Verses For the Week and Some Various Thoughts

First, the verses for the week --

II Timothy 3:16-17 --  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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Now, some various thoughts --

We are at the time of year when we think about the Reformation.  The two important themes of the Reformation are sola scriptura and sola fide.  This means Scripture alone and faith alone.  Protestants believe that the only way to salvation is by faith apart from works.  There can be no mixture of faith plus works.  You can't have faith plus anything.  Salvation is by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Protestants also believe that the only authority of faith is the Bible alone.  This being the case, we need to be students of the Bible.  I would urge each of you to study the Bible in a systematic fashion.  Read the Bible everyday.  Also, study the Bible.  Really get into the depths of what the Bible has to say so that you will know all that the Lord has told you and what He would have you to do.

On another note.  Today is Halloween.  I get a lot of people who disagree with me on this when I say it, but I would urge you to think twice about celebrating anything having to do with Halloween.  Anything that celebrates death, devils and dark forces is something that Christians should stay away from.  I really believe that the Lord would have us focus on something that is more in keeping with His values.