Our Written Belief

Background Scripture: Luke 1:1-4; Revelation 1
Lesson Scripture: Luke 1:1-4; Hebrews 9:14-20

Introduction

During this Sunday school quarter, we will study passages from the gospel of Luke. We will learn how important the Bible is as our source of truth and how our modern Bible came to be.

Luke records the earliest history of Jesus; he has the fullest account of Jesus’s birth, life, and the beginning of his ministry. John the Baptist’s role as the forerunner of Christ, and later his imprisonment, are also lessons we will study. Often obstacles test our faith, even as they did John’s; he needed help to confirm that indeed Jesus is Lord.

The plan of salvation was radical news to the Jews. It seems that “new wine” did not store well in the “old wineskins” of the Hebrew heart. It required a change from the inside out. Jesus taught his followers the importance of conversion, self-denial, and cross-bearing.

Through the parables of Jesus, we will learn of human nature and realize it remains identical as it was then. Jesus’s accounts of those who excused themselves and missed their eternal reward are pertinent warnings for us in our busy times. The poignant example of the Prodigal Son’s return will touch and warm our hearts, perhaps unto salvation for someone. Prodigals are not always vagrants; sometimes they look quite respectable.

Jesus had a heart for the poor and a compassionate rebuke for the selfish. The rich man and Lazarus may inhabit our neighborhoods. Does a modern-day Lazarus receive crumbs, or more, from us? The publican and the Pharisee still make their appearances before God. Do we ever meet them in our “temples,” or perhaps before the mirror?

Finally, Jesus’s beautiful example of sharing and then suffering are told in the lessons on the Last Supper and the crucifixion. The story must be often, sweetly told—because I forget so soon.

If our love for God, his Son, and the plan of salvation become more precious to us, then this quarterly will have been a success.

Our Written Belief

Lesson 1

December 6, 2020

Background Scripture: Luke 1:1-4; Revelation 1

Lesson Scripture: Luke 1:1-4; Hebrews 9:14-20

Introduction

The sixty-six books of the Bible were written over a span of approximately fifteen hundred years. The writers consisted of around forty men who were inspired by God to record his teachings for all mankind. These divine writings are the foundation for our Christian belief—the authoritative Word of God. To this authority all opinions and personal convictions must yield. The Bible is a beacon of hope as we journey through life and a comfort in times of sorrow.

Key Verse

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts (2 Pet. 1:19).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Luke states clearly that his purpose in writing his epistle was to write an accurate account of everything he had seen, as well as those things he received from eyewitnesses to the living Word. He did not take his recounting of history lightly but verified his record through careful investigation.

Luke’s care was not unique among writers of the Bible. Each of the men who contributed to the books of the Bible took keen care to record only those things that were shown to them through the inspiration of God.

The thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament are formally known as the canon. The canon refers to the books recognized to be inspired by God and authoritative for faith and spiritual life. No church created the canon, but over centuries of reflection and prayer, believers everywhere recognized these sixty-six books as divinely inspired.

The first five books of the Bible are often called the Pentateuch, meaning five scrolls. They were the first ones to be accepted as canonical around the fifth century before Christ. The prophets’ writings were brought together in a single form in about 200 B.C. The remaining Old Testament books were probably not set much before the birth of Christ. The Jewish people were widely scattered by this time, and they had a real need to know which books were the authoritative Word of God because many other writings were claiming divine authority. With the sanctioned Pentateuch they became a people of one Book, and this Book kept them united.

Many writings and epistles circulated among the churches during the first and second centuries after Christ. Some churches used books and letters in their services that were proven to be false. The great need to have a definite list of inspired Scriptures became apparent. Rebellious movements arose, each one choosing its own selected Scriptures, including writings of dubious authorship filled with strange teachings.

Over the centuries, however, it became clear which works were genuine and which were a mixture of truth and error. By the end of the fourth century, the Bible as we know it today was established and given divine sanction. Through this process, Christians recognize the hand of God in providing us with a written revelation of Himself and his purpose for all mankind. The sixty-six books of the Bible were chosen by God Himself. They are God’s matchless gift to his people. He has led his people through the ages and has given us the most powerful and comforting book in the history of civilization.

Practical Truths for Today

What we read has a profound effect on our perception. In order to maintain a pure heart and mind, we must read wholesome material. For the mind, as well as the body, what we consume determines what we are.

Some find it difficult to read the Bible and glean inspiration from it. This may cause them to turn to other material for inspiration—material which seems more modern or easier to read. While some of these writings are helpful and can be edifying, others are shallow and fantastical and may contain false teachings that could lead us into danger. We must always exercise caution to receive our spiritual food from the Word of God itself and not from questionable sources. Some of these other writings will focus on one part of the Scriptures while they subtly undermine other important teachings. Some writings seek to diminish the authority of the Bible by purporting to be a new revelation from God; however, they do not align with the ancient Scriptures.

As unlikely as it may seem, it is possible that some novels with a Christian flavor may be more harmful than books that do not claim to be religious at all. As Christians, we must be cautious to keep ourselves clean from the impurities that Satan would like to sow in our thoughts. The Evil One delights to skew our thinking in some area of doctrine and thereby weaken our foundation of faith for his subsequent attacks.

The Bible is unchanging and solid. It is a guide that does not misdirect. We will be saved if we follow its teachings as interpreted by the Holy Spirit. We must all put an effort into reading and understanding what the Bible teaches us. It is not enough to live our life according to the convictions and interpretations of others. Though some parts of the Word may be difficult to understand, the Spirit will be faithful in inspiring us with understanding if we are willing to take the time to study and meditate. In a world where people have short attention spans and seek instant gratification, it is not popular to apply oneself to study. It can be a temptation to turn to more easily digested writings and interpretations in order to get our daily spiritual manna. But these sources, not unlike junk food for our physical bodies, do not give the nutrition or lasting inspiration needed to maintain our Christian life.

We parents must set the example with our children of being willing to give ourselves to understanding the Scriptures. When our children see their fathers and mothers revere the Bible as the final authority and the living Word of God, it will impress them to seek their spiritual sustenance from the same place.

The Word will be effective in our life as we apply it in a balanced way. Scriptures of judgment should be read with those of hope and salvation in order to properly shape our convictions. The Old Testament should be read as the foundation for the New Testament in order to better understand God. No one teaching stands wholly on its own—the Bible is a complete work that must remain in its entirety to retain its power. It is human nature to pick and choose those things that appeal to us, but that is not the nature of God. Ignoring those things that do not appeal to us does not change the truth or make the way easier. The Lord must be accepted as He is revealed by his Word.

May we all determine to give ourselves to the study of God’s Word that we may be strengthened and inspired for the journey ahead.

Questions

1. Why does reading so keenly affect our perception?
2. What are some practical methods for Bible study?
3. How much should we use commentaries and Bible handbooks in our studies?
4. What other versions can be used besides the King James to better understand the Scriptures?
5. Some passages in the King James version may be difficult to understand. What are ways to help children comprehend the old English language?
6. How much room should we leave for devotional books and other writings in our family devotions?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).