How to Establish Bible Authority by Bill Blue

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistical Abstract dated September 29, 1998, lists 76 faiths in America that had 60,000 or more members. Of this number, 59 considered themselves Christian. Of the 59 "Christian" faiths, there are no two that agree 100% of the time on all issues.

Considering such diversity, one must ask, "How can I be sure that I am interpreting the Bible correctly?" One church uses instrumental music in worship; another does not. Some churches have gymnasiums and dinners on the grounds; other churches condemn such practices. Women preach in some churches; in other churches women are not permitted to preach. How do we establish Bible authority to determine which of these practices, if any, are permitted?

Jesus provides us an example. When confronted by Satan and tempted in the wilderness, Jesus answered each temptation with the phrase, "It is written" (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10). Thus, we should seek to answer Bible questions with Bible answers because, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Knowing where to find the answer is only half the battle. Knowing which Scriptures to use and how to apply them is the other half. Fortunately, Jesus and the Apostles provide us with additional examples of how they interpreted Scripture. When referring to the Scriptures to answer Bible questions, Jesus and the Apostles used direct statements or commands, examples, and necessary inferences.

For example, in Acts 11 Peter was confronted by Jews who were unhappy about the fact that Peter had shared the Gospel with Cornelius and other Gentiles. To resolve the controversy, Peter referred to the command of the Holy Spirit to go to Cornelius (Acts 11:12). Peter then tells the Jewish brethren that the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and the others as it had fallen, "upon us at the beginning," (Acts 11:15) referring to the example of the Apostles’ baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. Peter then necessarily inferred that because Cornelius and the others received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the same manner as the Apostles, that God intended for the Gentiles to hear the Gospel (Acts 11:17). After hearing Peter’s use of command, example, and necessary inference authority, "those of the circumcision" (Acts 11:2) believed that "God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life" (Acts 11:18).

Consider the acts and practices of your local church. Most churches meet on Sunday because that is when the Christians in the First Century, under the guidance of the Apostles, met to share the Lord’s Supper and collect the contribution of the saints (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 16:2). Most churches share unleavened bread and fruit of the vine when taking the Lord’s Supper because those are the materials used by Christ when He instituted the observance (Matt. 26:26-28, Luke 22:19-20) and Paul instructs us to follow the same command (1 Cor. 11:23-29). Churches sing during worship because Paul commanded Christians to sing (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16).

Whether or not one realizes it today, churches participate in these activities in these ways because someone sometime ago was concerned with authority. Churches observed the commands and examples of the Apostles because they realized that the commands were written for all churches (2 Pet. 3:15-16). Churches also realized that the commands were recorded in the New Testament so that they would be preserved after the Apostles died (2 Pet. 1:15). Over time, however, authority gave way to traditions, and in some corners, traditions have given way to convenience and preferences (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

Consider all of the acts and practices of your local church. Look at each worship activity in minute detail. What is being done, by whom, and in what manner? Can you cite Scriptural authority for the practice? Is there a command, example, or necessary inference that supports the activity? Can you answer, "Because ‘it is written’?"

Although there are more than 59 "Christian" faiths, unity is not only possible, but expected (1 Cor. 1:10). Unity, however, can only come through God’s divine standard – the Scriptures. Unity will come when we decide to set tradition, preference and convenience aside, do Bible things in Bible ways, and honor Paul’s admonition that, "whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col. 3:17).

The Limits of Old Testament Authority by Bill Blue

In last week’s article we read about many reasons why the Old Testament is still of value to Christians today. At the conclusion of the article, I asked the following question: "May we use examples of Old Testament worship activities [such as observing the Sabbath or the use of musical instruments] to justify the same activities today?" I respectfully suggest that the answer is no.

The purpose of the Old Testament was fulfilled in Christ’s death. Paul wrote that Christ "wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross" (Col. 2:14). Paul then says that as a result of this "wiping away" or "nailing to the cross," that the Colossians should "let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance is of Christ" (Col. 2:16-17). No longer do we have to worry about clean and unclean food from a spiritual point of view, nor do we have to observe the three festivals or a sabbath because they were part of the old law. We are not under the old law (Gal. 3:24-25). Paul wrote that those who seek to justify themselves by the old law estrange themselves from Christ (Gal. 5:4).

