Present Truth # 1
God's Letter to You

Heaven's Pledge - Our Assurance
At some stage in life, individuals question their existence and purpose in life. A young mind generally has hopes and aspirations for the future. A discontented or discouraged mind finds it hard to accept a purpose or reason for life. Then there are the lonely, the empty, the unhappy. How can your life become more fulfilling, healthy, interesting? What lies after death? Is it possible to receive eternal life? Human hearts of every walk of life question the uncertain, yet desire an answer to satisfy their needs of security and contentment. No doubt at times such questions enter your mind. Are there answers to life's vital questions? Where can you find them? We all have some beliefs or ideas, but how accurate are they? No book ever written reveals so well the answer to these and many other fundamental questions except the Holy Bible. It reveals how life can be lived and enjoyed to the fullest. This is a promise.

Who Wrote the Bible?
Some critics have claimed that the Bible is only a book written by ordinary men, and therefore is just like any other book. The first part of this assertion is partly true but the latter is false. Yes, the book was written by men, but they had one different characteristic to most authors.

“ . . . holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.

God selected righteous men to pen His messages. They were not naturally creative writers, but events and messages were recorded as they were revealed and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Visions and thoughts were received and these holy men, knowing these were from God, faithfully wrote in their own language what they were shown.

Thus there is a variety of style and of expression in the Bible, but no contradictions. There is a common theme throughout the collection of writings and a unity of beliefs.

“The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:2.

No one was entrusted to write God’s sacred messages without receiving divine assistance.

Actually the Bible is a compendium of books and its real Author is the Almighty. Throughout all these sacred writings is the theme of salvation from sin and its consequences, if we accept God's provisions and counsels.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

The Scriptures also tell us of God and His loving character. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

Divisions
Sixty-six books were written by nearly 40 writers during a period of approximately 1,600 years. Thirty-nine of the books constitute what is known as the Old Testament and twenty-seven comprise the New Testament. Whenever Jesus referred to Scripture, He quoted the Old Testament (the New Testament had not yet been written).

The Old Testament has three major sections. Jesus said, “. . . These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” Luke 24:44.

“The law of Moses” refers to the first five books of the Bible. They were written by Moses and are often referred to as “the law,” because they contain all the laws that were given to ancient Israel. The ceremonial laws were symbolic and terminated at the cross. But there is far more to “Moses” than just the ceremonial system. Primarily it consists of the doctrines and principles of establishing God's church on earth. First there is the moral law as given by God Himself, then nature's laws, health, and doctrines of order and organization.

“The prophets” refer to all the prophetic books. Some books in other classifications also have prophetic sections but, for ease of identification, each book is only placed in one category. For instance, Jesus used this type of terminology when talking with two disciples who were traveling to Emmaus after Jesus' resurrection: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

One of the most compelling tests of the authenticity of the Scriptures is the evidence of prophecy, for true prophecy is the recording of history in advance. Many of the prophecies of the Bible were written hundreds of years before their fulfilment, others are occurring now, some refer to our future. So important is prophecy that God challenges anyone to accurately predict the future in detail as He does.

“Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods; yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.” Isaiah 41:21-23.

“Psalms” or poetry. The poetical books are Job, the Song of Solomon, and the Psalms. Some translations of the Bible record all the poetical sections in poetical format rather than prose. Although the meter is lost in translation from the original language, the beauty, majesty and pathos of the poetry of the Bible is still apparent and may be readily appreciated.

The Power and Purpose of the Bible
The power of God's word is demonstrated in many ways. When we scan the heavens and behold the sun, moon, planets and the myriads of stars, all orbiting their appointed trajectory through the immense expanse of space, we are witnessing the power of the Word of God!

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:6, 9.

Yet a still greater power is contained in the living Word. Jesus, the son of God said, “. . . the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. What is this power? What is its purpose?

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

“The word” has within itself power, deep, abiding, and eternal. It leads us to see ourselves as we really are. It searches our inmost failures and yearnings, and provides the power to raise us from the lowest degradation. It has power which is able to make and keep men right, something we cannot do for ourselves. The Bible is able to transform our character and to make each person radiant, joyous, and full of hope.

The Psalmist testified of this marvelous transforming power: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11.

How long will the word of God endure? Christ declared: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35.

Comparing the short life span of man with the Word of God, the apostle Peter wrote: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever . . . ” 1 Peter 1:24, 25.

On the midst of all the turmoil and strife of this present age, the Bible stands as an immovable, unchangeable beacon, with its light pointing to the true haven. It is a teacher and counselor of the highest order.

