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HEALTHY HABITS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH * Week of September 30, 2002
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Welcome!
Welcome to "Healthy Habits," an electronic devotional column
by internationally renowned author and evangelist Luis Palau.
We're glad to offer this e-zine to you free of charge each week.
Whether you're a new Christian just starting out, or an older
Christian needing encouragement and a rekindled love for the
Lord, Luis Palau's "Healthy Habits for Spiritual Growth"
devotional series describes biblical principles you can apply
for positive, personal change. Enjoy!
Mike Umlandt, Editor
"Healthy Habits for Spiritual Growth"
http://www.palau.org/habits/habit.php
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
And now here's Luis Palau's devotional column for this week...
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Habit 8
REAFFIRMING THE BIBLE'S AUTHORITY
Many people today attack the authority of God's Word. They
throw out certain passages and question many others. How should
we respond to such attacks?
Charles Spurgeon responded this way: "Defend the Word of God?
Might as well defend a lion." It doesn't need any defense. We can
confidently follow the footsteps of godly men and women throughout
the ages in acknowledging the Bible's authority.
Jesus Christ Himself recognized the Scriptures as God's Word.
He made a point of quoting supposedly controversial or
"hard-to-believe" passages in the Old Testament just to attest
to their historical accuracy. The Lord referred to the creation
story (Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:2-9; 13:19), Noah and the flood
(Matthew 24:36-39; Luke 17:26-27), and Lot and the cities of
Sodom and Gomorrah (Matthew 10:15; Luke 10:12; 17:28-30).
Jesus even referred to the Old Testament account of Jonah
(Matthew 12:40-41; 16:4). Many people today laugh at the story
of Jonah and shrug it off as a fairy tale or bedtime story for
little children. Why? Because according to what knowledge they
have about science, it is impossible for a whale to swallow a man
and then vomit him alive out of his belly after three days.
First of all, the Bible doesn't say Jonah was swallowed by
a whale, but rather by a great fish (Jonah 1:17). More importantly,
the historical account is recorded in the Bible, and Jesus said it
happened. If Jesus believed it, why shouldn't we believe it too?
The Bible clearly states, "All Scripture is God-breathed"
(2 Timothy 3:16). John R.W. Stott explains the importance of this
declaration for us this way: "The meaning then is not that God
breathed into the writings to give them their special character,
but that what was written by men was breathed by God. He spoke
through them. These were his spokesmen."
The very words of Scripture are inspired by God. Someone has
said, "You can as easily have music without notes, or mathematics
without figures, as thoughts without words." Inspiration applies
to every part of the Bible and to the Bible as a whole--not just
to the "thoughts" it conveys to a reader.
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth
disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen,
will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is
accomplished" (Matthew 5:18). He guarantees even the most minute
parts of it!
The early church fathers also asserted the authority of the
Bible. Augustine declared, "Let us therefore yield ourselves and
bow to the authority of the Holy Scriptures, which can neither
err nor deceive."
Why should we cower before the attacks of certain critics of the
Bible? As God's children, we need submit only to Him and His
authoritative Word. Scripture is the standard by which we should
measure everything else.
To Ponder
Have you ever heard someone attack the authority of the Bible?
How do you feel about such attacks? How do you respond?
If Scripture is God's Word, what are the implications?
To Pursue
In prayer, make a commitment to take God at His Word. Let the
Lord know you will believe wholeheartedly what He says and obey
gladly what He commands.
Next week: Living the Word of Life
Copyright (c) 2002 Luis Palau, P.O. Box 1173, Portland,
Oregon 97207, USA, (503) 614-1500, [EMAIL PROTECTED] .
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional column
to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
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Bonus
BELIEVE IT. EMBRACE IT. LIVE IT.
Are you ready to experience God's Word in a whole new way?
The "Living Faith Bible" helps you say "yes!" to God.
Thousands of faith-affirming notes challenge you to make truth
personal. More than 100 articles bring men and women of the Bible
to life. Introductions to every book of the Bible help you get
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and commands easily.
Endorsed by Luis Palau, this devotional application Bible is sure
to enhance your walk with the Lord--and bring your faith to life.
You can find it at your local Christian bookstore or favorite
online retailer. For more information, visit
http://www.newlivingtranslation.com .
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