A favorite movie I enjoy watching again and again is National Treasure starring Nicolas Cage. Near the end of the movie, when Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) and others are trapped in a room with apparently no way out, he discovers that an object he acquired earlier in the movie fits nicely into a symbolic impression in the wall. He mumbles to himself as he looks at the object, “Could it really be that easy?” He fits the object into the impression and turns it 90 degrees. The wall becomes an entry into the vast hidden treasure room. Voilà!

As I study Scripture and strive to interpret the Lord’s intent for my life, sometimes it seems complicated. Have you ever asked, as you read the Word, if some passages seem to contradict one another? Have you ever wondered what a certain passage means? I hope the pastors in my life don’t cringe when they see me coming! I ask a lot of questions!

I love an in-depth Bible study, one where we dive into the Greek or Hebrew and spend a whole hour on one passage. I also love that, no matter how complex it may seem at times, Scripture simply is God’s Word given to us to reveal His nature, His promises, and His glory.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him (Colossians 1:16).

As I explore the nuances of Scripture, I am comforted by the simple fact that we are sinners — saved by the sacrifice of our Savior from sin, death, and the power of the devil. God has shared His Word so we would recognize our sin and know we have hope in Jesus. Knowing we are saved, we joyfully share His message with others, giving all glory and honor to the Father.

Yes, it really can be that easy! Believe and you will be saved.

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30-31).

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (Ephesians 2:8).

And of course, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16).

Over and over again, we are assured of the hope we have in Christ. Could it be that easy? Yes! Voilà!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie