Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read
slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God,
thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for
you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Proverbs 29:26
Proverbs 29:26
Understanding to grow in
One of the skills Christians most need is discernment. But it's not just about sifting the truth from the error in what they hear from the world, but what they might hear even within the church. Peter therefore warns that false teachers will arise in the church. And this is serious, as the error they will introduce can destroy people's salvation by denying Christ or his work, and leading people into immorality on the promise that this is "freedom" (2v19). One cannot but think of those today who imply the idea of Jesus paying the penalty for sin in his death is outrageous, or his resurrection myth, and who state God is for all expressions of sexual love, without boundaries. Peter shows that the examples found in the Old Testament make clear that such false teachers will be judged and punished in hell, whilst those who are God's will be rescued from them. And he warns that, whatever spin they may put on it, such people are in it for themselves - perhaps wanting to justify their own sin, or greedy for acknowledgement or money. But like springs without water they have nothing lifegiving to offer. As you read note whay we should stay away from false teachers and their teaching.Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.