On the Truth of The Bible

"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” (II Timothy 3:16,17). 


Recently a FB friend wrote and suggested that our God is a God of tolerance. His point was that Christians should be tolerant of everyones view (and behaviors) however liberal it may be deemed and that they should allow for it. His comments were in the context of "don't take the Bible to seriously" 


It would seem that this more liberal position does not allow for teaching (imposition) of doctrine, correction, reproof, and instruction in righteousness.  


For me this notion of tolerance is a liberal construct designed to give equal weight to all belief systems and validate most, if not all, behaviors.


I appreciate everyones view, even tolerate it. That, however, does not allow me to ignore what God lays on my heart. Either the above quoted scripture means what it says or we can have little faith in anything scripture says. Forgive my simplistic views.


Is our God intentionally ambiguous or does He say what He means? I accept that we do not have all of the answers to the mystery of scripture but surely God has given us some of those answers. If the great issues of life are not clear in it's pages, then why follow it at all?

My Visit to the UK

Before the turn of the last century my grandparents emigrated from the UK to Canada then the States. Growing up hearing the many family stories of our connection to England, in particular Canning Town and the East End, there grew within me a great desire to visit the UK and 'take in' something of the culture within which my fore-bearers lived and served.

Not long ago, my desire was realized when my children gave me a trip to London for my birthday. What a wonderful experience to visit this great city and it's environs, the East End and so many of the landmarks England has become known for.

To find my way down Whitechapel Rd. where The Salvation Army had it's beginnings was an inspiration. After all, I come from a Salvationist family. My great grandmother Ransom first came to the Lord and the Army in this neighborhood before moving to the West End in 1884. I felt a real connection to my surroundings as I imagined what life might have been like so long ago. I felt very much at home. I hope to return some day soon to spend a little more time in these surroundings if circumstances allow.

It occurs to me that, if such a visit to the 'homeland' can be so inspiring and moving, how much more so will be the great 'homecoming' we all will experience when entering the gates of heaven. To say that we will feel a connection and feel very much at home is an understatement, for there our Father waits for us and will greet us and we will sit at His feet for all eternity.

Well, I am not sure which of these two journey's will come next, but I anxiously await them both.

The Churches Help Wanted Sign-Intro to "That God May Use Me" by Gary Laws

“Wanted, hearts baptized with fire,

Hearts completely cleansed from sin,

Hearts that will go to the mire,

Hearts that dare do aught for him;

Hearts that will be firmer, braver,

Hearts like heroes gone before,

Hearts enjoying God‘s full favor,

Hearts to love him more and more.”

John Lawley (1859-1922)

“Help Wanted” read the sign in the window

of a Syracuse, New York grocery store in 1955. It

attracted the interest of many young men who were

desperately looking for work. Some were of school

age and others were older persons with responsibilities

and families to support.

The owner of the store had taken many dozens

of applications and was having difficulty

deciding who the best candidate would be. To his

dismay, none of the applicants seemed to be the

„right one‟ for the position.

He was looking for someone who demonstrated

a desire to pursue the grocery business as a

lifelong career. Of the applications he had received,

it appeared that none met his criteria. He needed

someone who would be willing to work many

hours, learn all facets of the business and devote his

life to the success of the store; with a view toward

one day being in full charge.

One day a youth about 18 years old applied

for the position. During the interview he said to the

owner, “Sir, I will do everything it takes to become

the best employee you have. I am willing to take

any position and I am willing to learn whatever is

required.” The owner explained to this young man

that he would have to start out as a stock clerk, but

there would be room for advancement if he could

prove himself. He told the boy that he would be

with him each step of the way, giving him the

needed instruction and encouragement to succeed…

if he was willing to make a total commitment to the

task.

Excitedly, the young man told the owner that

he would have his full commitment to the success

of the business. He was hired on the spot!

There is a sense in which there is posted outside

many of our churches today, a „Help Wanted‟

sign. God is calling people who are willing to make

a full commitment to Him in Christian service. Our

Lord is telling us that if we are willing to do what is

required, He will walk with us each step of the way,

providing the necessary instruction, encouragement,

and favor so that we might succeed; first in

our personal Christian walk and then in our personal

service to Him and, then, others who need to

learn of Him.

“That God May Use Me” has been written

for those who desire to be used of God in ways that

He directs. In these pages you will find inspiration,

instruction and encouragement as you seek to

discover how God might best put you to work for

the Kingdom.

There is no greater calling than the calling to

Christian mission. That calling may lead many of

my readers down different paths of service. Whatever

those paths may be; one thing is for certain…

God has a plan for your life and discovering

that plan, and responding to it, will be an exciting

adventure unparalleled by any other you might

experience in life.

This book has been written for the layperson,

however, many considering full time service in

ministry will benefit from it as well.

God is searching for hearts baptized with

fire; people whose hearts have been cleansed from

sin and are willing to go into the mire of this world,

as thousands have before. God will bestow His

favor and blessing upon those willing to make this

commitment. Great miracles will flow from the

consecrated hearts of Gods people who are willing

to do His bidding.

May God bless you as you seek His will for

your life and, while doing so, declaring to the world

your desire, “That God May Use Me!”

Nothing But the Truth

“I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God!” We are all familiar with the oath one is required to take in a court of law. For centuries, witnesses have been taking this oath. The requirement of such an oath is based on the premise that criminal justice proceedings cannot be successfully held unless the truth is forthcoming and that truth must be whole and complete. It is so important it must be given with the help of God Himself: or so the oath implies! Of course, in order to state the truth, one must be in possession of the truth!

I would argue that if life is to be lived successfully it, also, must be based upon truth... the whole truth and nothing but the truth! Seeking the truth upon which life is based becomes a never ending pursuit and if you are to truly find it you must seek out the very source of life itself. For Christians, that life is the Creator, God Himself and His truth can only be found in the one book He has given mankind…the Bible. I believe that the Bible not only contains truth but is the very embodiment of all truth! I acknowledge, however, that not everyone would agree.

For some in today’s world, the Bible is an interesting, albeit antiquated, compilation of historical writings: Opinion pieces, if you will, written by men who lived long ago. Some people believe this sacred text is inspiring, even useful if occasionally referenced, but little more. 

For others, the Bible is a wonderfully exciting, living work given by God Himself as a handbook for Christian living. They maintain the Bible is absolute truth communicated to mankind by their Creator. By immersing themselves in its teachings, it will lead to the most intimate relationship possible with God Himself. They believe it is inerrant…that is, without error.

I also subscribe to the latter view! Some see such a position as ‘intellectually shallow’ …so be it!

Seeking out Biblical truth is essential for all Christians who desire to become the best that they can become. Applying these truths to life and then sharing them with others is the essence of successful Christian living. Do you really understand where in Scripture each truth comes from and do you accept the absolute nature of each? You will be the better for having sought out this important knowledge.



When I was a much younger man I wanted very much to share my faith with all who would listen. When the opportunity presented itself, I eagerly told others that God loved them and Jesus died for their sins. 

I soon learned, however, that there were many other Bible truths that I was not yet ready to share as I had not fully understood them. Further, I had some difficulty backing up my facts with the Scripture that supported these very important Bible truths. 

There are fundamental principles contained in Scripture that all Christians should be aware of. Seeking out these principles will broaden our relationship with God and enable us to share them with others more effectively. Many of these truths relate to issues in our daily lives….divorce, remarriage, promiscuity, sanctification, helping the poor, prayer, fasting, righteous living, our people relationships, healing and on the list goes. These are all principles dealt with in the Scriptures. Of course, we all have our opinion on these and other matters but do our opinions square with what the Bible teaches? Then there is the issue of the Bible itself! Are we settled in our hearts as it regards the truth of what is found there?

Most of us develop a level of awareness that serves to help us in our Christian walk. For example, we know that God is love. We see examples of His love all around us. We know that there are certain standards of behavior that God expects of those who claim His name. Further, we have become aware of specific doctrinal truths, contained in the Bible, that are critical to our understanding of God and His divine plan.

Discovering Bible truth will help all Christians, new and old, to develop a broader knowledge of their faith. It will assist them in understanding the authority upon which these principles rest and it will guide each through the process of discovery, using the Bible, so that each principle can be shared effectively with others.

Another discovery I made as a young Christian was that while I understood the existence of truth I did not always realize that my knowledge was very limited. It is important for all Christians to have an ever expanding knowledge of Scripture. This is so that we can grow spiritually and help others to do the same.

The truth of God’s word, the Holy Bible, is often thought to be for a specific people living in a certain age. In reality, these truths are for all mankind through all ages. The Bible is still relevant today...perhaps more relevant than ever.

Now, truth is as God gives it! God gives it as we seek it! This wonderful journey of discovery will enable us all to be fashioned more in the likeness of our creator.

So, I challenge all to learn and apply the truths of Scripture and to do so continually, every day! If you do, God will reward you with peace, your life will overflow with joy, and your ministry will be blessed beyond measure!