Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
We should read and study the Bible because it is God’s Word to us. The Bible is literally “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). In other words, it is God’s very words to us. There are so many questions that philosophers have asked that God answers for us in Scripture. What is the purpose to life? Where did I come from? Is there life after death? How do I get to heaven? Why is the world full of evil? Why do I struggle to do good? In addition to these “big” questions, the Bible gives much practical advice in areas such as: How can I be a good friend? What is success and how do I achieve it? How can I change? What really matters in life? How can I live so that I do not look back with regret? How can I handle the unfair circumstances and bad events of life victoriously? What do I look for in a mate? How can I have a successful marriage? How can I be a good parent?
We should read and study the Bible because it is totally reliable and without error. The Bible is unique among so-called “holy” books in that it does not merely give moral teaching and say, “Trust me.” Rather, we have the ability to test it by checking the hundreds of detailed prophecies that it makes, by checking the historical accounts it records, and by checking the scientific facts it relates. Those who say the Bible has errors have their ears closed to the truth. Jesus once asked which is easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Then He proved He had the ability to forgive sins (something we cannot see with our eyes) by healing the paralytic (something those around Him could test with their eyes, see Matthew 9:1-8 and Mark 2:1-12). Similarly, we are given assurance that God’s Word is true when it discusses spiritual areas that we cannot test with our senses by showing itself true in those areas that we can test, such as historical accuracy, scientific accuracy, and prophetic accuracy.
We should read and study the Bible because God does not change and because mankind’s nature does not change; it is as relevant for us as it was when it was written. While technology changes, mankind’s nature and desires do not change. We find, as we read the pages of biblical history, that whether we are talking about one-on-one relationships or societies, “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). And while mankind as a whole continues to seek love and satisfaction in all of the wrong places, God—our good and gracious Creator—tells us what will bring us lasting joy. His revealed Word, the Bible, is so important that Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 in response to one of Satan’s temptations in the wilderness: “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”’” (Matthew 4:4). In other words, if we want to live life to the fullest, as God intended, we must listen to and heed God’s written Word.
We should read and study the Bible because there is so much false teaching. The Bible gives us the measuring stick by which we can distinguish truth from error. It tells us what God is like. To have a wrong impression of God is to worship an idol or false god. We are worshiping something that He is not. The Bible tells us how one truly gets to heaven, and it is not by being good or by being baptized or by anything else we do (Isaiah 53:6; John 14:6; Romans 3:10-18; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:1-10). Along this line, God’s Word shows us just how much God loves us (John 3:16; Romans 5:6-8). And it is in learning this that we are drawn to love Him in return (1 John 4:19).
The Bible equips us to serve God (2 Timothy 3:17; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). It helps us know how to be saved from our sin and its ultimate consequence (2 Timothy 3:15). Meditating on God’s Word and obeying its teachings will bring success in life (Joshua 1:8; James 1:25). God’s Word helps us see sin in our lives and helps us get rid of it (Psalm 119:9, 11). It gives us guidance in life, making us wiser than our teachers (Psalm 32:8, 119:99; Proverbs 1:6). The Bible keeps us from wasting years of our lives on that which does not matter and will not last (Matthew 7:24-27).
Reading and studying the Bible helps us see beyond the attractive “bait” to the painful “hook” in sinful temptations, so that we can learn from others’ mistakes rather than making them ourselves. Experience is a great teacher, but when it comes to learning from sin, it is a terribly hard teacher. It is so much better to learn from others’ mistakes. There are so many Bible characters to learn from, some of whom can serve as both positive and negative role models at different times in their lives. For example, David, in his defeat of Goliath, teaches us that God is greater than anything He asks us to face (1 Samuel 17), while his giving in to the temptation to commit adultery with Bathsheba reveals just how long-lasting and terrible the consequences of a moment’s sinful pleasure can be (2 Samuel 11).
The Bible is a book that is not merely for reading. It is a book for studying so that it can be applied. Otherwise, it is like swallowing food without chewing and then spitting it back out again—no nutritional value is gained by it. The Bible is God’s Word. As such, it is as binding as the laws of nature. We can ignore it, but we do so to our own detriment, just as we would if we ignored the law of gravity. It cannot be emphasized strongly enough just how important the Bible is to our lives. Studying the Bible can be compared to mining for gold. If we make little effort and merely “sift through the pebbles in a stream,” we will only find a little gold dust. But the more we make an effort to really dig into it, the more reward we will gain for our effort.
