A LIFETIME IN THE WORD

Newsletter 353                                                                                          June 16, 2013

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Our scripture for today is a portion of the second letter written by the apostle Paul to his younger, we might call him an apprentice, Timothy. Timothy often travelled with Paul, but on this occasion was elsewhere, thus this letter to assist and guide him. While it was written to Timothy, it has much valuable instruction for us even today. Circumstances may be different today, but people, and churches, have the same basic problems.

2 Timothy 3:14-17

14  But continue thou in the things that thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

This reminds me of the flannel graphs which I used to teach Bible truths years ago. They were put together in layers. The first layer was made of flannel and it was the background for other layers which changed as the lesson progressed. Sometimes one used the plain blue background of the board, but I had an interior scene which could represent the temple, or a castle, whatever the story called for.

(2 Timothy 1:13, Titus 1:9)

TIMOTHY HAD A BACKGROUND OF BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE

The young preacher Timothy had the background of the Old Testament which had been taught to him by his mother, and grandmother, Lois and Eunice. That is often true today. Many children grow up being cared for by their grandmothers, because their mothers have full time jobs to help pay the bills. Timothy was also cared for by his mother and grandmother; then Paul took over building his faith on that background. It is a serious problem today that families are often fragmented and scattered widely. It is a sad fact that, while we have over a dozen great grandchildren, we may never even see more than two of them. Those two, we see on rare occasions.

15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Try to give a good background of the Bible to your children, grandchildren, and if the opportunity makes it possible, your great grandchildren. This will prepare them for greater spiritual growth when the time comes.

(2 Timothy 1:5, John 5:47, Romans 2:27, Psalm 119:98, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 2 Timothy 1:1)  

16  All scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

(Romans 4:23, Romans 15:4, 2 Peter 1:20)

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

(1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 2:21, Hebrews 13:21)

THE TIME TO PREPARE THIS BACKGROUND IS THEIR EARLY CHILDHOOD.

They began by teaching Timothy all the stories of the Old Testament, about the judges and the prophets and finally Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. On this background, Paul could tell him of the fulfilment of the prophecies, and of the teaching of Jesus. We found somewhat the same thing in Africa when we went there. Many of the people were well founded on the Old Testament stories, but very lacking in the teachings of Jesus Christ, the way the truth and the life.

THE NEW TESTAMENT COMPLETES THE PICTURE.

As adults, we must learn the full message so we can teach others also. The account of Jesus, who told us, “I am the way the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me,” and “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father” to which John adds “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” The whole Bible from the beginning recorded in Genesis to the end, Revelation, involved Jesus. It is all about Jesus from creation to eternity with Him in Heaven. or eternity without Him in Hell, where the price for sin will be collected from those who refuse to repent of their sins and live for Christ Jesus here and now.

Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Every minute, every hour that clicks by on our clocks brings us that much closer to the time when our Lord will separate all mankind into only two great groups, those who accept and obey Him, and those who reject Him as their Lord and redeemer. Those things which divide us now, race, language, religion, they have nothing to do with it, but “Is Jesus your Lord and Savior?” That will make all the difference. Note, Christianity is not just another “religion”, it is a way of life. It encompasses all that you are and all that you do every day. “Do you take Him, the Son of God, as your Lord and Savior?” You are why he came and why he died on Calvary. It is all because he loves you.

Because Phyllis and I lived in Africa for so many years, and live a life of comparative poverty. we have been singled out for very special financial temptations. I receive, almost daily, emails telling me that there are millions banked in my name in remote parts of the world, especially in Western Africa. Of course, they are all fiction to reap the harvest of my “wealth,” also fiction. Like mine, they bear the names of living people, Hillary Clinton, Robert Muller, Joseph Biden, assorted major UN and Banking officials and made up titles. For variety, the name of one of the world’s billionaires wanted to make me her heir to be used for charitable projects.

What does it boil down to? Satan knows, as he did with Job, what ought to be our weakest point for our very own special temptation. Because of my wife’s illnesses, our Dr. wants us to change to “assisted living”, but that is far beyond our ability, so that is his attack. It will differ with each of us. Just remember this, money is just paper.  Paper burns. This world, and all in it is destined to burn. So, invest in gold, he will say. Gold is used to describe the paving material of the streets of Heaven.  Look ahead.

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READ YOUR BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN THIS YEAR

JUNE

23rd.  Sunday  -  1 Kings 12,    Acts 16:1-18,    Psalm 77:10-20

24th.  Monday  -  1 Kings 13,    Acts 16:19-40,    Psalm 78:1-8

25th.  Tuesday  -  1 Kings 14,15,    Acts 17,    Proverbs 15L19-26

26th.  Wednesday  -  1 Kings 16, 17,    Acts 18,    Psalm 78:9-20

27th.  Thursday  -  1 Kings 18,    Acts 19:1-20,    Psalm 78:21-30

28th.  Friday  -  1 Kings 19:1-20:21,    Acts 19:21-41,    Psalm 78:31-39

29th.  Saturday  -  1 Kings 20:22-21:29,    Acts 20,    Proverbs 15:27-33

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MEMORY VERSE

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  -  2 Timothy 2:15

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A TOUCH OF HUMOR

Am exasperated mother, whose son was always getting into mischief finally asked him, “How do you expect to get into Heaven?”

The boy thought it over and answered, “Well, I’ll run in and out, and in and out, and keep slamming the door until St Peter says, ‘For Heaven’s sake, Dylan, come in or stay out’”

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