Category Archives: Bible

A French View of Scripture

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I’m not very familiar with the French Confession of Faith, and I suspect I’m not alone.  Nonetheless, it apparently has some real gems within it.  For example:

We believe that the Word contained in these books [viz., the Bible] has proceeded from God, and receives its authority from Him alone, and not from men. And inasmuch as it is the rule of all truth, containing all that is necessary for the service of God and for our salvation, it is not lawful for men, nor even for angels, to add to it, to take away from it, or to change it. Whence it follows that no authority, whether of antiquity, or custom, or numbers, or human wisdom, or judgments, or proclamations, or edicts, or decrees, or councils, or visions, or miracles, should be opposed to these Holy Scriptures, but on the contrary, all things should be examined, regulated, and reformed according to them.”

… The French Confession of Faith, article V. [1559]

This was quoted in The Christian Quotation of the Day, which I invite you to check out for yourself.

Recognizing Jesus

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Jesus often appears to us under strange circumstances, conditions in which we do not expect to see Him.  At those times our immediate, unneccesary reaction can be fear.  Eventually, however, He makes Himself known to us, our fear subsides and all is well.  Consider the experience of the disciples in the boat:

Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.” – John 6:19-21 (NKJV)

The trick in our situation is to remember that He is with us always (Matthew 28:20).  He’s just as much there when we don’t expect Him as when we do.  If we’d keep that in mind, the initial, unproductive response of fear would be lessened.  Our minds would be at ease; our hearts would be at peace. 

The next time the wind blows and the sea rises, and you wonder what happened to Jesus, remember that He is there.  He’ll soon say, “It is I; do not be afraid,” and you’ll immediately get where you’re going.

All Things That Pertain to Life and Godliness

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There is so much more in the words of our title than our finite minds can grasp. As believers we already have everything that pertains to life and godliness. Why do we so often live like spiritual paupers? What more do we really need? In possessing all things can we possibly not have enough? Oh that He would help us to better take hold of our spiritual possessions; that our lives and character would reflect His perfect will.

“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” – 2 Peter 1:3 (NKJV)

The key to being the kind of people God wants us to be is in putting to use all that which He has already given. The believer stuck in the swamp of sin is living below his or her capabilities. Living a godly life would not be that difficult, if we would learn to draw upon His resources. Growing in godliness is not a matter of obtaining something new, but of using what we have in Christ.

“If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (NKJV)