Ons moet die Bybel lees en bestudeer, want dit is God se Woord aan ons. Die Bybel is letterlik “deur God ingeblaas” (2 Timoteus 3:16). Met ander woorde, dit is God se woorde aan ons. Daar is soveel vrae wat filosowe gevra het wat God vir ons in die Skrif beantwoord. Wat is die doel van die lewe? Waar kom ek vandaan? Is daar lewe na die dood? Hoe kom ek in die hemel? Waarom is die wêreld vol boosheid? Waarom sukkel ek om goed te doen? Benewens hierdie “groot” vrae, gee die Bybel baie praktiese raad op gebiede soos: Hoe kan ek ‘n goeie vriend wees? Wat is sukses en hoe bereik ek dit? Hoe kan ek verander? Wat maak werklik saak in die lewe? Hoe kan ek so leef dat ek nie met spyt terugkyk nie? Hoe kan ek die onregverdige omstandighede en slegte gebeure van die lewe oorwinnend hanteer? Waarna soek ek in ‘n maat? Hoe kan ek ‘n suksesvolle huwelik hê? Hoe kan ek ‘n goeie ouer wees?
Ons moet die Bybel lees en bestudeer, want dit is heeltemal betroubaar en sonder foute. Die Bybel is uniek onder sogenaamde “heilige” boeke deurdat dit nie bloot morele lering gee en sê: “Vertrou my” nie. Ons het eerder die vermoë om dit te toets deur die honderde gedetailleerde profesieë wat dit maak, na te gaan, deur die historiese verslae wat dit opteken, na te gaan, en deur die wetenskaplike feite wat dit vertel, na te gaan. Diegene wat sê die Bybel het foute, het hul ore toe vir die waarheid. Jesus het eenkeer gevra wat makliker is om te sê: “Jou sondes is jou vergewe,” of “Staan op, neem jou bed op en loop.” Toe bewys Hy dat Hy die vermoë het om sondes te vergewe (iets wat ons nie met ons oë kan sien nie) deur die verlamde te genees (iets wat diegene rondom Hom met hul oë kon toets, sien Matteus 9:1-8 en Markus 2:1-12). Net so word ons die versekering gegee dat God se Woord waar is wanneer dit geestelike areas bespreek wat ons nie met ons sintuie kan toets nie deur homself waar te maak in daardie areas wat ons kan toets, soos historiese akkuraatheid, wetenskaplike akkuraatheid en profetiese akkuraatheid.
Ons moet die Bybel lees en bestudeer omdat God nie verander nie en omdat die mensdom se natuur nie verander nie; Dit is net so relevant vir ons as wat dit was toe dit geskryf is. Terwyl tegnologie verander, verander die mensdom se natuur en begeertes nie. Ons vind, terwyl ons die bladsye van Bybelse geskiedenis lees, dat of ons nou praat oor een-tot-een verhoudings of samelewings, “daar is niks nuuts onder die son nie” (Prediker 1:9). En terwyl die mensdom as geheel steeds liefde en bevrediging op al die verkeerde plekke soek, vertel God – ons goeie en genadige Skepper – vir ons wat ons blywende vreugde sal bring. Sy geopenbaarde Woord, die Bybel, is so belangrik dat Jesus Deuteronomium 8:3 aangehaal het in reaksie op een van Satan se versoekings in die woestyn: “Jesus antwoord: ‘Daar is geskrywe: Die mens sal nie van brood alleen lewe nie, maar van elke woord wat uit die mond van God kom'” (Matteus 4:4). Met ander woorde, as ons die lewe ten volle wil leef, soos God bedoel het, moet ons luister na en ag slaan op God se geskrewe Woord.
Ons moet die Bybel lees en bestudeer, want daar is soveel valse leringe. Die Bybel gee ons die maatstaf waarmee ons waarheid van dwaling kan onderskei. Dit vertel ons hoe God is. Om ‘n verkeerde indruk van God te hê, is om ‘n afgod of valse god te aanbid. Ons aanbid iets wat Hy nie is nie. Die Bybel vertel ons hoe ‘n mens werklik hemel toe kom, en dit is nie deur goed te wees of deur gedoop te word of deur enigiets anders wat ons doen nie (Jesaja 53:6; Johannes 14:6; Romeine 3:10-18; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9-13; Efesiërs 2:1-10). In hierdie verband wys God se Woord vir ons hoeveel God ons liefhet (Johannes 3:16; Romeine 5:6-8). En dit is deur dit te leer dat ons getrek word om Hom ook lief te hê (1 Johannes 4:19).
Die Bybel rus ons toe om God te dien (2 Timoteus 3:17; Efesiërs 6:17; Hebreërs 4:12). Dit help ons om te weet hoe om van ons sonde en die uiteindelike gevolg daarvan gered te word (2 Timoteus 3:15). Meditasie oor God se Woord en gehoorsaamheid aan die leringe daarvan sal sukses in die lewe bring (Josua 1:8; Jakobus 1:25). God se Woord help ons om sonde in ons lewens te sien en help ons om daarvan ontslae te raak (Psalm 119:9, 11). Dit gee ons leiding in die lewe, wat ons wyser maak as ons onderwysers (Psalm 32:8, 119:99; Spreuke 1:6). Die Bybel verhoed dat ons jare van ons lewens mors aan dit wat nie saak maak nie en nie sal hou nie (Matteus 7:24-27).
