2022.03.26/27
From the Pastor’s Desk: Pastor Karen Quan
Dear brothers and sisters of RCAC,
2 Tim 3:16-17 (New International Reader’s Version)
16 God has breathed life into all Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. 17 By using Scripture, the servant of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.
As previously mentioned, the Online Awana Kids have been focused on this Theme Verse for Sept 2021-June 2022. In Awana, we focus a lot on knowing & reciting the word of God, which reflects that we’ve truly studied & spent time in God’s word. A few more thoughts on this passage….
“It is useful for correcting our mistakes…” or NIV “rebuking”
No one likes to admit or make mistakes but as humans, we are all so limited. Mistakes are a part of our daily lives. Whether it’s trying something for the first time (Eg. making a new food recipe) or (Eg. learning how to treat others), it’s often because of our failures that we are faced with our own shortcomings. Our lives often do not go as planned, but it’s by admitting and growing from our mistakes where scripture can really shape us. When we’re faced with the plain words on the page of our bibles (Eg. Love our neighbors as ourselves — did we really do that?), is the opportunity to re-direct our thoughts, intentions & actions. It is God’s way to transform us more into the likeness of Christ.
“It is useful for making our lives whole again….” or NIV “correcting”
While it’s hard to admit that we make mistakes, the greater purpose beyond recognizing the mistake is to lead to actual change. “Correcting” gives us that chance to fix it & make it right. When we make things right, it can lead to healing and wholeness. I really like how in this Kids’ version of the scripture that this is expressed. That after recognizing the wrong, the point is to lead us to a place of wholeness or completeness. The only One who is truly complete is our God so it makes sense that it’s His Word that can lead us to that place as well. Correction allows us to have a second chance to do it the right way, the way that is in keeping with God’s desire for us to live in honor of him.
May God continue to allow His Word to shape us in this time of Lent, a season of repentance & change in order to truly grow closer to Christ.
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Karen Quan