Life:  What are the “anchors” of truth I hold dear?

Many years ago, I realized I was living an unstable life that was moving in the wrong direction.  I knew then that I needed to make some strategic changes in my way of thinking.  I realized that if I stayed on the path I was on, I was subject to making some decisions that would have a long-term negative effect on my life.  I can’t even begin to tell you how great a difference the changes I made then have had upon the development of my life.  As I look back now through the years, I realize that there are certain truths that I soon came to hold that became anchors, so to speak, that have provided me with a stable and wonderful life.  It has been those principles that have provided not only a sense of stability, but also confidence about the direction of my life.  For these fundamental truths I will be forever grateful.  What a difference coming to believe these things has made for me through the years, as I’m confident they will for anyone!  Let’s look at them.

1. I know that I can rely upon the teachings of the Bible to provide a firm foundation for my life.

It is for this reason that I’ve given the study of the Bible priority in my life.  Some foolishly believe the Bible is an old-fashioned, outdated book with little practical application.  That it is not! It has the same relevance today that it has always had.  A few verses that strategically changed the complete course of my life are these first few I’ll now mention.

Matthew 7:24-29

²⁴ Therefore whosoever [no exceptions] heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

²⁵ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

²⁶ And every one[no exceptions] that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

²⁷ And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

That is such a simple but important paragraph about life in general! Even though some of the commands in this passage were specifically addressed to Israel, there are some general principles here that apply in any and every generation.  Now notice the response of the people to whom Christ was speaking on this occasion.

²⁸ And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

²⁹ For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. [Emphasis added]

In my case, I was not only “astonished,” but took it all to heart.  Do you believe that the teachings of Scripture will make a significant and important difference in your life? You had better! Your answer to the question will be seen by all in what you do with the principles taught in the Bible.  Will you be a disciple of Jesus Christ, that is, a serious student of the Scriptures? Will you be willing to devote the time necessary to learn the principles set forth there? In all my life I’ve never known anyone who ever regretted taking the time it took to seriously study the Bible, but I’ve known many who later regretted not doing that.  We all have 24 hours a day.  How we choose to invest that time will make a huge difference in our lives now and for all eternity.  Furthermore, you’ll have the opportunity to some extent to impact the lives of those around you who are affected by your decisions.  As we all take time to eat every day, we all need to take time to feed on God’s Word every day.

Matthew 4:4

⁴ But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. [Emphasis added]

2. I know I can rely upon the accuracy of the Bible for God’s leadership of my life.

In every generation the authority of the Bible and Scripture is questioned and challenged.

II Timothy 3:16-17

¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. [Emphasis added]

Yes, the Bible is an accurate and practical book.  Furthermore, the authority of the Scriptures needs to be respected, not questioned, or challenged.

Romans 15:4

⁴ For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope [ELPIS = confidence]. [Emphasis added]

3. I know that the Bible is God’s wisdom, representing the way to a happy and productive life in any generation.  Hence, I know my life will not be a matter of chance, but a matter of choice determined by my willingness to submit myself to the authority of His Word.

Proverbs 3:5-6

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

This tells us we must be careful about trusting our opinion and that of others.  We must learn to rely on the wisdom of God’s Word.  As pilots learn to fly on instruments rather than their feelings, we must learn to live by the principles of truth we learn from God’s Word.

⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. [Emphasis added]

It is through the voice of the Scriptures that He will speak to you to direct your life.  In our time no audible voice will be heard from Him.

Proverbs 8:17-21

¹⁷ I love them that love me [speaking of the wisdom of the Scriptures]; and those that seek me early shall find me.

¹⁸ Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

¹⁹ My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

²⁰ I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

²¹ That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. [Emphasis added]

There are material promises throughout the Old Testament that are not specifically directed TO us, but the trends of what tends to happen when people live by the Word of God do relate to people of every generation.

4. I know that my salvation from eternal condemnation is a blessing in my life by God’s grace and because of my faith in Him and His provision.

Ephesians 2:8-9

⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast. [Emphasis added]

Romans 8:1a

¹ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, [Emphasis added]

I now know that none of my sins will ever be held against me because they were all held against Christ when He paid the full penalty due for them on the cross of Calvary.

2 Corinthians 5:19,21

¹⁹ To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

I know well that it is not my righteousness upon which my salvation stands, but His.

