All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Hebrews 1:1
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
“Thus saith the LORD” is found in numerous locations throughout the Scriptures.
The Bible claims to be inspired by God. If it is not the inerrant word of God, then it is to be ignored.
That’s why I read the Bible. To BELIEVE in Him.
Let’s read the bible through in 2023
Here’s a link to some printable Bible reading Bookmarks.
If you live in the Borger area and would like to study the bible better, we invite you to one of our services with the church of Christ on Franklin and Juniper.
Here are some external sources for additional study about the inspiration of the bible.
Jesus prayed that people, after His resurrection, would believe in Him through the words of the Apostles.
John 17:20 KJV
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
Their word would be written…
John 20:30-31 KJV
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: [31] But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Ephesians 3:3-4 KJV
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, [4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
Romans 10:17 KJV
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
That’s why I read the Bible. To BELIEVE in Him.
Let’s read the bible through in 2023
Here’s a link to some printable Bible reading Bookmarks.
If you live in the Borger area and would like to study the bible better, we invite you to one of our services with the church of Christ on Franklin and Juniper.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
(Eph 2:8)
Some would have you believe that there is nothing a man must do to receive the GRACE of God. However, that extreme position teaches universal salvation to unbelievers, unrepentant, active sinners, and wicked & vile people.
These same teachers would then say, “well, you have to believe.” The scriptures teach that a person must believe before they can be saved (John 8:24). Again, this “faith only” extreme position teaches salvation to any ‘believer’ regardless of willful sins.
By the way, belief is a work that man must do. “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent” (John 6:29; cf. 1Thess 1:3).
These very same teachers then tell me, “Well, you must repent.” At this point we’re getting closer to the truth. At least some of them agree with the scriptures that repentance is a requirement of salvation. “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30; cf Luke 13:3).
They will also teach to be saved a person must confess Jesus. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). They agree with the scriptures, but they need to read just one verse farther, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” There is something man must do to receive the GRACE of God.
Is it any stretch then to teach that a person must do something to RECEIVE the Grace of God that has appeared to all men? GRACE is Received by man when they obey the Gospel. Read just a little further in Romans 10:16; “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?” Obedience is connected to Belief.
Grace is the Gift of God. As seen above, mankind must RECEIVE (obey) that gift. Grace is the provision for salvation through Christ. Without His perfect sacrifice we could not be saved. How do we receive salvation through His Grace?
Paul wrote this, “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (2Tim 2:5, NKJV). To be saved one must follow the RULES of Christ. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2John 9).
When Peter preached at the beginning he told the new believers in Christ, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Before anyone can receive the Gift of Salvation, they must believe and REPENT. It is commanded by Christ, It is taught by the Apostles, It is repeated by Paul, and it is a requirement for restoration of those who have obeyed but have sinned (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30; Rev 2:5).
The person that believes must REPENT AND be BAPTIZED. Believers are immersed in (go UNDER) water to be saved. When Philip preached Jesus to the Eunuch, he asked, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36). Paul explained that Baptism (going UNDER water by faith) is accessing the working of God through faith for the circumcision of the heart. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Col 2:11-12).
Peter wrote that water baptism saves, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1Peter 3:21). Ananias told Saul of Tarsus that baptism will “wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).
Those that have obeyed the Gospel by putting on Christ in Baptism must then LIVE Faithfully. Paul said that it is possible to receive the Grace of God in vain (2Cor 6:1). That is what happens when believers LIVE unfaithfully to Christ. He wrote the Galatians that they could “fall from grace” (Gal 5:4). This happens when we turn from Christ to another gospel (cf. Gal 1:6-10; 2Cor 11:4). Paul wrote Titus telling him that grace is “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11).
When we obey the gospel through faith, we can ENJOY the comfort & hope of God’s Grace. “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work” (2Thess 2:16-17). We can have assurance in Eternal life when we do what is commanded for us to do.
The grace of God also gives opportunity to STAND us back up when we fall in SIN, and when we SUFFER trials. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1Peter 5:10). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16; cf. 1John 1:9).
Grace is an exceedingly wonderful Gift from Jesus. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Grace is the opportunity, obeying the Truth is receiving His grace. (1Peter 1:22)
Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper St church of Christ in Borger Texas.
Evangelism is a “can you find the differences” game
The difference between…
Your church vs the Lord’s church.
Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
2Cor 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
What you believe vs what the Bible teaches.
