Humans have become so very full…yet so empty.
The world has never known more “stuff” than right now. We truly live in a time and era of plenty.
The religion of materialism is held in our hands, seen through retail windows, and drives up and down streets dropping off package after package.
Technology and science reach new levels every single day. We can do anything!
Self-help, self-love, self-truth, selfie (I will stop with that one)…Society of SELF!
“My way, my truth, my life” has become Gospel language to the world.
Society and culture are so full from the SELF-buffet line, that room for God is becoming sparser by the day.
Oh wait, desert line up next…sorry God, now there is no more room for you!
UNLESS…Someone can serve God up just how “SELF” can accept Him…maybe SELF can fit a “ME” God in…that desert will digest soon…
Has “SELF” become the “NEW” Bible? Do we seek a Gospel so pleasing to SELF, that God’s Word has simply become a self-help book…pulling from it merely what is pleasing in the moment?
Has the Bible, God’s Holy Word, been tossed through the SELF “chipper shredder?” If it fits in today’s world of SELF, it’s of use, but if not, let’s chip up those ancient, outdated, irrelevant words on a page.
I mean, the Bible was written by humans anyway, right? NOPE!
Did I say NOPE to that last question?…Yes, yes I did…just checking.
Every Word of the Bible was authored by the hand of the Holy Spirit. Not man. Let me say that again…God’s Word was authored by God for His creation.
Every Word of the Bible is God-breathed. Every Word of the Bible is meant for every person from the time it blessed creation until our Lord and Savior returns in full Glory!
The Bible is historical fact and Truth. It is to be interpreted in its purest, simplest, and most literal form. All of it is meant for us…yes, even today!
“For God is not the author of confusion.” (1 Cor. 14:33a)
God wants us to understand His Word. God wants us to believe His Holy Word as it is written. It is meant for all people at all times. God’s Word is timeless.
God’s Word is timeless because God is timeless and He authored the Bible…not man…not self. God alone authored Holy Scripture! Thank you Jesus!
Again, as society has become enamored with self…God has become less and less important.
And as society becomes full of SELF…self is left emptier…why?
Boasting in technology, science, achievement…self…is advancing rapidly.
“So that, just as it is written, ‘Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 1:31)
Boasting in the Lord…rapidly DECLINING. Society is in love, and filled up, with SELF…a recipe of emptiness.
Only God can truly fill us…Only God can truly fill us…
“And to know the LOVE of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19)
Only the Love of Christ can truly fill us up. Only through knowing Christ can we be filled. And we gain knowledge of Jesus through the wisdom within His Holy Word. The Word of God meant for all people, at all times, in all times.
The Bible interprets the Bible. How amazing is that! It is all we need for this life.
The Bible is meant for all to read, learn, and love. If a part is confusing or unclear, it will be made clear elsewhere in Scripture. Open it up and let the Word of God light the path of life…just as God said.
“Establish my steps in your Word…” (Psalm 119:133a)
“Trust in God with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
A buffet of SELF…fills temporarily…
God’s buffet of Holy Truth…you will never hunger or thirst again…
Fill yourself with God’s Word. Fill yourself with Jesus.
I would love to talk with anyone about Jesus, the Bible, and Church.
Blessings,
Pastor Jason Pauley
