In a world where choices often weigh heavy with consequence, there are actions so pure, so aligned with the human spirit, that they stand beyond regret or the need for repentance. These are the timeless acts that enrich lives, and those around us, and echo with eternal resonance.
These 4 principles are easy with people we like, it’s much more challenging to hold these qualities with folks who don’t like you.
Speaking EDIFYING Words Words have power to build or break. Choosing to speak words that uplift, encourage, and inspire is a gift that lingers in hearts. Imagine a weary soul, burdened by doubt, lifted by your gentle affirmation. We’ll never regret offering hope through our speech. When we choose words that breathe life, we reflect divine creativity. Ephesians 4:29 urges, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.” Our words can be a beacon, guiding others through darkness, and we’ll never wish we’d held them back.
Showing KINDNESS and Forgiveness Kindness is a currency of the soul, and forgiveness its greatest transaction. Extending a hand to someone in need or releasing a grudge can transform lives. Picture the moment you forgave someone who hurt you; their eyes softening, your heart lightening. We’ll never regret choosing compassion over bitterness. Colossians 3:12-13 reminds us to “put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility… forgiving one another.” These acts free us from resentment’s chains, leaving peace in their wake.
Acting with INTEGRITY Integrity is the compass of a life well-lived. Standing firm in truth, even when it’s costly, brings a quiet confidence that never fades. Consider the employee who refuses to cut corners, earning trust that outlasts fleeting gain. We’ll never regret honoring what’s right. Proverbs 11:3 declares, “The integrity of the upright guides them.” Living with integrity aligns us with our deepest values, ensuring we rest easy, untroubled by guilt. (See 2Peter 1:5-10)
LOVING Others as Yourself To love others as we love ourselves is to mirror the divine (Matt 22:37-39). Loving those who don’t love you is the real challenge. There’s no credit in Loving only those who love you (Luke 6:32). This love, selfless and bold, leaves no room for regret. Imagine the joy of seeing someone flourish because you chose to care. Mark 12:31 commands, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This love weaves a legacy that endures.
These choices carry no shadow of regret. They are the qualities of living with purpose and peace.
Look at the world around you; the way the stars hang in perfect balance or how a seed knows to become a towering oak. It’s not chaos; it’s order, governed by natural law, the consistent rules that keep the universe humming. These laws, from gravity’s pull to the intricate code in DNA, don’t just happen, they point to a purposeful intelligent design, a Lawgiver who crafted it all with intention. As a believer in the Bible’s account of a six-day creation, I see this order as evidence of God’s deliberate handiwork, not a cosmic accident.
Natural law is the framework of predictable principles that make life possible. The sun rises on schedule (Jeremiah 31:35-36), seasons shift like clockwork, and the laws of physics keep planets spinning. Romans 1:20 says God’s “eternal power and Godhead” are clear in what He made. The universe’s fine-tuning (like the precise gravitational constant that allows stars to form) is no fluke. Scientists estimate the odds of a life-sustaining universe by chance are 1 in 10^229 (Hugh Ross, The Creator and the Cosmos). That’s not luck; it’s design, echoing Genesis 1, where God spoke order into existence over six days.
Then there’s the moral side of natural law. Humans share a sense of justice, love, and truth across cultures. We see this in the oft asked questions about why is there evil in the world. Without God’s moral law, there is no such thing as good nor evil. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says God “set eternity in their heart,” (ASV) hinting at a universal compass. Psalm 19:1-4 adds that the heavens “declare the glory of God,” revealing Him through their silent order. This moral awareness sets us apart from animals. A lion’s instinct drives it to hunt, not to ponder fairness. Animal instincts are about survival (eat, mate, flee) void of elevated human traits like justice, compassion, or self-sacrifice. A dog might show loyalty, but it doesn’t wrestle with ethical dilemmas or seek meaning. This gap points to a Lawgiver who gave humans a unique moral capacity, reflecting His character.
