Bible ABC's - Acquaints

Dug up a treasure a couple of weeks back; a little wee notebook of notes.  In it was noted an ABC of what the Bible does for the one who actually reads it.   I don't recall where or when I got these but I must have liked them way back when, and upon rereading, still like them.  Shall share them with you with minimal (I think) mumbles.

This first one is that the Bible "acquaints" us with the theme of the gospel.  The theme being emphasized by the verse from 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4.  This is about Jesus having:  died, been buried and then having arisen again (resurrected).

Jesus left the richness of His  heavenly home and became "poor" (2 Corinthians 8:9) so that we could be rich in faith and everlasting life; sins forgiven.

His actions were "self-giving".  He did so on two accounts.  He wrestled with that in agony in the Garden (Luke 22:39-44).  He did this by choice of His will.  He gave Himself to God on our (mankind's) behalf.   Jesus also gave Himself to mankind.  John 18:4-9.

The love of God and Jesus, gives.  1 John 3:1; 4:9-11.  God demonstrated, we learn in the Bible, His love for us through the giving of Jesus to die on the cross to pay the punishment for our sins in our stead (Romans 5:8).  He died for us.

He was also buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.  He was there for three days.  This signifies "complete surrender" to God and His will on your and my behalf.  We read in John 12:24 (ESV),

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."

Jesus was certainly such a "grain of wheat".  He died on our behalf, His actions bringing much life, and that, for eternity, to many millions of human beings since that time until now.  That was the resurrection...Jesus rose again from the dead.  He is alive for evermore.  His giving, gives life.  Look at this...

"So those who received His word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls."  (Acts 2:41 ESV).

Peter was alive in Christ, and preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Spread the word so myriads more can become more than acquainted with the truth and life found in Jesus Christ and His Word.

                                                         ~ERC  June 2019~