Tag: The Bible

Devotionals

New Gems of Truth

Loring Schultz

“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 KJV

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‘What’s new?’ is a question you have asked and have been asked countless times. The inquiry ranges from new developments in one’s life to what’s new in general terms. It also carries with it the idea that something new means something old is done away with, and that is true in most cases, but not all. In particular, it is not true of sacred scripture, the Bible. There has been debate in recent decades over the authority of the Old Testament since Jesus’s time on earth and the completion of the New Testament. The New Testament records Jesus’s ministry, His pronouncement of the Heavenly Kingdom, the New Covenant, the early church, and future events. It is thought by some that Jesus’s fulfilment of the Old Testament oversees the necessity to follow the truths recorded in it. But Jesus has a much different view of sacred scripture from today’s debaters.

Jesus quoted often from the Old Testament mostly from the book of Deuteronomy. He explained the scriptures on the road to Emmaus as He walked along with Cleopas and his friend starting with Moses and all the prophets on how they related to Himself. (Lk. 24:13-32) Jesus also said to His disciples before His ascension into heaven, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” (Lk. 24:44-45) Jesus wanted His disciples and us to understand the truths of Old Testament especially concerning Himself and the plan of Salvation.

While teaching the disciples about Himself and the kingdom of God in Matthew chapter 13, Jesus asked them, “Do you understand all these things?’ ‘Yes,’ they said, ‘we do.’” (Mt. 13:51) Jesus then went on, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.” (Mt. 13:52) Now that they understood the truths about Jesus in the Old Testament, the disciples had new gems of truth to teach alongside the old truths. Today we have God’s completed Word in the Old and New Testaments. The insights from Jesus’s parables are understood through the truths of the Old Testament and Old Testament truths are understood through ‘New Gems of Truth.’

A Christian Perspective

The Greatest Love Story Ever Written

Loring Schultz

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NIV

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A new children’s story Bible was released in September of this year by children’s book publisher, Beaming Books. Titled ‘The Just Love Story Bible’ it is a collection of 52 stories, 26 from the Old Testament and 26 from the New Testament. The idea is one story for each week of the year for children to read. The authors are Rev. Jacqui Lewis, a New York City pastor, and the Rev. Shannon Daley-Harris. Their goal is to reach children ‘with a colorful Bible focused on justice and love.’ (1)

The headline announcing the release of the book from the Religious News Service is, “’New children’s Bible aims to capture diverse, nonpatriarchal, ‘theology of love and justice.’” Sadly, the authors are moving away from the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture to promote a progressive and contemporary agenda. The book is geared toward the 4–10-year-old age group. Rev. Daley-Harris states, “It’s OK to actually tell kids from the get-go: Some of these stories are about true people and things that really happen, and some of them are made-up stories, but they’re in there because they can still teach us true things about God.” (1)

Rev. Lewis says, “Our agenda is teach young people a theology of love and justice that we don’t have to unlearn because they understand from the beginning what this faith is really about.” I find it hard to comprehend Rev. Lewis’ explanation of teaching a theology of love and justice so we don’t have to unlearn it when her very teaching does just that, teaching what will need to be unlearned. On the resurrection of Jesus, Rev. Lewis says, “And when we got to resurrection, I went all the way philosophical, ‘some people like Plato think…’ and ‘some people like Aristotle think… ,’ to just introduce our faith also includes doubt and the possibility of having a hermeneutic of suspicion. Did that happen? For me, it matters more that children know that love never dies, so that’s where I landed.” (1)

In questioning the resurrection of Jesus, their premise that ‘love never dies’ is flawed. If Jesus did not rise from the dead then His entire purpose for coming into this world to die for our sins defeating death by His resurrection because of His love for us is not complete. We have no assurance of eternal life; our hope is still in the grave with a love that has not been resurrected. That’s where I land.

The good news is Jesus did rise from the dead completing all that is necessary for our salvation as we put our trust in Him. It did happen. It is dangerous to prevaricate certain portions the Bible especially to children. Jesus said, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Mt.18:6 niv)

Where ‘The Just Love Story Bible’ and its authors get it wrong is at the very beginning with the title of the book. They failed to acknowledge the greatest love story ever written is the Bible, even for children. It is all about Jesus. It is all about God’s plan of salvation for each one of us, and it is all about love. It is the original just love story Bible. No need to unlearn it, but a great need to learn from it.

(1) https://religionnews.com/2025/10/16/new-childrens-bible-aims-to-capture-diverse-nonpatriarchal-theology-of-love-and-justice/

Devotionals

God’s Orderly Design     

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 2:9-15 NLT – And I want women to be modest in their – Bible Gateway

“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 NLT

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Having established proper order and maintaining it in any area of life here on earth prevents confusion and even chaos.

Our God is a God of perfect order. When the world starts to change up what God has designed there is mass confusion. Our world does not function as it should because it is out of order of God’s original design. God has a specific design for men and women and the roles of each in our world today. We can see the chaos that has developed over recent years when God’s creation order is ignored. But more on that at a future date. Today, our concentration is on God’s design for men’s and women’s roles in the Christian church.

