There were some very basic questions raised in recent Bible reading notes that I have used for years and I shared these issues with our dear people in Nairn the other night, taking the time to consider some of these important answers. They are in the order in which they arose.

Why was Jesus given the name Immanuel? It means ‘God with us’. Everything God says and does has deep meaning.

Why did John write his gospel? So that you believe that Jesus is the Christ.

Why did the Son of God become human? To help those who are being tempted, and temptation is far more real than some of us can sometimes admit.

What did God prepare for his Son? One body-and today we are His Body that He prepares so that we can serve and witness in the world, and He is the Head.

How can we become more than conquerors? Through Jesus Christ, who strengthens us.

A few weeks ago, we looked at Caleb’s life and testimony, and we saw his attitude in the face of difficulties. “We can do it. We can go and take the land.”

We see in Caleb’s leadership that he is so positive.

The testimony of others is such a contrast – they were afraid – “we can’t do it.”

Here’s something for us as we reflect on this year that is drawing to a close and for the year to come.

What role do we and God play in overcoming sin? We are buried with Him in baptism, that’s a massive statement in Romans chapter 6. The old me becomes powerless and we are no longer slaves. Or to be freed and released from the various things that can imprison people.

How can we escape temptation? We are not immune to temptation, but God will provide a way out for us to resist. Jesus in the desert used the fullness of the Spirit to exercise power to overcome the taunts of the tempter. He was not immune to temptation, but he became the victor and conqueror.

We can ask God to walk with us in our struggles and to help us make temptation work for our edification, spiritual growth, and maturity.

How can we be disappointed? – by an enemy – or by oneself. In the case of the rich young ruler, it was his wealth, and the love of his wealth, that prevented him from serving and obeying Jesus, and being double-minded makes a man unstable and blown about by every wind of doctrine. – easily influenced by something other than the Word of God.

King Solomon became reckless, when he turned after other gods. When Jesus spoke of being a disciple, he simply said “Follow me” and “don’t look back.”

What are we going to take and what are we going to leave? We must carry the cross and lay a solid foundation! – and, we are reminded of the folly of building our lives on sand. That is doomed to fail. Build on the rock. Why is it foolish to ignore the teachings of Christ, because He has authority? And we certainly see it in the miracles and in the reactions of those who heard him teach.

Paul’s experience was that he could win in all things, and when faced with weakness he knew that he could win by the grace of God. Consider that situation when Paul and Silas were in prison at Philippi. They were praising God, and the result was that the jailer and his family came to faith.

It was the grace of God that allowed him not to fear the adversities of life, and he was encouraged in the face of death with the knowledge that he would meet Christ. Freedom from fear is an amazing blessing that God offers us.

Paul talks very practically about – the present – things as they are – the monotony of work – or the monotony of home life – the tyranny of monotony can be broken with the encouragement of Jesus Christ. He writes in Galatians about being rescued from this present evil age. Not only is it drab, it can be wicked! What have we received-the spirit of the ship from him-so that we are not afraid. God reassures Israel – that she need not fear.

I have redeemed you and I have called you and I will be with you. Redeemed, called and having the presence of God. Delicious! Peter began to sink when he looked at the storm and took his eyes off Jesus, and fear caused Peter to deny Jesus.

Why is God’s love perfect? He gives rest and removes fear – and – what can we do with confidence? – approach the throne of grace.

We look at the transfiguration, when the word came – “Listen to him.” God speaks through the prophets, through this Word, but supremely through Jesus. One of the jobs of the Holy Spirit is to point us to Jesus, and to teach and remind us of what Jesus said.

God’s motivation to save us was His Great Love; we read about it in Ephesians. And, Paul’s prayer for the Philippians was that love would abound more and more. And, he commended the Thessalonians, saying, “Your love is increasing.”

Going back to Romans chapter 8 – “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

What was the legacy of Jesus – Peace – My Peace. Who can experience the rest of God – those who believe with Faith and Obedience.

Why can we resist beyond our capabilities? Because we trust in God and not in ourselves.

Contrast the wages of sin and the gift of God – Death or Eternal Life.

These are just some of the basic foundational questions that have come up from my recent Bible reading notes. They are important questions, but they provide and provide essential vital answers in a day when solid answers can be a rare commodity.