Om die Bybel te lees en te bestudeer, help ons om verder as die aantreklike “aas” na die pynlike “haak” in sondige versoekings te sien, sodat ons uit ander se foute kan leer eerder as om dit self te maak. Ervaring is ‘n goeie leermeester, maar wanneer dit kom by leer uit sonde, is dit ‘n verskriklik moeilike leermeester. Dit is soveel beter om uit ander se foute te leer. Daar is soveel Bybelkarakters om van te leer, waarvan sommige as beide positiewe en negatiewe rolmodelle op verskillende tye in hul lewens kan dien. Byvoorbeeld, Dawid, in sy nederlaag oor Goliat, leer ons dat God groter is as enigiets wat Hy van ons vra om te trotseer (1 Samuel 17), terwyl sy swig voor die versoeking om egbreuk met Batseba te pleeg, openbaar hoe langdurig en verskriklik die gevolge van ‘n oomblik se sondige plesier kan wees (2 Samuel 11).
Die Bybel is ‘n boek wat nie net vir lees is nie. Dit is ‘n boek om te bestudeer sodat dit toegepas kan word. Andersins is dit soos om kos te sluk sonder om te kou en dit dan weer uit te spoeg – geen voedingswaarde word daardeur verkry nie. Die Bybel is God se Woord. As sodanig is dit net so bindend soos die natuurwette. Ons kan dit ignoreer, maar ons doen dit tot ons eie nadeel, net soos ons sou as ons die wet van swaartekrag ignoreer. Dit kan nie genoeg beklemtoon word hoe belangrik die Bybel vir ons lewens is nie. Om die Bybel te bestudeer kan vergelyk word met die ontginning van goud. As ons min moeite doen en bloot “deur die klippies in ‘n stroom sif”, sal ons net ‘n bietjie goudstof vind. Maar hoe meer ons ‘n poging aanwend om werklik daarin te delf, hoe meer beloning sal ons vir ons moeite kry.
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
Deliverance! The great theme of deliverance runs throughout the Bible. This theme is built on the Lord being the God of deliverance, the Covenant God who keeps his promises, and the faithful Sovereign Creator who shares his grace, mercy, and justice. May knowing God as our Great Deliverer stir us to righteous living and a boldness to cry out honestly to God in all of our troubles. One way we can rely on our Lord for his deliverance is by reading through the Psalms regularly, letting these inspired words from so long ago offer us a rich guide to call to God while seeking his deliverance through the varied tapestry of life’s events. As we cry out to God, we can ask honest questions as we share the wounds that life has brought upon us. As we do, we can know God’s attentive presence is real as we open our hearts to him and long to receive his deliverance.
Prayer
Father, your people around the world need your deliverance from persecution, hardship, hostility, martyrdom, and the discouraging and withering cynicism that goes with these trials. In your majesty and power, please deliver us with the Coming of Your Son Jesus In your mercy and grace, please deliver your people as they face hardships and troubles. In Jesus’ name, we pray to you, the God who has promised to deliver us from all of our troubles. We believe you are the God of deliverance! Amen and Amen .
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Verlossing! Die groot tema van verlossing loop dwarsdeur die Bybel. Hierdie tema is gebou op die Here as die God van verlossing, die Verbondsgod wat sy beloftes nakom, en die getroue Soewereine Skepper wat sy genade, barmhartigheid en geregtigheid deel. Mag die wete dat God ons Groot Verlosser is, ons aanspoor tot regverdige lewe en 'n vrymoedigheid om eerlik tot God uit te roep in al ons probleme. Een manier waarop ons op ons Here kan staatmaak vir sy verlossing, is deur gereeld deur die Psalms te lees, en hierdie geïnspireerde woorde van so lank gelede ons 'n ryk gids te laat bied om na God te roep terwyl ons sy verlossing soek deur die uiteenlopende tapisserie van lewensgebeure. Terwyl ons tot God uitroep, kan ons eerlike vrae vra terwyl ons die wonde deel wat die lewe oor ons gebring het. Terwyl ons dit doen, kan ons weet dat God se aandagtige teenwoordigheid werklik is terwyl ons ons harte vir Hom oopmaak en verlang om sy verlossing te ontvang.
