For I Neither Received It Of Man, Neither Was I Taught It But By The Revelation Of Jesus Christ - Part 1857

"But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in tastings, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in tastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left ..." (II Corinthians 6:4-7)

Many have claimed to have read some or all of the Word of God -- the holy Bible/scriptures -- and suggest that they come away with very little understanding of what they read. At first, this appears to be a criticism, and as we know from the time in which we live, a justification for publishers to revise and rewrite the Word of truth. As a consequence, the Word is now being rewritten -- by omitting complete scriptures, using simpler words, and taking out any substance that might be deemed discriminatory, and sadly, without much opposition from believers. Sadly, this may explain why we as believers appear to be losing the battle for Holy Ghost faith in the world.

Nevertheless, we who believe in Jesus as both Lord and Christ in our hearts know that the scriptures are clear and empowering for those with eyes to see and ears to hear. But like school, wherein the basics of reading, writing, and math must first be learned/acquired before learning more complicated text, we also understand that one can never know the totality of the holy Bible without the Holy Ghost dwelling within them. Why? Because it is the heart that responds to God's call to come to Him. Therefore, an intellectual response in and of itself, is not sufficient.

Further, the Spirit of the Lord God that moved across the face of the waters in the beginning has written the Word in such a way that we can continually learn, as we desire in our hearts more of Him. For example, John states: "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." (John 1:10-11) But unless you first understand that JESUS is the Word -- the Word that was with God and was God, the same God made flesh who dwelt among us, one cannot rightly understand the He referenced here. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Genesis 1:1; Titus 3:4-7; Revelation 1:8; John 14:6-12; John 10:30)

Another example from John (apparently the most cited verse in the world!) is also problematic if we subscribe to the teachings of many within the modern day religious culture. The verse? "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever BELIEVES IN HIM should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) The Him herein is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21-23) Emmanuel, being interpreted as God with us.

"To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19)

Therefore, when we are in Christ, we become a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. This is why those who believe in Jesus become ambassadors for Christ, because we also understand that He hath made Him to be sin for us. He who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:17-21)

After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Indeed, He willingly robed Himself in flesh for our salvation. He paid the price once and for all for our sins. And our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ wants to dwell in us as sons and daughters of the Most High, and walk with us in our faith journey so that He can be our God, and we His people. (II Corinthians 6:16; I Corinthians 3:16-17; Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 37:26-27)

Always a heart response to His call.

Further, God is not the author of confusion. Thy Word is truth and indeed, we are sanctified by His Word. (John 17:17) Thus, give us this day our daily bread! The more we search and study the scriptures, and can be trusted with the Word (not to have wronged/corrupted/defrauded any with another gospel, as apostle Paul writes) He reveals Himself to us.

Meditate on the following scriptures as a starting point for your faith journey, and yes, look at each verse in your Bible to ensure accuracy, and similarly, for your edification. I would suggest marking these verses for later reference, and for study purposes. Know too that there are so many more scriptures to learn and understand about our Lord God, and the greatest love story ever told.

"In the beginning, God ... and the SPIRIT OF GOD moved upon the face of the waters" ( Genesis 1:1-2)

"Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, "Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD YOUR GOD AM HOLY." (Leviticus 19:2)

"There is none holy as the Lord: FOR THERE IS NONE BESIDE THEE: neither is there any Rock like our God." (I Samuel 2:2)

"Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool; for HE IS HOLY." (Psalm 99:5)

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth." (John 4:24)

“But the LORD is the TRUE GOD, He is the living God, and an everlasting king: at His wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide His indignation.” (Jeremiah 10:10)

"God was manifest in the flesh ..." (I Timothy 3:16)

"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." (John 1:10-11)

His Name is JESUS, the ONLY NAME whereby we must be saved in this current dispensation of grace, (Acts 4:12; Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:35; Philippians 2:9; Revelation 1:8)

And do not be deceived by those who refuse to submit to the Word, or as the prophet Hosea clearly states -- "... will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the Lord." (Hosea 5:4)

Stand in the offering plate.