ALL roads LEAD to SCRIPTURE

 

2 Timothy 3:16

King James Version

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 

and is profitable for doctrine, 

for reproof, 

for correction, 

for instruction in righteousness:

There is no going around it.

Scripture is ultimate.

It's the only way to understand God, the world, ourselves, the past, the present, and the future.

It's the only GUIDE to a sure future.

It's the only One that will speak of God's TRUTH.

It's the only Reference for ALL THINGS GOD.

It's the only Source of the TRUTH of JESUS.

If you're searching for God, Scripture is it.

If you want to test the truth of today's so-called prophets, you must turn to Scripture.

If you want to test the soundness, and validity of your thoughts, words, actions, life, and work, Scripture must be your reference.

The same can be said for others, if you want to test their thoughts, words, actions, and their life, and work.

If you want to be closer to God, you must read Scripture.

If you want to know what being born again means, Scripture will tell you.

Scripture tells you that JESUS is the way back to GOD.

John 14:6

King James Version

6 Jesus saith unto him, 

I am the way, 

the truth, 

and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, 

but by me.

Scripture also reveals that JESUS is the WORD, and GOD.

John 1:1

King James Version

1 In the beginning was the Word, 

and the Word was with God, 

and the Word was God.

John 1:14

King James Version

14 And the Word was made flesh, 

and dwelt among us, 

(and we beheld his glory, 

the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) 

full of grace and truth.

In four words, GOD created LIGHT on earth.

Genesis 1:1-3

King James Version

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, 

and void; 

and darkness was upon the face of the deep. 

And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3 And God said, 

Let there be light: 

and there was light.

Scripture tells you that JESUS is the LIGHT of the world.

John 8:12

King James Version

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, 

I am the light of the world: 

he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, 

but shall have the light of life.

Again, Scripture testifies that JESUS is the WORD of GOD.

Revelation 19:13

King James Version

13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: 

and his name is called The Word of God.

All these I came to know from the guidance of the Holy Spirit, for I am born again.

Before then, I would not even touch the Bible, the WORD of GOD.

Only through the Holy Spirit could I begin to understand Scripture.

The HOLY SPIRIT -- a gift from the Father, prayed for by Jesus -- is given to teach us ALL things JESUS.

As such, only the Holy Spirit can teach us about Scripture.

Only the Holy Spirit can rightfully guide us to understanding Scripture.

If you are a true born again, diligent in your walk with the LORD, you will know the prompts of SPIRIT.

He will always lead you to the WORD of GOD -- from which, all things must be tested.

Scripture will be your SURE guide.

The Holy Spirit will lead you to the PRECISE verses that speak of GOD's GLORY.

He will always speak of JESUS.

John 14:26

King James Version

26 But the Comforter, 

which is the Holy Ghost, 

whom the Father will send in my name, 

he shall teach you all things, 

and bring all things to your remembrance, 

whatsoever I have said unto you.

You will never be lost again.

You would have found the TRUTH of GOD -- through SCRIPTURE.

You would also have found your own truth, and the truth of others.

Peace will reign.

Take that walk with the LORD now.

Related material:

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The Only Thing That Will Remain

JESUS will direct our paths

The HOLY SPIRIT

BORN AGAIN articles

SPIRIT articles

The Magnificence and Majesty of GOD blog

C's from being BORN AGAIN

 

Luke 11:28

King James Version

28 But he said, 

Yea rather, 

blessed are they 

that hear the word of God, 

and keep it.

Soon as I woke up early this morning, I prayed.

What did the Lord want me to do?

What did He want to say?

What did He want me to write?

I always do that, before writing an article.

As it happens pretty often, before a prayer is even finished, JESUS answers, making an imprint on my mind.

Of course, I jump out of bed, and work on it right away.

For the ideas are brimming.

Anytime the ideas, or prompts come, I'm on it.

They're fast, and fleeting, and I must honor them with my complete attention.

That's what being born again is.

You are in service to the Lord.

We commit our FULL attention to JESUS.

So, here are the results of that very brief prayer, where an answer was immediately given.

These are the precious GIFTS we receive from GOD, when we're born again:

Christ.

Of course, Jesus is the first gift.

We can do nothing, without the Lord Jesus.

Who would I pray to?

Who would answer my prayer?

Who did God appoint?

Who did God give everything to?

Who does the Holy Spirit speak of?

Who made me write this article?

Who wants to speak to you now?

Who are we blessed with?

Who died for our sins?

Who invites us to sup with Him?

It's all Jesus.

The Son of God.

John 15:5

King James Version

5 I am the vine, 

ye are the branches: 

He that abideth in me, 

and I in him, 

the same bringeth forth much fruit: 

for without me ye can do nothing.

Contentment.

You seek no other.

Jesus suffices in your life.

The world cannot offer you such.

You live for God.

Life has become simple.

Life has become fulfilling.

Life has got purpose.

With contentment follows true happiness.

Philippians 4:11-13

King James Version

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: 

for I have learned, 

in whatsoever state I am, 

therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, 

and I know how to abound: 

every where and in all things 

I am instructed both to be full 

and to be hungry, 

both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things 

through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Clarity.

