Daily Writing

Big storm at the time. It passed through quickly.

Tuesday, 7 March 2023 

Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. Acts 15:6

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

In the previous verse, some of the Pharisees rose and stated that it was necessary for the Gentiles to be circumcised and observe the Law of Moses. With this idea put forth, Luke continues with, “Now the apostles and elders.”

The words more correctly read, “Now the apostles and the elders.” They are two distinct categories that are being highlighted which are clearly separate offices at this time. Together, they “came together.”

Rather, the verb is imperfect and in the passive voice, they “were gathered together.” At someone’s direction or maybe through prayer and the leading of the Spirit, they were gathered together. And this occurrence was “to consider this matter.”

More literally it says, “to see about this matter.” They were going to look at it, evaluate it, and then decide what should be done. For those, like Paul, who understood the magnitude of the decision, it would shape the entire future of the church and set off the importance of the cross accordingly.

If the challenge by the Pharisees prevailed, the cross would become no more than an added key in the process of opening the door of entry into law observance under Judaism. The shed blood of Jesus Christ would be considered entirely ineffectual for salvation. This is because the Law of Moses had a high priest. It also had sacrifices, including the annual Day of Atonement.

If the Law of Moses had to be kept, it means that these Gentiles would be obligated to observe those sacrificial rites, thus placing the blood of bulls and goats over the blood of Christ. Further, it would thoroughly diminish innumerable passages found in their own Scriptures that pointed to God’s saving grace apart from the law.

For example, in Numbers 21, this short passage is seen –

“Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. ⁵ And the people spoke against God and against Moses: ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.’ ⁶ So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died.
⁷ Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, ‘We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord that He take away the serpents from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people.
⁸ Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.’ ⁹ So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.” Numbers 21:4-9

This account was partially given to show that faith, apart from the Law of Moses, healed the people. Jesus then spoke of it, equating what occurred to His own work –

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:14-17

Though the book of John was not yet written, the account of Jesus’ words was certainly known. But even if this were not true, the account stood as a witness of God’s acceptance of faith apart from law observance. If the apostles and elders could not see this matter through correctly, the entire point of faith alone in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin would be nullified.

Life application: We don’t need to read the account any further to know that the right decision will be made concerning the issue at hand. This is because if God is behind the message of Jesus, that message will ultimately prevail. He would not have sent Christ into the world if He knew the offer would not continue to be properly considered.

We might say, “But there are Judaizers all over the world today, standing against the truth of the cross and reinserting the law. See, the message has failed.” This is incorrect. Now, with the completion of Scripture, the truth of God in Christ and the fully effectual work of the cross is recorded there. This council in Jerusalem is a part of that body of literature, and it stands as a witness to what God had determined.

The fault is not in God, nor is it a lack in the word of God. Rather, the fault is in those who ignore, misunderstand, or purposefully twist the word. God has made proper Christian theology and set doctrine fully obtainable. Now, it is up to each person to consider what the Bible says and to follow it, in context, according to how it is presented.

This is our immediate task, our daily task, and our lifelong task. We are to learn this word and then continue to consider it always. Hold fast to the word. It is our personal love letter from the God of the universe to keep us safe and close to Him until the day He brings us to Himself.

Glorious Lord God, how precious is Your word. How sacred are its contents. How immutable are the truths it contains. Help us to cherish Your word because it is what tells us about Your love for us in the giving of Jesus. May our hearts be carefully obedient in applying its precepts to our lives for all our days. Amen.

Busy at work in the truck.

Monday, 6 March 2023

But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” Acts 15:5

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The previous verse had Paul and Barnabas reveal to those gathered in Jerusalem all that God had done through them. This was a ministry that started with evangelizing the Jews. This continued at each city they traveled to, but it eventually went almost solely to the Gentiles, such as was recorded of the evangelism in Antioch of Pisidia –

“Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, ‘It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. ⁴⁷ For so the Lord has commanded us:
“I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.”’
⁴⁸ Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” Acts 13:46-48

In such instances, these Gentiles believed the word they heard without a single note of law observance. In fact, the only substantial mentioning of the law was essentially a note revealing the inadequate nature of the law to perfect anything –

“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; ³⁹ and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38, 39

Despite this, and despite the obvious nature of God’s grace being the reason for sending Jesus Christ, the verse now says, “But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up.”

