Teaching Notes

What I Should Know About The Bible?

1 Peter 3:13-18 (The Message)

13-18 If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.

Note: There is a belief that says you most be stupid if you believe in the Bible.  This is a religion for those that have checked their brains at the door.  Even though we accept our salvation by faith, it does not mean we do not learn or gain understanding of what it is we believe.

Question: What does the scripture tell us about our faith?

Answer: The instruction that is given to believers is just the opposite of don't learn.  Instead the instruction is study and learn so that you will be ready to tell others what you believe and why.  You cannot tell others what you believe if you are not taking the time to study to learn.  The instruction is for us to be ready to stand strong for our faith.  Who can do that if they really do not have anything to show for what they believe?  We are to study and seek God's direction so that we can gain understanding about the truth in God's word.  That is how we are able to address the questions and myths that arise in the world. That is how I am able to answer this question because I have taken the time to study so that someone will not discourage me in my faith.  Are you doing the same?

Prayer: Jesus prayed for his disciples that you would keep them safe from the lies of this world.  He didn't just ask you to protect those disciples that were with him, but that all that would come behind you would protect as well.  Help us to resist the lies of this world.