Sometimes Christians err by trying to authorize an act or practice in worship today by pointing to an Old Testament example where Israelites performed the same act or practice, forgetting that the old law governed Israel’s worship. Paul addressed such issues in the First Century because the church originated in Jerusalem (Acts 2), and many, if not all, of the church’s first converts were Jewish. Some of the Jewish brethren insisted that Christians had to keep both the old law and the Law of Christ.

In multiple letters, Paul addressed the issue of whether Christians had to keep the Law of Moses (Rom. 3-7, Gal. 2:11-5:4). He concludes that the old law was "abolished" (Eph. 2:15), and that anyone "who becomes circumcised," [or keeps part of the old law – Blue] "is a debtor to keep the whole law" (Gal. 5:3). Why then do people resort to the Old Testament as authority for observing sabbaths, paying tithes, or using musical instruments when worshipping God?

Although the Law of Moses has been abolished, the Old Testament is still useful for Christians today. We can benefit from studying its passages. Although we cannot cite it as authority for a particular act or practice of worship today, nor consult it to determine how one is to be saved, we can still learn from it (Rom. 15:4). Studying the Old Testament can make us wise (2 Tim. 3:15) because "All Scripture [not simply the New Testament] is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Old Testament serves to warn us of the consequences of sin (1 Cor. 10:11), supports our belief in the inspiration of the Bible, and helps us better understand the need for the New Testament. However, our failure to understand its proper place in our spiritual lives can prevent us from "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).

Perhaps you believe in keeping the Sabbath (which is Saturday), or you like to use instrumental music in your worship to God. Why? When we remember (1) that worship in the Jewish era was governed by the old law, (2) that the old law has been fulfilled, and (3) that we are not under the old law, it should become obvious that simply because something occurred in the Old Testament does not necessarily mean that the same act or practice is authorized today. Perhaps you have other reasons for performing these acts or practices. If so, where is your authorization?

We will continue to discuss authority over the next two weeks. These articles will discuss how to find authority in the New Testament, and whether silence can be authority for an act or practice. In the meantime, should you want to discuss this week’s article, please do not hesitate to telephone me.

The Use and Value of the Old Testament by Bill Blue

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning" (Romans 15:4).

Paul was referring to the Old Testament when he wrote the above verse. Even so, some Christians say that the Old Testament is of no value today. On the other hand, other Christians err when they justify a practice today by showing that it was authorized in the Old Testament. Because Christians are responsible for "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15), it is important for us to understand the proper use and value of the Old Testament.

We can learn a lot about God in the Old Testament.

The Old Testament provides insights into the nature of God. For example, we learn that God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16) and homosexuality (Lev. 20:13), and that God does not change. (Mal. 3:6, "For I am the Lord, I do not change").

Through the punishments God inflicted upon people like Nadab and Abihu (Exo. 27:20-21), King Saul (1 Sam. 13:3-14), Uzzah (2 Sam. 6:2-7), and King Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:16-20), we learn that God does not compromise where sin is concerned.

Paul also stressed the importance of studying Old Testament scripture for understanding God’s attitude toward sin when he wrote that, "all these things happened to them [the children of Israel] as examples, and they were written for our admonition" (1 Cor. 10:11).

Scientific and historical facts in the Old Testament can support our faith.

Scientific and historical truths recorded in the Old Testament thousands of years ago prove the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. Some of these truths include facts about the universe such as the "circle" of the earth (Isa. 40:22), space ("He [God] hangs the earth on nothing," Job 26:7); the cycle of water from rain to rivers to oceans and back to the clouds through evaporation (Eccl. 1:7 and Job 36:27), and the existence of ocean currents (Psa. 8:6-8).

The Old Testament also informs us about events that occurred in antiquity. Many of these accounts have been proven true by archaeologists and none have been proven false. Facts such as how the walls of Jericho fell (Joshua 6), and the burning of Hazor (Joshua 11) – both proven true - reinforce our faith in the accuracy of the Scriptures.

The Old Testament instructs us with eternal wisdom.

The Old Testament is full of wisdom that ranges from the practical to answering the biggest questions of life. It warns us about the effects of alcohol (Prov. 20:1; 24:29-35) and it also tells us the meaning of life: "Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is the whole duty if man" (Ecc. 12:13). These truths are eternal, and just as accurate today as when they were first uttered.

The Old Testament explains the need for the Gospel of Christ.

The Old Testament records man’s fall from grace, which occurred when Adam and Eve sinned (Gen. 3). From that point forward, the Old Testament, indeed the whole Bible, is concerned with restoring man’s relationship to God.

