“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days, walking after their own lusts. And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God, the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water” (2 Peter 3:3-5).
This week’sTreasurestudy’s Handprint says, “God’s Word, inspired and eternal, is the channel through which we know, receive, and experience grace.” According to Romans 10:17,“…faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” This tells me that without the Word I wouldn’t have developed the faith needed for my salvation. Aren’t we all eternally grateful for the Word?
The Word has stood the test of time. It was there in the beginning in God’s Creation (John 1:1) and will endure until Christ’s return. Nothing within it has changed. People have changed and many have grown weary waiting for His return. God is eternal and doesn’t measure time as we do. Every event and promise in the Bible has been fulfilled except for His coming. However, that does not mean He won’t return. God is faithful to His promises and any day now He could come and take His children home. I have often heard the phrase, “God said, I believe it, and that settles it.” I have learned through the years if God says it, that settles it whether I believe it or not. Keep reading and trusting the divinely inspired Word of God. It is the unchanging truth for changing times. While we wait for His return, we have His promise to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We have His Word on it.
In the introduction to this week’s study we also find these words: “Peter’s words not only give a solid claim for grace through the Word, they also defend the reliability of God’s Word.” Peter believed in the entire Bible—evidenced in his preachings and writings. As we share some Old Testament events, may we see the “proofs of the totality of Scripture as God’s enduring truth.”
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Praise God, all nine E-TEAMs arrived safely at their destinations Pray the 18 team leaders and 81 students will present God’s love and grace to all they meet. Pray also for good health, team dynamics, interactions with national Christians and missionaries, and testimonies before non-Christians.
