Monday, July 12, 2010

I found the Answer to Simplicity

People have asked me about my faith  - especially recently. 

Why do I believe so simply?

How do I believe in Creation when I am such a lover of science?

I heard my answer to the question this Sunday. It’s simple really.

The Bible. Ta daaaaaaa.

Let me explain -

We read 2 Timothy 3:16 & 17 this Sunday, it was actually the 2nd time I had read it this week – but something in it hit me – that I had never understood before.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Take a look at 17

So that the man of God may be complete, trained and made ready for every good work.

I looked up the word Perfect – it means to be Complete, Perfect – Furnished with what you need.

How much time have you spent in the Word? Reading it? Believing It? Is it truth for you? We are reading John 1 right now – If you want to find out that the Word is not only a what but a who – read vs 1-18. Check out v 17 for the Who.

When I have a problem with homeschool – I take it to the Word. When I have a problem with my family? The Word. When I have troubles with my children? The Word. Friendships?  Word. Car troubles? Word. Wondering what to do with my day? Yep. The Word.

For my whole life, I have been encouraged to read the Word. To be diligent to study – show myself approved.  I read sometimes long passages, sometimes one verse. It sustains. Gives direction. Keeps me in truth.

Do you want to be competent? Complete? Perfect? Equipped? Adequate? Fitted?

Read. The. Scriptures. :)

I have said many times – If it is in there – I believe it. Simply.

Want to know about Creation?  Read it. Want to know about Christ? Read it. Want to know about people who have failed, and God still forgave them?  Read it.

perfect, – Strongs #g739 - ἄρτιος artios

3:17  ἵνα ἄρτιος ᾖ ὁ τοῦ θεοῦ ἄνθρωπος πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἐξηρτισμένος (http://www.blueletterbible.org/)

New International Version (©1984)
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

New Living Translation (©2007)
God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

English Standard Version (©2001)
that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

International Standard Version (©2008)
so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
They equip God's servants so that they are completely prepared to do good things.

King James Bible
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

American King James Version
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works.

American Standard Version
That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

Bible in Basic English
So that the man of God may be complete, trained and made ready for every good work.

Douay-Rheims Bible
That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work.

Darby Bible Translation
that the man of God may be complete, fully fitted to every good work.

English Revised Version
that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

Webster's Bible Translation
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works.

Weymouth New Testament
so that the man of God may himself be complete and may be perfectly equipped for every good work.

World English Bible
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Young's Literal Translation
that the man of God may be fitted -- for every good work having been completed.

1 comment:

Suzanne said...

Angie, thank you for your encouraging words of truth! It blesses me so to know there are others in the world who believe like we do. I just told my husband yesterday that we have all these books available to us that we can read on whatever subject (and I'm not saying it's bad to read them to supplement the Bible) but really God's Word gives us all we need and that's where we should turn to first. And I believe the Lord has really impressed upon my heart lately that every time we read His Word (whether it's 1 verse or many), He allows us to recall more and more of what the Bible says. The benefit of that - we can recall those verses daily without even having to look it up in the Bible because we've pondered them and are able to remember. In my opinion, that's one really great reason to consistently read the Bible. Thanks again for sharing!