The Word

The Word

(No 2, pg 1-22)

March 4, 2015

By C. H. James

(hisservants@juno.com)

Teaching Objective: to help others realize that every work of God begins with his word. No ministry claiming to be a work of God can last, unless it’s based on the word,known among his followers as,the bible.

God’s Word

A tree is known by its fruit, a man by his works and God by his word. God’s word, spoken or written is truth itself (John 17:17). When it becomes possible to separate water from wetness or heat and light from fire it will yet remain impossible to separate God’s word from God himself.

The Father or our Lord Jesus Christ is a Spirit (John 4:24). His only distinguishable characteristic is his word. God is a title worn by three persons, i.e. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The union of these three undeniable, undissolvable, yet separate persons, is eternal. 

Because the Father and Holy Spirit are invisible to the natural man, the only image which man can see is the Son of God, in whose image we were created, he is the image of the invisible God known to us, as Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:15). Yes, Jesus alone, is the image of the otherwise invisible God and he alone, is the head of the church, though his Father is greater even than he (John 14:28).

Ridiculous Assertion

Some have asserted that holding the bible up as God’s recorded word prompts some to worship it as an idol. I suppose that’s possibletoday, in this crazy, lost world, anything can become an idol. After all, people have worshipped animals, each other, trees, rocks, sun, moon and stars, so why not a book?

If people are determined to worship an idol, why pick the bible? What could possibly set it apart so as to tempt people to worship it unless there’s something about it that’s special, something that sets it apart from other books? What could make this book that special? Could it be the high grade of paper it’s printed on or its bonded or genuine leather cover?

Perhaps it’s the text made up of many words or the ink used to print them? Could it possibly be the message these words reveal? Clearly, the message is coded in a language like Spanish, French or English, making it only discernable by one who understands the language it’s printed in. You see, the reader must first understand the meaning of each recorded word in order to comprehend the message within.

However, the message, though printed with ink on fine paper and protected by a leather cover, is not ink, paper or leather; it’s not anything tangible. If words are to be understood, a language must first be learned to decode them. The mind must, by the use of reason, be employed to understand their message. Thus, learning, reason and understanding are the final interpreters of the printed message and these things have no material form or substance.

Bundled Letters

Shortly after being married, a young man was drafted into the military. Far away, in a distant, foreign battlefield, the young soldier would often write letters to his new bride. Sometimes, these letters were delayed, but each one, never failed to express the soldier’s love, fidelity and devotion for his bride. They contained news and revealed his intentions for their future together.

His young bride always received these letters with joy and eager anticipation for what these messages held. After reading each letter, she would add it to the bundle she had already saved,the same bundle, she had wrapped with a bright blue ribbon and tied securely with a carefully made bow.

When she faced moments of despair, loneliness or depression, she would retreat to the privacy of their bedroom, open the drawer to her nightstand, remove the bundle and the ribbon and, once again,begin to re-read his letters. As she read them, she would often smile, sometimes laugh and occasionally shed a tear or two. Those bundled love letters brought comfort, they gave her hope for his soon return and they renewed her spirit.

Was she, worshipping his letters, or simply receiving courage and reassurance from their message; you decide. Are we worshipping a book called the bible or being comforted, encouraged and instructed by its author? Is it possible to separate the living God from his message, written or spoken? Is it wrong to worship the words of a God whose only communication with us comes in written, printed or Spirit form? Was the new bride in love with the letters she received or with the one who wrote them? Does a written message carry less value, meaning, promise or authority than a spoken one? Of course not!

Can a single book be that special? It can, if it contains the words of the only true and living God.Can the words of any other book or author save us? The words of this book can (James 1:21, 1 Peter 1:23). Does that make it special enough? A book is just a book, but the power and spirit it holds, is in the message it carries and the message it carries, represents the one who sent it. The two can’t be separated.

The Power Of The Word

When Jesus returned to his Father, he bestowed on his church two great gifts. The first gift came from his Father, the gift of the Comforter, i.e. the Holy Spirit sent to teach, comfort and guide us (John 14:26, Acts 9:31, John 16:13). The Holy Spirit, also called “the Spirit of truth” (John 16:13) is prepared to guide true believers to all truth; God’s word is that truth (John 17:17). That’s power!

The second gift has the power to save souls (James 1:18, John 5:24). We call this gift, “the bible,” God’s recorded word (Hebrews 4:12) and, by this sameword, the worlds were framed (Hebrews 11:3, Acts 10:44). Now, that’s power!

In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established
(2 Corinthians 13:1). The church of Jesus Christ has the witness of the Spirit, i.e. witness No. 1, the witness of God’s recorded word, i.e. witness No. 2, and the true witness of our own testimony, i.e. witness No. 3; by these three, every word of God has clearly been established (Ephesians 1:13). That’s power!

The word of prophesy lights our way as we pass through the spiritual darkness of this present age and it sheds light on the age to come (2 Peter 1:19). We, of the family of God, who are strangers and pilgrims here (Hebrews 11:13), groan, with desire and expectation, as we wait for our Lord’s return and the arrival of his coming kingdom. Then, this temporary tent, i.e. tabernacle we call our body, will be changed (1 Corinthians 15:52), clothed upon with our heavenly house not made with hands, but one eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1, 2). Simply put, we shall have new, indestructible, spiritual bodies. That’s power!

