The Book of Books

The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.

Acts 17:10-12

The Bible provides an accurate account of the heavenly Father’s character, actions, and purposes. Together, the Old and New Testaments teach us that man’s problem is sin and that the only remedy is faith in the Son of God: Jesus Christ. Through the Bible, we learn what happens at the moment of our salvation—our sin’s penalty is reckoned as paid, its power over us is broken, and the Holy Spirit becomes our daily companion.

Through His Word, God has entrusted to us the knowledge of who He is, what He is doing, and how the future will unfold for mankind. The Scriptures were intended to lead us into a growing personal relationship with our heavenly Father and to empower us for fruitful service as Christ’s ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20). In this position, we are called to follow Jesus’ example in glorifying God (Matt. 5:16)—our Savior focused not on Himself but on the heavenly Father, whose plan is to reach the entire world with His saving grace.

The Father’s will includes different tasks for His children to accomplish, according to the way He’s planned for each one to function (Rom. 12:4-6). Meditating on scriptural principles and examples will help us discern what He has in mind for us. Just as Jesus’ work was to do His Father’s will, that is our calling as well.

What place does this Book of books—the Bible—have in determining the course of your life? Take time today and every day to listen to the Lord, to partake of His wisdom, and to determine what He is saying to you personally. In so doing, you will orient your mind to His priorities, will, and thinking.

Charles Stanley