Our Thread

Pasa Graphe' Theopneustos Kai Ophelimos (Greek) is one of the most often-repeated passages from the Scriptures, ie, the Bible. The passage appears in the heading of our Facebook page. But what does it say to us in our various tongues? Well, for those of us who speak English, this passage is a bold testimony from the pen of one Paul, a first-century scholar from the Isrealite tribe of Benjamin. It is also a statement steeped in the thelogy of the Biblical narratives. So, Paul wrote to a young ethnic Jew named Timotheus: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable......"
At the time Paul wrote those words, there was not yet a codex known as the "New Testament." The scrolls of papyrus on which were written the Scriptures are what we call today the "Old Testament." In its immediate and limited interpretation, Paul is saying that the messages in the Old Testament are inspired by God. That being so, who is the man who would say that the record of the flood in Noah's day was simply an allegory, and not an historical account?

When I’m Afraid

Dear God: We live in a crazy world! Gun violence and mass shootings happen regularly. Evil walks the earth and crawls into people’s heads and hearts to create mischief and mayhem. How long will it take for such madness to be fully exposed and eradicated? Why are people willing to do such despicable acts? I don’t get it. I am sad and angry all at once and can only imagine how You must feel!

You have said, “Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day” (Psalm 91:5, NLT), but it’s tough not to be afraid when evil people plant bombs in public places and indiscriminately blow people apart! Our hearts ache for those touched by such violence!

God, more than anything, we long for You to take us home! We’re tired of heartless people, disease, and death. We’re tired of darkness getting the upper hand. We’re tired of innocent bystanders (including little children) being victimized by ruthless people! Please help us find them so they can be punished! Come and heal our land; heal our hearts and make us whole!

I cannot turn fear off like water from a faucet. When it comes to the ocean waves, it is all I can do to keep my head above water. “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you” (Psalm 56:3. NLT). I will hold my tongue and wait for You to act.

My heart needs to be changed lest I unwittingly join the ranks of those I despise! Forgive my “debts” as I forgive my “debtors.”

In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Rich DuBose writes from Northern California.

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