Gebed
Vader, u mense regoor die wêreld het u verlossing nodig van vervolging, ontbering, vyandigheid, martelaarskap en die ontmoedigende en vernietigende sinisme wat met hierdie beproewinge gepaardgaan. In u majesteit en mag, verlos ons asseblief met die koms van u Seun Jesus. In u genade en barmhartigheid, verlos asseblief u mense terwyl hulle ontberinge en probleme in die gesig staar. In Jesus se naam bid ons tot U, die God wat belowe het om ons uit al ons probleme te verlos. Ons glo U is die God van verlossing! Amen en Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
Knowing how to study the Bible is important, because determining the meaning of Scripture is one of the most important tasks a believer has in this life. God does not tell us that we must simply read the Bible. We must study it and handle it correctly (2 Timothy 2:15). Studying the Scriptures is hard work. A cursory or brief scanning of Scripture can sometimes yield very wrong conclusions. Therefore, it is crucial to understand several principles for determining the correct meaning of Scripture.
First, the one who would study the Bible must pray and ask the Holy Spirit to impart understanding, for that is one of His functions. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come” (John 16:13). Just as the Holy Spirit guided the apostles in the writing of the New Testament, He also guides us in the understanding of Scripture. The Bible is God’s book, and we need to ask Him what it means. If you are a Christian, the author of Scripture—the Holy Spirit—dwells inside you, and He wants you to understand what He wrote.
Second, to study the Bible properly, we cannot pull a verse out of the verses that surround it and try to determine the meaning of the verse outside of the context. We should always read the surrounding verses and chapters to discern the context. While all of Scripture comes from God (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21), God used men to write it down. These men had a theme in mind, a purpose for writing, and a specific issue they were addressing. To study the Bible, we should understand the background of the book we are studying: it’s helpful to know who wrote the book, to whom it was written, when it was written, and why it was written. Also, we should take care to let the text speak for itself. Sometimes people will assign their own meanings to words in order to get the interpretation they desire.
Third, to study the Bible properly, we should not think of ourselves as totally independent in our analysis of the text. It is arrogant to think that we cannot gain understanding through the lifelong work of others who have studied Scripture. Some people, in error, approach the Bible with the idea that they will depend on the Holy Spirit alone and they will discover all the hidden truths of Scripture. Christ, in the giving of the Holy Spirit, has given people with spiritual gifts to the body of Christ. One of these spiritual gifts is that of teaching (Ephesians 4:11–12; 1 Corinthians 12:28). These teachers are given by the Lord to help us to correctly understand and obey Scripture. It is always wise to study the Bible with other believers, assisting each other in understanding and applying the truth of God’s Word.
So, in summary, the proper way to study the Bible is to prayerfully and humbly rely on the Holy Spirit to give us understanding; study verses in their context, recognizing that the Bible explains itself; and respect the efforts of other Christians, past and present, who have also sought to properly study the Bible. Remember, God is the author of the Bible, and He wants us to understand it.
TruLight Ministries created a Starting Point in your Bible Study , Called Introduction to the Bible . Please download this free eBook
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
Om te weet hoe om die Bybel te bestudeer, is belangrik, want om die betekenis van die Skrif te bepaal, is een van die belangrikste take wat ‘n gelowige in hierdie lewe het. God sê nie vir ons dat ons bloot die Bybel moet lees nie. Ons moet dit bestudeer en korrek hanteer (2 Timoteus 2:15). Om die Skrif te bestudeer, is harde werk. ‘n Vlugtige of kort skandering van die Skrif kan soms tot baie verkeerde gevolgtrekkings lei. Daarom is dit noodsaaklik om verskeie beginsels te verstaan om die korrekte betekenis van die Skrif te bepaal.
Eerstens moet die een wat die Bybel wil bestudeer, bid en die Heilige Gees vra om begrip te gee, want dit is een van Sy funksies. “Maar wanneer Hy kom, die Gees van die waarheid, sal Hy julle in die hele waarheid lei. Hy sal nie uit Homself spreek nie, maar net wat Hy hoor, en Hy sal julle verkondig wat nog kom” (Johannes 16:13). Net soos die Heilige Gees die apostels gelei het in die skryf van die Nuwe Testament, lei Hy ons ook in die begrip van die Skrif. Die Bybel is God se boek, en ons moet Hom vra wat dit beteken. As jy ‘n Christen is, woon die outeur van die Skrif – die Heilige Gees – binne-in jou, en Hy wil hê jy moet verstaan wat Hy geskryf het.
Tweedens, om die Bybel behoorlik te bestudeer, kan ons nie ‘n vers uit die verse rondom dit trek en probeer om die betekenis van die vers buite die konteks te bepaal nie. Ons moet altyd die omliggende verse en hoofstukke lees om die konteks te onderskei. Terwyl die hele Skrif van God af kom (2 Timoteus 3:16; 2 Petrus 1:21), het God mense gebruik om dit neer te skryf. Hierdie manne het ‘n tema in gedagte gehad, ‘n doel vir die skryfwerk en ‘n spesifieke kwessie wat hulle aangespreek het. Om die Bybel te bestudeer, moet ons die agtergrond van die boek wat ons bestudeer, verstaan: dit is nuttig om te weet wie die boek geskryf het, aan wie dit geskryf is, wanneer dit geskryf is en hoekom dit geskryf is. Ons moet ook sorg dra dat die teks vir homself spreek. Soms sal mense hul eie betekenisse aan woorde toeken om die interpretasie te kry wat hulle verlang.
