Basic Essentials

Basic Essentials

Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God's

people.  Warn them before God against pious nitpicking,

which chips away at the faith.  It just wear everyone out.

Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't

be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple.

Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk.  Words are not

mere words, you know.  If they're not backed by a godly

life, they accumulate as poison in the soul.

2 Timothy 2:14-16

My former hubby loves to have a theological discussion.  He studies his Bible daily, and always finds points of discussion that he wants to share.  I don’t have any interest in the historical-critical method of biblical interpretation or any other hot topic in the church world.  If his subject is actually from the scriptures, I’m game to debate with him.  We have lots of interesting discussions.  But there are times when he is picking apart grains of theological sand, and I have to ask:  "OK - but what does that have to do with my salvation?"  He will grin sheepishly, shrug, and return to his Bible to look for the "essentials."

I have taught many a Bible class and I can tell you that it is frustrating when a participant tries to hijack the discussion over a piece of minutia he/she has discovered while reading the week's scripture.  There are also those who love to yank the rug out from under the discussion over something that has absolutely nothing to do with the lesson.  

Paul said to Timothy - here are the essentials:  Jesus loves you, Jesus died for your sins, Jesus wants to have a relationship with you, and Jesus will never leave you. [2 Timothy 2:11-13]  Arguments about picky little details do not enhance this big picture.  Make it simple, make it plain, and back up your mouth with a life lived according to what you say you believe.

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Jesus loves me still today, 

Walking with me on my way,

Wanting as a friend to give

Light and life to all who live.

Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, Jesus loves me.

Yes, Jesus loves me – the Bible tells me so.

The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 191