Notes of Faith May 14, 2025
Lose No Time!
But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16, NLT
According to Guinness World Records, In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust is the world’s longest book, with more than 1.2 million words. Depending on the edition, it can span more than 4,000 pages. To read it, you need a sturdy lap, a strong pair of glasses, and rare determination.
Why not study God’s Word instead? It’s small enough to hold in your hand, yet we never tire of its ever-fresh words. The reason the Bible constantly renews us is simple—it was inspired by the Holy Spirit who also indwells us and enables us to understand its message. It’s possible to devote your life to studying the Bible without its transforming effect on your heart. To some, it’s just an ancient book. But to the Spirit-filled believer, the Holy Spirit tutors us. The apostle Paul wrote, “For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets…. We have received God’s Spirit…so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us” (1 Corinthians 2:10-12, NLT).
As you read the Bible, ask the Spirit to shine His flashlight on the truths He wants you to see today.
The Bible is the greatest of all books; to study it is the noblest of all pursuits; to understand it, the highest of all goals.
Charles Ryrie
1 Cor 2:7-13
we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; 8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; 9 but just as it is written,
"THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,
AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN,
ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM."
10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
The greatest preaching is quoting the Word of God… for man’s words have no power or authority, but the Word of God is all power,
Heb 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
1 Thess 1:5
for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction
1 Thess 4:8
he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.
1 Cor 2:14-15
14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
We must be given the Spirit of God to understand the Words and mind of God. Pray that God would open your mind through His Spirit to understand and apply to your life the things that He says to you through His Word. The power of God is over all things and gives life to those who listen and obey.
Pastor Dale