Communicating
With God
When most people hear the word bible, they think of it as just another book, or collection of stories that took place in past history. Some believe it to be true prophecy, and some believe it to be fables and opinions of the men who wrote it. Some try to live by it, while others disregard anything that it might say about their lives. Some hold it sacred, and others call it judgmental. So, what exactly is the bible? The bible is a means of "communicating with God" through scripture. A direct "line of communication" between our creator and His children. A guide book to our salvation and eternal life if you will. Lets turn to the book of 2 Peter to begin our study.
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:20-21). We must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, or from human initiative. The prophets of the bible were moved by the "Holy Spirit" and they spoke from God. Turn with me to the book of 2 Timothy.
Paul gives Timothy a little faith builder. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15). The apostle Paul is telling Timothy that he has been taught the holy scriptures from childhood, and that they have given him the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes from trusting in Jesus Christ. (We can also have this wisdom if we search the scriptures).
Paul also gives us the purpose of the scriptures and how they came about. 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul tells us that all scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us the difference between right and wrong. (The difference between good and evil if you will). God uses scripture to communicate, prepare, and equip us to do good works.
Christ gives us a deeper meaning of the scriptures. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5:39). Many search the scriptures because they think they will give them eternal life. But, the scriptures point to Christ, who gives eternal life. "We are to hold the scriptures sacred and teach the Word, as the Word is truth." (John 17:17).
Turn with me back to the book of 2 Peter to see that we can have greater confidence in the message of scripture. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19). Because of that experience there was even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets of the "Morning Star" to rise in your hearts. The Bright Morning Star! Remember that there are two. Lucifer was also called "son of the morning, or morning star" (Isaiah 14:12), make sure that you follow the right one. (They removed Lucifer in most translations of the bible in this verse of Isaiah).
In the book of Hebrews, Paul explains how the Word is a line of communication used as a tool for correction. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God is like a double edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit. It will expose our innermost thoughts and desires. (Revelation 1:16), The sharp two edged sword represents the Word of God. The Word can cut deep into our soul and set people straight, or it can teach us and build us up.
Every Word of God proves true, not mans word. (Proverbs 30:5-6), God (The Word), will be a shield to all who come to Him for protection. However, we are not to add to His Word, or He may expose us as a liar. In other words: Don't change God's Word around to serve your worldly lifestyles.
In conclusion, turn with me to the book of 1 Thessalonians. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13). We are to received the Word as God's Word, not mans word. It is God's Word, this "line of communication" that changes lives when your a believer. Work on communication between you and the Heavenly Father. Just talk to Him, He will listen and you will make His day. When you make His day, He will make your day also.
Keep The Faith,Barton