Regarding the Written Word

[itaf]

A few years ago I was invited to visit a church near the town where I lived at that time.

I asked the person who invited me if the church had a website where I could read about the denomination and perhaps listen to a few sermons. They did have a website and I spent a few hours there listening to a few recordings.

The sermons were very convincing but didn’t settle well with me. I actually came away from listening feeling a bit confused. The minister was preaching about how the bible was not needed. He went so far as to say that a person should toss their “bible,” into a garbage bin. He said that Christians have made the bible an idol rather than worshipping the creator Himself.

I had never heard such a teaching, and I began to pray and ask The Lord if there was any truth to what was being taught. I most definitely didn’t want to be a “idolater,” and I asked the Lord if that was what I had been doing.

I prayed concerning these things, and I picked up my bible and began to read Luke Ch. 4, Where Jesus was being tempted in the wilderness.

I knew immediately that this was HIS answer to my prayer.

Three times in Luke 4, Jesus answered with, “It is written.” The very first response was, “Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

We all go through trials and testing and I believe that we also should be able to answer in the same way with, “It is written.”

Since then each time each time I read through the bible I make note of every single passage that I find regarding studying the word, the written word and instruction from God (throughout scripture,) to write the word.

I’m absolutely amazed at how much the bible explains itself on how and why it was written!

I’d like to share some of those scriptures and passages, we all should be equipped and have an answer to any false teaching.


The first set of scriptures go into the instruction from God to “write it in a book.”


Isaiah 30:8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:

Jeremiah 30:2 Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.

Jeremiah 36:2 Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day.

Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

God breathed and God inspired:

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Psalms 45:1 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

Written by the finger of God:

Exodus 31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

Things written about what is written.

Psalms 40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
Psalms 40:7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,


Psalms 102:18 This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.

Proverbs 22:20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
Proverbs 22:21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

Mark 9:12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.
Mark 9:13 But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

Mark 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

John 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.


1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

I've actually spoken with more than a few people who have turned away from studying the word of God because of similar false teaching that go against our written instruction. In doing so a person is leaning on his or her own understanding rather than trusting in God.

Psalms 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Psalms 12:7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

There are many,many more scriptures that are written that go into this subject. Feel free to share them along with any comments.

 

[stormdancer0]

Many churches today want to do away with the Bible. That way they can "hear from God" and not have any guidance except what they want to believe. The Bible is here for a reason. Every word was left there for our instruction. My father believes in Christ but does not place any weight on the Bible because it is "written by man."

But seriously, is there an editor or translator anywhere who can change the Word of God and mess up God's plan? Does man really have that power?

Nope.

 

[ramblingokie]

itaf....what you have posted is a great list of reasons on why the Bible is important. When my christian walk stalled I can honestly say it was because I had second thoughts about the validity of the Bible. At this point in time I will honestly say there are still some things in the Bible I question, don't like, and wish wasn't there because it makes me feel bad about how I currently live. Still I know that since this is the word of God and the first step to leaning wisdom is to fear God then I should listen to what he says, no matter what. It is tough but it is also written you can not serve 2 masters. This I know is true from my personal experience.

As for churches that play down the Bible I think they do this so that they can draw in more people. People who go to these churches feel good about themselves and what to come back since you don't have to expose people to these tough lessons taught in the Bible that make many of us uneasy in how we live.

Thanks for sharing these verses. Stay Strong, God Bless.

 

[Bridgit]

It is mostly through the Bible that God speaks to us. God reveals Himself through His word. I would never want to be stuck somewhere without my Bible. It contains God's wisdom and also the Gospel. When we read it we get to know who God is and who we are in Him. I am never the same before and after I read the Bible. God uses it to guide our every steps and help us to mature in Him.

Any church that wants to do away with the Bible is not worth visiting.

 

[itaf]

Many churches today want to do away with the Bible. That way they can "hear from God" and not have any guidance except what they want to believe. The Bible is here for a reason. Every word was left there for our instruction. My father believes in Christ but does not place any weight on the Bible because it is "written by man."

But seriously, is there an editor or translator anywhere who can change the Word of God and mess up God's plan? Does man really have that power?

Nope.

Stormdancer,

I've also heard a few say, "it was written by man." I find it wonderful and amazing that God used men to write His instruction. He used people (Who are not so different from us,) to teach people! He sent His own son in the likeness of men!

Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

God always used men to speak forth His truth. From Genesis to revelation through the Prophets and Apostles. Paul wrote that these are our very foundation, Christ being the Chief cornerstone.

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

"But seriously, is there an editor or translator anywhere who can change the Word of God and mess up God's plan?"

Exactly and Amen! Praying that the eyes of many will be opened to the truth.

