FAITH CONNECTION – FARMERSVILLE UMC
Ministry Updates for Monday, August 3rd, 2020
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
Reflection – Pillars of Faith – The Bible – Part 1 of 4
In my seminary education there were four pillars: Biblical studies, theology, Christian History and, well, everything else. I thought we could spend the first four days of this week reflecting on these pillars.
I looked forward to studying the Bible in seminary more than anything else. I was blessed by excellent professors. But honestly, studying or reflecting on scripture is a blessing in any setting. Because God is going to speak to you through the Bible.
This passage points to three comprehensive scriptural themes: character, calling, and communion.
Character – ‘…scripture is useful for reproof, correction’. I appreciate the character in people. They tell the truth, they go the extra mile for others, and they are there when you need them. This does not happen by accident. It takes commitment. I want to be that kind of friend, family member, and member of the church.
Calling – ‘…equipped for every good work’. This is the joy and the burden of our lives. The disciples baptized thousands, but also were beaten and imprisoned. My highs and lows are not so extreme but feel that way sometimes. To stay in the struggle through difficulty is how I can be sure I love God, myself, and others.
Communion – ‘…inspired by God’. Inspired literally means ‘in the spirit’. Inspiration is a gift from God. He wants to sit with us, let us feel his divine warmth like we feel in the hug of a loved one. He wants to break bread with us, to be in our dinner conversations and our work conversations. He wants us to see a higher plane – the Kingdom of Heaven. And the cross of Jesus Christ tells us nothing we have done in the past disqualifies us from this privilege. We can always approach God. We can always expect to be approached by God.
Prayer:
God in heaven, we give you thanks for the scriptures that inspire us, that challenge us to be people of character, and that speak to us of our calling in this life. We are thankful for the message of the cross, that tells us no sin we have committed can separate us from you. We need your presence and guidance. Help us be what this book promises we can be, through Your Grace. Amen.