Derdens, om die Bybel behoorlik te bestudeer, moet ons nie aan onsself dink as heeltemal onafhanklik in ons ontleding van die teks nie. Dit is arrogant om te dink dat ons nie begrip kan verkry deur die lewenslange werk van ander wat die Skrif bestudeer het nie. Sommige mense benader die Bybel verkeerdelik met die idee dat hulle alleen op die Heilige Gees sal staatmaak en dat hulle al die verborge waarhede van die Skrif sal ontdek. Christus het, deur die Heilige Gees te gee, mense met geestelike gawes aan die liggaam van Christus gegee. Een van hierdie geestelike gawes is dié van onderrig (Efesiërs 4:11–12; 1 Korintiërs 12:28). Hierdie onderwysers word deur die Here gegee om ons te help om die Skrif korrek te verstaan en te gehoorsaam. Dit is altyd wys om die Bybel saam met ander gelowiges te bestudeer en mekaar te help om die waarheid van God se Woord te verstaan en toe te pas.
Dus, opsommend, die regte manier om die Bybel te bestudeer, is om biddend en nederig op die Heilige Gees te vertrou om ons begrip te gee; verse in hul konteks te bestudeer, te erken dat die Bybel homself verduidelik; en die pogings van ander Christene, uit die verlede en hede, te respekteer wat ook daarna gestreef het om die Bybel behoorlik te bestudeer. Onthou, God is die outeur van die Bybel, en Hy wil hê ons moet dit verstaan.
TruLight Ministries het ‘n beginpunt in jou Bybelstudie geskep, genaamd Inleiding tot die Bybel. Laai asseblief hierdie gratis e-boek af.
Today’s Devotional
Is it a Sin not reading the Bible ?
Sin is any word, thought, motivation, or deed that falls “short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin is the breaking of God’s law and rebellion against His nature and decrees. If God wills for us to read His Word, then not reading it is sin.
The very fact that God has inspired His Word and preserved it through the centuries implies that He desires for it to be read. Why would He write a book if He did not care whether or not people read it?
Sin begins in the heart, and that’s where God looks (1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 17:10; Romans 8:27). If we are not reading the Bible because we aren’t interested in what God has said, we are guilty of apathy. If we are not reading the Bible because we think we don’t need to, we are guilty of pride. If we are not reading the Bible because we can’t find the time or we don’t consider it important, we are guilty of having wrong priorities. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33, ESV). Jesus also said, “To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48). God expects us to invest our time, resources, passions, and service in that which has eternal value. Those who have God’s Word at their fingertips will answer to Him for what they did with that high privilege.
In Psalm 119, which is all about God’s Word, the psalmist “learns,” “considers,” “keeps,” “proclaims,” and “meditates on” the Word of God (Psalm 119:6–8, 13, 15). All of these actions presume a reading of the Bible. Not just a reading, but a deep desire to know God’s Word, apply it to life, and share it with others.
In addition to the example of the psalmist, the believer is told to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV). Given the direct command to “rightly divide” the Word (or “correctly teach” it, as the CSB has), it would seem that not reading the Bible is a sin.
Reading and studying God’s Word equips us to better handle life’s challenges Avoiding a sin of omission (not reading the Bible) can prevent sins of commission: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). Reading the Bible contributes to spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:2).
“The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). We all need the scrutiny God’s Word brings to our lives. We need to be reading the Bible.
Christians have a responsibility to know the Word of God so that they can rightly explain it to the world. First Peter 3:15 commands us to always be ready to give an answer about the hope we have in Christ. Unbelievers have questions. When they encounter a Christian who does not know his or her Bible, it can appear that there are no answers, and this is a disservice to those with questions.
For most people, the Bible is readily available in many ways. It is a sin to disregard our opportunities to hear from God. For illiterate or auditory learners, audio Bibles are available. Study Bibles are filled with helpful commentaries to aid us in understanding tough passages. Modern versions and paraphrases help ancient situations come alive so that we understand the Bible in its true context. James 4:17 can be applied to reading the Bible: “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
Often when we are concerned about whether something is a sin, we are asking the wrong question. A better question for Christians is this: “What would Jesus have me do?” In His longest recorded prayer, Jesus asked the Father to “sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). So we have His answer. He wants us to be sanctified, and we can only pursue that through the study and application of God’s Word. Neglecting the Bible is displeasing to Him and makes us vulnerable to deception by our enemy, Satan (1 Peter 5:8).
Vandag se Bemoediging
Is dit ‘n Sonde om nie die Bybel te lees nie ?
