All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16.
The Bible points to God as its author; yet it was written by human hands; and in the varied style of its different books it presents the characteristics of the several writers. The truths revealed are all “given by inspiration of God”; yet they are expressed in the words of men. The Infinite One by His Holy Spirit has shed light into the minds and hearts of His servants. He has given dreams and visions, symbols and figures; and those to whom the truth was thus revealed have themselves embodied the thought in human language.
The Ten Commandments were spoken by God Himself, and were written by His own hand. They are of divine and not of human composition. But the Bible, with its God-given truths expressed in the language of men, presents a union of the divine and the human. Such a union existed in the nature of Christ, who was the Son of God and the Son of man. Thus it is true of the Bible, as it was of Christ, that “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
Written in different ages, by men who differed widely in rank and occupation, and in mental and spiritual endowments, the books of the Bible present a wide contrast in style, as well as a diversity in the nature of the subjects unfolded. Different forms of expression are employed by different writers; often the same truth is more strikingly presented by one than by another. And as several writers present a subject under varied aspects and relations, there may appear, to the superficial, careless, or prejudiced reader, to be discrepancy or contradiction, where the thoughtful, reverent student, with clearer insight, discerns the underlying harmony.—The Great Controversy, v, vi.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 222
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for family members who are sick. R
—-Please pray for me. I will be going to a doctor to check what is causing pain on my left pelvic area. I pray it will be healed soon. Also for my son Ebenezer who will be taking an important exam. Sally
—-I have some dear friends whose family is dealing with covid and the husband apparently has it worse and his fever hasn’t broken in many days. Please pray for their healing, David
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Dear Friends,
Some years ago, an Interstate bridge collapsed in Minneapolis, Minnesota during rush hour traffic. A few years before when the bridge had been inspected, it was felt that there was some concern, yet nothing had been done. Shortly before it collapsed, it had been inspected again and pronounced safe. It obviously was not!
After the collapse, the news reported that many of the bridges in this country were as unsafe as was that bridge. While Ron and I talked about that worrisome bit of news, it reminded us of a bridge we often crossed when we lived in Washington State. It appeared safe, yet one day when we visited a park that was underneath that bridge, we noticed huge cracks in the structure as well as missing chunks of concrete. From then on, we avoided crossing that bridge whenever possible. We were taking no chances.
This sinful, old planet is like a dangerous bridge. Some of this world’s dangers are recognized, and we tremble in perplexity and fear. Some are hidden from our view, and we continue on, unaware of the danger we are in. How much we need Someone to guide us and protect us. Praise God! We do have such a One Who will lead us by the hand! “Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.” “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.” Isa 48:17; 43:1-3
May our response to our Dear Saviour be, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” “In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defense to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.” Ps 56:3; 31:1-3
Rose