Can Everyone Understand the Bible?
For centuries it has been claimed by the clergy that the Bible should not be read by lay members because only learned theologians are able to interpret its doctrines. This withholding of the Scriptures from the people resulted in an intellectual, spiritual, and moral decline known, today, as the “Dark Ages.” “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6.

Contrary to the stated belief of “the clergy,” “the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130.

Therefore, the Word of God is not only for intellectuals to understand, but if studied and obeyed, it will ennoble and elevate the humble searcher for truth, whatever his station in life. Christ declared that God's Word was more readily understood by those of open minds “babies” in trusting and absorbing just what God says, than by those who claim to be “wise.”

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25.

Often men of considerable learning, whether secular or theological, are too proud to admit wrong and thus disqualify themselves from understanding the truth of God. This is clearly illustrated in the Bible by the attitude of the learned scribes and Pharisees toward the teachings and person of Christ. Although they had theoretical knowledge, they could not accept the truth being presented to them.

The Lord sees those who are humbly seeking for truth: “. . . to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2.

As we have read before, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” In other words, the “Spirit of God” gave the messages to the various writers. In order to understand the Word of God aright, we need this same Spirit to guide our mind when we read the Bible.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.

The written Word of God is God's voice speaking to us. It should always be treated with respect and should be studied with genuine desire to understand truth and its messages. Time spent searching the Scriptures should be regarded as time being spent in contact with the Divine. Therefore, before opening your Bible always pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and believe that you will be directed and taught aright.

Why Are There So Many Different Interpretations of the Bible?
This question is often asked by skeptics as an argument that the Bible is unreliable. But are they right? What is the key to true understanding?

One reason is given by the apostle Peter: “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16.

In addition the Bible reproves sin and lays open the hidden secrets of the heart. This is not agreeable to our human nature which seeks to obscure the Scripture's plain explanations. The apostle Paul prophesied: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, have itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.

It is impossible to come to a right understanding of the Bible if our hearts are not changed, because sinful human nature is opposed to the Spirit of God. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

Today men are eagerly seeking for personal advantage. For the sake of gaining riches, honor or power, they place the maxims, traditions and requirements of men above the requirements of God. From such the treasures of God's word are hidden.

Obedience is one key to a true understanding of the Scriptures. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17.

The Theme of Bible Inspiration
Many books have a central figure around which the story is woven. The Bible too has a central person in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus said: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

When conversing with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus after His resurrection, Jesus explained this vital truth to them: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

Will There Always Be Opportunity to Study God's Word?
Many people put off searching the Scriptures until they retire, or to some other time in the future. But they are making a fatal mistake!

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.” Amos 8:11-13.

This wonderful book—the Bible—will soon be of no use for men. There will be no more opportunities to understand it or to obey its teachings. The Holy Spirit will not then be available to help people know the truth. Nevertheless, today we still have opportunity. There is still time to become acquainted with God's plan for us.

Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference.

THE MONEY’S MIND
The Body of the Word: The Container of Economic Contents

By Omodolapo Ogunye

What if the greatest economic storehouse is not a bank, a vault, a market, or a financial institution?

What if it is the Body of the Word?

We have been trained to look for economic resources in external systems: capital markets, institutions, commodities, technology and investment opportunities.

But Scripture presents another possibility.

The Body of the Word is a container.

A container filled with contents.

And among its contents are economic contents.

Song of Solomon describes the Beloved:

“His head is purest gold.”
— Song of Solomon 5:11

Proverbs declares:

“In her left hand are riches and honour.”
— Proverbs 3:16

And again:

“My fruit is better than fine gold.”
— Proverbs 8:19

These descriptions are not merely poetic ornaments.

They reveal something profound:

There are economic contents stored in the Body of the Word.

Gold.

Riches.

Honour.

Fruit.

Prosperity.

These are not external additions to the Word. They are revelations of what is contained within the Person of the Word.

This changes the way we think about economics.

The question is no longer merely:

“Where can I find money?”

The deeper question becomes:

“What economic contents are stored in the Body of the Word?”

Colossians 2:9 says:

“In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”

The Body is therefore a container of fullness.

And if the Word is revealed in Scripture as economic and financial, then the Body of the Word contains economic identities, economic wisdom, economic abilities and economic performances.

This is where The Money's Mind begins.

The Money is not merely a currency.

The Money is a Person.

And the economic contents we seek are contained within the Body of that Person—the Word.

The Scriptures are capable of producing performances because they testify about the Word.