God has extended his grace to a lost and sinful world. He made this grace available to all who will accept his covenant. To all? Yes, to all (2 Peter 3:9). What covenant? The covenant that states that whosoever believes in his Son shall not perish, but may instead, receive eternal life (John 3:16).

Belief, or the faith to believe, is a condition of God’s covenant. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6) and the grace of God, that brings us this opportunity for salvation, can only be accessed through our faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8). God, has even helped in our quest for that faith, by providing us with his inspired word (Romans 10:17). That’s power!

New believers who hear the word of God with their heart and not just with their ears, have access to eternal life (John 5:24). How can we be sure the word is in our heart (Psalms 119:11)? Couldn’t we be deceived? Yes, but not if we’re active in the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12), keeping his commandments (1 John 2:3, 4), walking in the light of righteousness as Jesus did (1 John 1:7), confessing our sins when we fail (1John 1:9) and by not being moved away from the hope of the gospel (Colossians 1:21-23), but by enduring, i.e. persevering to the end, we shall be saved (Matthew 10:22). We have God’s word on it. That’s power!

Consider the events that took place in Antioch in Pisidia where, the Apostle Paul delivered God’s word in the local synagogue. Many of the Jewish leaders rejected Paul and Barnabus along with God’s message, but in spite of this, some of these leaders followed Paul (Acts 13:26).

The gentiles there requested Paul to preach the same words to them on the following Sabbath. When the Sabbath came, almost the entire population of the city came to hear the word of God. Most of those who came and heard the word of God that day believed and carried that message throughout the region (Acts 13:14-49). Now, that’s power!

Think about it, the very food we eat is sanctified (purified) by the word of God and prayer (1 Timothy 4:4, 5). The New Testament church that gathers to equip the saints and edify the body of Christ, i.e. the church, is cleansed with the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:26). The power of the word is wonderful.

In those who keep the word, God’s love is made complete; this is how we know we’re in him (1 John 2:5). Many books containing the writings of astrologers, soothsayers, mystics and seers have come and gone, but the word of God prevails and remains forever (Is 40:8). God’s word is the sword of the Spirit, our defense against all enemies (Ephesians 6:17). That’s power!

The worlds were framed by the word of Godand God brought judgment on the ancient world by covering it with water, destroying all mankind with the exception of Noah and his family (Genesis 6:5-8). The heavens and earth that we now occupy are reserved for the fire that shall cause both to pass away and the elements of earth to melt with a fervent heat and with them, the works of man shall be consumed, this is clearly written in his word.  Both the world that was, and the world that is, will be destroyed by the word of God, of this we can be sure. God is not slack concerning his promises (2 Peter 3:2-12). “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Now this, is power!

God’s written word will judge all those who have rejected it. We would be wise to remember that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). It’s truly a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31). That’s power!

Those of us who truly love God, love his word and look forward to the day when, we shall see him, in his blood dipped vesture on which these four words will be written, “The word of God,” (Revelation 19:13). Now that’s power!

Authority Of The Word

The authority of the word is clearly illustrated in the works of the Apostles. These chosen few, by all accounts, remained true to our Lord’s commandments (1 John 3:22), and they asked only for those things they believed were needed to fulfill their ministry. We should remind ourselves however, that God’s answer is not always pleasing to us nor is he compelled to follow our plan.

There are times when we ask God to grant certain requests and fail to receive the result we want. Why? Because, without realizing it, we sometimes ask for things that may injure us spiritually or cause us to be distracted from God’s intended plan (James 4:3). Psalm 119 has a great deal to say about God’s word and its authority; it’s good reading material.

Once again, I remind all, that the worlds were framed by the authority of his word (Hebrews 11:3). Our present creation, including the heavens, the earth and all the living things they contain, were brought into existence by his word of authority, i.e. “And God said,” (Genesis 1:3, Genesis 1:6, Genesis 1:9, Genesis 1:11, Genesis 1:14, Genesis 1:20, Genesis 1:24, Genesis 1:26, Genesis 1:29). How can this be overstated?

In God’s authority, the Apostles spoke boldly; whether they were accomplished, educated men like Paul or Apollos or simple, ignorant fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James or John (Philippians1:14, Acts 4:13). These men knew that Jesus had prepared them for the work of the ministry and they had been given the authority needed to complete that work (Colossians 1:25, John 20:21, 22).

Yes, these men carried Christ’s authority, just as he carried the authority of his Father (2 Thessalonians 3:14). This is the same authority we carry when we follow his word. The word of God has authority even, when the one who carries it is in bonds; the word of God is never bound (2 Timothy 2:9). The authority of God’s word will abide forever (1 Peter 1:23, 25). The power of his word is huge!

