Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

[Insight]

Jesus the Bread of Heaven

And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. John 6:42-45

Of course this is speaking to those who desire about all things and who are eager to learn more about God and His Word.

What was it that was heard?

The Spoken Word.

So we have precendence here which is worthy of your consideration.

John 6:45 quotes Isaiah 54:13 Compare Isaiah 55:1

Prentis has reduced the importance of Gods Spoken and Written Word but we must now ask how it is that we learn of God? By what means are we taught of Him? By the Spirit, as spoken through men of old and in these last days through His Son (Heb 1:2), or as Prentis has stated, by some other means?

What sayest thou?

 

[Prentis]

Once again, your carnal understanding stops you from seeing what I'm saying to you.

The word IS important, it IS valuable, and THROUGH it, the Lord works in man. But it is the Spirit that quickens. I do not tell you the word is not good, but that if you do not have the Spirit's quickening and the Spirit opening your understanding, you cannot understand the scriptures.

1 Corinthians 2:11
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
It is God himself who reveals to us the truth of scripture, and it is the Spirit that we follow. The Bible confirms his word, work, and leading, but the leading is still his. We must do what the Father instructs us to do.

 

[Insight]

No Prentis...you are yet to undestand the power of the Word.

But you will!

And all thy children shall be taught (the Word) of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children. Isaiah 54:13

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good (Word of Yahweh from Heaven), and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Isaiah 55: 1-2

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat (Word) which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. John 6:26-27


What is the "meat" which endures unto everlasting life? What will the Son of Man (Jesus) give you?

Answer: The Eternal Word of Truth that quickens!

And that Living Word is the Bread of Life which we must feed upon everyday John 6:35, 40, 44, 47, 51, 54, 58

Yahweh's Spoken, Written, etched in Stone, and finally etched into the Heart and Mind of His beloved Son; is the Word of God.

The Word gives Life.

And yes Prentis it was the same Word that gave Jesus life.

 

[Prentis]

The Word gives Life.

And yes Prentis it was the same Word that gave Jesus life.

Jesus IS the word. He IS the source of life.

[sup]51[/sup]I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Jesus gives of himself.

 

[Insight]

Now the question is this?

In John 6:35:40,44,47,51,54,58

Can this bread be found in God's Word as revealed through Christ (Heb 1:2) and recorded for us in the Bible, the Gospel of salvation, Epistles, etc. as recorded?

Yes or No?

If you say no, then how do you get this bread?

If you say yes then you understand the living Bread from Heaven to which Christ will give at his appearing.

Insight

Jesus IS the word. He IS the source of life.

[sup]51[/sup]I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Jesus gives of himself.

How do you know this Prentis? Where did you learn of this ? Who told this was so ?

What is your source? How was it revealed?

Prove to me this is true?

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[sup]1[/sup] Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.[sup]2[/sup] Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—[sup]3[/sup] they do no wrong but follow his ways. [sup]4[/sup] You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.[sup]5[/sup] Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! [sup]6[/sup] Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. [sup]7[/sup] I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. [sup]8[/sup] I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.

Where did David/Jesus find Gods statues?
Where did David/Jesus find His precepts?
Where did David/Jesus find His decrees?
Where did David/Jesus find His commands?

Answer:

[sup]9[/sup] How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
[sup]10[/sup] I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. [sup]11[/sup] I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. [sup]12[/sup] Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees. [sup]13[/sup] With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. [sup]14[/sup] I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.[sup]16[/sup] I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

I think David/Jesus are teaching you a valuable lesson Prentis?
I hope you have ears to hear what the Spirit Word is speaking to you!

[sup]17[/sup] Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word. [sup]18[/sup] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. [sup]19[/sup] I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. [sup]2[/sup][sup]0[/sup] My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. [sup]21[/sup] You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, those who stray from your commands.
[sup]22[/sup] Remove from me their scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes.[sup]3[/sup] Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. [sup]24[/sup] Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.

David & Jesus are still teaching you something about Yahweh's Word Prentis?

But are you listening?

[sup]25[/sup] I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. [sup]26[/sup] I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. [sup]27[/sup] Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. [sup]8[/sup] My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. [sup]29[/sup] Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; do not let me be put to shame. [sup]2[/sup] I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.

But you Say David should not have filled his mind with the Scriptures? You say he should have not searched the Law daily to see the wonders of God? You would lessen its importance so that you could be led by the Spirit.

