The Holy Bible is the “inspired Word of God”, with which an individual finds the way to salvation, the way to righteousness, the way of excellence, and the way to service to both man and God. By “inspired”, we mean it was “breathed” to us by God. No, it was not a product of the imagination of men; rather, it was God’s revelation to us in order that we “might be fully equipped to do good works” and that we do not go astray. (2 Timothy 3: 16- 17; 2 Peter 1: 20-21)
In all my life, the Holy Scriptures has remained to be my sole guide. It is also the better medium rather than oral traditions, for the simple reason that it is written and could not be altered by a human being, but is instead preserved in its “spirit and purpose”.
The Holy Scriptures, then, should be the light that brightens the path of our denomination. Without its guidance, we will certainly go astray. It is not the human leaders, no matter how brilliant they are, that should determine our focus. It should be the Word of God.
It is also because of the Holy Bible that we have the following emphases in CAMACOP:
- Discipleship and Church Planting. This is in obedience to Matthew 28: 18- 20. The local church is still the most stable manifestation of God’s brightness in the world.
- Theological Training. If there is a place where an aspiring Christian worker can be moulded and trained for ministry, it is the Bible school or the seminary.
- Missions and Evangelism. Acts 1:8 tells us to reach out, first to our families and friends, then to our neighbours, then to our communities, to our nation, and the nations beyond our borders.
- Stewardship. Indeed, we need to remember that while we gather as much resources as we can in this world, we also remember that such resources are nothing more than instruments in fulfilling the greater riches of the gifts of ministry and our journey to heaven. We still say, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto (us).” We still say we will store riches in heaven “where moth and rust can not destroy”. (Matthew 6: 19- 10; 33)
- Worship. The above emphases are all forms of worship to God. We should never forget this, because this is our primary purpose and reason for living. God created us so that we can fellowship with Him in His holiness, righteousness, and love.
As we celebrate the Bible Emphasis Month this month of January, let us remember these reflections on the Holy Scriptures. We should always remember that God has spoken, and we should listen. We should also remember that God has put on record His instructions, and we shall follow Him.
Glory to God!
For Christ’s kingdom alone,
Bishop Reniel Joel A. Nebab
President
