The Bible – Page 2 – Word for the Soul

JESUS; AN OLD TESTAMENT STORY

August 10, 2025August 8, 2025 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!

“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

August 7, 2025August 6, 2025 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

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

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

July 31, 2025July 30, 2025 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

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

July 16, 2025July 13, 2025 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

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.

A Christian Perspective

A Message to the Christian Church

June 28, 2025June 24, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Revelation 2:18-29 NLT – The Message to the Church in Thyatira – Bible Gateway

“Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.” 1 John 4:1 NLT

Our news feed has on-going stories about the corruption in the world. Corruption, defined as “evil, depraved, taking bribes, extortion, racketeering, etc.” is making the headlines revealing those involved in the corruption and those who are pursuing to end it. Corruption can be found in all walks of life, in business and industry, in governments, in professional sports, in colleges and universities, in medical institutions, in personal relationships, and yes even in the church.

The church in Thyatira is an example of some churches in our day. Jesus’ letter to this church can very well be written today to those who are following the same path as the Thyatira church. False teaching, as in Pergamum, the compromising church, is again being accepted. But unlike the Pergamum church where the faithful were still the majority, the faithful in Thyatira were small in number. Jesus says, “But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman—that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols.” (Rev.2:20 nlt)

Jezebel, probably not her real name, but a Jezebel type as in the Old Testament, was used by Satan to corrupt the church. A false prophetess, who was permitted to teach by spreading the lies of Satan, was corrupting the church of God. Many were led into sin buying into this persuasive and attractive teaching. Many members of churches today are also buying into and following teaching that is contrary to the Word of God, corrupting Christ’s church.

Wherever we attend church, let us follow the apostle John’s teaching to “not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.” (1Jn.4:1 nlt)

Devotionals

Look for Jesus in the Old Testament

June 13, 2025June 11, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Isaiah 53 NIV – Who has believed our message and to – Bible Gateway

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 NIV

It has always amazed me how some people, even Christians, dismissed the Old Testament as having no relevance for today. The New Testament has all the ‘Red Letter’ words of Jesus’ teaching the way of salvation and how to love God and others as yourself. The Pauline Epistles teach us how to walk in the spirit, live the Christian life, and the importance of the church body. And who isn’t fascinated with the end times in the book of Revelation if we can understand it. But there is all of that and more in the Old Testament if we only take the time to go through it.

The most important aspect of the Old Testament, in fact the entire Bible, is that it is about Jesus Christ. When keeping that in mind you’ll begin to find new meaning in the stories you have heard and read as far back as when you were child. Simply put; God created the heavens and the earth, He created us, we sinned against Him, we needed a savior to take our punishment and reconcile us back to God, the Old Testament paves the way for the Messiah born in Bethlehem and there are even prophesies of the end times. It’s all in there.

Isaiah 53 speaks of Jesus’ suffering sacrifice by dying for our sins. This chapter accurately describes the events of Jesus’ death written 700 years earlier. “He was despised and rejected by mankind……Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised……Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering……But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities……He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter……He was assigned a grave with the wicked, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth……For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Is.53 niv)

It’s kind of hard to deny that Isaiah was prophesying about Jesus Christ. It’s not a coincidence, but a factual truth found in the New Testament gospels. Jesus is found all throughout the Old Testament for He is God the Son, the second person of the trinity. The Old Testament proves who Jesus is and what He has done as any portion of Scripture from the New Testament. You can look for Jesus in the Old Testament. He’s there!

Devotionals

Thoughts of the World

May 29, 2025May 28, 2025 Loring Schultz

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

Photo by Sergio Rodriguez – Portugues del Olmo on Unsplash

When it comes to spiritual matters and the things of God, the world has its endless thoughts on the truth of the matter. The world will inform us what is and what is not truth, or it will tell us it’s inside us and we will discover it by searching within ourselves. Just be yourself and love yourself. Then there are so called minsters of the gospel preaching a feel-good message of positivity and good works. The apostle Paul needed to defend his ministry against some of the same things we witness in our world today. False prophets were doing their work during Paul’s day as in ours. Paul, himself, was accused of being a false prophet and only in it for money. The thoughts about God in the world are many, and all are against the truth and His salvation message.

Paul was unrelenting in the defense of his ministry and the gospel. He stated, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2Cor.10:5 niv) Anything that slightly resembled an alternative view of the gospel pitting itself against the Lord God, Paul demolished those arguments. They cannot be allowed to stand. Paul knew those distorted thoughts about God lead to confusion and heartache. That is why he took every one of those thoughts and conformed them to Christ.

Christians today need to rally behind Paul’s example of boldness in demolishing the false narratives of God in our culture. Sitting silent on the sidelines while the world is scoring points does not advance the kingdom of God. The Lord has given us all we need to inform the world of the truth, His Word, the Bible. It’s time we use it boldly to explain the truth about God.