A margin note in some texts makes these words a part of the narration of Paul and Barnabas. In other words, it is still them speaking about the events that occurred including the coming of the Judaizers to Antioch which precipitated the journey to Jerusalem. However, it appears more natural that this is not their narration of the past, but a renewed attack against the doctrine of Paul and Barnabas during the gathering.

As such, while the assembly was seated, these men rose up to speak. This is what Paul did in Acts 13:16 when he was asked to speak to the synagogue there. These Pharisees have risen up to state their voice. Here, it clearly says that these were believers. They had heard the word of faith and they had received it as such. Despite this, they began by saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them.”

If they had stopped with these words and explained them as referring to the circumcision of the flesh according to the instructions given to Abraham, they may have been able to convince the gathering that it was necessary as a sign of that covenant. However, there was already a sign of entrance into the New Covenant, which even the circumcision of Abraham anticipated.

Abraham believed and was deemed as righteous (Genesis 15:6). Later, the Lord instructed him and all with him to be circumcised as a sign of the covenant (Genesis 17). But those things, when properly understood, only anticipated the coming of Christ. As such, faith is what saves. After faith comes, the rite of baptism is then administered as an ordinance. It is an outward sign of the inner change that has taken place. This is not related to circumcision – which only applied to men – but rather baptism is a whole new ordinance for both men and women, which is a type of death, burial, and resurrection in Christ.

Circumcision did not save Abraham and water baptism does not save a believer. But bringing up the circumcision of Abraham may have helped flesh this matter out more fully. That did not happen, but the epistles will more fully explain such things. Despite this, the circumcision of the flesh is not all that is on the mind of these Pharisees. As they next say, “and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

This goes back to the same false doctrine that was introduced in Acts 15:1 –

“And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’”

To more fully understand the weight of this teaching, refer to that commentary. In short, these words would heap the entire Law of Moses, with all of its many rules and regulations, directly on the shoulders of the Gentile believers. It would also mean that their conversion, meaning their belief in the gospel message, was insufficient to save them. They were still condemned, and they would have to be brought into the bondage of the law to be free. The thought is contradictory and twisted.

This is what Paul wrote about in his later letter to those in Galatia –

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? ² This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? ³ Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? ⁴ Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?” Galatians 3:1-4

If the Gentiles had received the Spirit after believing, it was a clear indication that God had approved of them, and they were saved. Deal done. Paul and Barnabas have presented their words to the council in Jerusalem, and it is as if what they have has conveyed meant nothing at all. To these Judaizers who have arisen, it is as if the work of Jesus Christ that began in them was only partially effective, but they had to continue to work towards their salvation.

Life application: The words of the Pharisees do not mean that they were not saved. But it does mean that they have completely misunderstood what happened when they believed the gospel message. God’s grace was poured out on them, but they thought that it was an initial act of grace only. To them, this allowance opened a door that they needed to keep open on their own merits. But this is contrary to the words of the Lord that will be spoken later to John –

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” Revelation 3:8

It also is contrary to the words of Jesus during His earthly ministry –

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
¹⁸ He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:16-18

The work of Jesus Christ isn’t merely an initial act of grace but an eternal one. Today, because of the decision of the council in Jerusalem, and also because of the words of the epistles, what the Pharisees have proposed in Acts 15 is heretical and to be condemned even when some teach it today, such as the heresies in the Hebrew Roots movement. At the time, this was a necessary step for the church to take so that such issues could be completely understood and recorded.

Unfortunately, to this day people reinsert the law into their Christian theology. Do not allow this to be imposed upon you! Live in Christ and by the grace of Christ. Trust in His merits. God was fully pleased with the work of Christ, evidenced by the resurrection. Why would you assume that God is any less pleased with you when you have trusted in the work of Christ?