Skeptics might say natural laws are just “there,” needing no explanation. But why do they exist, and why are they so perfectly balanced? Randomness can’t account for a universe where laws align to support life and human consciousness. It’s like expecting a hurricane to build a skyscraper. The Bible’s account of creation (God forming light, land, and life in Genesis 1) shows a purposeful design, not a cosmic roll of the dice.
Natural law, from the orbits of galaxies to the moral stirrings in our souls, is a testament to a Creator’s wisdom. It’s a quiet invitation to see His fingerprints everywhere. Natural law’s order and humanity’s unique moral spark reveal a Lawgiver who designed the universe and us with purpose and love.
agape
Sources:
Ross, Hugh. The Creator and the Cosmos. Reasons to Believe, 2018.
In Colossians 2, Paul issues a powerful warning to believers: “Stop letting people disqualify you” (Colossians 2:18). He urges the church to stand firm against deceptive influences that threaten to lead them astray from the truth of Christ. Paul identifies four types of false teachers, each with distinct tactics that remain relevant today. By understanding these dangers, we can guard our faith against those who distort the gospel.
1. Enticing Speech (Colossians 2:4-7)
False teachers often wield persuasive language to deceive. Paul warns against those who use “enticing words” to sway believers (Colossians 2:4). This tactic echoes Romans 16:18, where smooth talk and flattery manipulate the unsuspecting, and Ephesians 4:14, which describes cunning words that toss believers like waves. In our digital age, TikTok influencers, online preachers, and charismatic personalities can charm audiences with polished rhetoric, much like Satan’s subtle deception in Genesis 3 and Matthew 4. These voices may sound convincing, promising quick spiritual fixes or worldly success, but they often lead away from Christ’s sufficiency. Believers must root themselves in the truth of Scripture, as Paul encourages in Colossians 2:6-7, to discern and resist such deception.
2. Traditions of Men and the World (Colossians 2:8-10)
Another group of false teachers promotes human traditions and worldly philosophies over Christ’s authority. Paul cautions against being captivated by “philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition” (Colossians 2:8). Jesus confronted similar issues in Matthew 15:2, where religious leaders prioritized their traditions over God’s commands. Today, this manifests in appeals to “the way we’ve always done it” or the approval of experts, organizations, or governments. Philosophies like those Paul encountered in Acts 17 (stoicism, epicureanism, or modern ideologies) can subtly infiltrate the church. These traditions and ideas may seem appealing, but they lack the fullness of Christ, who is “the head of all rule and authority” (Colossians 2:10). Believers must test every teaching against the gospel, rejecting what elevates human wisdom over divine truth.
3. Judgments About the Old Law (Colossians 2:16-17)
Paul also warns against those who judge believers based on adherence to the Old Testament law, such as dietary rules or festivals (Colossians 2:16). Romans 14:2-3 and Galatians 4:10 highlight the danger of imposing outdated regulations, while Hebrews 8:13 declares the old covenant “obsolete.” False teachers may pressure Christians to follow Old Testament practices, claiming they are essential for righteousness (see Acts 15). Yet, Paul emphasizes that these are mere “shadows” of Christ, the true substance (Colossians 2:17). Some modern churches continue to impose the Law of Moses upon people. Why return to the shadows when the true Light has come into the world?
4. Puffed-Up Wisdom and Will Worship (Colossians 2:18-23)
The final type of false teacher Paul warns against is those who promote self-made spirituality and “puffed-up” wisdom (Colossians 2:18). These individuals boast of esoteric knowledge or mystical experiences, such as worshipping angels or embracing strange beliefs like sun gods or witchcraft. Paul describes such practices as “self-imposed worship” and “false humility” (Colossians 2:18, 23), which appear spiritual but lack true substance. Romans 6:3-6 and Ephesians 2:15 emphasize that believers are freed from such elemental principles through Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul warns against turning to weak and worthless spiritual systems. Today, this might look like New Age mysticism, occult practices, or prideful claims of exclusive spiritual insight. These teachings inflate human ego rather than exalting Christ, who alone is sufficient (Colossians 2:10). Paul urges believers to reject such distractions and cling to the gospel’s simplicity.