Sonde is enige woord, gedagte, motivering of daad wat “kort skiet aan die heerlikheid van God” (Romeine 3:23). Sonde is die verbreking van God se wet en rebellie teen Sy natuur en bevele. As God wil hê dat ons Sy Woord moet lees, dan is dit sonde om dit nie te lees nie.
Die feit dat God Sy Woord geïnspireer en dit deur die eeue bewaar het, impliseer dat Hy begeer dat dit gelees moet word. Waarom sou Hy ‘n boek skryf as Hy nie omgee of mense dit lees of nie?
Sonde begin in die hart, en dit is waar God kyk (1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremia 17:10; Romeine 8:27). As ons nie die Bybel lees nie omdat ons nie belangstel in wat God gesê het nie, is ons skuldig aan apatie. As ons nie die Bybel lees nie omdat ons dink ons hoef dit nie te doen nie, is ons skuldig aan trots. As ons nie die Bybel lees nie omdat ons nie die tyd kan vind nie of dit nie belangrik ag nie, is ons skuldig aan verkeerde prioriteite. Jesus het gesê: “Soek eers die koninkryk van God en sy geregtigheid” (Matteus 6:33). Jesus het ook gesê: “Aan wie veel gegee is, word veel vereis” (Lukas 12:48). God verwag dat ons ons tyd, hulpbronne, passies en diens sal belê in dit wat ewige waarde het. Diegene wat God se Woord binne hul vingerpunte het, sal aan Hom verantwoording doen vir wat hulle met daardie hoë voorreg gedoen het.
In Psalm 119, wat alles oor God se Woord gaan, “leer”, “oordink”, “bewaar”, “verkondig” en “mediteer” die psalmis die Woord van God (Psalm 119:6–8, 13, 15). Al hierdie aksies veronderstel ‘n lees van die Bybel. Nie net ‘n lees nie, maar ‘n diep begeerte om God se Woord te ken, dit op die lewe toe te pas en dit met ander te deel.
Benewens die voorbeeld van die psalmis, word die gelowige aangesê om “jouself beproef voor God te stel, as ‘n werker wat hom nie hoef te skaam nie, wat die woord van die waarheid reg sny” (2 Timoteus 2:15). Gegewe die direkte opdrag om die Woord “reg te sny” (of dit “korrek te leer”, soos die CSB het), wil dit voorkom asof dit ‘n sonde is om nie die Bybel te lees nie.
Die lees en bestudering van God se Woord rus ons toe om die uitdagings van die lewe beter te hanteer. Deur ‘n sonde van versuim te vermy (om nie die Bybel te lees nie) kan sondes van kommissie voorkom word: “Ek het u woord in my hart gebêre, sodat ek teen U nie sal sondig nie” (Psalm 119:11). Die lees van die Bybel dra by tot geestelike groei (1 Petrus 2:2).
“Die woord van God is lewend en kragtig. Dit is skerper as enige tweesnydende swaard en dring deur tot die skeiding van siel en gees, gewrigte en murg, en dit oordeel die gedagtes en gesindhede van die hart” (Hebreërs 4:12). Ons almal het die ondersoek nodig wat God se Woord in ons lewens bring. Ons moet die Bybel lees.
Christene het ‘n verantwoordelikheid om die Woord van God te ken sodat hulle dit reg aan die wêreld kan verduidelik. 1 Petrus 3:15 beveel ons om altyd gereed te wees om ‘n antwoord te gee oor die hoop wat ons in Christus het. Ongelowiges het vrae. Wanneer hulle ‘n Christen teëkom wat nie sy of haar Bybel ken nie, kan dit lyk asof daar geen antwoorde is nie, en dit is ‘n ondiens teenoor diegene met vrae.
Vir die meeste mense is die Bybel op baie maniere geredelik beskikbaar. Dit is ‘n sonde om ons geleenthede om van God te hoor, te verontagsaam. Vir ongeletterde of ouditiewe leerders is oudio-Bybels beskikbaar. Studiebybels is gevul met nuttige kommentare om ons te help om moeilike gedeeltes te verstaan. Moderne weergawes en parafrases help antieke situasies om lewendig te word sodat ons die Bybel in sy ware konteks verstaan. Jakobus 4:17 kan toegepas word op die lees van die Bybel: “Wie weet wat die regte ding is om te doen en dit nie doen nie, vir hom is dit sonde.”
Dikwels wanneer ons bekommerd is of iets ‘n sonde is, vra ons die verkeerde vraag. ’n Beter vraag vir Christene is: “Wat wil Jesus hê ek moet doen?” In Sy langste opgetekende gebed het Jesus die Vader gevra om “hulle heilig in u waarheid; u woord is waarheid” (Johannes 17:17). Ons het dus Sy antwoord. Hy wil hê ons moet geheilig word, en ons kan dit slegs nastreef deur die studie en toepassing van God se Woord. Om die Bybel te verwaarloos, is vir Hom onaangenaam en maak ons kwesbaar vir misleiding deur ons vyand, Satan (1 Petrus 5:8).