If only you understood the Spirit…maybe then you could be led by it.

Here is the Spirit of Christ Prentis:

[sup]33[/sup] Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.[sup]34[/sup] Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.[sup][c][/sup] [sup]8[/sup] Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
[sup]39[/sup] Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.

Do you long for Yahweh’s precepts Prentis?
Do you enter Gods Word to see it come to life before your eyes?
Do you love the States of God?
Do you seek for understanding?

Here is the Spirit of Christ Prentis:

[sup]33[/sup] Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.[sup]34[/sup] Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.[sup][c][/sup] [sup]8[/sup] Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
[sup]39[/sup] Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.

Do you long for Yahweh’s precepts Prentis?
Do you enter Gods Word to see it come to life before your eyes?
Do you love the States of God?
Do you seek for understanding?


[sup]41[/sup] May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise;
[sup]42[/sup] then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever. [sup]45[/sup] I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
[sup]46[/sup] I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, [sup]47[/sup] for I delight in your commands because I love them. I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.

Are you listening Prentis?
Do you love the Laws of God?
Do you desire to enter the Word of God as David and Jesus did?
Do you seek out His hidden precepts?
Do you delight in the perfect law of liberty as David did even before Jesus Christ was born!
You do not understand the fullness of the might Word of Yahweh or his Beloved Son.
You are a little boy who feeds on milk and things he knows meat.

Repent!

[sup]49[/sup] Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise (Word) preserves my life. The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. [sup]5[/sup] In the night, LORD, I remember your name, that I may keep your law. This has been my practice:

I (David & Jesus) obey your precepts.

Maybe the point might slowly sink through those carnal ears of yours.

 

[Prentis]

It is the Lord who reveals it by his Spirit. Yes, scripture is one of the Lord's instruments to reveal it to us, but as always it is by his spirit.

As James said, if any of you lack wisdom, ask the Lord to grant you this. Wisdom is not head knowledge, and neither is revelation.

The scriptures is like a map, but without the compass, the Spirit, we are lost. Again, Christ IS the bread of life, he IS the truth, he IS the life.

 

[Insight]

Can God be separated from His Word?
[sup]57[/sup] You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words. [sup]58[/sup] I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. (Word) [sup]59[/sup] I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.

I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, LORD; teach me your decrees.

Prentis, are you my friend?

Do you Fear Yahweh of Armies? Do you Fear His Word? Where does the Love of Christ come from?

His Word!

 

[Vengle]

I suspect that you Insight are building on the foundation of what we are told at Hebrews 4:12 "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."

I know that I have spoken with many who believe that is referring to the Bible as God's word. But let's take a closer look at the context:

Hebrews 4:13 "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

And that is why we see this at Revelation 1:16 "And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."

We have not as much disagreement here as is imagined. It is a matter of perspective. Prentis is speaking to one perspective (which he considers to be the more important aspect and about which I agree) and you are speaking to the perspective that stands out in your mind. It is not that you are wrong except when you say that Prentis is demeening the value of the written word. For he is not. Prentis is merely telling you that apart from Christ that written word is (and you can see it all around you) understood a thousand different ways. The power of the written word is the spirit in the control of Christ. But for your receiving power through Christ the written word irregardless of how much you would claim to respect it would be treated by you as not much above the value toilet paper because you would not understand it as God has spoken it. You would be the interpretor and that cannot work.

 

[Insight]

Do good to your servant according to your word, LORD. [sup]6[/sup] Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart. [sup]70[/sup] Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

You still don’t get it Prentis.

What Did David and Jesus keep in their hearts?

Answer: The Word of God - that sames Word you reject as just being ink on a page.

Shame on you Prentis!!!

[sup]81[/sup] My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
[sup]82[/sup] My eyes fail, looking for your promise (of thy Word); I say, “When will you comfort me?” [sup]83[/sup] Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

Jesus Christ knew the sharpeness of His Fathers Word. One day that some word will protrude form his mouth and discipline the Nations, that same Word which Prentis and many others have put off as being just ink on a page.

The Word is what?
Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. [sup]91[/sup] Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. [sup]94[/sup] Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.

Only Yahweh is Eternal…like His Word (1 Tim 6:16) – that same Eternal Word which is in your Bibles. Recorded for you Prentis that you may possess a love which surpasses knowledge - that can give you understanding and love and life.

But you would all here to believe that same Word is just ink on a page.