Thank You, O God, for the grace of Jesus Christ our Lord. Praise to You forever and ever for what You have done through Him. All glory, power, majesty, and honor to You, O God! Amen.

Workstation at campground on the way through Virginia.

Sunday, 5 March 2023

And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. Acts 15:4

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

In the previous verse, Paul and Barnabas were on their way up to Jerusalem passing through Phoenicia and Samaria describing the conversion of the Gentiles. With that, this verse begins with, “And when they had come to Jerusalem.”

Jerusalem is the focal point of the religious life of the church at this point. Those in authority were there and they oversaw the affairs of the church. It is for this reason that the company had been sent to Jerusalem. The matter to be decided was of the utmost importance because it dealt with the very heart of the gospel, which is salvation by grace through faith.

If it was determined that the Gentiles had to observe the Law of Moses before being saved, or after being saved in order to continue to be saved, it would essentially mean that Christ’s coming was for naught. It would have been a pointless gesture that changed nothing. As such, they went to Jerusalem to see what the leaders determined, and “they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders.”

The sense is that there would have been a meeting of the church body that worshiped in the various individual locations around Jerusalem and maybe even in Judea. Mentioning the apostles would then be referring to those who were designated by the Lord for the apostolic ministry. This would have included Matthias, who was selected by lot in Acts 1. The specific naming of the elders would be those who presided over the individual bodies throughout the area.

To get a sense of the gathering, one might think of a corporate board meeting where there are stockholders, the corporate board, and then the heads of the individual offices. These have all come together to determine a matter set forth before them. Once gathered, Paul and Barnabas would then be asked to speak. With this, it next says, “and they reported all things that God had done with them.”

Their words would have spoken of their time in Antioch, the words of the Holy Spirit, saying, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2). The details of their long and productive missionary journey, their time back in Antioch teaching the disciples, and finally the assault by the Judaizers throwing the believers into confusion while they were still in Antioch.

It is most likely that at this point that the words of the next verse will come forth. Paul and Barnabas would have spoken of freedom in Christ, the conversion of the Gentiles, the signs and wonders that had come about through their ministry, etc. But for such joyous things and such great freedom, there will always be those who want to steal those things away.

Life application: The events taking place in Acts 15 have a great bearing on everything that will follow in the church age. If the determination sided against the stand of Paul and Barnabas, the church would have become a chaotic offshoot of Judaism, like the many sects that were in Israel at the time. It would have been a religion of bondage and legalistic standards heaped on top of the words of Moses, just as all of the other sects had become.

But this is not unusual even in today’s world. There are many cults and sects within Christianity that return to Moses in part or (supposedly) in whole. They demand observance of those things Christ came to fulfill. Others make various demands on individual freedoms.

For example, some fundamentalist churches teach that men should not wear beards, as if that has any bearing on a relationship with Christ. Such things only damage the freedom of worship that has been ordained by God through the giving of His Son.

Let us hold fast to the words of Scripture, allowing what it does not forbid, and forbidding what it does not allow. Those things on which it is silent are not something God determined we need to fret about. If you are unhappy with the way an individual church meeting gathers, don’t attend there. But if it is not doing anything contrary to Scripture, let them be. Let the word be the rule and guide for what you do, and you will do well.

Lord God, may we hold fast to Your word, letting it fill us with right thinking and proper instruction. May we not legalistically add to it, and may we never consider that it gives us license to do that which is wrong. Rather, help us to be steadfast in holding to Your word at all times. To Your glory, we pray this. Amen.

Campsite. Virginia.

Saturday, 4 March 2023

So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. Acts 15:3

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

Based on the dispute that had arisen between the Judaizers and Paul and Barnabas, it was determined that Paul and Barnabas, with certain others, should go up to Jerusalem to obtain a resolution to the matter. With that, it now says, “So, being sent on their way by the church.”

The Greek is more precise, saying, “They, indeed, therefore, having been sent forward by the church.” Here, the word propempó is introduced. It carries one of two meanings. The first is sending forward with necessities for the journey included. All the provisions would be supplied for the travel. The second meaning is to accompany the traveler part or all of the way.