The Collectors of Manna – Women of the Word // Gaarders van Manna – Vroue van die woord
Dilize Light has Managed a TruLight Ladies Group on Telegram for the Past 6 Years and from Today . she will be Sharing her Manna with the Ladies in The TruLight Daily Manna Platform . Dilize is the only Daughter of Pastor Dirk and has been part of the Ministry since the age of 11 . Dilize is also the Radio Host for the Popular TruLight Top 10 that airs on TruLight Radio XM saturdays at 17h00′
Dilize Light bestuur die afgelope 6 jaar ‘n TruLight Damesgroep op Telegram en van vandag af sal sy haar Manna met die Dames deel op die TruLight Daaglikse Manna-platform. Dilize is die enigste dogter van Pastoor Dirk en is deel van die bediening sedert die ouderdom van 11. Dilize is ook die radio-aanbieder vir die gewilde TruLight Top 10 wat Saterdae om 17:00 op TruLight Radio XM uitgesaai word.
Gesonde Bestanddele:
Ek bekyk altyd die bestanddele op die verpakking van kosse, maak nie saak hoe mooi die verpakking is nie, ek bekyk die lys van bestanddele agterop die boks of papier altyd.
Baie woorde wat moeilik uitgespreek kan word, dui gewoonlik aan dat daar bestanddele in is wat goeie gesondheid teenwerk en nie voedsaam is nie. En dan sal ek gewoontlik soek na natuurlike en gesonde bestanddele vir ń volgende keer as ek iets moet gaan koop.
Ek dink soms dat my gewoontes om te kyk op die verpaking, baie lyk soos God wat na ons kyk en wat Hy in ons lewens soek. Dis wat binnekant is wat tel, ongeag hoe mooi die uiterlike verpakking mag wees. Daarom is dit geen wonder dat die wysheiddigter in Spreuke ons waarsku om op te pas wat in ons hart omgaan ” want dit bepaal jou hele lewe ( Spr 4:23 ). Om die regte klere te dra en onself jonk en mooi te probeer hou, beteken niks nie as ons hart vol haat, nukkerigheid, selfbejammering en ander negatiewe einskappe is nie !
Vra jouself dus af. Wanneer ander mense verby die uiterlike verpakking in my lewe kom, wat tref hulle daar aan ? Is daar ń hart vol gesonde Christelike eienskappe ? Indien ons genade, vriendelikheid, geduld en deernis in ons harte bêre sal ons die wonderlike karakter van Christus weerspieël.
Here, leer my om my hart bo alles te bewaar, ja selfs meer as die uiterlike. Gee my die wysheid en waarheid om innerlike eienskappe te kweek. sodat my lewe ń bron van seën kan wees vir diegene met wie ek vandag in aanraaking kom.
Die inhoud in jou hart is belangriker as die uiterlike verpakking !
Healthy Ingredients:
I always look at the ingredients on the packaging of foods, no matter how pretty the packaging is, I always look at the list of ingredients on the back of the box or paper.
Many words that are hard to pronounce usually indicate that there are ingredients in it that are detrimental to good health and are not nutritious. And then I will usually look for natural and healthy ingredients for the next time I need to go shopping.
I sometimes think that my habits of looking at the packaging are a lot like God looking at us and what He is looking for in our lives. It is what is inside that counts, no matter how pretty the outer packaging may be. Therefore, it is no wonder that the wise poet in Proverbs warns us to guard what is in our heart “for it determines your whole life” (Prov. 4:23). Wearing the right clothes and trying to keep ourselves young and beautiful means nothing if our heart is full of hatred, sullenness, self-pity and other negative traits!
So ask yourself. When other people come past the outer packaging in my life, what do they find there? Is there a heart full of healthy Christian qualities? If we store grace, kindness, patience and compassion in our hearts, we will reflect the wonderful character of Christ.
Lord, teach me to guard my heart above all else, yes even more than the outer. Give me the wisdom and truth to cultivate inner qualities. so that my life can be a source of blessing to those I come into contact with today.
The content of your heart is more important than the outer packaging!
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – Kingdom Kids Hour – God Is in Control
Join Zap at Hope Headquarters for week two of “Flash Forward!” Your preschooler will help robot, R1-2, discover how God gives us hope as they flashback to learn how God gave Peter hope. Meanwhile in Konnect HQ, Sean, Fiona, and Noel are back, and things are starting to feel a little crowded at Konnect HQ. For Tony and Harper, finding peace might be easier said than done. This and plus some stunning gospel kids’ songs. Enjoy!
