HILLTOP BAPTIST CHURCH
 "  Standing on the promise of God's Word "

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                         God's Word to Us 
2 Timothy 4:1-5

Most everyone in our culture has easy access to a Bible, yet this remarkable book is too often left on the shelf to gather dust. If only people grasped its true worth, they would prize God's Word above all other possessions.

All of Scripture was inspired by the Holy Spirit. While He used man to pen the words, every thought in the Bible originated with God Himself (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Consider how we treasure letters from people we love. Our response to Scripture should be even stronger. The Creator of the universe—the God who holds eternity in His hand—recorded all the truth that is necessary for His children to live fully and joyfully, both before and after death (2 Peter 1:3). God reveals Himself through His Word, which is alive and powerful to transform our lives (Heb. 4:12).

What's more, Romans 10:17 explains the great importance of our love for the Word: "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. In other words, Scripture is the very means by which saving faith is possible.

How could such a book have become so commonplace in our heart? So taken for granted? It is vital that we realize the preeminence of its author, the Lord, and its potential impact on our lives today.

Think about the last time you saw a Bible. What was your reaction? Did you finger the pages with awe, or did you pass it by with barely a glance? Next time you open this precious book, read the words, savor their meaning, and ask God to help you apply the lesson to your life.        

                                                                                          C Stanley
                                                                                                     

                  'Worry looks around, 
             Sorry looks back, Faith looks up.' 

 The Value of God's Word 
2 Timothy 3:14-17

From the opening line of Genesis to the final words of Revelation, all of Scripture is divinely inspired. And every word has purpose and importance.

The Old Testament introduces us to God's nature, ways, and power; it lays the foundation for us to understand the Lord's holiness and humanity's desperate need for a Savior. The New Testament explains that Jesus sacrificially became our "bridge" to the Father (John 14:6). Its writings clarify why we must trust Christ for salvation, how to live as God's children, and what to expect in this life and after death.

Through the Scriptures, almighty God reveals Himself to us. He also says that His Word is important for teaching, reproof, correction, instruction, and preparation for what we will face in life (2 Tim. 3:16-17). No other book holds such value for living.

Ephesians 6:13-17 compares the Word to armor, and for good reason: in the battle of life, we have a real enemy who wants to destroy us. But God's power is greater (1 John 4:4), and "dressing" in war gear daily prepares His children for the temptations, lies, and decisions they will face. We ought to be excited about the Word of God, for it is the only hope for mankind—and the only instruction that leads to victory both in life and after physical death.

The Bible predicted that many people would reject the truth, and a glimpse at our culture shows that to be the case. Don't let yourself fall into the same trap. Meditate daily on Scripture, and ask God to speak to you. Life without His truth is destined for failure.

     

        


         
 Intimacy With Our Heavenly Father 
John 1:12-13

From the beginning, God intended to have an intimate, loving relationship with us. What evidence do we have that this is His desire?

His Son. One reason Christ came to earth is for us to know and relate to God the Father. The Bible tells us that Jesus is His exact representation; His words and works were the same as God's (John 5:19; 12:50). Therefore, when we look at the Son, we are seeing the character of our heavenly Father.

Invitation. Through the Scriptures, God invites us to join His family (3:16). He took care of all the arrangements; our part is to say yes.

Adoption. The closest tie we can have with one another is family. At salvation, the Lord adopts us into His own. This relationship with our heavenly Father lasts for eternity, providing us with support, encouragement, and love.

Friendship. By calling His disciples "friends" (15:15), Jesus revealed a new aspect to their relationship, which applied to His future followers as well. Christ is a forever friend, one who will never desert or turn away from us.

His Presence. From the moment of our salvation, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He is even closer to us than any earthly kin can be.

The Lord invites us to become family through faith in Christ. This is our highest calling—to believe in Him and live for Him all of our days (20:31). Once we become God's children, His Spirit will work in us to make our family resemblance stronger and clearer in thought, word, and deed. 

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    Youth funds
     If you would like to make a donation to the youth. There is  a  metal container in the kitchen with a slot in the top.These donations will go to help with the monthly activities and summer camp.