“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.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God’s unerring Word because it was given to us by God Himself through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is to be used as the source and judge of all our teaching, to reprove and correct error and sin in our lives, and to instruct us in how God would have us live as His dear children through faith in Jesus Christ.
God, grant that we hear, read, and study Holy Scripture as Your inspired Word, repent of all sin and error, look to Christ and His cross for pardon and forgiveness, and let Your Word guide us in living according to Your holy will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
“From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15
Why do we hear and read the Bible? The Holy Scriptures reveal our utter sinfulness and point us to God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and His holy life in our place and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world. The Bible tells us how to be saved — through faith in Jesus Christ and His cross — and how God would have us live as His redeemed children.
Grant, O LORD, that I hear, read, and meditate in Your Word that I might trust in Jesus and His cross for my salvation and then walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
“…in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21-22
As believers in Jesus, trusting in His atoning sacrifice and being baptized in His name, we are a part of Christ’s Church and are built together with all other true believers to be a holy temple in which the LORD God dwells through His Spirit.
Grant, O Lord, that I remember, as one who trusts in Jesus Christ and His cross, that I am Your temple and that You dwell in me by Your Spirit. Keep me in the true faith for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone …” Ephesians 2:19-20
Those who have faith in Jesus Christ are no longer separated from God’s people but are fellow citizens with all the saints and are a part of Christ’s Church, the household of God. Their faith rests upon the foundation of God’s Word, the teaching of the apostles and prophets; and the teaching of salvation through faith alone in Jesus Christ and His cross is the central truth upon which their faith is built.
Thank You, O gracious God, for bringing me to know and trust in Christ Jesus, my Savior, that I might be a part of Your people and Church. Preserve me in this true and saving faith unto life everlasting. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
“And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:17-18
In the Gospel, Christ Jesus promises forgiveness, pardon, and peace to all who despair of their own righteousness under the Law and look in faith to Him — to His holy life and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world. This peace is preached to both Jews and Gentiles because it is through Spirit-wrought faith in Christ that both have access to God the Father.
Grant to me, O Holy Spirit, through the preaching of the Gospel, the peace of sins forgiven through faith in Christ Jesus and His blood, shed on the cross for the sins of the world. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