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

Have we once heard Prentis say of God’s Word…Oh, How I love your Gospel? I mediate on it all the day long.

No, just ink on a page!

But how did God teach David/Jesus?

I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.

[sup]105[/sup] Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, LORD, according to your word. Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.

So the Word is the Lamp/Light?

Your life is preserved according to what?

God’s written Statues are in my heart a heritage forever? Yes?

You all believe they are just ink on a page!

NOW ENTERS PRENTIS

[sup]113[/sup] I hate double-minded people, but I love your (Word)law. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees. You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes. [sup]120[/sup] My flesh trembles in fear of you;

I (David & Jesus) stand in awe of your laws.

Prentis is doubled minded on the exact nature of God’s Word.

[sup]121[/sup] I have done what is righteous and just (Word); do not leave me to my oppressors. [sup]122[/sup] Ensure your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me. My eyes fail, looking for your salvation (In your Word), looking for your righteous promise. Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes (Word). It is time for you to act, LORD; your law is being broken. Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.

David prays that he might understand the Word of Yahweh his God. Just as Christ would have done as a child and later (teach us to pray)

[sup]129[/sup] Your statutes (Words) are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.[sup]131[/sup] I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. [sup]32[/sup] Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. [sup]34[/sup] Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey your precepts. Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your (Word) law is not obeyed.

If only Prentis knew the severity that God could bring upon him for speaking down at His Word.

Prentis has no fear of Almighty God or His Word.

[sup]129[/sup] Your statutes (Words) are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.[sup]131[/sup] I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. [sup]32[/sup] Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. [sup]34[/sup] Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey your precepts. Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your (Word) law is not obeyed.

If only Prentis knew the severity God could bring upon him for speaking down at His Word.

Prentis has no fear of Almighty God or His Word.

You claim to Know the Christ (Word) but do not understand it was His Fathers Word which gave him existence and life. The firstborn among the dead cannot be said of God himself.

Once you acknowledge the source of the Word of God whether, written, spoken, etched in stone, or in his beloved son and soon to be in His wider family you will remain in darkness.

Total and utter darkness.

[sup]145[/sup] I call with all my heart; answer me, LORD, and I will obey your decrees. [sup]146[/sup] I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, LORD, according to your laws. Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. Yet you are near, LORD, and all your commands are true. Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.

Prentis,

Is God’s Word just ink on a page?

Do you believe

See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, LORD, in accordance with your love. All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

 

[Vengle]

It was the spirit which lead men of faith throughout all history. It was the spirit that helped David. Else he would have been like the Pharisees of who it was said John 5:38 "And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life."

Compare and ponder: Romans 10:2 "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."

The words in our Bible really belong to Jesus, the Word, and he must explain them to us helping us by means of the holy spirit he controls or we cannot benefit from them.

And do not say David did not know Jesus. David prophecied about Jesus probably more than any other OT writer. I suppose he did that on his own?

 

[Insight]

[sup]164[/sup] Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. I wait for your salvation, LORD, and I follow your commands. I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.

Once you understand how the Word belongs to then andonly then will you understand the importance of His Word.

Even as it is manifested in the Son.

The words in our Bible really belong to Jesus, the Word, and he must explain them to us helping us by means of the holy spirit he controls or we cannot benefit from them.

The Word belong to who?

HIS FATHER! John 12:49

You might need to look up John 7:16; 15:15; Heb 1:1,2; 2:3.

God's Word
Yahwehs Word
The Almightys Word

And given fully to His Son who through obedience "became" the Living Word of God Joh 1:1; 1 John 1:1; Luk 1:2; Rev 19:13; 6:9; 1Pe 1:23,25; Heb 4:12.

 

[Vengle]

No offense intended Insight but you making presumptuous assunptions that are untrue but in your own perception.

If you would like to have a brotherly discussion lets drop the negative judgments of others.

I too have been guilty of that at times. So I am not condemning you. But it really is not helping to prove a thing to say that we lack regard for the written word. That is a judgment that is unwarranted and unloving.

Neither myself nor Prentis has said anything that diminishes the value of the written word except in your imagination.

I am going to try to continue to believe that you mean well and are not deliberately trying to insult anyone. Now I ask you to please offer me a little help in doing that.

We love you brother.

 

[Prentis]

Jesus is the Word, until we understand this, we cannot move one step forward. He is the life, we cannot go anywhere in the Spirit without understanding this.

