Page 24 - May 2025 - Truth & Tidings

the knowledge of the truth has provided the Ethiopian official. As we refer to the
the Savior of the world and the Scrip- Bible, we are the trail markers redirecting
tures of truth for all. Paul establishes this back to the Scriptures and Christ, which
early in his first letter to Timothy when will contribute to a consistent witness of
he writes, “The saying is trustworthy and truth.
deserving of full acceptance, that Christ As we encourage souls to look to the
Jesus came into the world to save sinners, Scriptures, we also must be looking to
of whom I am the foremost” (1Ti 1:15). God to save. As Paul begins to articulate
This trustworthy message that is good “the charge” he seeks to pass along to
for the foremost sinner is good for the Timothy, his first order is to exhort that
world of sinners that God loves. This was “supplications, prayers, intercessions,
demonstrated and proven wherever the and thanksgivings be made for all people”
gospel went, whether in Gaza with Philip, (1Ti 2:1). This subject of praying for souls
who, “beginning with this Scripture,” told in our communities or for those over us
“the good news about Jesus” (Act 8:35), in authority has been left for the close of
or in cities like Thessalonica where Paul this short article, but it is where Paul be-
“reasoned with them from the Scriptures” gan with Timothy. Paul knew that prayer
(17:2), or initially on the road to Emmaus is a practice that engages the power of
as our Lord, “beginning with Moses and God. Praying for all can be the part of all
all the Prophets, interpreted to them in Christians. Kings and dignitaries may
all the Scriptures the things concerning
himself” (Luk 24:27). It’s no wonder that seem beyond our reach, but they are the
we read in Hebrews 4:12, “The word of very focus of the God who will have all
God is living and active, sharper than people to be saved. It could be that as
any two-edged sword, piercing to the some are lifting up prayers to God, He is
division of soul and of spirit, of joints and bringing others into proximity to work
of marrow, and discerning the thoughts out the answers to those prayers. A let-
and intentions of the heart.” The Word ter, well-timed text, Scripture magnet or
of God can go beyond the physical and tract might be the transmission of faithful
work in things eternal. What a blessing testimony that reaches the soul of a once-
for us today to have this same powerful prayed-for official. To pray is to engage
resource used by our Lord and others to in this mysterious and global effort to
reach souls for Himself. reach souls. Because of Christ, the Savior
Christ is the way, the truth and the life. of the world, we can pray with faith and
God’s Word is a light unto my path – it anticipation of God’s working in amazing
reveals the path. We can each be like trail grace and power.
markers or arrows pointing to the actual Paul and Timothy both appreciated
trail. Beginning with and returning often personally and by observation the power
to the Bible reinforces that the Bible is of the Scriptures and the power of prayer
the source of truth and helps promote a to reach souls and reach the eternal. We
consistency for the seeker though they can participate in this same great divine
may talk with various people over time. mission by continuing to draw from these
When we first connect with someone with timeless powers. As we do so, we can also
concerns for their soul, it’s likely that their expect to share in the eternal joy with our
search began earlier, like with Philip and Lord.

152 TRUTH kTidings May 2025