Ask questions.
Ask yourself questions.
Ask yourself:
What do I believe?
Where does that belief come from?
Why do I believe it? And,
Is my belief secured on the right foundation?
One true beauty of the Bible is that it is not just one book. It is actually a compilation of (ancient to very ancient) writings. Hence, it is not just one man's opinion or ideology. With at least 35 writers of the 66 (or more) individual writings, spanning an estimated period of about 1600 years, it is a book like no other. The books reveal relationships, thoughts and experiences with the same God: YHWH: the creator of all things.
The most incredible part is that they invite all of us to share and experience that relationship they enjoyed in our own era just as they did in theirs.
How can we participate? By listening to their testimonies and accounts.
"for, as many things as were written before, for our instruction were written before, that through the endurance, and the exhortation of the Writings, we might have the hope." Romans 15:4 YLT
They wrote to invite us into that same spirit of Hope in YHWH. Accepting that invitation ushers us into a centuries-old family and, through the Messiah Jesus, makes us one with them by our trust in their testimonies.
"Understand, then, that those who have faith (trust) are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles (non-Jews) by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith." Galatians 3:7-9
According to God's plan revealed in Genesis 17:5 (...for I have made you... Hebrew: nātan meaning 'to give', 'put', 'to be given', ''dedicated'), Abraham was never just the Patriarch of one nation. From the name change, he was made the father of many nations.
Thus the biblical writings and history spanning over 1600 years extend to every individual, generation and nation that will trust and place their hope in YHWH through the Messiah Jesus Christ who is- the seed of Abraham.
''The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.''Galatians 3:16
'If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.' Galatians 3:29
A spiritual focus makes us think higher. It brings up, beyond our worldly attributes and nativities (which will always differ considerably), our spiritual heritage. Elevating this spiritual heritage strengthens what unites us and points our eyes to that level of vision and life that YHWH calls all to.
"So from now on, we do not look at anyone from a worldly viewpoint. Even if we once regarded the Messiah from a worldly viewpoint, we do so no longer. " 2 Corinthians 5:16 CJB
While social injustices must always be confronted, let us not be unaware of the subtility in the devil's schemes; a focus of God's children primarily on that which divides is a win for our adversary. Our unity in our trust in YHWH by Christ Jesus is our victory.
It is time to celebrate our common ancestry as planned by our God and ultimate Father: YHWH.
"The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ." Romans 8: 6-9
"so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." Romans 12:5
"No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations." Genesis 17:5 NIV
Comments