Before I can address the topics in my first article, I must lay its foundation. Let’s take a practical look at how we can truly know our benefits in God; how to move and operate according to His Word.
Check the Word for Yourself
Before I do anything—especially if it sounds too good to be true or goes against the norm—I pause and check the Word for myself. I need biblical clearance. Put another way, I’m not just jumping on any bandwagon simply because it sounds appealing. My spiritual instinct always leads me to see what God says about a thing first. Yet, the choices we make are totally up to us unless we are having a “Jonah and the big fish” experience! Please read the book of Jonah for more.
Question! Whose rulebook are Followers of Christ (FOCs) meant to use anyway?
The Whole Bible Matters: Old and New Testaments
A lot of us have been taught, or have just assumed, that the Old Testament doesn’t apply to us since Jesus came. But look at what Jesus Himself says in Matthew 5:17-18:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”
And 1 John 1:9 (NIV) reminds us,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Clearly, God’s guidelines for living are spelled out in the Old Testament just as much as the New Testament.
Lessons from Isaiah: Don’t Drift from God’s Ways
Take chapter 1:3 (NIV) of Isaiah, for example. Isaiah is speaking to God’s rebellious people. He points out that
“3The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
God’s people were off doing their own thing, following their own rules, and drifting from what God had said. Isaiah warned that if the Lord hadn’t left a remnant, they’d have ended up like Sodom and Gomorrah—completely wiped out. God’s call in Isaiah 1:18 is,
“Come now, let us reason together.”
This is God inviting us to think, to question, and to get back on track.
Why Both Testaments Matter Today
You’ll notice that I reference both Old and New Testament scriptures because they both matter. Some say the Old Testament is outdated, but Jesus made it clear He didn’t come to erase any of it—He came to fulfill it. Sure, there are some things we no longer practice, like marrying our siblings or sacrificing poor, innocent animals for our myriad sins. But the core guidelines for how God wants us to live have not changed. God says in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):
“11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Again, in Isaiah 1:18, God says, “Let us reason together,” because the people were confused and lost. The same applies to us today, and that’s why these teachings matter. Remember, the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness, for what was slated to be an 11-day journey according to Deuteronomy 2:1. They lost hope and decided to rebel and serve other non-thinking, non-seeing gods because they disregarded the LORD’s ways. They worshipped idols, living in open disobedience, and chasing after whatever felt good. God said through Jeremiah, “I, the Lord, sent you into exile.” Could that happen to us? Could we end up far from God’s best if we ignore His Word?
Let’s Reason Together
Ultimately, these questions and biblical principles help us understand how to live in a way that honors God. That’s the foundation I’m building here: Let’s reason together with God’s Word as our guide, so we can move confidently and authentically as followers of Christ.
And so, we Pray
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging our need for Your guidance and grace. We confess that we have often gone our own way and fallen short of Your perfect standard. Today, we repent of our waywardness and turn away from anything that draws us from Your presence. Lord Jesus, we accept You as our Savior and believe that You died and rose again for our salvation. We confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that You are Lord over every part of our life. Thank You for Your mercy, forgiveness, and the new life You offer. Please fill us with Your Holy Spirit, renew our minds with Your Word, and lead us to walk in Your truth every day. Help us to reason with You, trust in Your promises, and follow You wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
I welcome your insights and look forward to an engaging dialogue.
Blessings, Love Lisa