It is debated which is intended here, and the intent might be both. It would be unheard of to send them without supplies for the journey. At the same time, it would be a mark of respect to have a delegation accompany them as they traveled. This was seen as far back as Genesis 18:16 –

“Then the men rose from there and looked toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them to send them on the way.”

With this, it next says, “they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria.” Rather, the verb is imperfect. It says, “they were passing through.” They didn’t just hurriedly pass through, but took their time, ensuring that they would stop along the way and greet the believers who lived in those areas. As they went, they had great news to share with them. They were “describing the conversion of the Gentiles.”

In this, the second and last use of ekdiégeomai is found. The first was in Acts 13:41 –

“Behold, you despisers,
Marvel and perish!
For I work a work in your days,
A work which you will by no means believe,
Though one were to declare it to you.”

The word signifies to completely recount a matter. It is the strongest and clearest declaration of the events that have occurred. With this recounting of what had taken place among the Gentiles, it next says, “and they caused great joy to all the brethren.”

Again, the verb is imperfect, “and they were causing great joy.” Each place they went and with each recounting that was made, joy was springing forth from those who heard. Those in Phoenicia were first evangelized by Stephen, as recorded in Acts 11 –

“Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only.” Acts 11:19

Those in Samaria were noted in Acts 8, beginning with –

“Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. ⁵ Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. ⁶ And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. ⁷ For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. ⁸ And there was great joy in that city.” Acts 8:4-8

It is these groups, previously established by those coming from Jerusalem and Judea as they traveled, that are now being told the good news that the command of Jesus from Acts 1:8 was being brought about –

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Life application: Even today, the custom of attending those heading out on a journey continues. We will often go along with travelers to the airport, train depot, or bus station. If they are taking a ship, we may take them to the port and wave them off as they sail away.

This is something we should especially consider doing for those who are going off as missionaries. Their last moments before leaving the friendly land of their departure will be remembered while they are gone, and it will be a note of encouragement while they are in their mission field.

And be sure to write to them from time to time, letting them know they are appreciated. They are doing a job that was directed by the Lord over two thousand years ago, helping bring the command to its conclusion. The locations where missionaries go can be fraught with difficulties and perils, so remember them, pray for them, and extend kind words to them from time to time.

Lord God, how good it is to be a small part in helping the missionaries who are doing Your labors in the world today. We pray for them and ask that Your hand of grace and blessing will be upon them as they continue the jobs set before them. Thank You for our missionaries. Amen.

Nifty looking building. Virginia.

Friday, 3 March 2023

Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. Acts 15:2

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The previous verse told of the Judaizers coming to Antioch and telling the brethren that unless they were circumcised, they could not be saved. With that remembered, it next says, “Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them.”

The first word, translated as dissension, stasis, was used concerning Barabbas in Luke 23:19 and translated as insurrection or rebellion. It is the etymological root of our current word, stasis, which is used at times to refer to a civil war. The sides were drawn up and there was no agreement to be found between them. Paul will say to the Galatians these words –

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? ² This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? ³ Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? ⁴ Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?” Galatians 3:1-4

The answer to the question for the Galatians to consider was obvious. They had heard the gospel, they had received the Spirit, and they were saved. Why would they need to then be circumcised if God had accepted them as they were? But as would happen later in Galatia, this is what the Judaizers were trying to get those believing Gentiles in Antioch to do. Obviously, Paul and Barnabas would not budge an inch. The Spirit had accepted the Gentiles as they were. Unless the Spirit was fickle and the giving of the Spirit was not a sound guarantee, there was nothing necessary to be added to His work.

The next word, translated as dispute, zétésis, is translated elsewhere as controversy, speculation, and so on. It signifies “a searching.” The YLT translates it as disputation. It is as if they had set forth a formal debate in order to settle the matter. They presented why they believed what they believed in order to convince others. But a resolution was not forthcoming. Hence, “they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem.”

This is the logical avenue to take in this case. There was an unresolved dispute, the apostles had been set forth as those who were to speak on behalf of the Lord, and so the matter would rightly be elevated to them. Paul, even though appointed an apostle, would certainly have agreed to this because he knew that:

1) God is not fickle. He had called Paul to this ministry and had given him sufficient instruction to know that what he was doing was right and appropriate. As this is so, He would not suddenly call out Paul’s stand as incorrect and requiring amendment.

2) The Lord had approved of the actions of Paul and Barnabas through “signs and wonders” (Acts 14:3, etc.). Thus, He would certainly be among the apostles to support the work that had already begun and which was approved by Him.

3) At whatever point in the timeline it had actually occurred, the conversion of Cornelius and those with him was prior to this time. The Spirit had come down upon those Gentiles without any hint of law observance. Peter and those with him were witnesses to this fact and he would have to acknowledge this, thus making a logical and indisputable defense for Paul’s position.

Along with this, Albert Barnes provides further reasons for why these Judaizers would also surely be happy to have a trial in Jerusalem. He says –

——————–

(1) That Jerusalem would be regarded by them as the source of authority in the Christian church, as it had been among the Jews.
(2) most of the apostles and the most experienced Christians were there. They had listened to the instructions of Christ himself; had been long in the church; and were supposed to be better acquainted with its design and its laws.
(3) those who came from Judea would not be likely to acknowledge the authority of Paul as an apostle: the authority of those at Jerusalem they would recognize.
(4) they might have had a very confident expectation that the decision there would be in their favor. The question had not been agitated there. They had all been Jews, and it is certain that they continued as yet to attend in the temple service, and to conform to the Jewish customs. They might have expected, therefore, with great confidence, that the decision would be in their favor, and they were willing to refer it to those who resided at Jerusalem.

——————–

These points are validated by the next words, which note that they were going up to Jerusalem “to the apostles and elders.”

If the Lord had established a New Covenant and there was a new direction in the redemptive events taking place among the people, it would be appropriate to go to the body that was designated by Him to conduct the affairs of that body. There would be no need to go to the stewards of the Mosaic Covenant because they had missed the train on what God was doing. And so, it was to the body who were assigned to the affairs of the New Covenant that the men went up to Jerusalem “about this question.”

The word translated as question is zétéma. It is found four times, only in Acts. It is from the same root as the word translated above as dispute. This refers to the underlying idea behind the dispute. It is intended to probe the principle at stake. In order to obtain a resolution, the matter will be fully explored and contemplated.

Life application: God provided revelation to the people under the law as He saw fit. An explanation of this was given as the first words of Hebrews were penned –

 “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, ² has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.” Hebrews 1:1, 2

This was needed during the time before and during the law. The reason for this is that the Old Testament was not yet complete. Prophets spoke to instruct the people. But the words of many of them were recorded. Eventually, the Old Testament was complete and the prophetic word ceased. The time after the final words of the Old Testament were received is known as the intertestamental period.

With this body of literature complete, the people waited for the Messiah. God again spoke to the people at the time of the coming of John the Baptist. However, the record of that is found not in the Old Testament, but rather the New. The Old Testament stood as its own witness and it was sealed as complete.

With the coming of Christ and the completion of His work, God moved among the people once again. This, as in the completion of the Old Testament, would eventually end. With the completion of the New Testament, there is – like during the intertestamental period – no longer a need for the prophetic word in visions, dreams, or other various ways.

And so, we must each question where we will set our doctrine. Is it in the completed canon of Scripture or are we still seeking out more information? The surest way to run off course is to deviate from what God has conveyed to us in His word. Israel continuously failed to discover this, and the church in large part has failed to pay heed. Be content that God has provided all we need to rightly conduct our affairs and know what He expects as He has detailed in Scripture. Hold fast to the word! The apostles have spoken and the word is compiled.

O God, it is such a blessing to our souls to know that Your word is written and that it is sufficient for us to know what You expect of us. We can easily ignore those who claim a word from You today, knowing that we have THE WORD from You. With this knowledge, we are sure to be kept from going astray. Thank You for this precious gift. Amen.