 

[Insight]

All I am seeking is for Prentis to retract his comments:

1. that the Word is just ink on a page.
2. that the Word cannot save

Retract these and we can move on to more productive discussions.

Jesus is the Word, until we understand this, we cannot move one step forward. He is the life, we cannot go anywhere in the Spirit without understanding this.

I have agreed to this maybe 5 times now.

That same Word (Christ) is also the Scriptures (Word) and not just ink on a page.

Agree!

Likewise Jesus himself cried out many times no doubt daily to His Father:
[sup]169[/sup] May my cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word.
[sup]170[/sup] May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. [sup]172[/sup] May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. [sup]73[/sup] May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. [sup]74[/sup] I long for your salvation (Heb 5:7) , LORD, and your law gives me delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. [sup]76[/sup] I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

Who owns the Word?
Who did Jesus cry to?
Who did David cry to?

Yahweh the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ and the saints.

Prentis we cannot go any further until you acknowledge that the Source of the Word (its origin) is found in God The Father Alone...and now in His Son.

As taught by Jesus Himself John 12:49; 7:16;15:15 Heb 1:1,2; 2:3

Otherwise you have not the Christ.

I am finished. -_- :)

 

[Vengle]

1. that the Word is just ink on a page.
2. that the Word cannot save

About #1. That is the entire purpose of the new covenant to move the word from off of paper and write it in our hearts. I will explain more after I give a brief comment on #2.

About #2. That Word being on paper cannot save us. It must be written in our hearts. And that is where the problem in understanding comes in for many (like thoses Pharisees who Paul said had zeal and who searched the word diligently) many think that the way to write them into their heart is through repetitious reading like we remember school work. But it is not. It was not for the Pharisees and it is not for us.

Yes it takes a hunger for the word but that hunger must be based on the love of the Father and the Son as the thing that compells us to do it regularly while also guarding against pride. If we love the word just for the knowledge it puffs us up. When we love God and His Son we read the word and we can actually hear God speaking to us if we have our heart and mind set right. And we by the holy spirit actually are communing with God and the Son all the while we are in the scriptures, with God teaching us through the spirit as we meditate on it. It actually is so real that when we begin to misunderstand we receive his correction in no uncertain way. The rembrancer pops something into our memory that causes us to say, "Oh yes, you are right." I mean actually telling God that,.

I know how much delight I get meditating in the scriptures and especially in the Psalms. And I know that the understanding Prentis has did not come apart from that. And I am pretty sure you likely agree with much of what I said about how it works because you also experience this as eveidenced in that you do have understanding.

Thus my impression that all I see here is a mis-understanding of what each other is saying.

 

[Insight]

1. that the Word is just ink on a page.
2. that the Word cannot save

About #1. That is the entire purpose of the new covenant to move the word from off of paper and write it in our hearts. I will explain more after I give a brief comment on #2.

About #2. That Word being on paper cannot save us. It must be written in our hearts. And that is where the problem in understanding comes in for many (like thoses Pharisees who Paul said had zeal and who searched the word diligently) many think that the way to write them into their heart is through repetitious reading like we remember school work. But it is not. It was not for the Pharisees and it is not for us.

Yes it takes a hunger for the word but that hunger must be based on the love of the Father and the Son as the thing that compells us to do it regularly while also guarding against pride. If we love the word just for the knowledge it puffs us up. When we love God and His Son we read the word and we can actually hear God speaking to us if we have our heart and mind set right. And we by the holy spirit actually are communing with God and the Son all the while we are in the scriptures, with God teaching us through the spirit as we meditate on it. It actually is so real that when we begin to misunderstand we receive his correction in no uncertain way. The rembrancer pops something into our memory that causes us to say, "Oh yes, you are right." I mean actually telling God that,.

I know how much delight I get meditating in the scriptures and especially in the Psalms. And I know that the understanding Prentis has did not come apart from that. And I am pretty sure you likely agree with much of what I said about how it works because you also experience this as eveidenced in that you do have understanding.

Thus my impression that all I see here is a mis-understanding of what each other is saying.

I agree totally.

If one states the Word is merely words on a page...this is not their intent. If one teaches that same word cannot save as per 2 Tim 3:15 then once again they are misrepresenting the Word and its power to change hearts.

Like I said earlier. Prentis is being overzealous for his Christ, and not providing a balanced view of God's Word...whether on paper, stone, internet, in the mind of Christ wherever it manifests, it is the Will of God and of Christ...and this must be respected.