Guarding Against Deception
The common thread among these false teachers is their attempt to disqualify believers by shifting focus from Christ’s all-sufficient work. Whether through persuasive speech, human traditions, Old Testament practices, or puffed-up mysticism, they undermine the gospel’s power. Colossians 2 reminds us that Christ is the fullness of God, in whom all wisdom and knowledge reside (Colossians 2:3, 9-10). Believers are complete in Him, needing no additional rituals or philosophies to earn God’s favor.
In our modern context, these warnings are strikingly relevant. Social media amplifies enticing voices, from influencers peddling self-help spirituality to charismatic leaders pushing personal or mystical agendas. Cultural traditions (like prioritizing societal norms or “expert” consensus over biblical truth) can subtly erode faith. The Law of Moses persists in churches that impose Old Testament rules, while puffed-up wisdom appears in trendy spiritual fads that promise enlightenment apart from Christ.
To avoid being disqualified, believers must remain rooted in Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). This means immersing ourselves in Scripture and testing every teaching against God’s Word. Assembling with other believers provides accountability, helping us stay anchored in truth. Prayer is also vital, as we seek God’s wisdom in matters of truth.
Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 2 is a reminder for vigilance. False teachers will always arise, but we are not defenseless. By holding fast to Christ as our head, we can stand firm against enticing words, worldly traditions, Old Testament judgments, and prideful spirituality. Let us walk in the freedom and fullness of Christ, rejecting anything that seeks to disqualify us from the truth of His gospel.
The Benefits of Reading a Physical Bible: Why REAL Matters
In an age where smartphones dominate, many turn to digital Bible apps for convenience. While these apps are valuable and not sinful, there are unique benefits to reading a physical Bible.
Read Without Pop-Up Distractions from our phones. A physical Bible offers a focused reading experience free from the interruptions of notifications, pop-up ads, or tempting app switches. When you open a physical Bible, you immerse yourself in the text without the risk of a text message or social media alert pulling you away. This uninterrupted time fosters deeper reflection and connection with the Word, allowing for a more contemplative and distraction-free engagement with Scripture.
Evangelism Effectiveness There’s a powerful psychological impact when sharing the Gospel using a physical Bible. Flipping to a passage and showing someone the words on a page carries a tangible weight that a phone screen often lacks. The physical act of turning pages and pointing to verses can make the message feel more authoritative and personal, enhancing evangelism efforts. It signals reverence for the text and invites others to engage with it in a meaningful way.
Annotate, Highlight, & Underline. A physical Bible becomes a personal treasure through annotation. Underlining, highlighting, and jotting notes in the margins allow readers to mark insights, prayers, or revelations directly on the page. These annotations create a unique record of one’s spiritual journey, something a digital Bible struggles to replicate with the same tactile intimacy. A well-worn, marked-up Bible tells a story of growth and connection that’s deeply personal.
Look Up, & Look at Multiple Passages at one time. Comparing passages or cross-references is seamless with a physical Bible. You can flip between pages, bookmark multiple sections, or even lay the book open to view two passages side by side. Digital apps often make it cumbersome to switch between two, three, or four passages, requiring multiple taps or split screens that disrupt the flow. A physical Bible’s layout makes it easier to explore connections across Scriptures, enriching study and understanding.
While digital Bibles are practical and accessible, the tactile and focused nature of a physical Bible offers distinct advantages. By embracing the REAL benefits we can deepen our engagement with God’s Word in a way that feels timeless and profound.
For years, critics of the Bible pointed to the Greek word politarch, used in Acts 17:6-8 to describe Thessalonian city officials, as evidence of scriptural inaccuracy. This term, unique to Luke’s account and absent from classical Greek literature, led some 19th-century scholars to argue that Luke fabricated details, casting doubt on the New Testament’s historical reliability. They claimed politarch was an anachronism or error, undermining Luke’s credibility as a historian.
