The B.I.B.L.E. Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

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According to the Bible, only the gospel is the power for salvation (Rom. 1:16). We must stop treating the gospel as though it were power enough for a conversion experience but falls short of empowering all the practical matters of faith that come after. Written in the voice of a trusted friend, this book gently challenges pastors to rethink the “attractional” church model in favor of an explicitly biblical approach that is gospel focused, grace based, and fruit oriented. In 2 Corinthians 1:20, Paul tells us that all the biblical promises "find their Yes in him." The book of Hebrews is a great sustained example of this truth, showing us how all that led up to Christ was preaching Christ from the shadows, as it were, even reminding us that the mighty acts of the great heroes of the Old Testament were not about themselves but about acting "by faith" in the promise of the Christ to come. Jesus himself said so. In Luke 24, we see two of Jesus's disciples walking on the road to Emmaus and discussing the report they'd gotten of Christ's resurrection. Suddenly Jesus himself sidles up next to them. He asks them what they're talking about. They don't recognize him at first, so they explain that they are discussing the matter of Jesus, expressing their confusion about his having been given up to be crucified when all along they thought he was the one sent to redeem Israel. And they also weren't sure what to make of this astounding claim about his resurrection. Then Jesus does something very interesting: "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:27). The good news of the gospel is so much better than the instructions! It is better because the news actually saves us. The gospel is the ministry of righteousness because it announces not just the blank slate of sins wiped out but the full credit of Christ's perfect obedience credited to us! The Power of Salvation

As I have established, the Bible provides the basis and framework and the Holy Spirit the filling/body. What is our role in all of this? The Bible is incredibly practical. We don't have to make it that way. It's already that way. There are lots of practical things in it, and we do need to teach them. But we must never teach the practical points as the main points. The practical stuff is always connected to the proclamational stuff. The "dos" can never be detached from the "done" of the finished work of Christ in the gospel, or else we run the risk of preaching the law. The Bible is alive and active, as Scripture states above. You will find answers to many questions, and now more than ever, we need the truth to guide us through the weeks and months to come. If the Bible is our Basic instructions before leaving earth, providing a framework/foundation for daily living, what serves as the filling/body of that basic framework/foundation?As an adult, I may have been gifted a Bible or two, therefore growing up Christian, I was always in arms reach of the Good Book. In my own efforts to know God and understand my walk, I invested in a study Bible some years ago. I believe my first Bible was give to me for use in school by y parents. Living in Jamaica, a Bible was always on your booklist. It was a Good News Bible, and it had these cute figures as illustrations to help young minds understand the stories better. My second Bible was probably one from the Gideon Missionaries.

As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him (1st John chapter 2 verse 27). The lines always seemed to move slow. After all, one must eye every dish and determine it’s tastiness. And of course, you have to decide whether that pot of greens beans looks better than the other two pots of green beans sitting there. One has floating pork bits; the other does not. It is this Spirit that will indwell us and teach us how to live, give us guidance and show us how to interpret the Bible. Together, both are a wholesome synergy. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come (St. John chapter 16 verse 13).As we look out at the world and into our churches, we think we know what will fix everything. We'll just tell them to get their act together. Thus all the instructions. Years ago, I was standing in a long line at church, waiting for my turn. It was the annual Christmas dinner. If you have ever been to a Christmas dinner at church and stood in line, you are quite familiar with the occasion. I still have that physical Bible, but I must admit that my reading of it is done mostly via the Bible app on my electronic devices these days. Despite whatever happens, I still love having a physical copy and I do believe that this is something every believer should have. You need to choose carefully because you’re only allowed one plate. Do you pile food on top of food? Be considerate of others? Not appear to be a pig or greedy?

We laughed and continued through the buffet line at church. Who can pass up all the side dishes those sweet little ladies brought from home? The last scoop of mashed potatoes didn’t make my plate that night. So, where does one look for insight into what is to come in the world we live in? Over the years, I have learned the Bible has the answers to what I can expect in the days to come. The Bible instructs me on what I need to do to prepare. I can never say I wasn’t told because the Bible has the answers. He is literally the one who fills us. Called by many names, Holy Ghost/Spirit, Dove, Comforter, Intercessor, Paraclete, Presence of God, Spirit of God and Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit comes with fruit and gifts to help us walk out a better life. As I moved through the line, I couldn’t help but think about what he said. How true is that statement? After all, when I read the Bible, I find many instructions on how to live life. I also see lots of encouragement, advice, and warnings on how to live this life. What’s equally fascinating is it applicable to everyone. In 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 Paul is recalling the giving of the tablets of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai. As Moses would go up and commune with God, the glory of the Most High was so intense that it would continue to radiate off his face when he came down. The radiant glory was so intense that Moses covered his face with a veil to shield the children of israel from the intensity. But as stark and intense and awe-inspiring as that glory was, Paul says, it is eclipsed by the ministry of the Spirit, the ministry of righteousness, the ministry of the gospel of Jesus.

The Bible's News Is Much Better Than Its Instructions

What will motivate people to real life change that begins with real heart change? Not all the helpful tips in the universe.

In biblical times, you read about murders, anger issues, stealing, adultery, wars, love, devotion, flooding, diseases, and healing. We see those same things today. And the list goes on. If we have not one, we have not any. It is this fruit of the Holy Spirit that is living proof of our transformation and the substance in between the B.I.B.L.E that we should read and study each day. Be strategic about studying our Bible. Don’t just read it. Make every effort to truly know and understand it. Remember, we need the basic instructions.

If the Bible is not essentially an instruction manual for practical application, then, what is it? If it's not mainly about what we need to do, what is it about? If it's not about us, who is it about? The Bible Is about Jesus They would visit schools and hand out small Bibles that comprised the New Testament including Psalms and Proverbs. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians chapter 5 verse 22 – 23). It is important to note that the reference is ‘fruit’ and not ‘fruits’, so though we can count nine attributes listed, as Christians, we should strive to have them all. In biblical times, many people chose to worship false gods of their own making. We see the same thing today. Do you take the last spoonful of mashed potatoes, knowing the 50 people still in line are left with stuffing and scalloped potatoes? Decisions, decisions, decisions.