“I believe what my church believes.”

“What does your church believe?”

“My church believes what I believe.”

“What do you and your church believe?”

“We both believe the same thing?”
 

It is sad to say, but this is about all some know about God and His written word. Many, it seems, are counting on someone else to do their own study of the Bible. Paul warns us, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). We must all, as individuals stand before the judgment seat of Christ. We cannot rely on anyone else at that time, but will all receive what we individually deserve from the Lord. Paul continued, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). If I can persuade you of only one thing today, it is this: please study your Bible for yourself.

            Do you have the same love for the Bible the writer of Psalm 119 had? Each of its twenty-eight sections is devoted to praise for God’s revelation. Each section extols the power of the Bible. Typical of the beautiful thoughts about the Word is verses 113-120: “I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.”