What more needs to be said about the authority of “the word”? Do we need to recount all the occasions when the word of authority was uttered by Jesus or one of his Apostles and the lame walked, the blind saw, the possessed were freed? Does Jesus need to remind us that by “his word” of authority water was turned to wine or the wind and sea rebuked (John 2:1-11, Mark 4:39)?

One final comment on the authority of God’s word. It’s God’s word that tells us that all scripture is inspired by him and profitable for us to use in the work of the ministry for doctrine (teaching), reproof (evidence), correction and moral instruction
(2 Timothy 3:16).

The Value And Effect Of The Word

Today’s world prefers to turn from God’s truth, by believing, living and following its own intellectual fantasies. The bible has come to be regarded as nothing more than an intrusive obstruction in its path; one it chooses to ridicule or simply ignore. However, this biblical irritant, sheds the uncomfortable light of truth on the deeds it hides in dark secret places and the lies it tells to justify those same sinful deeds, when they’re uncovered (Numbers 32:23). Like a cleansing acid, the word of God eats away the world’s mask, exposing it for the alluring, lying and deceptive demonic realm it really is; a realm, ruled by its own god, Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4)!

Christ made the blind see, but the god of this world brings blindness to the minds of the unredeemed. The enemies of the word, accuse those who spread its message of the very things they themselves, are guilty of. They seldom miss an opportunity to stifle its advance or limit its acceptance. They twist its message, confuse its meaning, deny its value or deliberately distort its truth. They seek to loosen the grip of those holding it securely so as to make it slip unnoticed from their hands (Titus 1:9, Revelation 3:11).

Those whose eyes have been opened, those who’ve chosen to believe the word and follow it, have received the Spirit inspired courage necessary to stand against the world’s highly esteemed experts. God’s chosen, would prefer to be ridiculed, abased and persecuted than compromise their faith in God’s word.

The world has produced many noted hypocrites, but has yet to give birth to a true child of God. Mature Christians, like Jesus and the Apostles, ignore worldly slander and focus their full attention on the work of the ministry and the advancement of the word (Luke 2:49, Acts 6:4).

If ever there was a good reason to receive a message coming from God’s heart to ours, it’s now. God’s children, living in this sinful, perverse generation, could certainly use his advice today. Could this advice already be waiting for us in the bundled letters he’s already sent; have they been sitting, all this time, in the mail box we call the New Testament?

Maybe it’s time we opened that mailbox and read the messages that’ve been waiting for us to read. Should we not seek the wisdom they contain or the instructions, strategy or edification found in them?  Might we find joy, comfort and strength from singing hymns and songs that bring a melody to our heart and a renewed confidence to our spirit (Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19)? Psalms found hidden within these letters?

The Ministry Of The Word

Using his Spirit inspired Apostles and scribes, the Lord has called his redeemed to prepare and carry forward the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-15). He has given them leaders to instruct them, the Spirit to guide them and his word to bring them to full maturity. Now, it’s up to each of those apprenticed for ministry to study (2 Timothy 2:15), showing they’re approved to enter into his harvest (Matthew 9:37, 38).

Because we are called to be disciples, not merely students, our training is hands on, not simply acquired through a text book, but learned through practice as doers, apprenticed to carry out whatever divine instruction we’ve been given. Jesus didn’t just offer his disciples oral instruction, he ate, slept, worked with them and sent them out to practice the things he taught them (Luke 10:1-24).

As with Jesus, there will always be some that drop out when the going gets tough. It’s not always easy to take up your cross daily and follow Christ (Luke 9:23). The ground of men’s hearts is often hard, shallow or producing weeds and thorns that stand ready to choke out any new sign of spiritual life that may appear (Luke 8:4-8, 9-15).

The wide, well-traveled road with the high, wide gate is the one most appealing, but it doesn’t lead to God’s kingdom. The road less traveled is narrow, rocky and has many hills to climb and, few choose to walk it but, it leads to everlasting life and, to the King of all Kings (John 6:53-69, John 14:6).

Text book bible students are sometimes like silly women who are ever learning, yet remaining unwilling to live in full obedience to the word (2 Timothy 3:7). True disciples who have served their apprenticeship, as the Apostles did will, like them, put to work the things they’ve been trained to do. They do more than simply sit in class, they assist, applying what they’ve learned as they go. Those failing to follow this pattern of growth leave themselves vulnerable to self-deception (James 1:22).

The milk of the word is perfect for new spiritual babies, but there comes a time when milk is not enough, when solid food is necessaryin order to reach spiritual maturity. As Christians, there’s a time to be children and a time to be adults. There’s a time to serve our apprenticeship and a time to apply all we’ve learned. Once, in the beginning of our spiritual life, we were fed the milk of God’s word and, when we were ready, we received meat, but there comes a timewhen God calls us, to do the feeding, when our time to teach has arrived.

As long as we live, we’ll be students in the working laboratories of God and there will always be those beyond us who God has prepared to contribute to our continuing maturity; just as there will be those behind us needing our guidance and instruction. May the Holy Spirit remove our pride, grant us a spirit of humility so we may discern when it’s time to teach and when it’s time to listen and be taught (1 Corinthians 3:2, 3, Hebrews 5:12-14).

