The term “outlaw” is commonly used today to describe someone who has broken the law of the land in some fashion and is wanted by the police. This carries a large part of the original idea that term “outlaw” once held, but years ago under English Common Law (which America emulated) this term had a slightly different meaning. Not only was such a person wanted for acting “outside the law”, but they were also “outside of the law’s protection”.
The future is something that many people worry about, with good reason. There are many uncertainties in life. In the world, nations rise and fall, battles and conflicts emerge, and “stability” is never certain. In one’s own life different pressures rise to cause worry in life. Economic forces cause strain and uncertainty, tensions within one’s personal life and family can cause strain, even our own mortality can cause most to stress about our own future. So, what if you could know what your future held? The most common answer to this question would be to take advantage of what that information would provide.
Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7:13, 14 (NASU)
This well-known Scripture taken from the Sermon on the Mount describes a contrast between two distinct paths of life.
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (NASU)
This verse describes the Word of God as being more than a mere “rulebook” or “guide” to godly living, but instead having a true living power of its own.
For many projects, getting started can be the most difficult step. One can spend a surprisingly large amount of time “preparing” or purposing to start “soon.” When it comes to one’s choice to become a better student of the Word of God there too exists a starting point, and this step of starting can be a difficult one. This should seem counterproductive, for Bible study provides the richest rewards for one’s own life, but it also requires commitment and effort – two things that do not come naturally.