GOD GIVES US HIS WORD SO THAT WE MAY PUT IT INTO PRACTICE !
I have spent a lot of time during the Covid time period getting much deeper into God’s Word. Daily reading, to informative podcasts, to Brave Church’s incredible Alpha/Omega sermon series and historical Biblical references. My knowledge of Scripture has truly expanded my understanding of God, His ways, and His purpose. I can only imagine the knowledge one would get from a time spent in seminary or Bible college. The big question however is, “Where Does That Knowledge Take You ?” Looking at Jesus and His life gives us a lot of clues to the true desire of God as we strive to get “Deeper” into His Word. Jesus was an incredible Rabbi. He knew the true meaning of God’s Word because He breathed it into being from the very beginning. He was the Living Word. He shared the Word with His disciples, and spoke of it to the people who gathered to hear Him every day. He spent time in the Temple and often would have discourse with the Religious leaders and High Priests. The common people of the time had no personal access to God’s Torah, but could hear it through the Religious leaders, and schools teaching the Torah. It is interesting how Jesus often rebuked the Sadducees and Pharisees even though they were certainly some of the most “learned” people when it came to Scripture. Despite all their knowledge and studying, Jesus was able to see their true “Hearts”. They were more interested in being admired, and strictly following their Doctrine in interpretation of Scripture than living the Truth of God’s Word. A large part of their self worth came from being not only scholars, but also in many ways adding physical and judgmental practices to God’s Word. It is truly important that we Understand The Purpose Of Scripture from God Himself !
FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS LIVING AND ACTIVE, SHARPER THAN ANY TWO EDGED SWORD, PIERCING TO THE DIVISION OF SOUL AND OF SPIRIT, OF JOINTS AND OF MARROW, AND DISCERNING THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTIONS OF THE HEART. Hebrews 4:12
ALL SCRIPTURE IS BREATHED OUT BY GOD AND IS PROFITABLE FOR TEACHING, FOR REPROOF, FOR CORRECTION, AND FOR TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS., THAT THE MAN OF GOD MAYBE COMPETENT, EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK. 2 Timothy 3: 16-17
SO SHALL MY WORD BE THAT GOES OUT FROM MY MOUTH, IT SHALL NOT RETURN TO ME EMPTY, BUT IT SHALL ACCOMPLISH THAT WHICH I PURPOSE, AND SHALL SUCCEED IN THE THING FOR WHICH I SENT IT. Isaiah 55:11
These Words In Scripture should make us all desire more than ever to PUT WHAT WE LEARN AND UNDERSTAND INTO PRACTICE IN OUR LIVES ! It should challenge us all to seek RIGHTEOUSNESS and a close personal, all in, deep as can be relationship with Jesus ! Simply gaining knowledge without putting God’s truth into action in how we live is truly Not What God Wants ! God’s Word should open up your heart. God’s Word should challenge you to CHANGE where you need to. God’s Word helps you to understand and accomplish your PURPOSE. It shows you your PATH. I have been in a lot of “Bible Studies” in the past that devolved into bickering over minutia, or time spent trying to understand the things that frankly are way above our understanding. I love my Monday Mens Group because we spend time reading the Torah, The Prophets, The Writings, and The New Testament to gain a better knowledge base of what God’s Word truly says….but we go further. We share how God’s Word impacts our lives and behavior. We hash out the things we struggle with, and need help with. We love each other and are GENUINE ! And, We Hold Each Other ACCOUNTABLE through our love for God and each other. How many times did we watch Jesus lovingly teach and explain and reprimand His disciples. He wasn’t correcting their knowledge, He was giving their minds and Hearts the strength and wisdom to APPLY GOD”S KINGDOM IN THEIR LIVES :)
THE ONE WHO SENT ME IS TRUE, AND I DECLARE TO THE WORLD THAT I HAVE HEARD FROM HIM. John 8:26
THE WORDS THAT I SAY TO YOU I DO NOT SPEAK ON MY OWN, BUT THE FATHER WHO DWELLS IN ME DOES HIS WORK. John 14:10
YOU SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES BECAUSE YOU THINK THAT IN THEM YOU HAVE ETERNAL LIFE, AND IT IS THEY THAT BEAR WITNESS ABOUT ME. John 5:39
THUS IT IS WRITTEN, THAT THE CHRIST SHOULD SUFFER AND ON THE THIRD DAY RISE FROM THE DEAD, AND THAT REPENTANCE FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SIN SHOULD BE PROCLAIMED IN HIS NAME TO ALL NATIONS, BEGINNING FROM JERUSALEM. Luke 24: 45-47
Jesus came to earth to save us and show us the Kingdom of God. He is offering all of us an incredible gift. As you delve into the Word Of God, see that it is Jesus speaking to you. His desire is for you to Give Your Life To Him, and Be Reborn. Once saved, start putting into practice what you are learning from Abiding in Him and His Word. Don’t stay trapped in trying to figure things out on your own and putting off giving all your TRUST and your LIFE AND HEART TO HIM ! Seek Him; He wants your life. Seek Him; He has the answers. Seek Him; He is your Salvation. Trust Him; He created you and loves you. Trust Him; He will abide in you, and give you the gift of ETERNAL LIFE. Each and every day I give thanks to Jesus for Being My Lord, Savior and King. I am saddened by how many people either reject Him, or simply don’t put Him first in their lives. One thing I know for certain….Eternity is a long, long time. Would you really consider a life of separation from a God who loves you so dearly for a self guided short time on earth and then Eternal Separation ? Best sit down and contemplate that for a while…..Jesus is knocking right now. Let Him In, and truly BE HIS ! SALVATION TIME IS HERE/JAA
JESUS SAID TO HIM, “ I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME. John 14:6