In the beginning, we may come to our shepherd as sheep, but we must realize, it is not God’s will for us to remain sheep, just as it is not his will that we remain babies, but it is his will that we grow up into the measure and stature of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). This is why God left us his written word. This is why, so many have spilled their blood, to preserve it for us (Acts 5:17, 18, Acts 5:28, 29, Acts 7:52-60).

It is only when the sheep have become shepherds that we can get on with advancing the word and work of the kingdom. As mature Christians, we may now seek our Lord’s permission to enter his harvest fully equipped and prepared to fulfill our calling to preach, teach, advise or council using sound doctrine, which can only be found, in the word (Romans 12:3-8, 2 Timothy 4:2).

The Cost

The same God and Creator that framed the worlds, brought life to all living things and he prepared a plan to rescue man from the consequences of his own sinful conduct. He also can do all things, through those strengthened by him (Philippians 4:13). With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). If we believe this, believing also that all scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), then only a fool would believe that God wasn’t able to protect and preserve the integrity of his written message through the ages. Even when his word is recorded or translated by imperfect instruments, God will, as always, find a way to accomplish his divine will; make no mistake about this, the truth of his word will always come to light.

Throughout biblical history, many have tried to destroy, corrupt or detract from the word, but they have always been discovered, their corruptions exposed and their efforts destroyed. The word has suffered abuses over many centuries, but still stands strong and will remain so, forever (1 Peter 1:24, 25). There is a price to be paid by those who mistreat the word and it’s more than they can afford (2 Peter 3:16, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

True, there is a price to be paid by those who abuse the word, but there is also a price paid by those who defend it. The cost of defending the word is paid by isolation, rejection, betrayal, torture and death. The currency used to pay this price is often the blood of God’s servants. If the blood of all those slain for the word was used as ink, there would likely be enough to print every copy of God’s word ever published.

The church of the Apostles continued to exist through hardship and persecution until it had grown weary of its separation from the world. It began to desire the fellowship of unbelievers and the acceptance of their community. It longed to take its worship into the light of day and worship as others did, in the extravagant temples they built for idols.

In approximately, the year 312 A. D. this opportunity became available.  It was at this time that Constantine, Emperor of Rome, legalized Christian worship, i.e. the church. After moving his seat of power to Byzantium, he donated eight basilicas (palaces) for use as temples of worship for this new sect called Christians. Byzantium’s name was also changed to Constantinople after Constantine. Today, it’s known as Istanbul.

Constantine observed this new sect grow at a fantastic rate. It overshadowed all other religions and he recognized the political opportunity it offered him. He converted to this new religion and then began placing his relatives and friends in positions of power in this new religion thus, marrying the church to the state, and so it remains to this day as the church of Rome, i.e. the Roman Catholic church, a pseudo-church now controlled by Rome.

Even here in the clutches of Rome, there remained a few whose hearts God had access to. One by one, he called a number of priests out and so the first reformation was born. It was known as the Anabaptist reformation and it became a beacon to many who desired to return to the simple, loving, homespun church that met as a family in the intimacy of the home. The same church that Jesus had built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets.

Jesus had been persecuted by the religious elders of his day and upon their word,he was executed. The apostolic church suffered much from assaults within and without by these religious zealots, but stood and remained steadfast until forced into an adulterist marriage with Rome.

As certain priests left the ranks of the Roman church to find their way back in time to the church of Acts, Rome moved to find and destroy these new Anabaptist reformers. They were called Anabaptists, meaning baptized twice because as Catholics, they were baptized at birth, but now, after finding that one had to first know Jesus before believing in him, they were baptized again upon their profession of faith, in what we now refer to as “believers baptism.”

These Anabaptist reformers set out to re-establish the early church. Do not confuse the term, “Anabaptist” with today’s “Baptist” denomination, one has nothing to do with the other. Anabaptists abandoned completely, all former extravagance, pretense, temple worship, priestly garments, religious relics, idols and false piety, especially when applied to the so called, “church fathers.”  These poor, non-violent brethren were hunted, captured and slaughtered all across northern Europe. The record of their blood sacrifice as martyrs can be found in a large volume called, the “Martyrs’ Mirror.” This book can still be purchased today.

The next reformation, called the “Protestant Reformation,” sought to re-establish the holy scriptures as God’s authority over the church. The Roman church had come to believe it was the only representative authority of God on earth. On September 30, 1517, Martin Luther of Saxony, a priest of the Roman church, objected to the selling of pardons, sold to release one’s soul from the pains of purgatory. Luther also promoted the belief that one’s soul was saved through the love of Christ and not by works as had been taught by the church.

Luther posted these objections, along with many others, on the door of the temple which adjoined the castle of Wittenberg. Pope Leo the tenth, endeavored to silence Luther and destroy his writings, but Luther managed to avoid him by hiding. He died in Wittenberg at the age of 63, but not before he had attracted a following. Luther had been raised in the traditions of the Roman church. He was accustomed to its large cathedrals, its long benches and kneeling rails. He had listened to priests, speaking from elevated lecterns all his life. He had become comfortable with elaborate priestly dress, altars and platforms.

