GOOD MORNING BELOVED!
Welcome to another edition of the SJMBC Podcast:
“HOW IMPORTANT IS THE WORD OF GOD TO YOU?”
Welcome to Podcast number 10. The topic for our Podcast today is:
“HOW IMPORTANT IS THE WORD OF GOD TO YOU WHEN IT COMES TO . . . Learning Scriptures?”
Beloved, many of us go to great lengths to memorize scriptures. We have our daily devotions, and we have schedules and plans to read through the Bible in a certain amount of time. We listen to sermons and teachings. We attend seminars, seminaries, and various halls of academia . . . . For What? Some of you approach the Bible as if you are getting ready to participate in some kind of Bible trivia game. I am not against learning bible scriptures, but to what end? I have heard some of you saying: “it’s so that I can learn the Bible.” I say again . . . For What?
It seems to me that a lot of Christians act as if they are playing TRIVIA PURSUIT when it comes to talking to people about the Bible. A lot of Christians think that it is impressive to be able to quote a lot of scriptures. I guess it can be impressive among fellow Christians; but what about the ones who the Christians are supposed to be reaching out to?
Quoting a lot of scripture to an unbeliever is like giving a person with a headache five or six different medicine, besides the aspirin which they really needed. Shouldn’t there be a point to learning the Bible?
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
*One reason for learning scriptures is so that the Believers who are leading people to the Lord, will be able to teach those who receive the Lord as their Savior what the Lord is commanding His followers to do, and to also teach them how to follow those commands.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
*Another reason for learning scriptures is so that the servants of the Lord will be able to know the scriptures that they can claim, rely on, and to help them as they go out into the world as “Lambs among Wolves” to lead people to the Lord.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
“But grow in the grace* and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
*Believers are commanded to increase their knowledge of Jesus Christ, and we have already learned that Believers are equipped through their knowledge of the scriptures.
So I say to those who are setting out to “JUST” memorize scripture, you are not in training to become masters of Trivia Pursuit or some kind of Bible Trivia game; you should have a purpose for learning the scriptures and what better purpose that to help build up the kingdom of God by preparing to be effective ambassadors for Jesus Christ?
Remember, our ZOOM Podcast airs live on Tuesdays at 7:00am:
Pastor Cotton is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82997714213
Meeting ID: 829 9771 4213
You can always reach me through our website and our email:
Website: https://stjamesmbcphilly.com
Email: pastor@stjamesmbcphilly.com