Acts 26:27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
What you did to be “saved” vs what the Bible says to be saved.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
How you worship vs what the Bible teaches about worship.
Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
CAN YOU SPOT THE DIFFERENCES?
The difference between what your pastor SAYS vs what the SCRIPTURE SAYS?
2Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
(when your pastor “preaches Jesus” would the listeners respond in the same way as the Eunuch?)
The difference between what you PRACTICE vs what the Bible says to PRACTICE?
1Cor 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
The difference between not OBEYING the gospel vs OBEYING the Gospel?
2Thess 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
The difference between false TEACHING of me vs the TEACHING (doctrine) of Christ?
2John 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
For more study on this topic, click the link to the “we are different” page.
If you live in the Borger area, Would you like help to SPOT the differences and learn about true faith? Contact us and let us know.
Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper St church of Christ in Borger Texas.
This overview study of Hebrews is being conducted at the Franklin & Juniper church of Christ each Wednesday at 6:30pm and is scheduled to last until April. (the first Wednesday of each month will be congregational singing). Click here for service times & directions.
“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.”
(2Timothy 3:2)
In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he warns of imposters in the last and perilous days. He lists a series of qualities that describe these traitors (cf., 2Tim 3:2-8).
Among this descriptive list is the quality of being “UNTHANKFUL.”
We usually know when someone ELSE is being an ingrate, but seldom do we recognize it in ourselves. There are only two ways I know to see it in ourselves. One is through constant self-evaluation (cf. 2Cor 13:5), the other is learning by example (both positive & negative).
Let’s combine these strategies with a self-evaluation test using biblical examples.
Take this GRATITUDE self-test to know if we’re being grateful or ungrateful.
Do I only see…
the FORBIDDEN fruit?
the freedom to eat every other FRUIT in the garden?
(Gen 2:16-17; 3:4-6) Metaphorical for those forbidden “fruits” of the lust of the flesh.
Do I exemplify the SICKNESS with an organ recital?
Do I SHOW my hope in my faithful endurance?
(Jas 5:11; 2Cor 4:16-18)
When trouble comes…
Do I only see the STRUGGLE?
Do I see the STRENGTH and patience that comes from endurance?
(Jas 1:1-3; Heb 12:11)
When I go into the marketplace…
Do I lament the COMMERCIALISM?
Do I see the nearly limitless CHOICES?
(Mat 20:13-15)
Life on earth is seldom easy. The way we respond to the struggles of life will determine how much HOPE we display. A positive response gives the best chance to reach the lost through our godly example (cf. 1Peter 3:1-6).
Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper st. in Borger Texas.
It’s Possible! It’s possible to read through the Bible in one year. The above picture is not for bragging rights, it’s for encouragement. The Pic is my record of when I read each book of the Bible in 2022. As you can see I put an emphasis on reading the New Testament multiple times. I’ll finish up the year reading the Gospel of John and Revelation just one more time.
While I have been given the opportunity to read each day for a longer than average time, it’s still possible for the average person to read the bible in one year. Looking at this time chart below, one could read through the Bible in just 12 minutes per day
Crosswalk.org infographic
If you want to read just 5 days a week (Mon-Friday), which is the schedule I’m on, it would only add about 2-3 minutes per day.
Here is a chart from Crosswalk with the times to read through each book of the Bible.
Here are my 4 Tips to READ through the Bible in one year.
1. Read REGULARLY. Set a time for Bible reading. It only takes 15-17min per day, 5 days a week.
2. Reading is compared to EATING. (Rev 10:9-10; John 6:35-51). We eat every day for physical nourishment. Eat a small portion of the Word for Spiritual nourishment. It doesn’t need to be Eaten in one sitting. How do you ready an elephant? 1 bite at a time.
3. Read prayerfully, ASKING God for wisdom. Jas 1:5-7 The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. We get faith, belief, Equipping, & understanding when we read. (Rom 20:17; John 20:30-31; Eph 3:3-4; 2Tim 3:15-17)
4. Read with a Desire to become a DOER of the word. James 1:22 but be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. The New Testament is the final word of Christ and is the doctrine we follow today. (2John 1:9)
Here are some words from God’s word to encourage you to read.
John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Ephesians 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
1Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
John 6:48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
IT’S POSSIBLE! You can do it. If the scriptures made Timothy wise unto salvation, it will do the same for us too!
spencer
PS here is a link to a printable bookmark to help you keep your place and help you with a little context as you read.
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 