50. WHY DEPEND ON GOD’S WORD? (John 17.17.)

The above Scripture is form John’s Gospel, chapter 17 and verse 17. “God’s Word is Truth.” While listening to my “Calvary Chapel” app. last week I learned there was no such word as “Truth” in Greek, the word translated as “Truth” actually was “Real” or “Reality.” So I have to think John was saying “God’s Word is REAL, I know, I was there, I heard and saw everything Jesus said. And did” Interesting isn’t it how the meanings of words change over the years, however the fact remains God’s Word is the “Real Truth.”and therefore the “Real Authority. The question one has to ask is...When your “back is against the wall”, where can you turn to find strength?---Awash in a sea of moral and ethical questions, where can you go to find a reliable compass? Answer...Chuck Swindall tells us, “There can be no more reliable authority than God’s Word.” He says “This timeless trustworthy source holds the key that unlocks life’s mysteries. It alone provides us with the shelter we need in times of storm.” Question;--- So why does The Bible qualify as our final authority? (1) Because He is God, His Word is Truth. As Jesus prayed to The Father He said “Your Word is Truth” That is real, reliable truth you can depend on… His truth that will never shrivel up.. . turn sour … backfire or mislead...That is what The Bible is about… it provides us with the constant daily requirement of the reality of truth. (2) God’s book is God’s voice, Paul writes in (1 Thessalonians 2:13.) “You received the word of God… not as the word of men, but as the Word of God, which… effectively works in you who believe.” Consider it this way; If The Lord were to return to earth today and speak, His message would tie in exactly with what you see in Scripture--- His opinion, His council, His commands, desires and warnings. When you rely on God’s voice, you have a sure foundation… you have a truth that can be trusted… power that imparts new life and releases grace by which you can grow in faith and commitment. (3) God’s Word endures. According to (2Peter;3;7-12). There are only two eternal things on earth today, people and God’s Word, everything else will ultimately be burned up...Stuff we place on the shelf, things we put frames around, Trophies and other stuff we like to shine and show off, they are all headed for the final bonfire. While “The Word of The Lord stands forever.(1 Peter 1:25.)” In (1Thessalonians 2:13 ) The writer says...”The Word of God which...effectively works in you... “ Observe two things (1) God’s Word is inspired. Chuck Swindal writes; “We have no problem with the Giver of Truth...but, was the truth corrupted when he relayed it through sinful men? This is the perfect moment to get acquainted with revelation, inspiration and illumination. Revelation occurred when God gave His Truth. Inspiration occurred when writers received and recorded it, and illumination occurs when we understand and apply it. Your confidence in The Bible is directly related to your confidence in its’ inspiration. Question;--How can we be sure it’s error-free and trustworthy? Paul provides help when answering this question in (2Timothy 3;16) ‘All Scripture is inspired by God… For teaching… ie. Showing people what is wrong in their lives… Correcting faults... and Teaching people how to live right.” When God revealed His Truth to human Writers He “Breathed out” His Word. When we dictate a letter we breath out a message and someone else types it out” So did the writers simply take dictation? If you know much about The Bible, you will realise… Peter doesn’t sound like John, and John doesn’t sound like David. Somehow each writer’s personality was preserved without corrupting the text… that rules out the idea of dictation...In (2Peter 1;20-21) he tells us”No Scripture came from the prophet’s own understanding, or human imitative (They) were moved by the Holy Spirit and... spoke from God. (2) God’s Word will hold you up when you go through chaotic experiences, God’s Word will give you stability. No other council will get you through the long haul. No other Truth will help you stand firm in storms of doubt and uncertainty. And there is no other Reality that will give you the strength and peace of mind you will need to get through the unexpected trials of each day. Thank you for reading my thoughts and words on the reliability of God’s Word. THE BIBLE. God Bless. Phaline.