²¹ For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. [Emphasis added]

5. I know that my salvation is perfectly secure because once and for all time I have become a child of God by grace through spiritual birth.

Galatians 3:26

²⁶ For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. [Emphasis added]

Titus 3:5

⁵ Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration [PALINGENESIA = new birth], and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [Emphasis added]

As a child of God this makes me a co-heir with Christ to all God’s blessings that have been afforded to Him.

Romans 8:16-17

¹⁶ The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

¹⁷ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. [Emphasis added]

Because of my position in Christ, my salvation and my future are perfectly secure.

Romans 8:38-39

³⁸ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Emphasis added]

6. I know that I have a powerful and wealthy Heavenly Father who has promised to provide my every need for my life of service to Him.

Philippians 4:19

¹⁹ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. [Emphasis added]

But I must always remind myself to beware that there can be a vast difference between my needs and my wants.

Ephesians 3:20

²⁰ Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think [NOEO = think, perceive or imagine], according to the power that worketh in us, [Emphasis added]

   7. I know that prayer needs to be an ongoing part of my life and I realize that a no is just as much of an answer from Him as a yes.

I Thessalonians 5:17

¹⁷ Pray without ceasing. [Emphasis added]

Ephesians 6:18

¹⁸ Praying [PROSEUCHOMAI = praying] always with all prayer and supplication [DEESIS = requests] in the Spirit, and watching [AGRUPNEO = being alert or watchful] thereunto with all perseverance and supplication [DEESIS = requests] for all saints; [Emphasis added]

I must make a habit of not only praying about my own concerns, but those of others.

Matthew 26:41

⁴¹ Watch [GREGOREO = be alert] and pray [PROSEUCHOMAI = pray], that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. [Emphasis added]

Hebrews 4:15-16

¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. [Emphasis added]

8. I know that because I have a loving and powerful Heavenly Father who will protect me in my time of service to Him, I have nothing to fear.

Philippians 4:6-7

⁶ Be careful for nothing [meaning to stop worrying about anything]; but in every thing by prayer and supplication [DEESIS = requests] with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep [PHULASSO = guard] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [Emphasis added]

This blessing called the peace of God is the absence of worry and fear.

2 Timothy 1:7

⁷ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. [Emphasis added]

     9. I know that, as one who loves God, no matter what happens to me, He will use it for my good.

Romans 8:28

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [Emphasis added]

Despite all the problems and sources of suffering and frustration in life I’m destined to share in all the blessings of Christ’s glorious inheritance.

Ephesians 1:11

¹¹ In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: [Emphasis added]

10. I know that because of all God’s blessings in Christ that are now mine, I owe Him a life of complete submission to His stated will.

Romans 12:1-2

¹ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. [Emphasis added]

11. I know that my submission to the wisdom of God’s Word will result in my blessing in time but especially in eternity.

2 Corinthians 5:10

¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. [Emphasis added]

Only those things done to bring honor to Christ will stand the test to qualify for reward from Him.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

¹¹ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

¹² Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

¹³ Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

¹⁴ If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

¹⁵ If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. [Emphasis added]

12. I know that it is by diligence to rightly divide the Scriptures that I will know specifically the things I can do that will please God for His blessing and reward.

2 Timothy 2:15

¹⁵ Study [SPOUDAZO = be diligent] to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [Emphasis added]

As I’ve said so often, all the Bible is FOR us, but all the Bible is not TO us.  To fail to understand this principle and apply it is to fail to have a clear understanding of God’s will for us. It is primarily because of the failure of so many to understand this principle that we have denominationalism today and all the division in beliefs that it represents.  The one most important thing that this has caused has been the confusion about the means to salvation.  It is Satan himself who has promoted this.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4

³ But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

⁴ In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. [Emphasis added]

Therefore, let us do all we can to bring enlightenment to people about these things.  People desperately need to know what Jesus Christ has done to provide salvation freely to all those who will accept by faith His provision for it.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

¹⁸ And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

¹⁹ To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

²⁰ Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

²¹ For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. [Emphasis added]

To be fully reconciled to Him we must believe Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and raised for our justification.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

¹ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

² By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

³ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: [Emphasis added]

If you’ve not accepted Jesus Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection as the sole basis for your salvation, you can do that now even as you read this.  God knows all your thoughts.  It will be the most important decision you have ever made and one you’ll certainly never regret.