Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
2 Peter 1:20-21
Who wrote the Bible? If you have been around the church for a while, you might start listing off the forty people who authored each book, people like Moses, Paul, Luke, and Samuel. But in this passage of Scripture, we get a different angle on how the pages of the Bible were put together. We see that it was the Holy Spirit moving inside of these different authors to speak on behalf of God. The inspiration of the Holy Spirit is what compelled the writing of the Bible and is why this book is regarded as the very word of God. It wasn’t put together from human initiative or understanding. The Bible had a supernatural origin.
The authors of Scripture used their experiences and several literary styles to convey the truths revealed to them through the Holy Spirit. We find that the Spirit uses all different sorts of styles and writers ranging from poets, doctors, fisherman, and choir leaders to share these deeper truths. This is why when we read the Bible, it has the power to change our lives. It is through opening the Word of God that the Holy Spirit continues to speak to each and every one of us. This is also why on weekends, during the week in Small Groups, and daily during our personal study, we focus on the Bible, because it is through these practices that we hear from God.
The question then becomes: Are you allowing God to speak to you when you read the Bible? Are you allowing the principles, stories, and historical accounts to transform your life, or is it just another book on your shelf? Our hope is that every time you open the Bible that you would see it as the very Word of God. We pray that the power of the Holy Spirit would illuminate words, sentences, and phrases that will lead you closer to God.
If you had a conversation with random people and asked them, “What helps you to draw close to God?" you would hear all sorts of different things like, "nature," "exercise," "singing," or maybe even, "standing on top of a mountain." But what most people miss is that the best place to draw near to God is by reading and applying the truths that we find in the Bible. As you journal, take some time to evaluate what place God’s Word has in your life. Then write out some ways that you can spend more time hearing from the Holy Spirit when you are reading His Word. To get the most out of reading and understanding the Bible, you have to find a Small Group at Sagebrush to join. If you haven't found a group, take some time to either sign up on the Decisions Tab of our app or the Sagebrush website.
Read 2 Peter 1:12-21 (NLT)
Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.
For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes when he received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
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