John 1:1-3, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

The writers of Hebrews and Colossians also begin by saying that Jesus is God, creator of the universe, who holds up all things and holds everything together by the Word of his power.

Hebrews 1:2-3 … has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power …

Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Colossians 1:15-17 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Psalms 33:6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the army of heaven by the breath of his mouth.

Jesus is the Word

In John's first written letter, he begins with the same format he used in his gospel, starting with in the beginning. But again, John doesn't refer to Jesus by name but as the Word of God. John's description of the Word has nothing to do with paper and ink but with a person, and one that he saw, heard, and touched. Our attitude toward the Word of God reveals our attitude toward Jesus, whether disdain, neglect, or love.

John 1:14 The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

I John1:1 That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life.

If we neglect, reject, or accept the Word of God, that is how we treat Jesus. The same Bible left gathering dust on the shelf or is criticized, mocked, or covered with notes, worn by use, will be our judge.

John 12:48, He who rejects me, and doesn't receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day.

John 5:45-47 "Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you, [the Law given by] Moses in whom you trust. "For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. "But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?"

Luke 9:26 "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels.

In John's final writing, the book of Revelation, he prophecies about Jesus returning at the second coming by the name of the Word of God. He portrays Jesus with a sharp sword coming out of his mouth. That sword is the Word of God, by which he will judge and make war with the nations.

Revelation 19:11-15 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

During Jesus' earthly ministry, when he spoke, his words had an impact unlike anyone before or since because his words are Spirit and life. When we read his words, they can have the same impact on us as they did when Jesus first spoke them. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and he is no respecter of persons. What he did for others, he will do for us because there is no favoritism with God.

John 7:46 "No man ever spoke like this Man!"

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

John 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. (NIV, also Romans 2:11)

Biblical Impact

We cannot overemphasize the impact that the scriptures make in our lives. The following list gives us a brief description of some of the different names for the scriptures.

Word of GOD 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Word of CHRIST Colossians 3:16

Word of LIFE Philippians 2:16

Word of TRUTH James 1:18

Word of HIS GRACE Acts 20:32

Word of SALVATION Acts 13: 26

Word of MY PATIENCE Rev 3:10

Word of FAITH Romans 10:8

Word of HIS POWER Hebrews 1:3

Word of EXHORTATION Heb 13:22

Word of RIGHTEOUSNESS Heb 5:13

Word of RECONCILIATION 2Cor 5:19

Biblical Faith

The Apostle John gave his motivation for writing the gospel and his letters, and he said that he was writing that we might believe. God wants us to believe in Jesus and grow in faith. When we read the scriptures and hear them preached or taught, we put ourselves in a position to receive faith.

John 20:30-31, "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Romans 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God"

Jesus used the parable of the Sower to show four different responses that people have in hearing the word of God. Jesus said that 3 out of 4 people who hear the word have no long-term results and produce nothing in their life, and their souls are ultimately lost. However, 1 out of 4 will receive the word and be transformed forever as new creations in Christ. The only distinction between the hearers on the good ground is differences in fruitfulness in their lives because some produce fruit 100 times more than what they had received, some 60 times, and some 30 times more.

Matthew 13:18-23 "Therefore hear the parable of the Sower: "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; "yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

Biblical Foundation

For all true believers, there is only one authoritative source we can trust and build our lives on as our firm foundation. The word of God is our only rock of stability when everything around us is collapsing. We need the diligence to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God as written in the scriptures because everything else is sinking sand.

Matthew 7:24-27 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Matthew 4:4 "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

1 Corinthians 3:10-11 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Biblical New Birth

So how important is the Word of God? The eternal destination of our souls is determined by whether we are born again or not. We are born again by the word of God, without which we cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

1 Peter 1:23-25 … having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because "All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever." Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

James 1:18-21 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created … Therefore, lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Biblical Growth

When we become born again, we have not crossed the finish and have not arrived at the final destination. On the contrary, being born again is only the starting line at the beginning of the race, and we are in a lifelong marathon. As newborn babies in Christ, we start with the milk of the word of God to sustain our spiritual life and growth. As we grow in Christ, we should get off the baby bottle and diapers and grow into maturity, eating strong meat for mature, responsible, committed followers of Christ.

1 Peter 2:1-2 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

1 Corinthians 3:1-2 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;

Hebrews 5:12-14 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

Jeremiah 15:16, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of Host."