However, the discovery of the Thessalonian Politarch Inscription1 in the 19th century, which explicitly lists “politarchs” as civic leaders in Thessaloniki, silenced these objections. As noted by historians like F.F. Bruce, this archaeological find confirmed Luke’s precision, showing that politarch was a legitimate title in first-century Macedonia. This turnaround highlights how critics’ challenges, when met with evidence, can strengthen faith in the Bible’s trustworthiness, echoing Psalm 119:160’s assurance that God’s Word is true.
Thessaloniki was a bustling Roman city, and the politarchs were civic leaders navigating the tensions of a diverse, often skeptical society. Acts 17:4-5 tells of locals and converts stirred by Paul’s preaching, clashing with those loyal to Roman order. The inscription, studied by scholars like N.T. Wright, reveals a city governed by these politarchs, who faced real pressures from crowds opposing the gospel. This context makes Paul’s courage, and the Thessalonians’ faith, more vivid. It reminds us that the Gospel continued to spread in a complex, real-world setting, encouraging us to live boldly for Christ today, as Paul urged in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, to “rejoice always” despite challenges.
The Politarch Inscription strengthens our confidence in scripture’s reliability. If Luke accurately recorded a minor detail like a local title (which was for centuries thought to be inaccurate until archaeological discovery), we can trust his accounts of greater events (like Jesus’ resurrection or Paul’s missionary journeys). Archaeological finds consistently show the Bible’s alignment with history. This harmony between faith and evidence invites us to approach scripture with confidence, not blind belief, knowing it withstands scrutiny. As John 17:17 reminds us, God’s Word is truth, a foundation that discovery affirms rather than contradicts.
The Thessalonian Politarch Inscription is more than a dusty relic; it’s a testament to the Bible’s trustworthiness. It encourages us to dig deeper into scripture, marvel at its accuracy, and live out our faith with boldness. Let this ancient stone inspire you to trust God’s Word, knowing it stands firm both then and now.
agape
1. The Thessalonian Politarch Inscription, discovered in Thessaloniki, Greece, in the 19th century, is a fragmented stone artifact from the first century AD, likely part of a public monument or building. This stone tablet discovered in Thessalonica (modern-day Thessaloniki, Greece) that dates to the second century A.D. lists six officials known as “politarchs,”.
The Inscription on the Politarch as much as is possible due to its fragmented condition.
“In the time of [name of a Roman official or emperor, possibly missing], the politarchs of Thessaloniki, [names such as Sosipatros, Lucius, Sextus, Gaius, Secundus, as typical in Macedonian inscriptions], [served or dedicated this] to [a deity, civic institution, or event, possibly Zeus or the city], in the year [specific dating, often tied to a Roman or local calendar].”
INTERESTING NAMES ON THE STONE
Sosipater: A common Greek name, possibly linked to the biblical Sosipater in Romans 16:21.
C. (Gaius): another name that echoes biblical figures like the Gaius mentioned in Acts 20:4.
Secundus: A Roman name, similar to the Thessalonian Secundus in Acts 20:4.
The Bible we hold today is a treasure, a book that has shaped lives for centuries. But how can we trust it’s the real deal, faithfully passed down through time? The early believers (often called church fathers) from the first few centuries after Christ give us compelling evidence that our Bible is reliable, rooted in their lives, writings, and devotion.
To begin with, people like Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp, were taught by the apostles or their immediate followers. They didn’t just read about Jesus; they learned from those who walked with Him. Their writings, like Ignatius’ letters (circa 110 AD), echo the New Testament teachings, quoting books like Matthew, John, and Paul’s epistles as Scripture. For example, Ignatius references Jesus’ death and resurrection (Letter to the Smyrnaeans 1:1-2), aligning with 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. This shows the New Testament was already revered as God’s Word within a generation of the apostles, not some later invention.
Also, 2nd century believers defended the Bible’s truth against heresies. Irenaeus, in his Against Heresies (circa 180 AD), argued that the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) were uniquely authoritative, handed down through apostolic tradition. He tied their reliability to the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ, like Isaiah 53:5, which speaks of the Messiah’s suffering. Irenaeus’ work shows the early Church carefully preserved the Scriptures, ensuring no random texts slipped in. Their vigilance gives us confidence that our Bible matches what they held sacred.