But perhaps the economic performances of Scripture are activated when we begin to discover and hunger for the economic contents stored within the Body of the Word.

This is the proposition:

The Body of the Word is the container of economic contents.

And the future of economic revelation may depend on our willingness to look beyond the pages of Scripture—not away from them, but into the Person they reveal.

Because perhaps wealth is not first something to pursue.

Perhaps wealth is a content waiting to be discovered in the Body of the Word.

The Money has a Mind.

And the Mind of the Money is stored in the Body of the Word.

Omodolapo Ogunye

THE MONEY'S MIND

The Body of the Word as Finance & Economics

The Kitchen
Celebrating The Body of the Word.
shows.acast.com/the-kitchen

Today's Readings are from the Book of 1 Chronicles 1–2 | Ephesians 3

Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading)

1 Chronicles Overview

Remembering God’s Faithfulness and Preparing for the King

The book of 1 Chronicles retells Israel's history from a different perspective than Samuel and Kings. While those books emphasize the political history of the nation and the consequences of sin, 1 Chronicles focuses on God's covenant faithfulness, the worship of His people, and the preparation for the coming Messianic King. Written after the exile, it reminds God's people that their identity and hope are found not in past failures but in God's enduring promises.

The book begins with genealogies that trace God's redemptive plan from Adam to the family of David. These lists are far more than historical records. They demonstrate that God has been faithfully preserving His covenant through every generation. No matter how difficult Israel's history became, the Lord continued advancing His purposes toward the coming Messiah.

The narrative then turns to the reign of David. Rather than emphasizing David's failures, 1 Chronicles highlights his heart for worship, his preparations for the temple, and God's covenant promise concerning his descendants. The book consistently points readers toward God's kingdom rather than merely human leadership.

Throughout the book, worship remains central. The temple, the priesthood, the Levites, and the Ark of the Covenant receive significant attention because God's presence among His people is the true source of their identity and blessing.

Theologically, 1 Chronicles reveals God's covenant faithfulness across generations. He preserves His promises despite human weakness and continually works toward His redemptive purposes. The book reminds God's people that their future remains secure because God's Word cannot fail.

This book points directly to Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David. Every genealogy, every covenant promise, and every preparation for the temple ultimately finds its fulfillment in Him. Jesus is the eternal King, the true Temple, and the fulfillment of God's covenant with David. Through Him, God's people become part of an everlasting kingdom that cannot be shaken.

For believers today, 1 Chronicles reminds us that our identity is rooted in God's faithfulness rather than our failures. He has been working throughout history to accomplish His redemptive plan, and every believer has a place within that story. In Christ, we are called to worship wholeheartedly, trust God's promises, and live as citizens of His eternal kingdom.

1 Chronicles 1

God’s Redemptive Plan Through Every Generation

1 Chronicles 1 begins with a genealogy stretching from Adam through Noah, the patriarchs, and the descendants of Abraham. At first glance, the chapter appears to be simply a list of names, yet it serves a profound theological purpose. It reminds God's people that history is not random. Every generation unfolds under the sovereign direction of the Lord.

Beginning with Adam immediately connects Israel's story to all of humanity. God's redemptive plan has always been global, extending beyond one nation to His purpose for the entire human race. From creation onward, God has faithfully preserved the line through which His promises would ultimately be fulfilled.

The genealogy moves through Noah and his sons, reminding readers that God preserved humanity through the flood and continued His covenant purposes despite human rebellion. It then focuses increasingly upon Abraham, the man through whom God established His covenant promises concerning blessing, land, and the coming Messiah.

The inclusion of many nations demonstrates that God is Lord over all peoples. While Israel holds a unique covenant role, the Lord remains sovereign over every family and kingdom on earth. History unfolds according to His purposes, not merely human decisions.

Rather than emphasizing individual accomplishments, the chapter highlights God's faithfulness across centuries. Many of these individuals remain unknown to us, yet each one occupied an important place within God's unfolding plan. The Lord works through generations, preserving His promises with perfect faithfulness.

Theologically, 1 Chronicles 1 reveals that God is sovereign over history. Every generation matters because every generation participates in His redemptive purposes. The chapter reminds us that God's covenant never depends upon human greatness but upon His own faithfulness.

This chapter points directly to Christ, who stands as the fulfillment of the covenant line traced through these generations. Every name ultimately leads toward the promised Savior, demonstrating that all of history finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 1 reminds us that our lives are part of God's larger story. We may not fully understand our place within His plan, but every generation matters to Him. In Christ, we belong to the family of God and participate in His eternal purposes, knowing that the same God who guided history continues faithfully directing our lives today.

