SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES

February 2

Bible Reading: John 5:39

John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”

The Jews of Jesus’ day had the sacred writings of the Old Testament.  The religious leaders, to whom Jesus was speaking, were well-versed in the Scriptures to the extent that they could readily refer to those which spoke of the coming Messiah (see Matthew 2:4, for example).  But they were blind to the fact that Jesus, who was the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets (Luke 24:44), stood right there in their midst.

It is a good thing to devote ourselves to reading and studying the Scriptures.  In fact, it is imperative that we do that, as believers, that we might grow (1 Peter 2:2).  But it is possible for us to lose track of our aim.  The purpose of Bible study is not simply to better know our Bibles, but to better know our Jesus of whom the Bible speaks (Acts 8:35). 

Every book of the Bible speaks of Jesus…

  • In Genesis, Jesus Christ is the Seed of the woman.
  • In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb.
  • In Leviticus, He is our High Priest.
  • In Numbers, He is the Pillar of cloud by day and the Pillar of fire by night.
  • In Deuteronomy, He is the Prophet like unto Moses.
  • In Joshua, He is the Commander of the Lord’s army.
  • In Judges, He is our Judge and Lawgiver.
  • In Ruth, He is our Kinsman Redeemer.
  • In 1st and 2nd Samuel, He is the Seed of David.
  • In Kings and Chronicles, He is our reigning King.
  • In Ezra, He is our faithful Scribe.
  • In Nehemiah, He is the Rebuilder of everything broken.
  • In Esther, He is our Mordecai, our Advocate.
  • In Job, He is our ever-living Redeemer.
  • In Psalms, He is our Shepherd.
  • In Proverbs, He is our Wisdom.
  • In Ecclesiastes, He is our meaning for life.
  • In the Song of Solomon, He is the loving Bridegroom.
  • In Isaiah, He is the Prince of peace.
  • In Jeremiah and Lamentations, He is our weeping Prophet.
  • In Ezekiel, the Glorious Lord.
  • In Daniel, He is the fourth Man in the “fiery furnace.”
  • In Hosea, He is the faithful Husband.
  • In Joel, He is the Outpourer of the Holy Spirit.
  • In Amos, He is our Burden-bearer.
  • In Obadiah, He is our Judge and Savior.
  • In Jonah, He is the risen Prophet.
  • In Micah, He is the Ruler of the world from Bethlehem.
  • In Nahum, He is our Stronghold.
  • In Habakkuk, he is the Watchman.
  • In Zephaniah, He is the Mighty to save.
  • In Haggai, He is the Restorer.
  • In Zechariah, He is the branch of David; the One pierced for us.
  • In Malachi, He is the Son of Righteousness.
  • In Matthew, He is King of the Jews.
  • In Mark, He is the divine Servant.
  • In Luke, He is the perfect Man.
  • In John, He is the Son of God.
  • In Acts, He is the Savior of the world and Ascended Lord.
  • In Romans, He is the Justifier.
  • In I Corinthians, He is the Resurrection.
  • In II Corinthians, He is our Comfort.
  • In Galatians, He is our Liberty.
  • In Ephesians, He is Head of the Church.
  • In Philippians, He is our Joy.
  • In Colossians, He is our Completeness and Sufficiency.
  • In 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, He is the Coming King.
  • In I & II Timothy, He is our Mediator.
  • In Philemon, He is our Benefactor.
  • In Titus, He is the Blessed Hope.
  • In Hebrews, He is our Perfection.
  • In James, He is the Power behind our faith.
  • In I, II Peter, He is our Chief Shepherd and Chief Cornerstone.
  • In I, II, III John, He is our Truth and Everlasting Life.
  • In Jude, He is the Foundation of our faith. Our security.
  • In Revelation, He is The King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Make this your prayer as you read and study: “Spirit of God, my teacher be, showing the things of Christ to me!”

MORE ABOUT JESUS
More about Jesus would I know,
More of His grace to others show;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.

Refrain:
More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love who died for me.

More about Jesus let me learn,
More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me. [Refrain]

More about Jesus in His Word,
Holding communion with my Lord;
Hearing His voice in ev’ry line,
Making each faithful saying mine. [Refrain]

More about Jesus on His throne,
Riches in glory all His own;
More of His kingdom’s sure increase;
More of His coming, Prince of peace. [Refrain]

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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