Charles Hodge has written: "We have reduced the church to a counseling center helping people cope! God made the church a salvation center teaching people how to live. We do not merely need therapywe need the Word! We don't need Bible scholarswe need Bible lovers! If you honor the Word, God will bless you!" 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 reads: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (NKJB)

The Bible will make us "wise unto salvation." (2 Timothy 3:15) It will make saved men and women. The Bible teaches HOW TO BE SAVED. Timothy had been instructed in the Scriptures from childhood. Who were his teachers? They were his mother, grandmother, and Paul.

The Bible teaches us how to "grow up." (2 Timothy 3:17) The Word is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. We receive the milk (1 Peter 2:2) and the meat (Hebrews 5:14) of the Word to help us mature. Today's problems exist, in part, because members have not grown up. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food." (Hebrews 5:12) Men cannot be spiritual apart from the Word, the truth. "Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth." (John 17:17)

The Bible teaches us to keep doing good. "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9) The Word is PRACTICAL. It totally completes us to every good work. Members are to study the Word for edification or so that we might minister as the Body, in the Body, and for the Body.

God's Word is truly awesome (inspiring or characterized by awe.) Put yourself to the task of studying it daily. "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11 NKJB) -1227 20th St., Parkersburg, WV. 26101. northend@wirefire.com

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