Biblical Teaching

We must base our faith and lives on the scriptures as the final spiritual authority. If any dream, vision, angel, preacher, or experience perverts or disagrees with the scripture, they are false, and we should reject them. If there was ever anyone that could claim they had a legitimate vision from the Lord, it was the Apostle Peter. He saw with his own eyes the actual, historical, flesh and blood Jesus physically transformed before his very eyes. Peter saw Jesus transformed and radiating with glory like the sun, he saw Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah, and he heard God the Father speaking in an audible voice from heaven. In addition, he had two other witnesses with him, who confirmed what he saw. That experience is accepted as an indisputable fact without question by all Christians (Matthew 17:1-9). But Peter said we have something more credible, verifiable, and reliable than his experience. And what could that be? The written Word of God.

2 Peter 1:16-21 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Gospel

Some people claim to have a word from God that they received from angels, voices, dreams, visions, and other sources, but what they say is outside the boundaries of the scriptures. And even if those experiences sound spiritual and come from a respected preacher or leader, if it contradicts the written word of God and the Biblical gospel, all who participate in it are under God's curse.

Galatians 1:8-9 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

It is sad to see “Christians” who build their house on something other than the word of God. Many sincere people base their lives on dreams, personal prophecies, and home-spun revelations while ignoring what God has plainly said in his written word, the Bible. It is like comparing straw to wheat. Their words are lies and self-delusion.

Jeremiah 23:16-29 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD ... "I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, 'I had a dream! I had a dream!' How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? … Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has Straw to do with Grain?"

The previous verses show the importance of daily Bible reading and diligently searching and studying the scriptures. By giving ourselves to learn scripturally based, accurate, and balanced teachings, we will save ourselves and the people we influence.

2 Timothy 2:15-16 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

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.

1 Timothy 4:13‑16, "... devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. persevere in them, because if you do, you will SAVE BOTH yourself and your hearers.

Biblical Revelations

There are some mysteries in the word of God that are beyond our understanding and will remain mysteries until we enter eternity. Some spiritual mysteries are hidden from unbelievers and revealed to believers. And, God told prophets Daniel, John, and Paul to keep secret some of the revelations they had seen and heard. So, some prophetic mysteries will remain sealed until they become relevant in fulfilling prophecy. There is no point in struggling to figure out some things until God unfolds them or we risk falling into error.

Matthew 13:13, 16-17 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. … But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Daniel 12:4 "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."

2 Corinthians 12:1-4 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. … How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Revelation 10:4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

Be careful of accepting revelations by anything that originates outside the written word of God and avoid any speculations or assumptions that can lead to dangerous deceptions. Our concern should be with what we do know and will be held accountable for and not to chase mysteries of things hidden from us.

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

Deuteronomy 29:9 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Biblical Weapons

Satan does not sit idle while baby Christians grow to maturity, but he attacks perpetually. We are immediately inducted into God's army and thrown into spiritual warfare. As good soldiers of Christ, we brandish the armor of God and learn to fight in spiritual battles with evil powers and principalities. How do we do that? When Jesus fought the Devil, he used the word of God as a sword, quoting scriptures.

Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Matthew 4:7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

Matthew 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

Our weapons are the word of God, which we use to defend ourselves like a shield, and like a sword to attack the strongholds of thoughts that are contrary to the scriptures and take them captive to the word, who is Christ. Then be ready to take revenge on our disobedience with obedience.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Ephesians 6:12-17 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Biblical Testing

The same word that saves, feeds, and protects us, will also test us to reveal and refine our character. God gave Joseph two prophetic dreams where his father, mother, and ten half-brothers would bow before him. Joseph's brothers were jealous and hated him for the dreams, and they sold him into slavery in Egypt. Joseph spent thirteen years as a prisoner and slave, and it looked like the opposite of God's promise happened to him. For many long years his faith was tested, and Joseph maintained his integrity and held on to the word that God spoke to him.

Psalms 105: 17-19 He sent a man before them-Joseph-who was sold as a slave. They hurt his feet with fetters, He was laid in irons. Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.

Where that verse says, "He was laid in irons" in the side margins of some Bibles, it reads, "His soul came into iron." There is something that happens during times of testing because we either get bitter or better. Joseph's thirteen years of suffering were a difficult time of testing, but they also put iron in his soul and prepared him to rule and save the world from famine. Times of testing are for our good, and if we refine our character, maintain integrity, and hold on to our faith, they are worth more than gold.

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

Malachi 3:2-3 "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like launderer's soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the LORD An offering in righteousness.

Biblical Healing

One of the compound names of God is Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our healer or physician (Exodus 15:26). Healing is part of God's character, with a myriad of scriptures that testify to God's willingness and power to heal. With just one word, God can heal any disease or infirmity.