In Genesis 12, we learn about God’s promises to Abraham. In one of these promises, God promised Abraham (then Abram) that, "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Gen. 12:3). In the New Testament we learn that this promise was fulfilled in Christ (Gal. 3:16). The Old Testament is full of other prophecies about Christ.

God also promised to make Abraham "a great nation" (Gen. 12:2). This promise was fulfilled in the nation of Israel, to whom was given the Law of Moses, which is recorded first in the second book of the Old Testament – Exodus.

The Law of Moses, or "old law," was given because of transgression (Gal. 3:19), and through the old law man learned the consequences of sin (Rom. 7:7).

The old law was incapable of saving man from sin (Gal. 3:11-13; Heb. 10:1-4). Rather it was a curse (Gal. 3:10) that served to condemn sinners (Rom. 3:19-23; 2 Cor. 3:7, 9).

The old law was a shadow of the Law of Christ (Heb. 10:1; Col. 2:16-17). In this sense, it served as a bridge between the time of the separation of man from God, which occurred when Adam and Eve sinned, and the current era that began at Christ’s resurrection (Gal. 3:19-24).

Thus, if we did not study the Old Testament we could not verify the prophecies of Christ and we would lose some of the greatest faith-building facts recorded in the Bible. In addition, without the Old Testament it would be difficult to appreciate the true value and meaning of the Gospel of Christ, having lost a keen perspective from which to view God’s mercy. But, may we use examples of Old Testament worship activities to justify the same activities today? For the answer to this question, please read next week’s article.

Can We Understand the Bible by Jeff Himmel

You don’t have to conduct a formal poll to know that people are divided religiously. Even those who claim to be Christians often differ from one another, or even contradict one another, in belief and practice. Why?

Many people explain religious division by saying that the Bible cannot be understood. Some argue that anything coming from the mind of God must be beyond our ability to comprehend. Others say that the Bible is so old, so far removed from our culture and language, that 21st century people can’t possibly understand it. But if God has spoken to us, we can understand His word. And we must.

God said to the ancient Israelites, "For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it" (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). They could both understand and obey God’s instructions. He expected them to. That was true of the Old Covenant given through Moses, and it is true of the New Covenant given through Christ.

Consider what the inspired New Testament authors said about their message. They wrote to produce belief (John 20:30-31). They wrote to reveal God’s wisdom (Ephesians 3:4-5). They wrote to instruct us (1 Timothy 3:14-15; 1 John 2:1). They wrote to warn us and stir us to action (1 Corinthians 4:14; Jude 3). Clearly these men expected people to understand what they said. If their words are incomprehensible, then how can they accomplish their purposes? "For we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end" (2 Corinthians 1:13).

If the Bible can’t be understood, then God hasn’t spoken to us clearly. That means He is either unable or unwilling to do so. We could hardly think He is unable. If He is unwilling, it means He has purposely left us with no way to know Him or His plan for us. Yet, Jesus promised that we will be judged by His words (John 12:48), and that His words can bring eternal life (John 5:24). If Scripture can’t be understood, then it defeats its own purpose.

Jesus said that God’s word is truth, and that it sanctifies us, or sets us apart to Him (John 17:17). In the same breath, He prayed that all who believed in Him through that word would be united as one (verses 20-22). God wants unity! Would He then make His word, the basis of that unity, something we can’t understand? God "desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). Would He then make the gospel, His power to salvation (Romans 1:16), something we can’t all comprehend? God wants us to "speak the same thing" and to "be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). How can we, unless we are united in our understanding and application of His will?

Does all this mean that everything in the Bible is easy to understand? No. Even Peter admitted that some of the things his fellow apostle Paul wrote were difficult (2 Peter 3:15-16). But he also warned that people who twisted those things brought destruction on themselves. That implies that understanding them is not only possible, but essential. God wants us to give careful, prayerful attention to His word so that we can handle it rightly (2 Timothy 2:15).

I’m amazed that so many people express dismay at religious division, then perpetuate it by insisting that we can’t understand God’s word. To do so is to blame the division on God. The problem is not with God, but with us. The problem is not in our inability to understand God’s message, but our unwillingness to accept it. "So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17).

God Has Spoken by Jeff Himmel

The Bible makes a bold claim for itself: it claims to be the word of God. Paul wrote, "All Scripture is inspired of God [literally, ‘God-breathed’]" (2 Timothy 3:16). Peter said of the Old Testament, "no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Peter 1:21). God’s Spirit also inspired the gospel, the New Testament (1 Peter 1:10-12). Jesus promised His apostles, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth . . . for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you" (John 16:13-14).

