scripture

Acts 17:24-29 – “The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist (are, have our being), as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’”

Perhaps, in reality, one doesn’t actually see or fully understand things as they are; instead one most likely sees and understands them from the somewhat skewed perspective of either fallen or redeemed humanity. In actuality, sometimes sad to say, the way one views life (and in particular their own life) actually shapes / forms one’s own existence! At that crossroad, the way one defines “life” serves to determine one’s own destiny. Beliefs will influence how one invests their time, money, skills / talents, and even, as a believer in Christ Jesus and His Word, the intrinsic value of worship, fellowship, study, prayer, and relationships!

Individuals often outwardly express their beliefs through clothes, jewelry, cars, hairstyles, bumper stickers, social media connections, tattoos, sports / hobby interests, and social circles. These somewhat unspoken influences make an impact and bring about effects (positive or negative) in life much more than one may realize or even understand. Too often they actually serve to determine expectations, moral / ethical values, spirituality, relationships, goals, and of course priorities. If life is a party, the primary value in life will be having fun. If life is in itself a battle or a game, winning will be of highest importance! However, If life on earth is viewed as a pilgrim, and one is simply passing through, the Lord’s view, God’s divine perspective, about everything becomes essential!

The Scripture (above) declares, “He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things!” If life is from the Lord, (the Lord God formed man … and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. From Genesis 2:7-8) then the perhaps simplified, but absolutely and undeniably the best way to view life is from His perspective! If then, “In Him we live and move and have our existence (being),” what other view should be effectively applicable?

Is life a test? Is life something entrusted to humanity? Is life a race? Is life as we know it a temporary assignment?

Study the TRUTH and receive the ANSWERS!

James 1:12, Hebrews 11:6, Jude 1:3

Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:14, Romans 14:7-9

Hebrews 12:1, 1 Corinthians 9:24

Psalm 39:4-5, James 4:14, Hebrews 13:14, Philippians 3:20

This is my constant prayer for those that participate in the ministries of West Oaks Fellowship, “May the Word of God / Christ richly dwell within each of you /us!”

– taken from Colossians 3:16

His & Yours, because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense),

Pastor Frank

The foundation of our society and government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.
President Calvin Coolidge

Much like the threads of a huge, carefully woven tapestry, God’s Word is a natural fiber stitched throughout the fabric of America! Our history speaks clearly … the Bible has been consistently valued and held in high esteem by individuals in our nation even before its revolutionary birth. In addition, the scripture’s influence in science, education, law, society, government, and politics is historically undeniable even though many intentionally fail to recognize or acknowledge the scripture’s contribution in these areas of human development and America. Truly, America would not be America without the Bible!

Simply put, the Bible is the most influential book ever written.
Time Magazine, March 22, 2007

Even today, in what some call “a post-Christian America,” a recent ARG (American Research Group) poll recorded that only 26% of our parents never (or refuse to) read the scriptures to their children. This statistic alone reinforces the idea that many in our nation still look to the Bible as an authoritative source for morals, ethics, and spiritual direction while believing in (holding to) the precepts that it presents for our society.

WE OWN IT

No other book of any title or kind comes remotely close to Bible ownership in America. Currently 94% of adults in our nation own a least one copy/version of the scriptures and many homes have multiple copies. (2 – 28%; 3 – 21%; 4 – 10%; 5 – 4%: over 5 – 12%, more – 3%) Accordingly, at least 47% of American households have at least 3 copies of God’s Word! In addition, Bibles are given as gifts to friends and relatives more than any other publication in the United States.

WE SAY WE BELIEVE IT

According to a recent ARG survey, Americans say they have significant confidence in the scriptures. Actually, 90% said they still believe that the Bible applies to today’s problems and/or issues. This statistic confirms that the scriptures hold a place of sacred significance within our culture/society. When asked in a recent Barna survey, the vast majority (86%) of U.S. adults said the Bible came to mind “first” when asked to name books they consider to be sacred literature or holy. FYI … That’s 10 times greater than the Koran! The book of Mormon and the Hebrew Torah both rank at less than 4%. It’s also interesting to note that only 17% of Americans actually believe that the Bible, Koran, Torah, and the book of Mormon are simply different expressions of the same spiritual truths.

WE READ IT (sort of)

In current American homes, 40% read the scriptures to their sons and daughters on a weekly basis, and about 75% manage once a month. On an individual basis, an ARG poll discovered that 52% read the Bible weekly and 75% at least once a month.

Now all these statistics seem incredibly encouraging, but also somewhat confusing when one considers the spiritual condition of our country. Here’s the facts … 94% of Americans own Bibles; 90% of our nation believes that the scriptures are still applicable today. A large number read God’s Word to their children somewhat regularly; however, only 29% of American adults read or study God’s Word in any form outside of their own/family’s church attendance.

While we own and declare we believe the Bible, Americans just don’t read it very much/often on their own initiative. Is there something wrong with this picture? How about this stat … when asked, “Do you think it’s time for Americans to go back to reading the scriptures?” … 88% answered, yes! When asked, “Is America in more need of the Bible today than ever before? … 91% answered, yes! Even 84% said they’d like to learn more and have greater knowledge about God and His Word! Even the brilliant, genius physicist, Albert Einstein once stated:

I want to understand the thoughts of God.

Fellow believers and faithful participants of West Oaks Fellowship, the implication of this data is pretty simple and woefully stunning. We, as Americans, seem to have a built-in longing for these Holy Words of God, yet many are living in starvation and continued malnourishment even though the Bible is readily available right under our noses, right in our homes – on demand, or right at our finger tips — via cell phones, tablets, media devices, and computers, etc.

If a man is not familiar with the Bible, he has suffered the loss which he had better make all possible haste to correct … a thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.
President Teddy (Theodore) Roosevelt

I wonder … What would it be like if Bibles weren’t so easily available or if there was a great price to pay?

Think about it. — Pastor Frank

Tag: scripture

LIFE

THE BIBLE & AMERICA