Good morning! Today’s Bible verse is Titus 3:9: “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.”
Have you ever found yourself delving deeply into “secondary” biblical topics? I’ve been asked about the supposed discrepancy between the creation account in Genesis and the fossil record, whether God really parted the Red Sea, and why ancient manuscripts sometimes differ. While these questions have significance, we must not let them eclipse the central message for the Body of Christ today.
Discussing biblical topics can be enlightening, but our true purpose as the Body of Christ is to be witnesses to the gospel of grace and Jesus Christ, the Head of the Body. This focus must shape our conversations.
For me, there are two statements of faith that I would die for. The first is that Jesus is the eternal sinless Son of God, fully God, and fully man, who died on the cross, shedding His blood for the forgiveness of sin, and was raised bodily from the grave for the justification of all who believe. Second, salvation is based on faith alone, independent of any works. All other topics and discussions ultimately hold no value compared to the truth that determines a person’s eternal destiny.
While the whole Bible reveals God’s purposes and the Gospels detail Jesus’ earthly ministry, only Paul’s teachings apply to this age of grace. Theological debates or questions about the universe’s origins may seem scholarly and can be intellectually stimulating, but they become unproductive if they distract from the core message: salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and Him crucified, as taught by Paul. Stand firm on these teachings so that you might fulfill your purpose as Christ’s ambassadors.
Reflection: What is the focus of your message?
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Tt 3:9.