 

[itaf]

itaf....what you have posted is a great list of reasons on why the Bible is important. When my christian walk stalled I can honestly say it was because I had second thoughts about the validity of the Bible. At this point in time I will honestly say there are still some things in the Bible I question, don't like, and wish wasn't there because it makes me feel bad about how I currently live. Still I know that since this is the word of God and the first step to leaning wisdom is to fear God then I should listen to what he says, no matter what. It is tough but it is also written you can not serve 2 masters. This I know is true from my personal experience.

As for churches that play down the Bible I think they do this so that they can draw in more people. People who go to these churches feel good about themselves and what to come back since you don't have to expose people to these tough lessons taught in the Bible that make many of us uneasy in how we live.

Thanks for sharing these verses. Stay Strong, God Bless.

ramblingokie,

I hear you! I used to have a very difficult time with John Ch. 6. It is an example of the, "hard sayings." At the end of that chapter, many of the disciples turned away and stopped walking with Jesus.

John 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

I love what Peter said when Jesus asked him, "will you also go away?"

John 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

Any time I come across a difficult passage, or a "hard saying," I always remind myself that the true disciples continued on with HIM, just as we should continue to press on. I also believe that this is why Jesus talked about why we should continue in His word. He opens up the truth contained in the scriptures when we are faithful and continue with Him.

I've also heard many disputes about which bible is the "most" correct translation. I personally like the KJV, and have heard arguments against that translation. To me, it seems that there are people who go to great lengths to try to cause others to doubt. I trust what the bible says, that God is faithful to finish the good work that HE has started in us. If we are seeking Him with our whole heart. I also trust what is written for our instruction, and believe that God has preserved His word.

Keep pressing on and God bless you!

 

[itaf]

It is mostly through the Bible that God speaks to us. God reveals Himself through His word. I would never want to be stuck somewhere without my Bible. It contains God's wisdom and also the Gospel. When we read it we get to know who God is and who we are in Him. I am never the same before and after I read the Bible. God uses it to guide our every steps and help us to mature in Him.

Any church that wants to do away with the Bible is not worth visiting.

Amen Bridgit!

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Praise God for His Word!!!

God bless you!

 

[Christsfreeservant]

Thanks, itaf, for that reminder of the importance of the word of God in our lives. We do have the Word (Jesus) in us in the person of the Holy Spirit, so we are never without the Word, yet we also need the written word. Yet, if there ever comes a time when the written word is taken away from us due to persecution, it is reassuring to know that the Word is within us and cannot be removed from us by any man. And, we can rely on the Word within us to guide, counsel and direct us in the way we should go.

 

[Jeshu]

.......

I had never heard such a teaching, and I began to pray and ask The Lord if there was any truth to what was being taught. I most definitely didn’t want to be a “idolater,” and I asked the Lord if that was what I had been doing.

I prayed concerning these things, and I picked up my bible and began to read Luke Ch. 4, Where Jesus was being tempted in the wilderness.

I knew immediately that this was HIS answer to my prayer.

Three times in Luke 4, Jesus answered with, “It is written.” The very first response was, “Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

We all go through trials and testing and I believe that we also should be able to answer in the same way with, “It is written.”

.......

Awesome how you demonstrate the power of The Word. God is so real. Whenever I have a difficult decision to make I read The Word, The Bible guides me as well.

 

[itaf]

"We do have the Word (Jesus) in us in the person of the Holy Spirit, so we are never without the Word, yet we also need the written word."

Amen Sue, the double-edged sword.

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

To even understand what is written we need Jesus in our hearts. He opens up His word to those who are seeking Him with a whole heart. We see this with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, as well as other places in scripture.

There are so many examples. The Pharisees knew what was written, yet they didn't recognize Jesus when He was among them.

John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.
John 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

Paul also addressed this in 2 Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

That vail is done away with in Christ.

"Yet, if there ever comes a time when the written word is taken away from us due to persecution, it is reassuring to know that the Word is within us and cannot be removed from us by any man. And, we can rely on the Word within us to guide, counsel and direct us in the way we should go."

That is true, but in order to have that word written on our hearts and minds, we have to be in the word prayerfully being doers of the word and not hearers only but living it.

Paul wrote about how we go from the milk of the word to the meat of the word, there is a process that takes place as we continue in the written word, seeking asking and knocking. Paul also addressed the church in Corinthians on this subject.

1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

If the written word is ever taken from us, we should have our foundation established, and have as much of the written word on our hearts and minds as possible, and we should be able to answer Just as Jesus did when He was in the wilderness. "It is written."

 

[B-74]

The bible is not Idolatry. An idolater will be an idolater with or without the bible. Like all sin it comes from the heart, not from reading the bible, the bible will tell us we are adulterers and then we can pray that God help us, by changing our hearts.



2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Joh 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

Mt 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away

Mr 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels

Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Joh 12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Joh 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Joh 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you

Ac 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you