Psalms 107:20, "He sent his Word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."

Matthew 8:5‑13, And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him." The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. … Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour.

Divine Healing is a central part of the gospel, as expressed by Jesus and the Apostles, which has opened many doors of evangelism and brought multitudes to Christ.

Mark 16:15-17 And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe … they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Acts 4:29-31 "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, "by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Biblical Provision

The scriptures have provided everything we need for our physical and spiritual lives, not to say we can have whatever we want, but living by faith, we receive what we need.

2 Peter 1:3-4 … as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises (from the word of God), that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Biblical Holiness

God is serious about holiness, and Jesus died not just to save the church but to sanctify, cleanse, and wash it with the word so that his bride would be holy and without blemish.

We should be holy and separate from sin if we want to be the bride of Christ and see the Lord.

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Psalms 119:9, 11, 101 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. … Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You! I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word.

1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Biblical Comfort

The word of God brings us great comfort, knowing that the present sufferings will pass away, and the God of all comfort will receive us into his glorious kingdom. We will have a resurrection body, no more pain, sickness, or suffering, and live in a paradise with the fullness of joy beyond human comprehension in the presence of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Psalms 119:50, " This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Biblical Understanding

Whenever the religious leaders came against Jesus with trick theological questions designed to discredit him, he routinely embarrassed them by questioning their scriptural context, knowledge, and understanding. In the following verses, Jesus repeatedly asked, "have you not read?" Bringing into question their lack of scriptural perception. Finally, after suffering numerous humiliations at the hands of Jesus, the religious leaders dared not ask him any more questions.

Matthew 21:42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD'S doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? (Mark12:10)

Matthew 12: 2-5 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, "Look, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!" But He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: "how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? "Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless?

Matthew 19:4 And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,'

Matthew 21:15-16 But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant and said to Him, "Do You hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'?"

Matthew 22:29-34 Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. "But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. "But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. (Mark 12:23-27)

Matthew 22:41-46 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?" They said to Him, "The Son of David." He said to them, (quoting from Psalm 110:1), "How then does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying: 'The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"'? "If David then calls Him 'Lord,' how is He his Son?" And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore. (Mark 12:34, Luke 20:40)

Even after Jesus' death and resurrection, he appeared and asked his disciples questions testing their scriptural understanding regarding his suffering, death, and resurrection. The following verses describe a conversation between Jesus and two of his disciples just after his resurrection. Jesus met them as they walked and conversed about his death on the cross, but he hid his identity from them.

Luke 24:16-19 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him (Jesus). And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?" Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?" And He said to them, "What things?" So, they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,

After listening to the disciple's narrative of events and how they were slow to believe the scriptures regarding his suffering and resurrection, he expounded to them the scriptures regarding himself.

Luke 24:25-27 Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! "Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

After the disciples recognized Jesus, he vanished, and they remarked how their hearts were burning while Jesus opened the scriptures to them.

Luke 24:30-32 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"

Later, while the two disciples reported their experiences to the other disciples, Jesus appeared again. You can guess the topic of Jesus' conversation with them. Jesus opened their eyes to understand how he fulfilled the scriptures written about himself.

Luke 24:44-46 Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,

Biblical Wisdom

There are different types of wisdom, like human wisdom that comes with experience and age, another is from evil and demonic influences, and then there is God's divine wisdom. Which would you prefer to follow? Whatever mindset you choose to follow will control the direction of your life for time and eternity. Do we take counsel from decades of human experience, a fallen worldly philosophy, or from the eternal creator of the universe who is all knowing, all wise, and omnipresent? Using God's wisdom through his word makes us wise for salvation, gives us understanding, and makes us wiser than all our enemies, teachers, and elders.

1 Corinthians 1:19-25 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 3:5-8 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

Psalms 119:98‑100 You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Biblical Guidance

The word of God is a lamp to guide us in the darkness and show us which directions to take in our lives. If we are well versed in the scriptures, as we go through each day, we will have different verses come to our mind to guide our decisions and all our social interactions.

Psalms 119:105, 133, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" … "Order my steps in thy word."

Isaiah 30:21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Biblical Deliverance

In life, we can find ourselves in situations where we feel trapped and helpless. And sometimes, we are trapped by our bad decisions because we ignore the counsel that comes from the word of God. If we are taken hostage to our bad choices or other outside influences, our only way out of trouble, conflict, or debt may be to return to obedience to the word of God and the Holy Spirit. We may get a spanking, but compliance with the scriptures will lead to our ultimate deliverance and freedom.