Devotionals

Truth Thrown to the Ground

May 23, 2025May 22, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 8:9-14 NIV – Out of one of them came another horn, – Bible Gateway

“Because of rebellion, the LORD’s people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.” Daniel 8:12 NIV

Interpretation of Biblical prophecy is not a subject to take lightly but should be taken it very seriously. Much of Biblical prophecy is hard to understand and explain, but not all of it. God has spelled out future events for us to understand to the best of our ability with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. With that being said, there are many interpretations of Scripture concerning the end times among some of the most gifted scholars and theologians throughout history. Are some right and others wrong? How about you, are you right, are you wrong? The debate goes on.

God gave us the Bible, to understand. If we cannot understand what he wrote to us, then what is the benefit of having it? I concede, not every Christian understands everything in Scripture, but there is enough we can understand with the Spirit’s help. Daniel’s visions of prophecy sound too confusing to comprehend, but that may not always be the case if we think them through. Today’s short reading in Daniel chapter 8 predicts the persecution of the Jews in the second half of the second century B.C. from Antiochus IV the ruler of the Seleucid kingdom. Antiochus’ actions included destroying copies of Scripture and entering the most Holy Place sacrificing pigs on the altar. Some see similarities to antichrist in the last days of the tribulation. This could be true.

What do you know for sure? Daniel 8:12 says, ‘truth was thrown to the ground.’ We know in those last days, as is the case today, the truth of God’s Word will be denied. Christians will be persecuted during the tribulation as they are today, a false god will be worshiped, and truth will be thrown to the ground. So, don’t worry if you don’t understand it all. Rejoice in what you know.

Devotionals

It’s Time to Know Your Future

April 25, 2025April 21, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 7:1-8 NLT – Daniel’s Vision of Four Beasts – Bible Gateway

There was a saying back in the day, ‘if you want to know what the Bible says about the future, just watch the evening news.’ That still applies today by opening our cell phones to our favorite news and information app. If you want to know what the Bible says about the past, just open a history book or watch a documentary on the History Channel. You’ll find history predicted in the Holy Scriptures.

A perfect example is the prophet Daniel’s visions in the Old Testament. Daniel saw a vision of God’s plan for the future kingdoms of the world. First revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar in a dream then revealed to Daniel in a vision for him to interpret it. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue in the form of a man describes four future kingdoms. Daniel, years later, saw a vision of four beasts coming out of the water, all different from one another, and representing the same four future kingdoms.

In reading our text from Daniel we see history unfolding in the prophet’s visions. The first beast was like a lion describing the Babylonian Empire in Daniel’s time, vicious and powerful. The second like a bear with three ribs in its mouth of conquered nations is the Medo-Persian Empire from 539 B.C. – 330 B.C. The third beast Daniel saw was the Greek Empire led by Alexander the Great, 330 B.C. – 63 B.C. in the form of a leopard representing the speed in which he took power. And the fourth beast is unidentified but is a terrifying, dreadful, and very strong beast. The Roman Empire fits this description as the legs of iron in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. History teaches us these events occurred. The Bible teaches us these events were predicted through the prophets before they occurred. Scripture predicts the future with total accuracy. Daniel and the rest of the Old Testament prophets have it all laid out for us in the Bible. It’s time for all of us to know our future.

Devotionals

The Bible’s Affect

April 17, 2025April 16, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 119:169-176 NLT – Taw O LORD, listen to my cry; give me – Bible Gateway

Books have had a tremendous impact throughout history. Individually, multiple lives have changed from reading a book. Societies have been formed based on some writings from influential people. Educational institutions have thousands upon thousands of books covering every facet of education. Public and school libraries place books of all categories on their shelves for the information seeker, the knowledge and self-help seeker, the avid reader, and for those looking for sure enjoyment. In one way or another, each book will influence the reader if read carefully seeking the author’s intent.

The Bible is no different. It will influence you and have the biggest effect on your life than any other book. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie lists five affects’ that God’s Word has on those who read it with the proper intent.

1. The Word affects the mind. “O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.” (Ps.119:169 nlt) Asking God to give you a discerning mind is guaranteed because He promises to do so. As we read Scripture, we will develop a desire to know more and understand more.

2. The Word affects the mouth. “Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees. Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right.” (Ps.119:171-172 nlt) Understanding that all God’s ordinances are just and right will result in praise to Him.

3. The Word affects the will. “Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments.” (Ps.119:173 nlt) Realizing God’s commands are right; we choose to follow them.

4. The Word affects the emotions. “O LORD, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight.” (Ps.119:174 nlt) We can’t help but be emotional when God rescues from the darkness of sin within us.

5. The Word affects the conscience. “I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.” (Ps.119:176 nlt) As we read the Bible and begin to understand it there will be a growing knowledge of how far we drift away on the daily basis. We ask the Lord, our shepherd to come and find us and bring us back into the fold.

The Bible’s affect will change your life and encourage you daily. It is the most influential book ever written. Other books have the potential to change your present life, but only God’s Word can change your present life and change your future destiny in eternity. It’s time to take it off the shelf and read it.