Tag: ChristianLife

Biblical Interpretation, Kingdom Discipleship

Comparing Scripture with Scripture — Letting the Word Confirm the Word

Rooted & Raised

How to Read the Bible Series

God’s Word speaks with one voice because it has one Author.
Across 66 books, written over centuries, by prophets, shepherds, kings, fishermen, and apostles—there is perfect harmony. Why? Because the Holy Spirit, who inspired the writing, does not contradict Himself. And this is why Scripture must be used to interpret Scripture.

The early Church, especially the Bereans and the Ante-Nicene believers, knew this instinctively. They didn’t build doctrines on isolated verses or clever analogies. They let the Word confirm the Word. When they tested Paul’s teaching, they didn’t reach for tradition or speculation—they searched the scrolls. If he preached Christ, they would find Him in Moses and the Prophets.

Scripture Focus:

“But the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:14, NASB1995

“On the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter shall be confirmed.”
— Deuteronomy 19:15b, NASB1995

The Word is Its Own Witness

The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to explain Scripture. A truth is never established by a single verse taken out of context. Just as God required two or three witnesses in legal matters, He often confirms doctrine through multiple voices in His Word.

When Jesus spoke of Himself, He showed how the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms all testified to Him (Luke 24:44). The early Church followed this same pattern, checking that every teaching aligned with the totality of God’s revealed truth.

Don’t Build a Doctrine on One Verse

It is dangerous to establish beliefs from isolated texts:

  • A single verse on baptism does not teach the full meaning of baptism.
  • A poetic phrase in Psalms isn’t a license for doctrine if it contradicts apostolic teaching.
  • A vision in Revelation must be interpreted in light of clear prophetic Scripture.

When we let Scripture interpret Scripture, the Spirit brings balance, clarity, and unity to our understanding.

How the Early Church Applied This

The Bereans didn’t have systematic theology textbooks. They had the Hebrew Scriptures and the Holy Spirit. When Paul taught salvation through Christ, they searched for those threads in Genesis, Isaiah, and the Psalms. Their faith was not blind—it was grounded in revealed truth.

The Ante-Nicene believers quoted Scripture often and widely, drawing connections across books to test false teaching. They didn’t elevate clever analogies or speculative ideas. They let the Word speak for itself.

Practical Ways to Let the Word Interpret the Word

  • Cross-reference similar passages to see the full picture.
  • Look for patterns: does this principle appear consistently?
  • Consider the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), not just selected parts.
  • Let clear passages interpret unclear ones—not the reverse.

Return to the Word. Let It Speak for Itself.

2–3 minutes
previous
next

Leave a comment

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 24

Rooted & Raised

The Groaning of Glory

“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” —Romans 8:22–23 (NASB 1995)

You feel it sometimes—a deep ache inside. A longing for things to be right. For peace, healing, rest. That ache isn’t weakness. It’s a groan from the Spirit within, echoing the cry of all creation.

The pain of childbirth is fierce, but it points to new life. That’s the kind of groaning Paul describes. The Spirit helps you carry it—not just to survive—but to hope. Redemption is coming. Full adoption is near.

Reflection:

When do you feel this ache most? What promise of God gives you strength to endure?

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, thank You for groaning with me. You know my heart and You carry my hopes. Keep me focused on the day of full redemption. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 24

Rooted & Raised

When You Feel Sad or Tired

“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” —Romans 8:22–23 (NASB 1995)

Sometimes, we get sad or tired—and we’re not even sure why. That’s because deep inside, we know this world isn’t how it’s supposed to be. But guess what? God is going to fix it!

The Holy Spirit inside us helps us wait for Jesus to come back. He helps us keep going when it’s hard—and reminds us that one day, we’ll be with Jesus forever.

Try This:

When you feel sad, tell the Holy Spirit about it. Ask Him to help you feel His comfort.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, thank You that You’re with me when I feel sad or tired. Help me remember that Jesus is coming back and everything will be made new! Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 24

Rooted & Raised

When Your Soul Groans

“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” —Romans 8:22–23 (NASB 1995)

You know that feeling—when you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or discouraged, but can’t even find the words to say it. That groaning isn’t wasted. It’s holy.

The Spirit doesn’t just live in you to help you succeed. He’s with you in the waiting. In the ache for freedom, healing, and wholeness. Your groans are a prayer, and the Spirit prays with you.

Challenge:

Instead of escaping hard emotions, sit quietly with God. Let the Spirit speak for you when words fail.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, meet me in the ache. Remind me that I’m not alone—that You are with me and that hope is near. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 24

Rooted & Raised

Aching Together, Hoping Together

“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” —Romans 8:22–23 (NASB 1995)

Families often experience the world’s brokenness in different ways—but the Holy Spirit brings unity in the waiting. Even in the groans, there’s a shared hope: redemption is coming.

When you don’t have the words, the Spirit still understands. He groans with you. And He reminds us that our adoption is sealed, and our forever with Jesus is worth the wait.

Family Talk:

When do you feel the weight of this broken world?

How can we remind each other of our hope in Christ?

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, thank You for being with us in our groaning. Help our family to hold onto hope and trust in the redemption You are bringing. Amen.

Kingdom Discipleship, The Six Solas

Sola Gratia – Part 1: What Grace Truly Means — Not a License, but a Call

Rooted & Raised

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.”
— Titus 2:11–12 (NASB1995)

Rediscovering Grace in Its Full Strength

In today’s Church, grace is often reduced to a blanket statement: “God loves you just the way you are.” While it’s true that God’s love is unearned, grace was never meant to leave us where it found us.

The early Church understood that grace was not only God’s unmerited favor, but also His empowering presence. It saves, yes—but it also trains, transforms, and calls us to a holy life.

“We are not saved by our own works, but by His mercy and grace. Yet having been saved, we are no longer to live as the Gentiles do, but in reverence and righteousness.”
— The Shepherd of Hermas, c. AD 140

Grace Is a Gift—Not a Bypass

Sola Gratia reminds us that salvation is entirely of God. We cannot earn it. We do not deserve it. The early believers knew this well.

But they also knew that grace does not nullify obedience—it enables it.

Grace is not:

  • A free pass to live unchanged
  • An excuse for moral compromise
  • A license to ignore Christ’s commands

Grace is:

  • The undeserved love of God
  • The forgiveness of our sins through the blood of Christ
  • The transforming power to live a new life in the Spirit

“Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.”
— Romans 3:31

The Early Church on Grace

The writings of the Ante-Nicene fathers are filled with reverence for the grace of God—not only for what it pardons, but for what it produces.

“Let us serve God with a holy fear and in purity, as we have been called by His grace. Let us not turn His mercy into idleness, but into diligence and virtue.”
— Clement of Rome, First Epistle to the Corinthians, c. AD 96

Their lives bore witness to this. Grace caused them to:

  • Endure persecution without compromise
  • Serve one another in love
  • Abstain from the corruption of the world
  • Walk in joy, boldness, and holiness

Grace wasn’t a doctrine on a shelf. It was the fire in their bones.

Grace That Trains

Titus 2 doesn’t say grace permits. It says grace instructs:

“…instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires…”

Grace doesn’t just cleanse the past—it shapes the present and prepares us for the future.

The Spirit uses grace to:

  • Renew our minds (Rom. 12:2)
  • Teach us righteousness (Heb. 12:10–11)
  • Form the image of Christ in us (2 Cor. 3:18)

This was the pattern of the early Church. Their obedience wasn’t self-willed. It was Spirit-empowered through grace.

Kingdom Discipleship Reflection

  • Have I treated grace as an excuse to remain the same, or as the power to become like Christ?
  • Do I see grace as the starting line only—or also the fuel for the journey?
  • Is my life being trained, shaped, and sanctified by grace—or merely comforted by it?

This week, reflect on Titus 2:11–14. Ask the Holy Spirit:

“How have I misunderstood grace?”
“What are You teaching me through grace today?”

Let grace save, train, and transform you.

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.”
— Hebrews 12:28

2–4 minutes
Previous
next

Leave a comment

Devotions, Women's Devotionals

👩‍🦰 Women’s Devotional — Day 23

Rooted & Raised

All of Creation Waits

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16

Nature groans. The earth—so full of beauty and yet marred by brokenness—aches for redemption. And what is it waiting for? You. The revealing of the daughters and sons of God.

This isn’t a small calling. The Spirit within you is a firstfruits of what God is doing in all creation. You are part of a story bigger than your day-to-day tasks. You are a signpost of coming glory.

Reflection:
Do you see yourself as part of God’s redemptive plan? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how your life points to His coming restoration.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, awaken in me the weight of my calling. Let my life reflect the hope all creation longs for. Reveal Your glory in me. Amen.

Children's Devotionals, Devotions

🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 23

Rooted & Raised

Even Nature is Waiting

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16

Have you ever seen a flower bloom or a puppy play? Nature is beautiful—but it’s also waiting for something even better: for Jesus to come back and make everything right.

The Bible says the whole world is waiting for God’s children to shine bright with His glory. And guess what? You’re one of those children!

Try This:
Go outside and find something beautiful God made. Thank Him for it—and tell Him you’re excited for when He makes all things new.

Prayer:
Dear Holy Spirit, thank You that I’m part of God’s family. Help me live in a way that shows Your goodness to the world. Amen.

Devotions, Teen Devotions

😎 Teen Devotional — Day 23

Rooted & Raised

Creation is Watching You

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16

It’s wild to think that creation—the sky, oceans, mountains, and stars—are waiting for God to reveal His children. That means your life matters on a cosmic level.

The Spirit in you is evidence that God’s redemption plan is real and active. The way you live, love, and follow Jesus points to a day when everything broken will be made new.

Challenge:
Look around—what signs of brokenness do you see in creation? What’s one way you can live today as a light in that darkness?

Prayer:
Spirit of God, help me live like someone creation is watching. Let my life show that You are restoring all things through Christ. Amen.

Devotions, Family Devotionals

👩‍👧 Family Devotional — Day 23

Rooted & Raised

A Family That Shines With Hope

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16

The world is waiting—not just for answers, but for the people of God to rise and shine with the hope of Christ. Your family, filled with the Holy Spirit, is part of that answer.

You don’t need to be perfect. Just surrendered. The Spirit uses families like yours to show a hurting world that God is near and restoration is coming.

Family Talk:

  • What do you think it means for creation to “wait eagerly”?
  • How can our family live in a way that shows the hope of Christ?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, help our family to live with joyful hope. Let our home reflect the freedom and glory that all creation longs for. Amen.