Today on TruLight Radio XM
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00:15 Words to Live By Testimonies
01.15 Science Scripture and Salvation
02.15 Ground Works
04.00 Gospel Concert of the Day
05.00 The Daren Streblow Comedy Show
5:55 It is Today devotional
6:00 Gaither Homecoming Morning Show
7:15 Discover the Word
8.15 Destined for Victory
8:55 Science Scripture and Salvation
9:00 Holy Spirit Hour – Normally Sermons
10:15 Hope of the Heart
11:15 Unshackled
11.45 Words to Live By
12:15 Truth for Life
13:15 Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram
14:15 Focus on the Family
15:00 Kids Hour
16:00 In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley
16:30 Groundwork
17:15 Live in the Light
18:15 Renewing your Mind
19:00 Gaither Homecoming Show
20:15 Growing Hope
21:15 Adventures in Odyssey Radio Drama
21:45 Bible Reading
22:15 Nightsounds
23.00 Good Old Country Gospel / Rhema Gospel Express
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BIBLE PROPHECY IN THE NEWS
Trump warns Hamas: IDF will resume fighting ‘as soon as I say the word’
President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas on Wednesday, saying he may authorize Israel to resume military operations in Gaza if the group fails to fulfill the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
In an interview with CNN, Trump said Israeli troops could reenter Gaza “as soon as I say the word.”
“What’s going on with Hamas – that’ll be straightened out quickly,” he added during a brief phone call with the network.
Trump’s remarks followed growing frustration in Israel, where officials accuse Hamas of violating the deal by failing to deliver the remains of all hostages who were killed during captivity.
While twenty living hostages were freed and returned to Israel on Monday, only a small portion of the deceased victims’ bodies have been handed over so far.
Israeli officials say four bodies were transferred on Wednesday, including that of a Palestinian who reportedly assisted Israel.
Wednesday night, two more bodies were returned, although they have not yet been identified. In total, Hamas has handed over 10 bodies since the ceasefire took effect.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Hamas executes dozens of Gazans accused of ‘treason’ that helped Israel
Hours after the release of the final Israeli hostages under the US-brokered ceasefire, Hamas terrorists executed more than 30 Palestinians accused of treason and collaboration, in what security sources and witnesses described as a brutal bid to reassert control over the war-torn Gaza Strip.
According to various reports and videos, at least 33 people were shot dead across several neighborhoods after being accused of spying for Israel or belonging to rival armed groups.
Videos shared on social media showed masked terrorists forcing men to kneel before executing them at close range, as crowds gathered, chanting “Allahu Akbar.” Reuters and other outlets were unable to independently verify the footage or its location.
The wave of executions comes as Hamas, weakened by months of Israeli military strikes, cautiously redeploys members of its Qassam Brigades into Gaza’s streets.
GOG AND MAGOG UPDATE
Qatar and Turkey want to rebuild Hamas, not reconstruct Gaza
If Qatar and Turkey are permitted to play a major role in the governance and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip after the Israel-Hamas war, it would mean a return to the pre-October 7, 2023 era, which saw the Iran-backed terror group fully controlling the coastal territory.
In addition to Iran, Qatar and Turkey have long been sponsoring and funding Hamas and providing the terror group’s leaders with shelter.
Inviting Qatar and Turkey to play a role in the Gaza Strip means again bringing Iran in through the back door.
Both countries have strong relations and shared interests with Iran, which, according to reports, worked with Hamas to plan its October 7 invasion of Israel.
Iran also reportedly gave the green light for the terror group to launch the assault during a meeting in Lebanon on October 2.
Despite the severe blow it was dealt as a result of the Israeli and American airstrikes, there are no signs whatsoever that the Iranian regime is ready to recognize Israel’s right to exist, join the Abraham Accords, and abandon its terror proxies in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.
“Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, Qatar has aligned itself closer to Tehran,” the Iran International media outlet reported in December 2024.
“This was evident during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Doha in October 2024. The two countries discussed enhancing cooperation in economy, energy, culture, and education, with a particular focus on resolving the $6 billion in Iranian assets frozen in Qatar…
“Though Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Iran present their partnership as a means to promote regional stability, their alliance is rooted in political and strategic interests.
“The cooperation between Tehran and Doha is often framed in idealistic terms but conceals a deeper agenda focused on power, influence, and suppression.”
Last year, Turkey signed 10 agreements with Iran for collaboration in energy, free trade, and transportation during a visit to Ankara by former Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, according to Iran International.
Iran , Qatar and Turkey are Main Members of Gog and Magog = Ezekiel 38/39
TruLight Ministry News
TruLight Ministries orders from God since 2012 . Teach Them , Comfort Them and Warn Them!
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TruLight Ministries opdrag vanaf God sedert 2012. Leer hulle, Troos hulle en Waarsku hulle!
Earth stops Spinning at the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ
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