How can you never forget something? Anything, an event, a person, a food? It could be terrible or wonderful. Why are there things that we can’t forget even if we wanted to do so? There are tips and tricks for helping your memory out, but when Peter wrote his epistle he shares with his readers that he will never forget what it was like the Mount of Transfiguration. That image of Jesus in all his divine glory had burned a place into his memory. He shares that will us, thankfully. What is wonderful about the Bible is that it’s not just Peter. Paul, the evangelists (those who wrote the gospels of Jesus), the prophets of old, recorded their inspired words on the pages of Scripture for all time.
Eye witness testimony is convincing for many people, but what if they were lying? What if over the centuries there was simply a ridiculously complex series of authors who were consistent in doctrine? The fact of the matter is that the Bible is self-authenticating. Yes, that means that Christians because that the Bible is God’s word because the Bible says that it is God’s word. Yes, I know that’s circular reasoning, but it’s what we believe. All of this comes down to inspiration and conviction.
The Holy Spirit inspired (breathed in) the very words, sentence formations, of the Bible. He used the personalities and intellect of the authors – yes, 1 Timothy sounds like it came from the Apostle Paul, because the Holy Spirit used Paul’s pen to write it. Make no mistake, the Bible is the word of God.
The Holy Spirit also convicts us that the Bible is true. When we read or hear the word of God, God’s Spirit goes with that word to change hearts. That’s why God’s word is so powerful! You don’t need to take my word for it. Consider these examples. I referenced Rabbi Chil Slostowski in my sermon yesterday. On a daily basis the Spirit changes hearts around the word. If you’re a Christian, he’s already done this heavy lifting of the heart for you. The Spirit helps you never forget.
Want to hear more – including how Transfiguration fits into the church year and your life? Watch this Sunday’s message taken from 2 Peter 1.
Tag(s): Transfiguration
Speaker(s): Fred Guldberg