LightGrams
July 2, 2020
Volume 24, Number 22
I rarely step outside of my house without my smart phone in my pocket. I believe there are many others who do the same. Why do we do it? Simply because this tool is so versatile. As we’ve often heard it described, “There’s an app for that.”
“App” is short for “application”, as in software written for a specific purpose. For example, if I need directions to get me to my destination, there’s an app for that. Through the enabled GPS on my phone, I’m directed step-by-step to where I’m going, and usually without any mistakes. If I need a calculator, or a to-do list, or a game to fill up idle time, or somewhere to keep my notes or photos – there are apps for those needs, and for many, many other tasks. This is an amazing device I carry in my pocket.
One of my most-used apps is my Bible app. Actually I have three Bible apps on my phone, as well as the leather-bound Bibles I still utilize when I preach. But when I’m away from those handheld Bibles, the Bible is available on my phone.
But let’s zoom in on the Bible for a few moments, because in my mind it’s the greatest app of all time. Now I’m not talking about software or specific Bible apps that can be downloaded onto our phones. I’m talking about Scripture, whether in electronic form, written on papyrus, or engraved on stones. God’s word is THE app of all apps.
After all, is an application truly an application if it is never applied (used)? And that’s the whole point of the Bible: Use it! Apply it to your life. The differences it will bring about will be significant.
In Matthew 7:24,25 Jesus taught this lesson: “Everyone then who hears these words of mind and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
Note carefully what Jesus said: To build a life that will withstand storms we must hear His words and then do them. To see the outcome of those who hear Jesus’ words without applying them, read the next two verses. It’s not a pleasant picture.
Perhaps Luke 6:46 says it most clearly: “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” It’s the old adage we’ve heard for years: We can’t just talk the talk; we have to walk the walk. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
What differences can we expect if we apply Scripture to our lives? “… receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). When our earthly lives are finished, that’s the only accomplishment that will matter – salvation!
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2020, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “[email protected]” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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