via TJC
This is difficult. My assignment is to put into words the principle takeaway from our recently completed New Testament journey. We just spent the last 27 weeks looking at the New Testament, book by book.
Question: Do you have any idea how much important communication and information from the God of everything (literally) is contained within the pages of His only written form of communication to us? Could someone out there please instruct me on what parts to leave out, seeing as I’m only allowed a few HUNDRED words (it was actually 2 questions, so sue me)?
There are so many things of importance in the New Testament books. We could go on and on about precepts and promises. We could write volumes on the parables and their meaning. We could discuss the fascinating doctrines and even the overarching theology and its impact on the modern Church. We could so easily follow the history as it unfolds, and even how much of the Bible’s legacy has been preserved through archaeological evidence. We could retrace the footsteps of Jesus. All of that would be so... interesting? Boring? Relevant?
So I’ve decided to tell you the why instead of the what. This narrows it down immensely. Why should we so closely follow the words in this, the most well known piece of literature in history, the bestseller of all time? ...Because if you don’t get what I’m about to say, you might as well chunk the rest of it.
Some call it the greatest story ever told. Some call it the absolute truth. Some call it the scarlet thread of redemption, as it weaves its way through the New AND Old Testament. I call it the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It’s quite simply the true story that saves us from the wrath of God and changes everything about our future. Believe it!
My principle takeaway: Jesus is love. Love is why.
Daily Battle Order:
Examine the creed following this battle order. It’s the basic statement of the Christian faith. It’s the MAIN THING put into words. Put it into your own words and keep it on file for sharing.
THE APOSTLES CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.