Importance of Scripture
Importance of Scripture8
The Fourfold Witness
By J.C. Ryle0GEN 3:15EXO 12:21PSA 22:16PSA 56:8ISA 53:5MAT 28:6LUK 24:27JHN 5:32JHN 11:47ROM 10:17J.C. Ryle emphasizes the fourfold witness to Jesus Christ as the Messiah, highlighting the testimonies of God the Father, John the Baptist, Christ's miraculous works, and the Scriptures. He points out that these witnesses collectively affirm Jesus' divine mission, yet many remain unmoved due to their unwillingness to believe. Ryle honors the faithful servants of Christ, like John the Baptist, and underscores the significance of miracles as evidence of Christ's authority. He also stresses the importance of the Scriptures in revealing Christ, urging believers to diligently search them for understanding. Ultimately, Ryle concludes that the heart's obstinacy is the true barrier to faith, not a lack of evidence.
The Unerring Guide
By D.L. Moody0PSA 119:105PRO 3:5JHN 14:26JHN 16:13D.L. Moody emphasizes the necessity of being guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God as Christians navigate the dangers of life, comparing it to being securely fastened to a guide while traversing treacherous terrain. He warns against the folly of attempting to journey through life independently, highlighting that the Bible is not outdated but rather a timeless source of truth and guidance. Moody stresses that the Spirit teaches us how to pray and respond to challenges, advocating for a reliance on God's Word over worldly wisdom. He encourages believers to embrace the teachings of Christ, particularly in matters of conflict and personal defense, asserting that spiritual guidance is far superior to physical means of protection.
Avoiding Deception: Prioritizing His Word
By Brian Guerin1243:04ISA 62:1Brian Guerin emphasizes the critical importance of prioritizing God's Word to avoid deception in the church and in personal lives. He warns that many are being led astray by spontaneous revelations that overshadow the written Word, which should be the foundation of faith. Guerin highlights the increasing darkness and deception in the world, urging believers to remain rooted in Scripture to discern truth from falsehood. He illustrates how minor deceptions can lead to significant consequences, including missing God's perfect will. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the simplicity of Christ and His Word as the guiding light in a time of confusion.
The Bible in the Prayer-Closet.
By J.R. Miller0PSA 19:7PSA 119:105MAT 4:4JHN 15:7ROM 10:17EPH 6:17COL 3:162TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:22J.R. Miller emphasizes the vital connection between prayer and Scripture reading in the life of a believer. He argues that while prayer is essential for spiritual nourishment, it is incomplete without the Word of God, which provides guidance, comfort, and strength. Miller illustrates that just as Jesus used Scripture to combat temptation, believers must also equip themselves with God's Word to navigate life's challenges. He encourages Christians to not only pray but to also immerse themselves in the Bible, ensuring they are spiritually fortified for their daily struggles. Ultimately, Miller asserts that true spiritual feeding requires both prayer and the Scriptures.
John Wycliffe
By J.C. Ryle0PSA 119:105MAT 5:14JHN 8:32ACT 17:11ROM 10:172TI 3:162TI 4:2TIT 1:3HEB 4:121PE 2:9J.C. Ryle emphasizes the significant yet often overlooked contributions of John Wycliffe, the 'Morning Star of the English Reformation,' who laid the groundwork for Protestantism in England. Wycliffe's advocacy for the supremacy of Scripture, his critique of the Roman Catholic Church, and his pioneering efforts in translating the Bible into English were monumental in a time of spiritual darkness. Ryle highlights Wycliffe's revival of preaching and the establishment of 'poor priests' to spread the Gospel, which paved the way for future reformers. Despite facing immense challenges, Wycliffe's work and God's providence allowed him to impact his generation profoundly. Ryle calls for a remembrance of Wycliffe's legacy and the importance of preaching the Word of God.
Not Easily Offended
By D.L. Moody0PSA 119:165MAT 11:6JHN 14:27HEB 5:121PE 2:2D.L. Moody emphasizes the importance of being rooted in the Word of God to maintain peace and avoid being easily offended. He points out that those who neglect their Bible study are often disturbed by minor troubles and persecutions, while those who love God's law experience great peace. Moody illustrates that true peace comes from Christ and cannot be taken away by the world. He warns that neglecting spiritual nourishment leads to weakness and offense, comparing the care we give our physical bodies to the neglect of our souls. Ultimately, he calls for Christians to feed their inner man with the Word of God to thrive in faith.
Our Chart and Compass for This Year
By Leonard Ravenhill0JOB 23:12PSA 19:7PSA 119:105ISA 40:8MAT 4:4ROM 10:17EPH 6:172TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:22Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of relying on the Word of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as Christians navigate the challenges of the coming year. He compares the spiritual journey to mountain climbing, highlighting that without a proper guide and tools, one risks peril. Ravenhill urges believers to esteem God's Word above all else, asserting its infallibility and importance in a world that often dismisses it. He encourages Christians to not only read the Bible but to practice and obey it, as true wisdom and holiness come from living out its teachings. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to the Word as the foundation for a blessed life in the year ahead.
On Bible Study and Book Reading
By Horatius Bonar0JOB 33:23PSA 12:6PSA 19:7JER 15:16Horatius Bonar emphasizes the importance of diligent Bible study, urging believers to engage with the entire Scripture rather than just favorite passages. He warns against relying too heavily on commentaries and encourages readers to view the Bible as the ultimate source of divine truth. While acknowledging the value of other good literature, Bonar cautions against light reading, particularly novels, which he believes can harm spiritual growth and distract from the Bible. He advocates for a selective approach to reading, ensuring that the Bible remains the primary focus and source of wisdom. Bonar concludes by encouraging readers to seek God's blessing on their reading and to cultivate a deeper love for the Scriptures.