Buildings with spires, i.e. steeples were all he knew; this was church to him. It was now the middle of the fifteen hundreds and Luther’s followers broke ties with the Roman church and began to erect a much simpler structure for worship. Though more basic and less costly it, never the less, reflected its former design. It had at least one steeple, stained glass windows, altars, platforms and lectern, but it no longer paid allegiance to the Roman Pope or placed the authority of the church above the word of God. It also stressed God’s acceptance of man was rooted in man’s belief in Christ, not in good works alone.

Though today’s church goers seldom recognize it, its worship buildings still pay tribute to the rich, decadent Roman catholic church, by the ways it imitates it; you know, pulpits, altars, pews, stained glass, etc. Is this the church that Jesus built? Is this the simple, extended family church of the Apostles?

Under the permissive rule of King Edward VI, the new protestant church thrived and spread across Great Britain until he died in 1553 and Queen Mary (Mary Tudor), also known as Bloody Mary, came to power. Mary wasted no time re-establishing the Roman Catholic Church as the state church. She defrocked the protestant clergy, imprisoning many and executing any who denied any of the more prominent catholic heresies such as infant baptism, transubstantiation or the divine authority of the Pope. Many of these executions were documented by John Foxe who witnessed them. His account of these murders can be found in a book known as “Foxes Book of Martyrs.”

From each of these two reformations, i.e. the “Anabaptist” and the “Protestant,” we learn a very important lesson, a lesson that should not escape our notice. The Anabaptists focused attention, once again, on the simplicity, love and unity of the early church and the need to pursue sound doctrine.  Its desire was to return to the church of Jesus and his Apostles, the church they had abandoned so many years ago and, once again, seek the truth, and only the truth, found in his divine word.

The second lesson, the one learned from the “Protestant Reformation,” began with Luther and brought to the forefront the work of William Tyndale who, under divine inspiration, translated the New Testament from Greek to English so the common man could read it. Tyndale published his English translation in 1526 and promptly began to translate the Old Testament Hebrew text also. Needless to say, Tyndale was an incredible scholar endowed with a God given gift.

Up until this time, the scriptures had only been translated into the dead Latin language, a language only understood or taught by catholic priests. Thus, the only access the common people had to the scriptures was through the catholic priesthood. In this way, the Roman catholic church could hold them captive and hold them they did, until priests like Luther, began to break away and scholars, like Tyndale, went back to the earliest manuscripts written in Hebrew and Greek and translated them.

For the crime of translating God’s word for his people, Tyndale was tied to the stake, strangled and burned in Vilvorden in the year 1536. His dying words were, “Lord, open the eyes of England’s King.” At that time, England was ruled by King Henry the eighth. Under him, the Protestant church officially had been adopted by the state and was now called the Church of England.  Following the bloody reign of Mary in 1558, Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne, restoring, once again, the protestant reformation. She was succeeded by James the first, in the year of 1603 and though he may not have realized it, the English translation he later adopted and sanctioned was largely the work of William Tyndale and is now known as, “The King James Bible.”

What do we learn from the “Protestant Reformation?” We learn that the word must always have pre-eminence over the work. The word of God, i.e. “the word” must always be honored above the church. Jesus is the word, his church is his bride and she must always put him first (Colossians 1:18) He is, the word of God (Revelation 19:13).

The Book Called “The Book”

Though few may realize it, the Old Testament was well established and in common use in the synagogues of Jesus’ day. Of course, it was written in Hebrew and so, had to be translated into the many languages spoken today. However, it wasn’t until the fourteen hundreds when it was first set in type for mass printing and was published with a number of new additions added to it, called the apocrypha.

These additions were taken from the Latin Vulgate, a translation made within and for, the Roman Catholic church, but rejected by the churches of the Protestant reformation. The Protestants believed that the Jews were better equipped to determine the authenticity, inspiration and cannon of the Old Testament. After all, they felt it had been written by their own Jewish prophets and told the story of their own Jewish history.

Prior to the first printing, the New Testament gospels and letter were well known and well used. Selecting the cannon (those writings determined to be divinely inspired) had, for the most part, already been determined by common use and for this reason, found little or no resistance from the Protestants and remains largely undisputed and well accepted to this day.

Content

Looking beyond the history of the written or printed word to focus on its content, I would like the reader to understand what’s behind my thinking. If, my most fundamental reasoning regarding biblical issues is flawed, then it follows that my conclusions will also be flawed. So, at this point, I will attempt to reveal what my reasoning is.

First, I view the bible as God’s word. This means I believe that God alone is its author. He chose special instruments who, under divine guidance. Put pen to parchment; however, none of these would qualify as biblical authors. Let me explain why. If I were dictating this teaching to my daughter who received it and recorded it as dictation, who would be its author? The answer, would be, the one who originated it, i.e. me. The message received and recorded by the New Testament writers was given them by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26, John 16:13-15). Yes, each of these human instruments wrote as they were led by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20, 21).