Additionally, they sealed their trust in Scripture. Polycarp, martyred around 155 AD, faced death boldly, quoting Jesus’ words from Matthew 10:28: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” His courage, recorded in The Martyrdom of Polycarp, proves he didn’t just believe the Bible, he staked his life on it. Countless others, like Justin Martyr, died for their faith, showing the Scriptures weren’t myths but truths worth everything. Their sacrifices declare to us: this Book is trustworthy. (BTW: their willingness to die wasn’t related in any way to a desire to kill as many folks as possible, as some religions do)
Finally, their meticulous copying and sharing of Scriptures ensured accuracy. Clement of Alexandria (c.150-c.215) and Origen (c.185-c.254) cataloged and taught from texts that match our modern Bible (long before the claims of the catholic church to have brought us the Bible), as seen in surviving manuscripts like the Codex Sinaiticus (4th century). Their efforts preserved God’s Word through persecution and time, a demonstration of faithfulness.
The early believers weren’t perfect, but their writings, lives, and love for Scripture shine as evidence: the Bible we have is the same one they cherished. They bridge the gap between us and the apostles, inviting us to trust God’s Word with the same fire they did.
The Bible stands firm because the early Church Fathers lived and died for it, passing down the truth we hold today.
You know, the Word of God is like a hidden gem for all of us believers. It’s more than just pages filled with text; it’s our go-to guide, a wellspring of truth, and an incredible tool for our spiritual journey. Seriously, if you really pay attention to its teachings, you’ll uncover so many benefits! When we dig into the scriptures, we see how God shows us His will, gives us solid truth, helps us stand strong in our faith, and lights up our paths. How cool is that?
Knowing the Will of the Lord (Ephesians 5:17)
Ephesians 5:17 exhorts, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” In a world clouded by confusion, the Bible unveils God’s will for humanity. It reveals His universal desires, such as salvation for all (2 Peter 3:9, KJV: “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”) and holy living (1 Thessalonians 4:3). By meditating on Scripture, as Psalm 119:11 (KJV) states, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee,” believers align their lives with God’s purposes. The Word acts as a divine compass, guiding us to avoid folly and live according to His eternal plan.
Objective Truth in a Deceptive World (John 17:17)
In John 17:17, Jesus prays, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” The Bible stands as the unchanging standard of truth in an age of shifting values. As 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) declares, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God,” it is a reliable foundation for faith and practice. This truth sanctifies believers, setting them apart for God’s service by renewing their minds (Romans 12:2). It also guards against deception, as Jesus used Scripture to defeat Satan’s lies (Matthew 4:4-10). In a world prone to error, the Word anchors us in divine truth, enabling us to live with understanding.
A Ready Answer for Our Faith (1 Peter 3:15)
The Word equips believers to share their hope in Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 instructs, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Scripture strengthens our faith (Romans 10:17, KJV: “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”) and prepares us to share the gospel with humility and reverence. Whether answering skeptics or encouraging seekers, the Bible provides the foundation for our testimony, ensuring our words reflect God’s truth and grace (Colossians 4:6).
Direction for Our Lives (Jeremiah 10:23; Psalm 119:105)
Jeremiah 10:23 acknowledges, “The way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Paired with Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” this reveals the Bible’s role as a guide. Human wisdom falters (Proverbs 16:9), but Scripture illuminates both immediate decisions and long-term goals. Whether facing trials or choices, the Word offers wisdom (Joshua 1:8) and warnings (Proverbs 14:12). By following it, believers walk confidently in God’s purposes.
The Word is “quick, and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12, KJV), transforming hearts, comforting in affliction (Psalm 119:92), and fostering intimacy with God (John 15:7). It equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17), enabling us to live with purpose, anchored in the truth and guidance of God’s Word.
Evolution, as it’s often taught, leans on four major claims that sound convincing at first but start to wobble when you look closely. These ideas are the backbone of the theory, yet they’ve never been directly observed, no matter how much time passes or how many textbooks repeat them.
