Lord's Day - July 31, 2005

Passage of the Week - 2 Timothy 3

"All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)

Mark presented the case for an "God-breathed" Bible ... verbal inspiration vs. dynamic inspiration (the words are inspired, not just the ideas) ... plenary inspiration vs. partial inspiration (all of the Bible is inspired, not just parts) ... and inerrancy (no errors) vs. the notion that there are historical/scientific errors in the Bible.

John emphasized not only the inspiration of Scripture, but its divine preservation through the years ... "Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever." He spoke of the inspiration/preservation of scripture as a foundational doctrine ... then dipped back into chapter two (verse fifteen) to speak of the resurrection of Christ as another foundational doctrine ... foundational to justification and to sanctification.

Alan took a brief look at verse 14 and 15 ... "continue in the things which you have learned ... from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures" ... and noted our responsibilities toward scriptural truth: (1) Learn it, (2) Know it, (3) Be sure of it, and (4) Know the source of it.

Craig noted on the same verse the power of children meditating on the scriptures early in life.

Dean shared a testimony from the recent Scout trip ... the moving experience of the men and boys singing "God Bless America" at the Lincoln memorial ... and seeing those around break out in spontaneous applause.


Prayer Burdens

Safety and blessing on the Scout trip (Praise)
Eloise's Mom possibly coming home Friday, wisdom for decisions to be made
Jeffrey at Summit Christian worldview camp
Shana's Gardendale friends seeking the Lord about church issues
Stem Cell Research Bill -- would federally fund research on tissue from aborted babies
Stephen R. learned several new phrases this week (Praise)
Dean's Dad improving some from Bell's palsy (Praise and continued prayer)
Andrea's mother requested prayer for God's direction and strength


It was great to have Andrea's Mom with us ... also to have most of the Martins back!