Hebrews 12:5-7 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

Proverbs 5:11-14 At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent. You will say, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction! I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors. I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly."

Psalms 119:153-154, 170 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. … Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. … "Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word."

Biblical Zeal

If you asked some Christians for a description of zeal, you would get an answer that includes revival meetings in the church, with fiery preachers shouting, jumping around, long altar calls, and claims of the fire of God. But scriptural zeal is based on knowledge and obedience to the word of God, especially in the face of opposition. Jesus demonstrated the zeal of God when he purged the money makers out of the temple to fulfill the scriptures. We need that type of zeal today.

John 2:15-17 (speaking of Jesus) So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me."

Psalms 119:39 My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words.

Romans 10:2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

The fire of God's zeal consumes us to speak out against sin and stand for God at a high personal cost or harm. God endowed prophets like Jeremiah with voices like a fire burning the wood, hay, and straw of sin, but afterward, they paid a severe price for their words. The apostle Paul had the same dilemma as Jeremiah, he had to preach, but his preaching always came at a cost. Jeremiah and Paul are good role models of zeal to preach God's uncompromising word.

Jeremiah 20:8-9, (Jeremiah speaking) For when I spoke, I cried out; I shouted, "Violence and plunder!" Because the word of the LORD was made to me A reproach and a derision daily. Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.

1 Corinthians 9:16-17 (Paul speaking) For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.

The disciples were blessed when Jesus opened the scriptures to them after his resurrection. Their hearts were burning with the fiery zeal of the Holy Spirit for the word of God.

Luke 24:32 And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"

Our Responsibility

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he commanded his followers to go, teach, and make disciples, or disciplined believers, who would go and repeat the discipleship process. The Apostle Paul said to teach faithful people who would teach others also.

Matthew 28:19-20 (Jesus, speaking) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

2Timothy 2:1-2 (Paul, speaking) You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Also, we should not depend totally on the Pastor or teachers to feed us the word of God. The Holy Spirit writes his laws directly on the hearts of each believer. We should be diligent students of the word of God and be capable of feeding ourselves. That's what mature adults do. Paul commended the Berean believers for fact-checking him to verify that his teachings were correctly derived from the scriptures.

2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Hebrews 8:10-11 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

Acts 17:10-11 As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

The writer of the book of Hebrews scolded them because, when they should have grown into spiritual maturity, eating the meat of the word, they were still spiritual infants, drinking spiritual milk from a baby bottle. Every believer in Christ should be able to teach the basics of the faith. The way to grow is through spiritual exercise and repetitious use. When we study, teach, and share the word with others, our faith grows, our confidence grows, our knowledge of the word grows, and we grow spiritually. It's like a weight lifting regiment, starting with light weights and working out consistently, and over time we get stronger and increase to lifting heavier weights. We go from weak to strong by continuous use of our spiritual muscles.

Hebrews 5:11-14 … of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time, you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgment.

Commitment

We eat and drink every day, and if we miss a few meals, we feel like we are starving. In the same way, in our spiritual life, we need our spiritual food and drink daily. And in our Bible reading, we need to read from Genesis to Revelation, every single word. Many believers commit to reading the Bible daily and reading from cover to cover in one year, every year.

Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"

Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.

Acts 2:42-46 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer ... Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

Call to Action

True disciples of Christ have a daily Bible reading and prayer schedule as part of their daily routine. Bible reading

apps and programs can help keep us organized and consistent with our daily Bible reading. We recommend apps like the Olive Tree app or others because they are free, and you can choose between multiple Bible versions and reading plans. Please think about reading the entire Bible in one year as a minimum commitment, and it would probably take less than 15 minutes a day, depending on your reading speed or if you pause to take notes while reading.

Because we are in the end times, our world is changing quickly to line up with Bible prophecy. Jesus said the signs of his return would be like birth pangs, growing in intensity and frequency and globally. All those signs happen at once, and we can see them happening in real-time with wars, food shortages, pandemics, shutdowns, and natural disasters, all leading to a one-world government ruled by the antichrist. Also, there will be a great falling away from Christ, with churches becoming perverted, politically woke, and government-controlled. Eventually, all true believers will have to come out of the dead institutional denominations and fake churches. Thank God we have a blessed hope that Jesus will rapture the church before wrath and judgment hit the earth!

While we have time and freedom, we should study the scriptures, share the gospel, and learn to live by faith. This book is part of a series of basic teachings that all Christians should know and teach. We call it the "toolbox series" because each study is a tool for you to share your faith with others. For free resources and study materials, visit our website at Ears2Hear.online.