First up: the idea that life just popped out of non-living stuff, like some cosmic soup got zapped and poof! life appeared. This is called abiogenesis, but let’s keep it simple: lifeless chemicals somehow turning into living cells. Sounds like a sci-fi movie, right? The problem is, no one has ever seen this happen. Not in a lab, not in nature, nowhere. Scientists have tried mixing chemicals, adding heat, or even throwing in some electricity to mimic lightning, but they’ve never gotten anything close to a living cell. It’s like trying to bake a cake and ending up with a bicycle, it’s just not happening. Life is insanely complex, even at its tiniest level, and the leap from non-life to life is a massive gap that no experiment has bridged.
Next, there’s the claim that all life we see today, every tree, fish, bird, and human, came from a single-celled organism way back when. Picture this: one lonely cell somehow leads to elephants, oak trees, and you and me. The catch? There’s no evidence of any in-between steps. If life really went from one cell to everything else, you’d expect to find fossils or living examples of two-cell, three-cell, or four-cell creatures, right? But we don’t. It’s like the theory skips from a single-celled starting point straight to complex life without any middle ground. No transitional forms, no halfway creatures; just a big, bold story that asks us to take it on faith.
Then we’ve got the idea that time and chance are the magic ingredients driving evolution forward. The story goes that given enough years and a sprinkle of random mutations, simple life turns into complex life. But here’s the thing: time and chance often work against complexity. Mutations, which are like random typos in DNA, usually mess things up rather than improve them. Imagine spilling coffee on a book, does it make the story better? Nope, it just ruins the pages. Most mutations are harmful or neutral, and even the rare “good” ones don’t add the kind of new information needed to turn a fish into a frog. Plus, the more time you add, the more things tend to break down or stay the same, not magically get better. It’s like expecting a rusty old car to turn into a spaceship if you leave it in the garage long enough.
Finally, there’s the idea that microevolution (small tweaks we can actually see, like dogs getting fluffier or bacteria resisting antibiotics) proves macroevolution, the big jumps from one kind of creature to another. This one’s tricky because microevolution is real and observable. Think of it like tweaking a recipe: you can add a bit more sugar or swap cinnamon for nutmeg, and it’s still a cookie. But macroevolution? That’s like saying if you tweak the recipe enough, it’ll turn into a pizza. Small changes within a species don’t show that one species can transform into a totally different one, like a reptile becoming a bird. We’ve never seen that kind of leap, and the fossil record doesn’t show it either, no clear chain of creatures morphing from one kind to another.
These 4 ideas sound neat and tidy, but when you dig in, they’re more like bold guesses than things we’ve actually seen.
Missing the gospel isn’t just a minor misstep, it’s a choice with eternal consequences. The New Testament lays out what’s on the line when we turn away from God’s call to follow Jesus. It’s not about fear-mongering or guilt-tripping anyone; it’s about understanding the weight of our decisions. What’s really at risk for missing out on the Gospel of Christ?
First, salvation itself hangs in the balance. Hebrews 5:8 tells us Jesus learned obedience through suffering, becoming the source of eternal salvation for those who obey Him. Disobeying the gospel means rejecting the only path to being made right with God. Look at John 3:36 “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” Acts 4:12 hammers it home: there’s no other name under heaven by which we can be saved. And Romans 10:16 ties belief and obedience together, showing that refusing to obey the gospel is like shutting the door on God’s grace. Salvation isn’t a free pass; it’s a response to Jesus’ sacrifice.
Next, there’s treasure in heaven. Matthew 6:19-20 urges us to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth, where moth and rust destroy. Disobeying the gospel means chasing fleeting, earthly rewards instead of eternal ones. Colossians 3:2 pushes us to set our minds on things above, not earthly things. And 1 Timothy 6:17 encourages us not to place our trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. Ignoring the Gospel risks a life spent on what fades away.