I feel Prentis has shown little to no respect of the Word in any form in this discussion.

Maybe he believes he has the Holy Spirit and this is his motivation to remove its importance.

Whatever it is, its unscriptural and not in accordence to Jesus teaching.

How many times did Jesus rebuke his hearers "Have you not read" Matt 19:4

Wouldnt it be nice to have some of this rebuke here?

 

[Vengle]

Looking at his profile Prentis is 19 years old. We have to be proud of young man that age with his drive and enthusiasim. I don't think either one of us or anyone on here would want to discourage him. And I have no doubt that you realize all that knowledge at such a tender age is a big responsibility. It is difficult even for we who have been beat up over the years by letting our knowledge puff us up in moments. It has not been fun in that sense because God did not lie, and we now know from experience that he disciplines those he loves and most certainly does scorge all those he receives as sons.

I have not noticed pride getting away with him, though, and I sure would not want to frustrate him if I were wrong in imagining it. Any young person that exhibits the love and zeal for his fath that Prentis does is the brightest and most precious stone shining the light of Christ for the church, even above us older ones who may or may not have a bit more knowledge than he. What a contrast he is to those his age in the world. And there are many in the world that the light of Christ through him can reach where it may not be as able to through us, just by virtue of his age. Parents who struggle to help their children, they see him and they see hope for their own children. Not to mention younger ones that he is in a far better position than us to influence.

 

[Jake]

I agree totally.

If one states the Word is merely words on a page...this is not their intent. If one teaches that same word cannot save as per 2 Tim 3:15 then once again they are misrepresenting the Word and its power to change hearts.

Like I said earlier. Prentis is being overzealous for his Christ, and not providing a balanced view of God's Word...whether on paper, stone, internet, in the mind of Christ wherever it manifests, it is the Will of God and of Christ...and this must be respected.

I feel Prentis has shown little to no respect of the Word in any form in this discussion.

Maybe he believes he has the Holy Spirit and this is his motivation to remove its importance.

Whatever it is, its unscriptural and not in accordence to Jesus teaching.

How many times did Jesus rebuke his hearers "Have you not read" Matt 19:4

Wouldnt it be nice to have some of this rebuke here?

Prentis has much respect for the Bible, everytime you turn around, he's quoting it. ;)

 

[Prentis]

Insight, I agree with what Vengle said. :)

1. that the Word is just ink on a page.
2. that the Word cannot save

Here is what I am saying. 1. Words written in the Bible have no power just by being ink on paper, but it is the spirit of God that gives life to them. 2. Merely reading the word cannot save, otherwise with the amount of Bibles around, the world would be swallowed up in glory already, if you get what I mean.

I greatly respect the word, and believe it to be from the Lord. But I think it important that we understand that it is by the Spirit that all things are brought into effect. The Lord can speak NOW, and what he says come to pass, as it was in Genesis. :)

 

[Insight]

Looking at his profile Prentis is 19 years old. We have to be proud of young man that age with his drive and enthusiasim. I don't think either one of us or anyone on here would want to discourage him. And I have no doubt that you realize all that knowledge at such a tender age is a big responsibility. It is difficult even for we who have been beat up over the years by letting our knowledge puff us up in moments. It has not been fun in that sense because God did not lie, and we now know from experience that he disciplines those he loves and most certainly does scorge all those he receives as sons.

I have not noticed pride getting away with him, though, and I sure would not want to frustrate him if I were wrong in imagining it. Any young person that exhibits the love and zeal for his fath that Prentis does is the brightest and most precious stone shining the light of Christ for the church, even above us older ones who may or may not have a bit more knowledge than he. What a contrast he is to those his age in the world. And there are many in the world that the light of Christ through him can reach where it may not be as able to through us, just by virtue of his age. Parents who struggle to help their children, they see him and they see hope for their own children. Not to mention younger ones that he is in a far better position than us to influence.

Thank you for your insight.

I sought to gently rebuke Prentis encouraging him to edify the “Word of Reconciliation” and not to discourage its purpose in our lives. Modern Christianity is guilty of believing the spirit is leading them though they know not the Scriptures?

How can this be?

I felt Prentis was in the category.

Having said that, I could also go further to elevate my Master although felt by defending the purpose and Power of the Word I am in truth lifting my Lord higher.

May it be so of all of us.