1 Chronicles 2

The Line of Promise and the Faithfulness of God

1 Chronicles 2 narrows its focus from the broader human family to the tribe of Judah, emphasizing the family line through which God's covenant promises will continue. The chapter demonstrates that among all the tribes of Israel, Judah holds a unique place because God has chosen this lineage to bring forth the royal line that will ultimately lead to the Messiah.

The genealogy highlights the descendants of Judah, including familiar names such as Perez, Hezron, and eventually David's ancestors. Along the way, the chapter also records examples of both faithfulness and failure. Certain individuals experience blessing, while others suffer the consequences of disobedience. The genealogy reminds readers that although people often fail, God's covenant purposes continue uninterrupted.

Particular attention is given to the family of Caleb, whose life stands as an example of faithful devotion to the Lord. Caleb's legacy reminds us that wholehearted faith leaves lasting influence upon future generations. God's blessings are often experienced not only by individuals but also through the faithful example they leave behind.

The chapter repeatedly demonstrates that God's promises continue despite human weakness. Generations rise and fall, yet the covenant line remains intact because God Himself preserves it. His redemptive plan never depends upon flawless people but upon His unchanging faithfulness.
The focus on Judah also prepares readers for the central role David will occupy throughout the remainder of the book. Long before David appears on the scene, God has already been guiding history toward the fulfillment of His covenant promise.

Theologically, 1 Chronicles 2 reveals God's sovereign preservation of His covenant line. He works through ordinary families, imperfect individuals, and successive generations to accomplish extraordinary purposes. The chapter reminds us that God's promises cannot be frustrated by human failure.
This chapter points directly to Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the promised Son of David. The genealogy prepares the way for the coming King whose reign will fulfill every covenant promise made throughout the Old Testament. Jesus stands as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan preserved through these generations.

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 2 reminds us that faithfulness matters because God often works through generations. Our lives can leave a legacy that influences those who come after us. In Christ, we are part of God's eternal family, called to walk faithfully so that future generations may also know the goodness, faithfulness, and salvation of the Lord.

Ephesians 3 — The Mystery Revealed Through the Christ

Ephesians chapter 3 reveals the greatness of God's eternal redemptive plan and the privilege believers have in participating in it. Paul explains that what had once been hidden has now been fully revealed through the Christ, the Son of God. God's purpose has always been to bring people from every nation into one family through faith in His Son. The chapter also contains one of the most beautiful prayers in Scripture, asking that believers would experience the immeasurable love of the Christ and be strengthened by His power.

The chapter begins with Paul describing his ministry as a stewardship entrusted to him by God. Though imprisoned, he does not view himself as defeated but as a servant of the Christ carrying out God's purposes. Christian living is rooted in the understanding that every circumstance can be used by the Son of God to accomplish His redemptive plan. The believer's calling is determined by God's purpose rather than outward conditions.

Paul explains that God revealed a mystery that had not been fully understood in previous generations. This mystery is that both Jews and Gentiles are brought together into one body through the Christ. The redemptive plan has always pointed toward this unity, but it is now fully revealed through the gospel. The Son of God has removed every barrier that once separated people, creating one family united by His grace.

The chapter emphasizes that this work is entirely the result of God's grace. Paul recognizes that he was given the privilege of proclaiming the riches of the Christ not because of personal merit but because of God's mercy. Christian living is built upon the understanding that every opportunity to serve comes from grace. The Son of God delights in using humble servants to proclaim His glorious gospel.

Paul also reveals that through the Church, God's wisdom is being displayed to both the visible and invisible realms. The gathering together of redeemed people from every background demonstrates the greatness of God's eternal purpose. The redemptive plan is much larger than individual salvation. Through the Christ, God is revealing His wisdom, glory, and power to all creation.

Because of the finished work of the Son of God, believers now have confident access to God. They no longer approach Him in fear or uncertainty but with assurance through faith in the Christ. Christian living is strengthened by this confidence, knowing that the believer has been welcomed into the Father's presence through His Son.

The second half of the chapter records Paul's heartfelt prayer for the believers. Rather than praying primarily for physical blessings, he prays for spiritual strength through the Holy Spirit. He desires that the Christ would dwell richly within their hearts and that they would become firmly rooted and grounded in His love. The redemptive plan is not only about knowing truth intellectually but about experiencing the transforming love of the Son of God personally.

Paul continues by praying that believers would increasingly comprehend the vastness of the love of the Christ. His love surpasses human understanding because it extends beyond every limitation of time, distance, and human ability. Christian living grows stronger as believers continually discover more of His love. The Son of God never ceases to reveal the depth of His grace to those who seek Him.

The chapter concludes with a magnificent declaration of God's unlimited power. The Lord is able to accomplish far more than believers could ever ask or imagine because His power is continually at work within them. The redemptive plan is not limited by human weakness or circumstances. The Christ is accomplishing His eternal purposes through His people for His own glory.

Throughout Ephesians chapter 3, the Christ stands at the center of God's revealed mystery, the unity of the Church, the believer's confidence before God, and the limitless love that transforms every heart. Everything God has planned from eternity finds its fulfillment through His beloved Son.

For believers today, this chapter reminds us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. Christian living is rooted in God's eternal purpose and sustained by the limitless love of the Christ. We are called to grow deeper in our understanding of His grace, stronger in our dependence upon His Spirit, and more confident in His power. As we remain rooted in the love of the Son of God, our lives become living testimonies of His wisdom, His grace, and His glorious redemptive plan for all who believe.

#DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

The Heart of Prayer: Knowing God as Our Heavenly Father

One of the greatest parts of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount is His teaching about prayer. In Matthew 6:9, Jesus gives His disciples a powerful revelation about our relationship with God:

“Pray, then, in this way:
‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.’” — Matthew 6:9

Every word of this prayer carries deep meaning for those who long to know God and develop a personal relationship with Him. Jesus teaches us that we can approach the Almighty God as our Heavenly Father. This is a timeless truth for every generation and reveals the loving heart of God toward His children.

Jesus Himself revealed His unique relationship with the Father. He said, “The Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing” (John 5:19). He also declared, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working” (John 5:17). In John 10:36, Jesus spoke of Himself as the Son of God, a truth that religious leaders of His day rejected and considered blasphemous.

Jesus came into the world to reveal the Father’s divine nature, love, grace, mercy, and plan of redemption. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He opened the way for us to know God personally.

When Jesus teaches us to pray, “Our Father who is in heaven,” He begins with relationship. Then He says, “Hallowed be Your name.” This means that our deepest desire should be that God’s name be honored, magnified, and glorified through our lives. Prayer is not merely asking God for what we need; it is surrendering our hearts to His will.

Our Heavenly Father loves us, cares for us, forgives us, provides for us, and brings salvation, joy, and peace through Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us approach Him with the humble heart of a child, calling Him Father, seeking His will, and living to glorify His name.

Love God, love people, and let your life glorify your Heavenly Father.

The Bible Gaps, Shortcomings, Cracks Revealed in Us!

Prayer With Character Is Priceless

Bible Text: Philippians 1:9–10 (KJV)
“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”

Prayer with character is priceless.

Many pray in church without allowing prayer to transform their character. They come to church to pray without truly understanding the essence of prayer—to mould them, break them, refine them, and conform them to the image of Christ.

Some pray selfishly, seeking only self-love, personal gratification, and the fulfilment of their own desires. But the true state of the heart is often revealed when trials come or when they face challenges that do not align with their expectations. It is then you realize that, despite all their prayers, they still have a long way to go.

Prayer is not merely an activity we perform; it is an encounter with God that should produce transformation in us.

Without character, prayer can become an activity without manifestation—words spoken from the lips without corresponding transformation in the life.

The prayer that truly matters is not only the prayer that changes our circumstances, but the prayer that changes us.

A life that is continually shaped, refined, humbled, and transformed by God gives substance to its prayers.

God's Loving Heart.

DBF-001-039 continues with John 2:18. The Jewish authorities now challenge Jesus to prove His authority. Their response exposes a recurring human problem: demanding that God prove Himself on our terms rather than submitting to the revelation He has already given.
DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP
DBF-001-039
Today’s Scripture
John 2:18 (ESV)
“So the Jews said to him, ‘What sign do you show us for doing these things?’”
Opening the Scriptures
Jesus had cleansed the temple.
He had driven out those who were misusing His Father’s house and had demonstrated unmistakable authority.
The Jewish authorities now confronted Him.
Their question was essentially:
What gives You the right to do this?
They demanded a sign.
This is striking because the problem Jesus confronted was already visible before them. The temple had been misused, yet instead of first examining what had gone wrong, they challenged the authority of the One who confronted it.
They wanted Jesus to prove Himself.
This attitude will appear repeatedly throughout His ministry.
People will see His works, hear His words, and still demand something more before they will believe.
The deeper problem is not always lack of evidence.
Sometimes it is an unwillingness to submit.
Living God’s Word Today
We must be careful not to approach God in the same way.
We can quietly begin making bargains with Him.
“God, if You answer this prayer, then I will trust You.”
“If You solve this problem, then I will believe You are with me.”
“If You give me what I ask for, then I will obey.”
That is not biblical faith.
God does not stand before us waiting to pass our examination. We stand before Him.
He has revealed Himself in creation.
He has spoken through His Word.
Most importantly, He has revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Our responsibility is not to demand that God continually prove Himself according to conditions we establish.
Our responsibility is to hear His Word, believe Him, and obey.
This does not mean Christians should never ask sincere questions. Scripture contains many faithful servants of God who cried out for understanding during difficult circumstances.
There is a great difference, however, between seeking understanding and demanding proof before we will obey.
One says:
“Lord, help me understand.”
The other says:
“Lord, prove Yourself to me first.”
The religious leaders were standing before Jesus Christ, yet they demanded another sign.
We should examine our own hearts before criticizing theirs.
God has already given us the greatest revelation possible.
He has given us His Son.
And as we continue through John’s Gospel, we will discover that Jesus will point toward the greatest sign of all: His death and resurrection.
Do not build your faith upon demanding another miracle.
Build your life upon the Christ revealed in God’s Word.
Question for Today
Are you trusting what God has revealed, or are you demanding that He prove Himself on your terms?
Respond: “Lord, help me trust Your Word and obey You.”

Guidelines for living.
August 31st, 2026

What is a Creed?

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

The industrialist Henry Ford used to say that he knew the Church was a divine institution because, contended Ford, no other organization so poorly organized and run would have survived for 2000 years. Going beyond the satire of what he said, there is a measure of truth in his statement.

After the resurrection, the followers of Jesus were left without an organization, with no financial base, and really without an organized plan for survival and growth. They had no buildings, no leader, and no game plan. It was almost fifteen years before Saul - known to history as the Apostle Paul - came on the scene. What held them together? What gave them cohesiveness?

John, one of the youngest of the Twelve, partly answered that question at the end of his life. He wrote, "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us" (1 John 1:3). Simply put, two things were the basis of agreement and fellowship: what they had seen, and what they had heard, which began to be passed from generation to generation.

One of the challenges confronting the church is this old issue: What brings us together and what keeps us together? Music won't do it anymore; neither will a unified translation of the Bible, though the Bible itself is our age-abiding source of authority and belief. But is there more?

Shortly after the resurrection of Christ, men and women from different parts of the world began asking, "What do we really believe?" and "Is it the same everywhere?" The answers to those questions are contained in what are called the creeds of the church. Like you, perhaps, in the early years of my Christian experience, I thought of creeds and statements of faith as things that were rather dull and boring, of a historical nature. I wanted life and liberty.

But eventually I came to appreciate the fact that the historical creeds of the church are something like the steel or iron bands that held the staves of an old-fashioned wooden barrel together. Remember the old wooden barrels of bygone years that held cider and apples and that sort of produce? Around the world there are different groups with different cultures and sometimes differing views of the truth of God's Word. They are much like the staves of a barrel, but the concise statements of creeds are like the iron bands that hold it all together. Within is the treasure of what God has revealed in His Word.

In an age of diversity and fragmentation, we need to know what is important and why, which means taking a look at what has been believed from the days of the Early Church to the present.

The earliest creed or statement of faith was included in Paul's letter to the Corinthians about 56 AD. He wrote, "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Pretty simple: Christ died, He was buried, He rose again the third day.

Over a period of years, especially when someone came along with strange or heretical beliefs, Christians said, "Whoa! Wait a minute! We don't believe that!" and they called church councils who took a hard look at what was commonly believed to be true, and the statement of faith expanded.

Usually, the councils of the church simply recognized what God's Holy Spirit had universally impressed upon people. What do you believe, anyway? It's an issue of tremendous importance, and you need to know.

Resource Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-19

Did you know?
The sanctuary was not merely an ancient place of worship. It was God’s illustrated plan of redemption.

Scripture calls the earthly sanctuary a “copy and shadow of the heavenly things” (Hebrews 8:5). Its services were symbolic, pointing beyond themselves to the saving work of Christ.

Every part taught something.

The sacrifices revealed that sin brings death and that forgiveness requires the shedding of blood.
The priesthood revealed the need for a mediator between God and man.
The daily ministry showed how confessed sin was dealt with through the blood of the sacrifice.
The Day of Atonement revealed a final work of cleansing, judgment, and the ultimate removal of sin.