Then there’s the danger of apostasy; falling away from faith. Galatians 4:11 shows Paul’s fear that his work among the Galatians might be in vain if they turn from the gospel. Hebrews 6:4-6 warns of the impossibility of renewing repentance in those who fall away after receiving the truth. 2 Peter 2:20-21 paints a grim picture of those who know Jesus but return to the world, saying it’s worse than never knowing at all. And 1Timothy 4:1 speaks of some abandoning faith in later times. Ignoring the gospel can lead to a slow drift or outright rejection of the truth we once held.
Kingdom citizenship is also at stake. Colossians 1:13 says God has rescued us from darkness and brought us into His Son’s kingdom. Disobeying the gospel means missing out on that transfer. Ephesians 2:19 calls believers fellow citizens with God’s people, no longer strangers. Philippians 3:20 declares our citizenship is in heaven, where we await Jesus. And Luke 22:29-30 promises a place in God’s kingdom for those who follow Him. Rejecting the gospel keeps us outside this family, this home God offers.
Finally, eternal life itself is on the line. Matthew 7:13-14 describes the narrow gate leading to life and the wide road to destruction. Disobedience chooses the latter. John 5:28-29 warns that those who’ve done evil face a resurrection to judgment. Romans 6:23 contrasts the wages of sin, death, with the gift of eternal life through Jesus. And 1 John 5:11-12 makes it clear: eternal life is in the Son, and without Him, we don’t have it. Missing the gospel risks an eternity apart from God.
So, what’s at stake? Everything—our salvation, our eternal reward, our steadfastness, our place in God’s kingdom, and life itself. The gospel isn’t just good news; it’s a call to choose wisely, to live for what lasts.
How Long Would It Take to Teach the Whole Bible Three Times a Week?
While planning the Bible studies for this congregation, I wondered how long it would take to teach the entire Bible in depth in only our 3 sessions per week?
The schedule in question was familiar: two Bible classes each week, each about 45 minutes long but with an introduction, prayer, discussion, and summary that left roughly 30 minutes for actual material. The third session would be a sermon (possibly as long as 45 minutes) but in reality, I only have about 30 minutes. That gave me three half-hour teaching slots per week to teach.
There are several common methods of teaching Scripture, each has its own pace. The first and perhaps most obvious is the EXPOSITORY method; going chapter-by-chapter in order. At first glance, this seems easy to measure: 1,189 chapters, one per session, for 1,189 classes; about 7.6 years at three sessions per week. But here’s the reality: many chapters require a minimum of two or even three sessions to capture the fullness of their meaning. You could go chapter-per-session if you only did an overview, but true depth would extend the timeline significantly. Recognizing this reality, a book-by-book overview may pick up the pace, but no real depth will be accomplished.
Other methods would take different amounts of time. A topical study, covering 100 major subjects like baptism, love, faith, or the church and giving each three sessions, would total 300 lessons; just under 2 years. Character studies (looking at lives like Abraham, David, Peter, and Paul) might only take around 100 sessions if you covered about 50 people with two classes each. That’s less than a year. Thematic or doctrinal studies, following threads like covenant, kingdom, or grace from Genesis to Revelation, would run about 120 sessions, taking nine months. A chronological narrative, telling the Bible’s story in the order events happened, would be more ambitious: about 250 sessions, or 1.6 years.
If you stacked all these methods back-to-back without repeating material, the grand total would be 2,105 sessions. That’s about 13½ years of steady teaching (three times a week, every week). Start now and finish somewhere in the late 2030s. But here’s the twist: this assumes each important doctrine, like salvation in Christ, IS GIVEN ONLY ONCE. That would be like a wilderness wandering of teaching and never helping anyone actually enter the Promised Land. If salvation (and many other vital subjects) is left as a single stop along the way, we risk people hearing the gospel once every few years.
The truth is, many of these methods overlap, and rightly so. Some themes, especially the gospel of Christ, must resurface again and again no matter which teaching plan is in use. Whether chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book, or topic-by-topic, there must be repeated lessons on repentance, faith, and obedience. Yes, we could make a plan that takes a decade or more to cover everything, but if we’re truly guiding people toward salvation in Christ, we won’t wait until year seven to bring up the cross again.
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 