For Ever I Lord, Thy Word Is Settled In Heaven - Part 1724

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)

" ...to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ!" (II Peter 1:1)

Far too often, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ by faith settle for the traditions of men and worldly whims rather than studying the scriptures for their daily sustenance -- our daily Bread -- Jesus -- the Bread of life, which is, in essence, the Word of the Lord, whereby grace and peace can be multiplied unto you/us through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. (II Peter 1:2)

You see, when we desire in our hearts to get to know Jesus as both our Lord and Saviour, and set out to study His Word as a workman doth unto God, (so that we can rightly divide the Word) we become knowledgeable in Him -- "according as His divine power hath given unto us ALL things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called to glory and virtue: wherefore are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature ..." (II Peter 1:3-4)

But His promises do not end with escaping the corruption that is in the world. In fact, Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ continues, saying, "Besides this ..." That is, there are other reasons that should inspire us to pursue the press into the mark which is Christ Jesus

"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance patience [perseverance]; and to patience, godliness;  and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:5-8)

In this way, we give diligence to our calling, making our election sure -- "for if we do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered [supplied] unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ. Keep these in remembrance, and therefore, in so doing, be established in the present truth.

Moreover, walk in the light and have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ (God manifest in the flesh as a Son will cleanse us from all sin. And, if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He is able to make us conquerors in a fallen world, shining brightly so that we can be like a city on a hill to those who are lost.

Indeed, we have also a more sure word of prophecy -- where unto ye do well that ye take heed -- as unto "a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." (II Peter 1:19)

"In Him was life, and the life was the light of men, and the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:4-5) John the baptizer bore witness of that Light which was the true Light, which lighteth every man that comes into the world. How do we know? Because He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him -- JESUS -- to them gave He power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on His Name. (John 1:10-12)

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ!" (II Corinthians 4:4-6)

And because of this treasure in earthen vessels -- that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us, we have the same Spirit of faith that raised up the Lord Jesus dwelling within, the Holy Ghost and our Comforter, leading and guiding us into all truth.

And when we don't? Sadly, as Simon Peter writes, "he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins." (II Peter 1:9)

Therefore, let's willingly search the scriptures for His truth, and be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of the apostles of our Lord and Saviour. (II Peter 3:2)

Knowing also that "whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God; he that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed; for he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face -- that our joy may be full ..." (II John 1:9-12; III John 1:13-14)

Finally, as ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him, rooted and built up and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving ... for in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him which is the Head of all principality and power .."  (Colossians 2:6-9)

Stand in the offering plate.