The Bible claims to be God’s word. If that’s true, then to read the Bible is to hear God speak. And if God has spoken, we’d do well to consider the implications.

If God has spoken, His word can be trusted. Every test has shown that the Bible is by far the most accurately preserved ancient writing. That’s no accident. "The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord abides forever" (1 Peter 1:24-25). The Scriptures are trustworthy because their Author is trustworthy (1 Corinthians 1:9).

If God has spoken, His word is right. Skeptics have charged that the Bible is full of mistakes. Worse, many "Christian" scholars think so, too. Consider the "Jesus Seminar," a group of scholars who set out to determine which parts of the gospels are historical. So far they’ve concluded that Jesus actually said and did less than 20% of what is recorded about Him; the rest is misreported, exaggerated, or made up. But if the Bible comes from the all-knowing God, then it isn’t wrong — not even a little bit. God can’t lie (Titus 1:2) and He doesn’t get His facts wrong. His word is truth (John 17:17).

If God has spoken, His word is our authoritative standard. God’s word was enough to create the heavens (Psalm 33:6-12); it is enough to direct us! We must follow where it leads us, and stop where it limits us. Modern day thinking tends to reject absolute moral standards. And in fact, moral absolutes can’t come from imperfect men; they can only come from God. His message is the one perfect standard for determining right and wrong, truth and falsehood, good and evil. If we abide in His word, we are true disciples of His (John 8:31). If not, then we don’t have God (2 John 9).

If God has spoken, His word is relevant. Even professed Christians will sometimes dismiss certain scriptures as nothing but products of someone’s cultural environment or personal views. Some pass over the Bible’s teaching against homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9) as a personal dislike of Paul’s. Some write off statements about women’s roles in the church (1 Corinthians 14:34-35) and the family (1 Peter 3:1-6) as reflections of first-century social thought. They regard such passages as irrelevant to our modern situation.

I see two huge problems with this. First, if some Bible passages are just ancient men’s opinions, how can we trust any of it? How do we tell which teachings are from men and which are from God? If we dismiss parts of the Bible as irrelevant, we cast serious doubt on the whole thing. Second, the Bible writers claimed to be directed by God’s Spirit. If they were, then their words are God’s words (see 1 Corinthians 14:37). Do you want to tell God that He’s not relevant?

"But," someone insists, "if the church is to survive, we have modify the Bible’s message to fit a changing culture." Since when is God driven by public opinion? What He says is right, whether people accept it or not. I’m all for trying to make God’s word appeal to people, but if we alter it to match our likes and dislikes, we’re saying God is unable to give mankind a message that’s always relevant.

If the eternal, unchanging God is behind the Bible’s message, then it is relevant in any and every age. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

God has spoken. We need to hear what He has to say.

God Has Spoken by Jeff Himmel

The Bible makes a bold claim for itself: it claims to be the word of God. Paul wrote, "All Scripture is inspired of God [literally, ‘God-breathed’]" (2 Timothy 3:16). Peter said of the Old Testament, "no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Peter 1:21). God’s Spirit also inspired the gospel, the New Testament (1 Peter 1:10-12). Jesus promised His apostles, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth . . . for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you" (John 16:13-14).

The Bible claims to be God’s word. If that’s true, then to read the Bible is to hear God speak. And if God has spoken, we’d do well to consider the implications.

If God has spoken, His word can be trusted. Every test has shown that the Bible is by far the most accurately preserved ancient writing. That’s no accident. "The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord abides forever" (1 Peter 1:24-25). The Scriptures are trustworthy because their Author is trustworthy (1 Corinthians 1:9).

If God has spoken, His word is right. Skeptics have charged that the Bible is full of mistakes. Worse, many "Christian" scholars think so, too. Consider the "Jesus Seminar," a group of scholars who set out to determine which parts of the gospels are historical. So far they’ve concluded that Jesus actually said and did less than 20% of what is recorded about Him; the rest is misreported, exaggerated, or made up. But if the Bible comes from the all-knowing God, then it isn’t wrong — not even a little bit. God can’t lie (Titus 1:2) and He doesn’t get His facts wrong. His word is truth (John 17:17).