First of all, men and women are equal in the body of Christ. Paul, the apostle affirms this in the book of Galatians. (Gal.3:28) However, men and women have different roles in the church when it comes to the corporate worship service. God has designed men to be responsible for leading the church in worship. This results in a lot of push back in 2025. But God commanded it. Women are in no way inferior to men in spiritual matters. Both men and women learn equally from the preaching of the Word. It is by God’s orderly design.

Adhering to the truth of Scripture is vital for the Christian church in all its functions, activities, and mode of worship. God’s Word has not changed over time to meet the demands of a changing culture. Accepting any changes opens up the whole Bible to question what is for today and what is not. But more importantly, the way of salvation becomes subject to change. There is only one way of salvation (Jn.14:6) and it is in God’s unchanging Word along with His design for worship.

A Christian Perspective

Back to Church Sunday

Loring Schultz

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

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Tomorrow Sunday September 21st is ‘National Back to Church Sunday.’ Recognized on the third Sunday in September, it is a drive to invite people back to church, and if one has never attended church, now is a good time. It is community, and where you will find peace, but it is so much more than that. A Bible believing, preaching church will introduce you to Jesus Christ, God the Son. He is where true peace comes from. Peace in this world and assurance of life eternal. There is the ultimate community with brothers and sisters in Christ which the world cannot match. No matter where you reside in this world, find a Bible believing church in your area and attend this Sunday. See you there!

A Christian Perspective

Taken Out of Context     

Loring Schultz

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 NIV

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

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Last weekend, recently drafted Cleveland Browns quarterback, Dillon Gabriel got caught in the social media ‘taken out of context’ web. A question by a sideline reporter was not fully aired or referred to, only his answer. “Speaking with CBS Sports reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala, Gabriel was asked about his comfortability in front of a camera. The poised Gabriel was authentic in his answer, a harmless and fun response.” (1) Gabiel’s fun response escalated rapidly when sports reporters and commentators from major sports outlets looking for a story failed to do their journalistic research. Their main concern was to adapt the answer to their bias narrative ignoring the truth. Eventually the truth came out, but the damage was done and too late for all the headline and sound bite social media followers who never saw the update.

I’m sure many of us have been taken out of context having our words twisted to mean something other than what was intended. Most of the time it is done to humiliate us or to put their opinion into focus as the right point of view. We may not be able undo the damage each time, but it is imperative for Christians that we try because our integrity and the truth is at stake.

Social media and bias reporters work as a conduit to get many false narratives accepted by as many people as they can to push their agenda. The Bible has been taken out of context for centuries, but not at the rate it is today. Again, those with a certain point of view and an agenda to push due to their politics or to satisfy the changing culture will take the Bible out of context to suit themselves. The Bible’s truth has not changed. It is not subject to re-interpretation. The Bible is not a fluid document, but the very Words of God. God’s Words mean the same today as when they were first written. It is vital for Christians to take a stand for the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Jesus confirmed the truth of God’s Word in His intercessory prayer, and Paul tells us not to be ashamed and to correctly handle the word of the truth (The Bible). It may come with criticism and be taken out of context, but we have proof the Bible is true as we apply it to our lives through the Holy Spirit.

(1) Browns’ Dillon Gabriel clarifies ‘entertainers’ and ‘competitors’ comment, wasn’t referencing Shedeur Sanders

Devotionals

A Christian’s Conduct

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 119:1-16 NLT – Psalm 119 – Aleph Joyful are people of – Bible Gateway

“Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!” Psalm 119:5 NLT

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Every Christian has a spotlight shining on them. We could say it is the light of Christ reflecting off us and that would be true, but I surmise the spotlight is one placed on us by others who know of our faith and are keeping an eye on us. Those watching us are both other Christians and non-Christians, even our own church family. Living in the light of Christ and in obedience to Scripture is more than a testimony towards those outside of Christ but is a requirement on how all Christians should act before their brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, can be thought of as the ‘word of life’ intended to give us godly instruction. Almost every verse throughout the psalm has a reference to God’s Word. ‘Commandments, decrees, instructions, laws, word, and regulations’ are noted in the first sixteen verses of the chapter, and it continues up to its conclusion.. It is indeed a chapter of instruction. It is a chapter in the word of God that’s all about the word of God.

The psalmist in the front half portion of the psalm writes, “You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands.” (Ps.119:4-6 nlt) Being charged by God to keep His commandments and decrees, the psalmist’s desire is for his actions to match what God’s Word commands him to do. So should be our desire as Christians in 2025, to have our conduct submitted in accordance with Scripture. Our Christian conduct should reflect our faith in Christ by obeying His Word in front of those who do not know the Lord, leading them to Him, and to those who do.

Devotionals

JESUS; AN OLD TESTAMENT STORY

Loring Schultz

Sunday’s Biblical Insights “The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark” will pick up next week. Today’s devotional speaks of Jesus in the Old Testament!

