Our Thread

Pasa Graphe' Theopneustos Kai Ophelimos (Greek) is one of the most often-repeated passages from the Scriptures, ie, the Bible. The passage appears in the heading of our Facebook page. But what does it say to us in our various tongues? Well, for those of us who speak English, this passage is a bold testimony from the pen of one Paul, a first-century scholar from the Isrealite tribe of Benjamin. It is also a statement steeped in the thelogy of the Biblical narratives. So, Paul wrote to a young ethnic Jew named Timotheus: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable......"
At the time Paul wrote those words, there was not yet a codex known as the "New Testament." The scrolls of papyrus on which were written the Scriptures are what we call today the "Old Testament." In its immediate and limited interpretation, Paul is saying that the messages in the Old Testament are inspired by God. That being so, who is the man who would say that the record of the flood in Noah's day was simply an allegory, and not an historical account?

Discouragement

We can be encouraged by the example of others. It's in the Bible, I Thessalonians 3:7, NIV. "Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith."

Reflecting on our eternal hope in Christ offers encouragement. It's in the Bible, I Peter 1:6, TLB. "So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here."

We are encouraged through encouraging others. It's in the Bible, Romans 1:11-12, TLB. "For I long to visit you so that I can impart to you the faith that will help your church grow strong in the Lord. Then, too, I need your help, for I want not only to share my faith with you but to be encouraged by yours: Each of us will be a blessing to the other."

Encouragement comes from remembering how God has led in the past. It's in the Bible, Joshua 24:16-17, "And the people replied, 'We would never forsake the Lord and worship other gods! For the Lord our God is the one who rescued our fathers from their slavery in the land of Egypt. He is the God who did mighty miracles before the eyes of Israel, as we traveled through the wilderness, and preserved us from our enemies when we passed through their land."

Build each other up by finding something you appreciate. It's in the Bible, I Thessalonians 5:11, NIV. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Consistently encourage new believers. It's in the Bible, Acts 14:21-22, TLB. "They helped the believers to grow in love for God and each other. They encouraged them to continue in the faith in spite of all the persecution, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations."

Encourage your church leaders. It's in the Bible, I Thessalonians 5:12-13, TLB. "Dear brothers, honor the officers of your church who work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because they are straining to help you."

God offers encouragement when we're feeling down. It's in the Bible, Jeremiah 29:11, TLB. "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

God promises encouragement when I need it. It's in the Bible, Psalm 138:3, TLB. "When I pray, You answer me, and encourage me by giving me the strength I need."

For your encouragement, remember God isn't finished with any of us yet. It's in the Bible, Philippians 1:6, TLB. "And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns."