Paul’s words to Timothy are good words. Here in Martinsville, we hear alot about following God’s Word from some local television preachers. We should be faithful to what we have been taught. I know that I one of the reasons that I have been preaching this current series on what Wesleyans believe and especially as it pertains to building God’s Kingdom and living in the 21st Century. I love verse 16, “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” There would be some who say we can only use the teachings of Jesus or the New Testament writings to determine what to do. However, the scripture that Paul is referring to is the Old Testament. The New Testament didn’t exist at this time. Not that we shouldn’t follow the New Testament. Both are valuable when it comes to teaching us how to live like Christ. Paul also reminds us to be ready to preach the Word whether it is favorable or not. These are good instructions for us preachers (as we are known in the South.) But these are also good instructions for all Christ-followers.

Sometimes we have to be like the widow described in Luke. She was persistent when in came to the judge. Finally the judge relented, not because he feared God, but because of the widow’s persistence — “She’s driving me crazy.” I don’t think we should antagonize people with the gospel — there’s plenty of that going on here in Martinsville, but we should make the message of the cross plain in people’s lives. Blessings