Prata Potpourri: The Word of God

By Elizabeth Prata

Someone sent me this cartoon that was going around. It's sad and upsetting, but we are not surprised, given the constant diminishing of God's glory and authority in favor of a human view of love.

In this way, satan continues to say to God's people, Hath God said? (Genesis 3:1).

Jesus doesn't 'use scipture' to determine what it means. He doesn't need to consult commentaries or study the original languages to understand it. He is not only the author of it, He IS the Word! So just on that basis, the cartoon is stupid.

God has revealed Himself through His creation, but the only way we can know who He is, what He desires, and how to obey Him, is through His word. He gave us His word through the Spirit, who is God Himself. The writers recount trials and tribulations writing it, and many martyrs have died preserving it and defending it.

It is not to be dismissed for some version of a human view of an emotion. Further, such a cartoon denies that of utmost importance, God is holy. Yes, He loves, He loves us and sent His son to die for us because He is Holy, and we are not. His holiness is the reason we need Jesus, because the other side of the holiness coin is wrath.

Those who are not in a redeemed position on the day of their death will suffer eternal consequences. Torments in the eternal lake of fire will be their due as penalty for their sin, and though God saves some in love, He punishes others who have not repented of their sins in wrath. Hence, holiness is the utmost attribute one needs to ponder and cherish. He is thrice holy. (Isaiah 6:3).

Myopically focusing on love and dismissing the absolute truth of His word is a deadly position to take.

Here are a few resources on the Word of God.

Here are the women at Naomi's Table with an essay on the Sufficiency of Scripture. It begins like this:

Did you know that the Bible is all we need to equip us for a life of faith and service? It’s true! And in fact the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture is a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith. Sadly, it’s a tenet that has long been under vicious attack from within our own visible, modern churches. 

But be assured that no other writings are needed for the Gospel to be understood, nor are any other writings required to equip us for a life of faith. Everything else – entertainment, extra-biblical revelations, mysticism, spiritual deliverance ministries and some forms of psychological counseling all declare that the Bible and its precepts are not enough. But Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me” (John 10:27). His voice is found in every word of the Word; the Scriptures are His voice, completely and utterly sufficient.

Noah’s Ark: Cute and Cuddly, or Wrath and Fury?

What is the first image that comes to mind when you think of Noah’s Ark?
Is it cute bunnies, giraffes, and kangaroos; or is it the death and destruction of sinners at the hand of God? 

If you are like most, your mind immediately goes to the various childhood images of a lot of cute animals on a large boat. However, despite its overemphasis, the preservation of animals is not the primary lesson to be learned from the story of Noah’s Ark. 

Both Jesus Christ and the Apostle Peter taught about the flood, yet neither of them even mentioned the animals. Instead, they used the flood account to teach on more serious matters such as sin, judgment, and salvation. 

What Is Discernment?

Someone I know recently expressed an opinion that surprised and in some ways disappointed me. I said to myself, "I thought he would have more discernment than that."
The experience caused me to reflect on the importance of discernment and the lack of it in our world. We know that people often do not see issues clearly and are easily misled because they do not think biblically. But, sadly, one cannot help reflecting on how true this is of the church community, too. 

But what is this discernment? The word used in Psalm 119:66 means “taste.” It is the ability to...

Michelle Lesley had a thing or two to say about Bible studies aimed at women that sadly focus on narcissistic navel gazing and a skewed version of "love".

I am so sick of women's ministry/discipleship/"Bible" study that centers around narcissistic navel-gazing I could vomit. MY hurts, MY feelings, MY opinions, MY self image. Newsflash- You're not the only person on the planet who's ever been hurt or had problems. And wallowing ...

And let's finish with a very short clip from John MacArthur about Dumbing Down the Message: