Opening Scriptures before the Message
Isaiah 55:11 NRSV C.S. Lewis so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
2 Peter 1:19-21 So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
First of all you must understand this, that no prophesy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation,
because no prophesy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
How to hear and understand the Gospel
The LORD Answers Job
Job 38:1-3 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind;
"Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me.
GOD'S Challenge to Job
Job 40:6-7 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind;
"Gird up your loins like a man; I will question you, and you declare to me.
Job 42:4-7 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you declare to me.'
I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Job's Friends are Humiliated
After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite; "My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends; for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.
Romans 10:14-17 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?
And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"
So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.
Acts 26:17-18 I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you
to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
Romans 15:4-7 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus,
so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.