God chose each of these human instruments the way an artist selected the correct brush needed to achieve the effect he desires. You see, each brush is shaped to produce its own unique signature, i.e. its identity, just as each man is equipped with his own distinct personality. Our Lord, who knows all things, who knew us from our mother’s womb, selected each of these scribes, knowing in advance, the way each would express the message he intended them to record.

Therefore, I have concluded that Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, James and Jude only recorded the things given them by the Holy Spirit, but expressed them through their own individual personalities, the very personalities they were chosen for. I say this, so you’ll understand what I mean when I say, these previous, specially selected scribes authored no scripture, but faithfully recoded the content of the message given them by the Spirit of God.

If we believe that all things are possible with God, then we should have no problem believing these same New Testament scribes were able, by God’s unction, to record exactly what he intended and do so, flawlessly. Certainly, the God that created the heavens, earth and every living thing has the power to protect and preserve his own message, through all the past, present and future generations of his creation. If not, how can we even be certain that his message of forgiveness and salvation is true? How can we be sure it’s not flawed, leaving the faithful without hope? How can we know the testimony of his resurrection or ours is God’s plan, that is, if God exists at all (1 Corinthians 15:13-19)?

I prefer, to accept by faith, the Lord’s ability to reveal his word of truth, even when others produce imitations that attempt to deny or discredit it. I choose to adopt the wisdom of Gamaliel, who believed that any false work generated by man will come to nothing, but the works of God can’t be destroyed; God’s truth written or spoke will always remain (Acts 5:34-39).

The Doctrine Of The Word

Is it wise to discuss doctrinal issues within the church? Doesn’t doctrine lead to division? Many members have beliefs not held by others. Isn’t it better to leave well enough alone by simply agreeing to disagree?

If you haven’t received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) then, leaving things as they are, may be the best you can do. You can get together as an assembly, sing hymns or choruses, teach a non-offensive parable or preach a milky message on salvation, faith or God’s love. It also helps if you finish with pizza, hamburgers, fried chicken or hot dogs.

Meeting in this way is unlikely to offend anyone and most will be praising your hospitality, but few, if any, will come forward to offer any leadership or take responsibility for anything that could lead to controversy. They will help accomplish any project or contribute to anything that a good neighbor would, as long as it doesn’t require them to take a responsible position in spiritual leadership.

If you’re already on this road, you’ve already bypassed God’s true purpose for his church, so why not continue to substitute your own clever, non-offensive ideas? If you’re not walking in the Spirit, and if you’re not following his word, this is most likely the best you can do.

Now, if you were being guided and taught by the Spirit, things would definitely be different. Yes, as previously stated, doctrine, even sound doctrine, does divide. It separates the sheep from the goats, the wheat from the tares and false brethren from true believers (Galatians 2:4, 2 Corinthians 11:26). When the wind of sound doctrine is stirred, the chaff has a tendency to blow away leaving behind the harvest wheat (Matthew 10:34-40).

The church belongs to Christ, it’s not ours. We don’t have his permission to do what we want with it, so let’s keep our filthy hands off, unless we’re prepared to follow his instructions, those recorded in his word. Christ is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18). He alone is the bridegroom, the church is the bride made up solely of believers. Those in his church can’t have things their way; the church is not like Burger King.

Many who number themselves among the redeemed believe they can do anything that seems right for them, or for the church. They’re completely deceived (Judges 21:25)!  They think it’s their church; it’s not. If it’s their church, it’s no longer his and he’s not coming back for their church; he’s coming back for his. The process of removing the goats and weeds belongs to the Holy Spirit and the instrument he uses most often ishisword of sound doctrine.

When you read about the early church and the events surrounding Peter or Paul, do you get the impression they were meeting their way? Or, were they being guided by the Holy Spirit? Do you believe Peter or Paul were content to let those within the church agree to disagree? Does the Holy Spirit cultivate division or unity? Does he teach one thing to one believer and something contrary to another?

Biblical Bingo

Some believe there are many ways to enter God’s kingdom and all those who recognize a higher power are eligible. To their dismay, they will one day discover, that all roads don’t lead to God or his kingdom (Proverbs 16:25).  Those who believe this know little, if any, of the bible. God is not this broad minded, in fact, he is very narrow minded, especially on this subject. In truth, there is but one way to enter his kingdom and one way only (Matthew 7:14, 21-23, Acts 4:12, John 14:6). Our God says what he means and means what he says.

Today, many people believe there are many ways to interpret the meaning of God’s word, i.e. the bible, but that’s a lie; there are only two ways to interpret Gods’ word. First, there’s the way we choose in order to accommodate our fleshly desires.

For example:

The smoker defends his addiction, protesting the bible says nothing about smoking, thus ignoring completely what 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17 has to say about the body being the temple of the Holy Spirit or that we are no longer our own (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). There, are also many more subtle things we choose to ignore as well. Things that touch our pride, like wives submitting to their husbands or husbands loving their wives sacrificially as Christ didhis church (Ephesians 5:22-27).

The second way, though more direct, is often less comfortable and while it may not be well received by our flesh, it’s clearly understood by our conscience. Put simply, the second way is the way God intended it to be understood.

