. It is a manual we must live by because it establishes the truth of the Christian faith. Therefore, our convictions about the scriptures must remain firm to enable us to boldly defend the faith.
Have a great weekend!
Please catch up with your Bible reading/study this weekend. On Monday, we go again!