FOR FAIR USE AND EDUCATION AND DISCUSSION PURPOSES



This morning I was doing research in trying to find out the meaning of some words in the Bible for which there seems to be no prior references. I read some of the Bible every day...and sometimes spend all day searching through various scriptures to clarify meanings, and I have done this for many years. Even when I was working full time and taking care of my home (because I am a widow there is none to help), I found time for what God has instructed ALL of us to do in order to win His approval. STUDY THE BIBLE and learn what it actually tells you and not what someone else tells you it says.

If Someone (Jesus Christ) DIED FOR ME, can't I do the very least thing in actually LIVING for Him? Most Christians say they do this because they go to church and regurgitate what they learn there for doctrine. Why do I say this? Look at all the DOCTRINES out there. There should be only the truth. If so, what is it? I'm getting closer to it than I was a year ago, because God tends to increase one's revelation of the truth as one increases study and prays for more and more understanding.

The TRUTH fits EVERY PIECE OF SCRIPTURE. If you have a doctrine, PICK OUT SCRIPTURE AND VERSE to prove it!!! If a piece of your doctrine does not fit into every single scripture in God's WORDS, then you have the WRONG DOCTRINE.

Today, I found a very nice article which spoke of this...it was written by a young man named Paul Ries. I did not include his doctrine nor his church information. There are some Christians who will not even read anything by anyone who does not share their complete views. But, even a stopped clock is correct twice a day...

This is what he wrote:

"The Bible is an incredible book of history and facts that proves that there is a God that created all things. Most important of all, the Bible is the Word of God. It contains the mind of God and His will for each one of our lives. That is why the Bible was given to us. Paul the Apostle says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Why should we study the Word of God? The following are a few scriptural reasons that we should consider when answering this question.

First, the Word of God is infallible. There is no error in God's Word. The law of the Lord is perfect concerning our soul. The testimony of the Lord is not only infallible it is inerrant. Proverbs 30:5-6, "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." The purity of His words does not need anything added to it. God warns us not to misrepresent His scripture.

Second, the Word of God is complete. The Bible does not need any new chapters or verses. It is all given to us already. Many cults add their own books or commentaries to the Bible. All you need is God's Word because it is the holy Word of God. It is complete. In Revelation 22:18-19, God gives us a warning, "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

Third, the Word of God is totally authoritative. The book of Psalms 119:89 says "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." The Word of God is the only source for absolute divine authority. This divine authority is for you and me as servants of Jesus Christ. When some say, "I have a word from the Lord for you," write it down and as you study God's word see if the Lord speaks to you through His Scriptures. Only then will you know if the Lord is truly speaking to you.

Fourth, God's Word is totally sufficient for all of our needs. We don't need anything else. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it reads "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." We Christians can be totally secure in the Lord by studying the Bible because it is God's plan for our life.

And fifth, the Word of God will accomplish what it promises. If God told you something will happen, and you wait, it will happen. In Isaiah 55:11 it says, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." God sent His word to accomplish His perfect will in our lives. If God makes a promise to you He will fulfill it in His own time. There are so many promises given to us in the Bible. These promises reassure us and bring comfort to our lives in our times of trial. I challenge you to take time to study the Word of God. The Lord will show you wonderful things that will change your life."

And I totally agree with everything he has said. So, if you have a doctrine, point out scripture and verse which teaches it. If you are unable to do this, perhaps you are on the wrong road to the truth.

BTW...Which version of the bible should you use? That might be a good beginning for finding the truth. Find out which bible you should be using. I've done my own research, and I use the one in which it was extremely easy to reference various verses...and others that I've found will not allow me to do this, I've discarded. That was my first lesson in trying to find the truth. And if you're not reading the bible every day and searching scriptures, don't try to tell me that you know the correct doctrine.

Arlene