HCSB Ancient Faith 2003

Opening Scriptures before the Message

Isaiah 55:11 so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and will prosper in what I sent it [to do]."

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting for training in righteousness,

so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Peter 1:19-21 So we have the prophetic word strongly confirmed. You will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dismal place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

First of all, you should know this: no prophecy of Scripture comes from one's own interpretation,

because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, moved by the Holy Spirit, men spoke from God.

How to hear and understand the Gospel

The LORD Speaks

Job 38:1-3 Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind. He said;

Who is this who obscures [My] counsel with ignorant words?

Get ready to answer Me like a mam; when I question you, you will inform Me.

Job 40:6-7 Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind:

Get ready to answer Me like a man; When I question you, you will inform Me.

Job 42:4-7 [You said,] "Listen now, and I will speak, When I question you, you will inform Me."

I had heard rumors about You, but now my eyes have seen You.

Therefore I take back [my words] and repent in dust and ashes.

After the LORD had finished speaking to Job, He said to Eliphaz the Temanite: "I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken the truth about Me, as My servant Job has.

Israel's Rejection of the Message

Romans 10:14-17 But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher?

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written; How welcome are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!

But all did not obey the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message?

So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.

Acts 26:17-18 I will rescue you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,

to open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'

Romans 15:4-7 For whatever was written before was written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we may have hope.

Now may the God of endurance and encouragement grant you agreement with one another, according to Christ Jesus,

so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with a united mind and voice.

Glorifying God Together

Therefore accept one another, just as the Messiah also accepted you, to the glory of God.