All Or Nothing?

Each man or woman calling themselves a Christian must, within themselves, answer one all important question which is, “How much of God’s New Covenant should I obey and follow?” We must not lie to ourselves. We must not tell ourselves the answer we believe to be correct, but rather, tell ourselves the truth. If I tell myself, “I must believe and follow all,” then I must ask myself, “Is this what I truly believe and is this what I’m doing?” or do I rationalize these conscience inspired thoughts away by telling myself these biblical mandates were for another time or another people or another circumstance?

Self Defense

When others present me with these, do I defend myself foolishly by saying, “That’s your interpretation, not mine,” as though I were reading from a different book or from something written in another language other than my own? I say again, there are but two ways to interpret the word of God, our way and his (1 John 5:2, 3).

Get A Life

If we can’t hear the Spirit, then we most likely are not yet walking in Christ. If we can hear the Spirit within, but refuse to follow him while remaining convinced we’re saved, we’re already deceived (James 1:22). True unity (Amos 3:3).

As A Lion

Division, deception and pride appear to be the most effective weapons the enemy has in his arsenal and to our dismay, they have been used very successfully against the people of God, both Jew and Gentile. It’s a fact that doctrine divides. False doctrine and flawed doctrine is used to deceive and divide the children of God and continues to do so. Sound doctrine (healthy teaching) also divides, it separates the sheep from the wolves, the wheat from the tares and true believers from deceived hypocrites even when they’re found in our own families or churches.

On The Other Hand

Sound doctrine also has power to promote unity within the household of faith, but it only works when those divided seek the truth and do not pursue their brethren with their need to be the debate winner; this need is most often driven by pride. When brethren come together in biblical agreement, God and his children win. When brethren sit down to honestly seek truth, they should never agree to compromise. God does not compromise. We must never compromise to facilitate fellowship or unity and we must never allow ourselves to agree to disagree. How could anyone who has read the New Testament agree to disagree?

God’s Example

Did Paul agree to disagree with Peter when Peter chose to discriminate against the Gentiles (Galatians 2:11, 12)? Did Peter agree to disagree with the high priest when he was brought before the council (Acts 5:27-29)? Did Stephen agree to disagree when his very life was in jeopardy (Acts 7:59, 60)? Did the church of Acts allow the Pharisees to have their way in the church; did the apostles go along to get along or agree to disagree (Acts 5:27-29)? Did Jesus leave the door open for his disciples to agree to disagree or did he require love and unity (Matthew 12:25, 26)? Can a man build the house of God on both rock and sand (Matthew 7:21-29)?

The Truth

If God’s word is truth (John 17:17), can there be another truth, contrary to his? If, the word of God is ambiguous, then it would also be confusing, too confusing, for anyone to comprehend, but God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). He’s the author of uncompromised, unshaken, irreversible truth and there can be only one truth, his!

Doctrinal Unity

Led by the Spirit of God, the Apostle Paulcalls us to spiritual unity and love. This is clearly the intent of chapters twelve and thirteen of First Corinthians. I can’t believe that God would ask anything of us that would be impossible for us to accomplish in this mortal life. Using an anagram, someone once defined the bible as B-book of I-instructions B-before L-leaving E-earth and I completely agree. After leaving earth, we shall know all things so the bible, as a book, will no longer be needed though the word of truth contained within it, will last forever.

Thus far, I’ve tried to express the importance of seeking truth in the spirit of humility and doing the best we can to preserve unity in a peaceable, caring atmosphere (Ephesians 4:1-3). If we believe doctrinal unity is not achievable, thus demonstrating our lack of faith in God’s word, we’ll likely become the victims of our own self fulfilled prophesy.If God calls us to doctrinal unity, which he clearly has in 1 Corinthians 1:10, then on what basis can we agree to disagree? If God has asked this of us, it must be fully possible to achieve; it was for the early church and, if believed, it will be for us (Acts 15:13-32).

While we remain on this earth, we may never agree on what foods we like, what type of car to buy or what style of clothes to wear, but the miracle of doctrinal unity is obtainable; I have seen and experienced it a number of times.

Surrendering To The Lie

Agreeing to disagree is simply giving up in defeat; it says, “We agree to remain divided so that we can remain friends.” It seems we’ve found ourselves on the horns of a dilemma caught between two alternatives. We mistakenly believe that if we strive for doctrinal unity, we’ll lose a friend. No doubt this is possible, but how strong is any friendship that can so easily be broken? Does the discussion of doctrine automatically destroy friendships? Isn’t it possible, for true friends, to share their biblical positions without breaking the bonds of their friendship? If working together, they discover the truth, and there can only be one truth, are they not drawn closer together?

If we’re so certain that our doctrines are biblically sound, why not expose ourselves and our doctrines to rigorous examination? Could our objection to this be our own self-doubt? If our position falls before a stronger one, don’t we become better equipped ourselves? Isn’t it possible that in losing the debate, we’ll gain a greater truth? Doesn’t this suggest that the loser of the test actually becomes the winner by gaining greater biblical understanding?