If God has spoken, His word is our authoritative standard. God’s word was enough to create the heavens (Psalm 33:6-12); it is enough to direct us! We must follow where it leads us, and stop where it limits us. Modern day thinking tends to reject absolute moral standards. And in fact, moral absolutes can’t come from imperfect men; they can only come from God. His message is the one perfect standard for determining right and wrong, truth and falsehood, good and evil. If we abide in His word, we are true disciples of His (John 8:31). If not, then we don’t have God (2 John 9).

If God has spoken, His word is relevant. Even professed Christians will sometimes dismiss certain scriptures as nothing but products of someone’s cultural environment or personal views. Some pass over the Bible’s teaching against homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9) as a personal dislike of Paul’s. Some write off statements about women’s roles in the church (1 Corinthians 14:34-35) and the family (1 Peter 3:1-6) as reflections of first-century social thought. They regard such passages as irrelevant to our modern situation.

I see two huge problems with this. First, if some Bible passages are just ancient men’s opinions, how can we trust any of it? How do we tell which teachings are from men and which are from God? If we dismiss parts of the Bible as irrelevant, we cast serious doubt on the whole thing. Second, the Bible writers claimed to be directed by God’s Spirit. If they were, then their words are God’s words (see 1 Corinthians 14:37). Do you want to tell God that He’s not relevant?

"But," someone insists, "if the church is to survive, we have modify the Bible’s message to fit a changing culture." Since when is God driven by public opinion? What He says is right, whether people accept it or not. I’m all for trying to make God’s word appeal to people, but if we alter it to match our likes and dislikes, we’re saying God is unable to give mankind a message that’s always relevant.

If the eternal, unchanging God is behind the Bible’s message, then it is relevant in any and every age. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).

God has spoken. We need to hear what He has to say.

The Nature of God By Jeff Himmel

If the statistics are right, most people in America believe in God. Chances are that you do. But if you believe the God of the Bible exists, have you thought about what that means?

God is eternal — without beginning and without end. He is “from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalm 90:2), the One “who is, and who was, and who is to come” (Revelation 1:8). As an eternal being, God isn’t bound by time as we are (see 2 Peter 3:8). We humans can measure the passage of time, but we can’t move within it at will or free ourselves from its effects. Yet for God, time presents no constraints.

God is all-seeing, or omnipresent. “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). David asked, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). God is everywhere, sees everything. If you find that thought a little disturbing, you should! We may be able to hide some things from one another, but “there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13).

God is all-knowing, or omniscient. “There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the Lord” (Proverbs 21:30). “God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1 John 3:20). With every advance in science, technology, medicine, and learning, we become more aware of how much we still don’t know. Yet God is able to know any and all things.

God is all-powerful, or omnipotent. Job proclaimed, “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2). We can’t create matter out of nothing, but God can (Exodus 20:11). We can’t undo death, but God can (Acts 17:31).

God is our Creator; we are made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). That means He has authority to define how we should live — what’s right and what’s wrong. He has authority to judge our obedience to that standard and to punish us if we don’t follow it (2 Corinthians 5:10). So when we violate His law, it involves real guilt; it is sin (1 John 3:4). And all of us are guilty, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

God is a Person, not some unfeeling force. He created us with a purpose: to have fellowship with Him. Sin destroys that relationship. But God’s authority means He can forgive our disobedience. And because God loves us, He has provided a way to do that — in Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Romans 8:1). Since it’s our sin that destroys the relationship, it follows that only God can set the terms of pardon. We can’t save ourselves; we have to submit to His requirements. Only through Christ can people be forgiven and escape the eternal consequences of sin. There’s no pursuit more worthwhile than being a child of God — a Christian.

God has revealed Himself. God is infinitely far above us. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). We can’t know God’s mind unless He reveals it to us (1 Corinthians 2:9-13). And if the eternal, all-powerful, all-wise, all-seeing God has spoken, then we need to hear Him. If our creator, lawgiver, and judge says anything about our purpose, acceptable conduct, and how we can have fellowship with Him, then we must listen.

The Bible is God’s revelation to us. Specifically, He speaks to us today in the gospel of Christ — the New Testament (Hebrews 1:1-2). Its message is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). It is complete; God has revealed everything we need to know (2 Peter 1:3). The Scriptures describe mankind’s purpose, God’s standard of right and wrong conduct, and how we can have a relationship with Him. The consequences of ignoring that revelation are grave (Hebrews 2:1-4).

God created us. He has a will for us. And He has revealed it to us in Scripture. It’s the worst kind of foolishness, then, not to devote ourselves to knowing Him and living in harmony with His word. In fact, that’s our whole purpose in life (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Do you believe in God? If so, what have you done about it?