Even the yearly feasts followed the same redemptive pattern.

Passover pointed to Christ our sacrifice.
Unleavened Bread pointed to His sinless life and burial.
Firstfruits pointed to His resurrection.
Pentecost pointed to the inauguration of the heavenly sanctuary and outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Trumpets announced the approaching judgment.
The Day of Atonement pointed to the final judgement ministry of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary.
Tabernacles pointed forward to the final gathering and dwelling of God with His redeemed people.

This is why the sanctuary matters.

The cross cannot be separated from the priesthood.
The sacrifice cannot be separated from the ministry of the blood.
And the daily service cannot be separated from the final cleansing on the Day of Atonement.

Together, the sanctuary, its sacrifices, its priesthood, and its feasts form one connected prophetic picture of the entire work of redemption—from the death of Christ to the final removal of sin.

“Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary.” — Psalm 77:13

Hebrews 8:5 • Hebrews 9:9, 23–24 • Colossians 2:16–17

The Kitchen Newsletter

Good day,
Welcome to The Kitchen, where we explore, prepare and serve the contents in the Body of the Word as the delicacies of God—to create the form of the Father on the earth, to make the earth in His likeness, and to take charge of the economic destinies of nations for God.

Relax, and let's journey through the scriptures to see the Body of the Word.

The Word Is More Than Written Letters

John's experience on the island of Patmos gives us a remarkable starting point.

He turned to see the voice speaking to him, and what he saw was not merely a written sentence or an abstract idea. He saw Jesus Christ—the living Word of God—in the appearance of a man, with a body.

John describes His head and hair, His eyes, His feet, His voice, His right hand, His mouth and His face.

“His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.”
Revelation 1:12–17

This is important.

The Word of God is not merely letters printed on pages. The Word is a living Person.

And the Body of this living Word is the image of the invisible God.

Hebrews tells us:

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.”
Hebrews 1:3

Paul similarly describes Christ as:

“the image of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:4

So when we look at the Body of the Word, we are looking at the revelation of the invisible God.

The invisible God cannot be seen with ordinary physical eyes. But He has made Himself known through the Body of the Word.

That is why Paul says that God has caused light to shine in our hearts:

“to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6

The face represents the person. The body gives us the detailed descriptions through which the Person of the Word is revealed.

God Is Speaking From the Body of the Word

There is another dimension here that I find particularly striking.

Jesus does not merely want His Church to know about Him. He wants His Church to know Him.

After John saw these things, Jesus said:

“Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.”
Revelation 1:19

And Isaiah declares:

“The hand of the LORD will be made known to his servants.”
Isaiah 66:14

The Scriptures testify about the Person of the Word.

Jesus Himself said:

“These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.”
John 5:39

Therefore, when Scripture gives us a description of the head, hair, eyes, face, hands, feet or mouth of the Word, we should not dismiss those descriptions as insignificant details.

They are invitations to look deeper.

The details of the Body of the Word become doors into the knowledge of God.

This is why the Holy Spirit is so important.

Jesus said concerning the Spirit of Truth:

“.....He will take from what is mine and make known to you.”
John 16:13–15

And Revelation repeatedly gives us this instruction:

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 2:7

The Spirit takes from Christ and makes Christ known.

So the revelation of Scripture concerning the Body of the Word is not merely information. It is what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

THE BODY OF THE WORD IS WHITE LIKE WOOL AND SNOW

Now let us look at one particular description.

John says:

“His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow.”
Revelation 1:14

Notice that John is describing the head and hair, but the revelation does not have to stop at the head and hair.

The description points us toward the description of the whole Person.

Daniel saw something remarkably similar:

“His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool.”
Daniel 7:9

Then the Song of Solomon gives us another description:

“His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as the cedars.”
Song of Solomon 5:15

Lebanon was known for its majestic mountain ranges and snow.

The Scriptures are therefore giving us a consistent picture: whiteness, wool, snow, purity.

Isaiah makes the meaning of this imagery particularly clear:

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Isaiah 1:18

White like snow.

White like wool.

The picture is purity.

Cleanliness.

Freedom from stain.

No defect.

No blemish.

No corruption.

So when we see the Body of the Word described as white like wool and white as snow, we are being brought into a revelation of the purity and holiness of God.

The Body of the Word Is the Standard of Purity

This has a very practical implication.

How do we understand God's standard of purity?

We look at the Body of the Word.

How do we understand God's holiness?

We look at the Body of the Word.

