Jesus showed us this when He was tempted in the wilderness. Each time the enemy tried to deceive Him, He responded with “It is written.” Later, when asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus made it simple: Love God and love your neighbor. These are the directions we’re meant to live by.

To illustrate the difference between having information and using it, Pastor Tom shared several powerful examples.

He showed a winning lottery ticket—worth $5, but expired. Without taking action in time, it became worthless. He also told the story of a man who almost missed out on $24 million, but found his ticket just two days before the deadline.

He pulled out a thick manual, which looked boring at first. But in the right hands, it holds the key to running the DHS scoreboard and sound system—something that can change the atmosphere of a Friday night football game.

Then he showed an old Bible he’s had since 8th grade. Physically, it’s worth about $5, but the wisdom it has given him over the years is priceless.

This ties back to the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about the Beatitudes and how to pray. When we approach God in prayer, we start by giving Him glory. The Bible tells us how to receive God’s grace—but more importantly, we have to apply what it says. It’s not just about knowing the information, but using it.

Pastor Tom also shared the incredible story of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger. A child genius, Sully was invited into MENSA at age 11, learned to fly at 16, and became a commercial pilot. When geese flew into his engines, he had just seconds to react. Because he had memorized the plane’s manual and taught airline safety, he was able to follow a precise 15-point checklist, safely landing the plane on the Hudson River and saving 155 lives.

The lesson? Every day, we make life-and-death decisions spiritually. The Bible is our manual—but we have to read it, know it, and use it.

Romans 15:4 
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

Matthew 7:24-25
The Wise and Foolish Builders
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

Matthew 5:1-12 
The Beatitudes
“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 6:9-13 
Jesus Teaches Us How to Pray (The Lord’s Prayer)
“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’”