You NEED a Bible!
The topic about purpose and identity isn’t new. So many conversations and authors have spoken or written about this topic and rightfully so, because purpose is a primary motivation for every action we take in our lives. But regardless of what the multitude have to say on this subject matter, the best starting point for you and I, is God. Jesus Christ. And this also includes one of the greatest gifts, tool and weapon to continuously know Him, which simultaneously means knowing ourselves, and that is the Bible.
What I am trying to say here is that, on this journey of discovery, understanding and transformation, you are going to need the Bible - one of many greatest gifts given to us from God.
Let me put it this way: for the new believer who has just received and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal saviour, the best way to know Him is by searching and studying scripture. Allow scripture to inform you about the God you have just been introduced to. And for those who have been on this journey for a while, you can never be too knowledgable to neglect the Bible. We are always in constant need for His Word. The word that has been made flesh. The word that is alive and is transformative in nature. We need The bible!
Why you may ask?
Example 1:
Colossians 1:15-21 (NIV)
‘The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him’.
If not for Colossians 1:15-21, would you have known the following:
Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation?
In Him all things were created in heaven and on earth? … including you and I?
ALL things have been created through Him and FOR Him? … this also means you were created through God for God!
Example 2:
In scripture, you will find that God determines our identity. God spends quite some time in the Bible teaching us who we really are. Here are some examples for you:
We are children of God (John 1:12), Friends of God (John 15:15), More than conquerors (Romans 8:37), The redeemed (Galatians 3:13), Citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20)
The list is endless. Each identifier found in scripture, communicates three things to us:
How God sees us
How much He values us
How we can serve His Heart
Example 3:
Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)
‘Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path’.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)
‘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’.
ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God. Inspiration translated can mean Ruach (Hebrew), defined as the wind, breath and spirit of God. Simply put, God has breathed life into the scriptures. These scriptures, the word of God, are profitable to us because it guides and directs us, on how to live a holy and righteous life, how to glorify God, how to serve and love Him, how to love one another and better yet, how to be an image bearer. The word of God, as we continue to read and study, brings life into us. The word of God is transformative and informative.
As I have already mentioned, we need the Bible. Reading and studying the word of God should be part of our priority list just as much as prayer, worship and fellowship is. Even to know how to pray, worship and fellowship, the Bible will inform you how (e.g The Lords Prayer Matthew 6:19-23).
And how much more will the Word inform us about purpose, identity, discipline, friendship, sisterhood, leadership, community.. the list is endless.
So ladies, as we embark on this new series - Purpose, we are going to need our Bibles. There is no better place to start, than in Gods word WITH God Himself and our trusted ladies!
Happy new series!
Here is to discovering and embracing purpose.
TM x