How do we understand what it means for something to be clean before God?

We look at the Body of the Word.

The Body of the Word gives us the picture.

The standard is not created by culture.

It is not determined by popular opinion.

It is not defined by whatever happens to be socially acceptable at the moment.

The standard is the Body of the Word.

This is why the revelation of the Body of the Word is not merely an interesting theological subject. It confronts the way we think, the way we live, the way we build, the way we govern and even the way we define what is acceptable.

If Christ is the image of the invisible God, then our understanding of God must ultimately be brought into alignment with the Body of the Word.

The Body of the Word is the purity of God.

The Body of the Word is the holiness of God.

And pursuing the revelation of the Body of the Word is therefore a pursuit of the holiness of God.

The Psalmist says:

“Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.”
Psalm 96:9

But There Is Something Even More Provocative

The same Body that is pure is also food.

Jesus said:

“I am the bread of life.”
John 6:35

And again:

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven......and this bread is my flesh”
John 6:51

Then He makes the statement even more direct:

“For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.”
John 6:55

This gives us an extraordinary picture.

The Body of the Word is not merely something God wants us to observe.

It is food.

And if the Body of the Word is white like wool and white as snow, then we can describe it as clean food.

The delicacies of God are found in the revelation knowledge of the Body of the Word.

The Body of the Word is the food.

The detailed descriptions of the Body are the delicacies.

The Holy Spirit is the Teacher.

And the delicacies of the Father bring us into a deeper knowledge of the Father.

The Table of God

There is an intriguing Old Testament picture here.

God instructed Israel:

“Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times.”
Exodus 25:30

Jesus identifies Himself as the Bread that came down from heaven.

The connection is profound: God's table points us toward the Body of the Word as God's food.

Even the language of the Song of Solomon gives us another picture:

“And at our door is every delicacy, both new and old, that I have stored up for you.”
Song of Solomon 7:13


There are dimensions of Christ that we have not yet adequately explored.

There are descriptions that we have read without necessarily understanding.

There are Scriptures we have quoted without asking what Person they are revealing.

And this is where the unfolding of the Word becomes important.

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
Psalm 119:130

The Body of the Word can be read.

The Body of the Word can be unfolded.

And when unfolded, light comes.

Not merely intellectual information.

Revelation.

The knowledge of the Father.

The Clean Food of God

This also helps us understand the Old Testament distinction between clean and unclean food.

Leviticus 11 records God's instructions concerning clean and unclean animals.

The animals were not simply a collection of arbitrary dietary regulations. Within the larger biblical pattern, they also point toward deeper realities that find their fulfillment in Christ.

The clean animals—including lambs, sheep, goats and bulls—were repeatedly associated with sacrifice and worship.

The ultimate reality, however, is Christ - his Body.

John the Baptist identifies Him as:

“the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29

And Jesus declares:

“My flesh is real food.”
John 6:55

So the shadow points toward the substance.

The symbol points toward the Person.

The animal points toward the Lamb.

The bread points toward the Bread of Life.

The descriptions point toward the Body of the Word.

The Body of the Word is the clean food of God.

And the delicacies contained within that Body are the detailed revelations through which God makes Himself known.

What Are We Eating?

Perhaps this is the question we should leave with today.

What are you feeding your understanding of God with?

Opinions?

Traditions?

Culture?

Personal assumptions?

Or are you allowing the Scriptures to introduce you to the Person of the Word?

Jesus said the Scriptures testify about Him (John 5:39).

The Holy Spirit takes what belongs to Christ and makes it known (John 16:13–15).

The unfolding of the Word gives light (Psalm 119:130).

And Christ is the exact representation of the invisible God (Hebrews 1:3).

Therefore, there is a profound invitation before us:

Come and feed on the Body of the Word.

Look.

Read.

Unfold.

Ask the Holy Spirit to open the Body of the Word to you.

Look at the Body of the Word.

Look at the descriptions.

Look at its purity.

Look at its holiness.

Look at its beauty.

Look at its members.

Look at the delicacies contained within it.

And perhaps what we have called ordinary words are carrying revelations of the Person of Christ that we have not yet tasted.

The Father wants to make Himself known.

And He has given us the Body of the Word.

The Body of the Word is the image of the invisible God.

The Body of the Word is pure.

The Body of the Word is holy.

The Body of the Word is clean food.

And the revelation of that Body is a delicacy prepared for those who are willing to come to the table.

Listen to The Kitchen Podcast by Omodolapo Ogunye on Audible, Spotify, Deezer, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts.

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