Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Introduction: Very recently, I attended a Church of the Lutheran Confession Pastor's Conference. I was curious what favorite Bible verses these pastors cling to in their lives and why. So I asked. Twelve pastors responded.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES (2)
John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
"This passage is my confirmation verse. It means so much to me because it reveals the importance of the Word for the life of a Christian. It is the free truth about redemption in Christ ... being purchased from sin, death, and Satan through His vicarious sufferings and death."
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
"Life is founded on trust. But whom can you trust? Trust the Lord about sin! Sin is real. Sin is yours. But sin is forgiven. Trust in the Lord for everything!"
Being a disciple or student of Christ automatically points me to the truth that I don't know everything. MY understanding would lead me to trust in myself thinking, "I know it all, so why return to church?" MY understanding leads me to tolerate sin: "Take something from my neighbor's yard or garage ... I really need it!" "Sex outside of marriage ... why not, since it feels so good?" MY understanding leads me to trust that "I'm a pretty good person already, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to heaven." Rather because of MY sinful understanding of all things, I abide and remain in class with my Teacher, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He brings the truth of His freedom from sin and death and gives me every reason to trust HIS path!
Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 651:2)
