Back to the Basics, Part II

WALKING IN THE TRUTH

Today's Scripture

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:105

"'We are witnesses of everything He did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed Him on a cross, but God raised Him from the dead on the third day and caused Him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God has already chosen--by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.'" Acts 10:39-43

Today's Devotional Thoughts

If Jesus is the only source of forgiveness, where can I go to discover or reaffirm the source of that Truth? I'm going to fall back on Martin Luther, who wrote, "Therefore, whoever wants to read the Scriptures correctly & with profit, let him make sure that he finds Christ in them. Then he will certainly find eternal life. On the other hand, if I do not study & learn in the writings of Moses & the Prophets that for the sake of my salvation Christ descended from heaven, became man, suffered, died, was buried, rose again, & ascended to heaven, in order that through Him I might have reconciliation with God, forgiveness of all my sins, grace, righteousness, & eternal life, then my reading of Scripture will not help me for salvation one bit." *

My conclusions:

• Jesus is the only source of forgiveness.
• Scripture is the source of that Truth.
• Read Scripture to search for the True Jesus of Scripture.
• Are you reading Scripture to find errors, contradictions, permission to lead an unholy lifestyle? That's not why God gave us the Holy Scripture, & you are treading on dangerous ground!
• After 63 years [It was my birthday on 1/7/16.], I still find myself growing & needing to grow still more in my knowledge & understanding of the True Jesus of Scripture.

Today's Prayer Thoughts

Ask God to deepen your understanding of Scripture as you read His Word & grow in your knowledge & understanding of Christ.

* Source:  From "Proper Reading of the Scriptures" in Martin Luther Day-By-Day, (Concordia Publishing House), 2006. **
** Just so you know, I'm providing this link as a service for the reader. I receive nothing for it in return. I use this book as part of my daily "quiet time" & find it to be a very useful resource.