In the words of Elijah, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal then follow him. And the people answered him not a word”

(1 Kings 18:21). What should our answer be? Should we also remain silent, continuing to agree, that we’ll never agree?

Isn’t it possible, that if we deny our pride, put aside our need to be the winner of the debate and instead open our hearts, that God will, once again, prove to us, that what’s impossible with man, is still possible with him (Luke 18:27). This task however, is much easier if those involved fit the description of those mentioned in Psalm 51:17. If not, we might have to work on it for a while, but the results will be well worth it.

Over the many years that I’ve taught the bible; I’ve used a number of English translations and even the occasional paraphrase. Among these were King James, New King James, Revised Standard, New International, New American Standard, New Living and several others. I found that, although I prefer some over others, all, to an amazing degree, remained faithful to preserving the meaning and intent of each recorded verse, even when compared side by side.

When you consider that the language experts used to translate the bible, were born in different periods and came from different places, somehow arrived at the same conclusions, with respect to interpretation, it’s nothing short of miraculous. Yes, I’m aware that there exists inferior, unworthy translations, but by comparison, these are seldom used or respected by those who are biblically literate. Such trash will go the way of all cheap imitations; God will see to that! God’s word, with its integrity, will remain intact and his children will always recognize his voice, whether spoken or contained in his written word (John 10: 4, 5).

Forty years after Christ ascended, the Holy Spirit began to prompt the gospel writers to record the things he brought to their memory (John 14:26). Those were copied and distributed to all the churches of that day along with the apostolic letters that followed later. The original writings have long since passed from existence but enough early copies remained to revive and restore the message the originals carried, all that God chose to preserve.

If the originals had been recovered, it’s likely they would have become idols of worship, not as God’sword, but as holy relicts, just like the brass serpent on the pole (Numbers 21:8, 9, 2 Kings 18:4). Even in the earliest days of the church, there existed those of the circumcision (religious leaders) who attempted to introduce oral heresies and later, produced written imitations of scripture containing heresies; most of which have been fully discredited and no longer exist today.

It’s Not Easy

If you read 2 Timothy 4:9-18 and John 6:53-69, you will discover that it’s not easy to lead any assembly of believers. It’s not designed to be a popularity contest where you, as a leader, seek approval; it’s a gathering where his disciples are taught while each of you,as teachers, seek the Lord’s approval. Neither Jesus or Paul chased after those who abandoned them crying, “Come back, we’ll agree to disagree.” Didn’t Paul say, “Imitate me as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1)?

I’m tired of politicians that, to get elected, tell everyone what they want to hear. I’m tired of them holding back the truth to avoid controversial issues so they can remain popular with the people and I’m tired of weak, gutless spiritual leaders who are guilty of being nothing more than church politicians. What really hurts is often these spineless wonders possess talents and gifts meant for the work of the ministry, but use them instead, to further their own selfish, hypocritical interests.

These self-promoting leaders measure their success by the number of adoring sheep kept in their sheep pen rather than those who’ve been apprenticed as disciples and approved, as shepherds, for the work of the ministry. Most of the sheep in their keeping will never mature enough to enter the Lord’s harvest. They will remain unfinished Christians, never brought to their potential by those who lead them. Be sure, God will hold these leaders accountable.

These misguided leaders have missed or ignored the primary purpose of the church, which is to require each member to do the work of an evangelist, i.e. personal evangelism (2 Timothy 4:5) and to share what they’ve learned with others (2 Timothy 2:2). This work is expected from every Christian; the work of the church is to equip the saints (the redeemed) for the work of the ministry and to edify them, i.e. build them up (Ephesians 4:11-16). The church is their training center and its leaders are their instructors. The church was never intended to be used as a spiritual theater. Within this teaching, I have been hard, sarcastic and direct, but in all, I’ve delivered the truth as I received it. The time for action is now, the days of evil have arrived and if we don’t wake up now, it will soon be too late. Few seem to understand this or even care to consider it, but the word of God must be fully taught. I repeat, there are only two ways to interpret it; the first is the way we choose and the second is the wayGod means it. God says what he means and means what he says.

The only unity possible in this life is spiritual unity. You can believe me when I tell you, this miracle is possible. I’ve seen it take place several times. Believe this, and teach sound doctrine, as you allow your own understanding, to be perfected. Always, be ready to change any formerly held belief as necessary; do it quickly and alert your disciples of any change that brings you and them closer to the truth. Set pride and fear aside and do it (2 Timothy 4:2)! Never hide any part of God’s word, never resist the teaching of an unpleasant truth or attempt to twist or excuse it; never compromise the word and never forget, the price those who came before us paid, in blood, to put it in our hands. Don’t let them down! Don’t let the Apostles and prophets down and, most importantly, don’t let the Lord down. What will you say to Jesus, Peter or Paulwhen they ask, “Did you teach the whole truth or did you hold back” (Acts 20:20)?  Remember, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). When it’s all over, the only thing remaining will be “THE WORD.”

1 Peter 1:24, 25

24  All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

25 But the word of the Lord endurethfor ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.