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“Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Luke 24:25-26 NLT

The story of Jesus is not only a New Testament story, but an Old Testament one as well. Some people today dismiss the relevancy of the Old Testament scriptures in modern day Christianity. But it is in those very books of the Old Testament that speak of Him and actually predict His birth and His death to save sinners. Jesus Himself said concerning the Old Testament scriptures, “it is these that testify about me.” (Jn 5:39)

On the evening of Jesus’s resurrection, two men were on their way to Emmaus from Jerusalem. As they were discussing the events of that momentous weekend, Jesus came alongside and walked with them. He asked them what they were talking about. They found it hard to believe that anyone would not have known the events of the last three days. They told of the crucifixion of Jesus occurring on Friday, and noted that they anticipated that Jesus was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Then they told of the amazing discovery that morning of finding His tomb empty with angels declaring He was alive.

Jesus responding to His travelling companions points to the Old Testament scriptures and admonishes them that if they had clearly read the scriptures and believed them, they would have not been surprised at the events that took place. Isn’t that much like today? We do not read the scriptures as we should, both the Old and New Testaments. They both tell of Jesus, His Story of redeeming sinners and reconciling us to God. It’s time to familiarize ourselves once again or perhaps for the first time, with the Old Testament of the Bible, it’s about Jesus; an Old Testament Story.

Devotionals

Life in His Name  

Loring Schultz

“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:30-31 NIV

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Have you ever wondered why the Bible has stood the test of time over thousands of years? It is still in print today and available in a multitude of languages. The full Bible has been translated in over 700 languages and the New Testament in over 1,500. Approximately 15.7 million Bibles were sold in the United States alone in the first ten months of 2024. It is available in book or digital form and if you have a smart phone you have one available to you free of charge. So, why is it such a bestseller?

I image there are countless reasons why so many people desire a Bible or access to one. Some people like the look of a Bible on a shelf or coffee table. Some record special occasions in it such as births, marriages, and the passing of a loved one. Others read it for its historical content or literature artistic value. Then there are those who study it for its religious content as they would other works from the major world religions There are many more reasons why one desires a Bible, but the number one reason to have a Bible should be to know the God of the Bible and His love and salvation plan for mankind.

This brings us to the purpose the Bible was written. Every major work of literature has a main purpose, and the Bible is no different. The gospel writer John summed up the purpose of his book, which could be used as a summary for the entire Bible by saying, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (Jn.20:31 niv) The Old Testament spoke of the coming Messiah. The New Testament revealed His coming and the way of salvation. If you are going to read the Bible, I suggest you read it for its main purpose, to believe what is written and by believing you may have life in His name.

Devotionals

Assurance of Eternal Life

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Peter 1:18-25 NLT – For you know that God paid a ransom to – Bible Gateway

“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23 NLT

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Some Christians struggle with the possibility that they could lose their salvation and eternal life. The Bible has several verses that can ease those unfriendly thoughts. In Peter’s letter to Gentile and Jewish believers he quotes from Isaiah to illustrate the power of the Word of God to renew souls unto the Lord, the Word that lasts forever. ‘“But the word of the Lord remains forever.’ And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.” (1Pt.1:25 nlt)

A person is saved as they are drawn by God through the Holy Spirit to Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said, “For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me.” (Jn.6:44 nlt) And Paul writes in Titus, “ he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5 nlt) Peter is expressing in 1 Peter the importance of the Word of God in salvation. The Bible points us to look at ourselves as sinners in need of repentance and belief in Christ. He is leading us to the Word of God, which contains the good news of the gospel.

Peter says in our text verse those who are born again now have a life that will last forever. The Holy Spirit uses the eternal living Word of God to convict us of our need of salvation. The ‘forever’ Word of God clearly defines the good news of salvation through Jesus. We can be sure as the Word of God will last forever, our salvation in the Lord will last forever. No worries.

Devotionals

No Debate

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 119:89-96 NASB – Lamedh Forever, LORD, Your word stands – Bible Gateway

“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89 NASB

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Debates occur to express and defend a point of view. Both sides are passionate and sure of their position being the right one. Each would say ‘there is really no debate’, and that may be true if someone is able to prove their point of view is the correct one. Although, the other side would claim ‘not so fast’ as they try to prove their opponent wrong. The debate can last for hours, weeks, or even a lifetime trying to prove their point is correct and then convince others.

In most debates there are what we refer to as ‘gray areas.’ There are neither black or white, right or wrong, but somewhere in the middle. A lot of discussion in the form of persuasion takes place in these areas to win over the opposition. But most subjects of debate have a definitive truth in them if they are fleshed out. The opposition may not agree, but the truth is the truth.

Probably the most debated book in history would be the Bible. Debates range from its authenticity, who wrote it, is it a fact or fiction, is it to be taken literally or symbolically, does it still apply today, aren’t there contradictions, on and on go the debates. Psalm 119 is a psalm that is all about the Word of God, all 176 verses. This chapter reveals the Bible could be called the Word of Life for it tells us all we need to know. It’s God Word to us, His plan of salvation for mankind and our instruction manual on how to live.  Oh, and by the way, the psalmist writes, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” (Ps.119:89 nasb) Therefore there is no debate. It has been settled in heaven. So, let’s go out and convince others the Bible is the true Word of God.