Scripture is made clear.

Life becomes clear.

Purpose becomes clear.

Work becomes purposeful.

God becomes knowable.

Everything becomes knowable.

What more could one ask for?

Isaiah 30:21

King James Version

21 And thine ears 

shall hear a word behind thee, 

saying, 

This is the way, 

walk ye in it, 

when ye turn to the right hand, 

and when ye turn to the left.

Compassion.

We're all in this walk together.

Some may know Christ; others probably don't.

We allow the Spirit of God to come into the lives of others.

At His own perfect time.

We interfere with nothing.

God, alone, knows how.

And when.

And for what purpose.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

King James Version

3 Blessed be God, 

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of mercies, 

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, 

that we may be able to comfort them 

which are in any trouble, 

by the comfort wherewith we ourselves 

are comforted of God.

Creativity.

We can do much, through Jesus Christ.

We are guided much, through the Holy Spirit of God.

We are given much, by God above.

We will be surprised at what we can do, once we are God's.

We become creative, productive, eager, excited -- completely receptive of God's Grace, and Spirit.

And thus, we produce much.

We don't get in God's way.

Ephesians 2:10

King James Version

10 For we are his workmanship, 

created in Christ Jesus unto good works, 

which God hath before ordained 

that we should walk in them.

Childlikeness.

Life becomes exciting, for we have God.

We're always eager for the next lessons.

It's true, the Lord's commandments are not grievous.

We put our tiny hand in the Lord's, and we walk together.

He will show us many beautiful things, not of this earth.

Being childlike, we enjoy the journey.

Ephesians 5:1-2

King James Version

5 Be ye therefore followers of God, 

as dear children;

2 And walk in love, 

as Christ also hath loved us, 

and hath given himself for us an offering 

and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

HOW to UNDERSTAND the BIBLE

 

1 Corinthians 2:10

King James Version

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: 

for the Spirit searcheth all things, 

yea, the deep things of God.

Why must we study the Bible?

Why is it so important?

2 Timothy 3:16

King James Version

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 

and is profitable for doctrine, 

for reproof, 

for correction, 

for instruction in righteousness:

That being so, how do we have an easier time studying the Bible?

The volume alone looks intimidating.

As it once did, for me.

You have to be born again, and receive anointing from God, to have an easier time studying the Bible.

God's SPIRIT makes things clear, for He will guide us on everything JESUS.

And since JESUS is the WORD, and the Bible is the WORD of GOD, then Jesus is the BIBLE.

Again, the Holy Spirit led me to that conclusion.

But what if you're not born again?

There's a process.

Call it a journey, if you like.

When you start to really seek God, praying to Him, or talking to Him, asking Him questions, He will show up at the moment He knows you're ready.

When pride, ego, greed, vanity, and ambition are gone -- with humility taking its place -- God will show up.

I noticed He likes to humble those He wants to teach.

When you welcome God (coz you haven't really figured things out for yourself), He'll want to be with you.

On the day of your TOTAL surrender, God will show up, and change your life for the better.

Perhaps, He will prod you through something someone says, or lead you to a verse in the Bible, a video He wants you to watch, and maybe, even a dream, or a number of dreams.

The signs will be there.

You'll be surprised at God's many ways.

If there are 7.8 billion people on earth, expect that God will approach us in 7. 8 billion ways, so we may know it's Him.

And, in that very same moment, you will want to be born again.

Only God can do that -- make you born again.

That's why He searches our hearts, for He wants to speak to it.

Jeremiah 17:10

King James Version

10 I the Lord search the heart, 

I try the reins, 

even to give every man according to his ways, 

and according to the fruit of his doings.

All He seeks, initially, is your desire to understand, to know Him, to change your life for the better, and to be in His service -- for others.

The fact you pray to Him means you know He's there.

You acknowledge His presence.

When your heart has opened, He will be there, guarding it, for His Word, being sown in your heart, can be snatched.

Matthew 13:19

King James Version

19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, 

and understandeth it not, 

then cometh the wicked one, 

and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. 

This is he which received seed by the way side.

God chose us.

John 15:16

King James Version

16 Ye have not chosen me, 

but I have chosen you, 

and ordained you, 

that ye should go and bring forth fruit, 

and that your fruit should remain: 

that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, 

he may give it you.

And all God has chosen, He gives to His Son.

John 6:39

King James Version

39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, 

that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, 

but should raise it up again at the last day.

But we cannot bear "fruit", unless the Spirit of God is in us.

How do we receive the Spirit?

Before Jesus joined His Father, He promised us the Holy Spirit.

He was not about to leave us comfortless.

John 14:18

King James Version

18 I will not leave you comfortless: 

I will come to you.

The Holy Spirit was to be sent by God, in Jesus' name.

John 14:26

King James Version

26 But the Comforter, 

which is the Holy Ghost, 

whom the Father will send in my name, 

he shall teach you all things, 

and bring all things to your remembrance, 

whatsoever I have said unto you.

It is important we be born again, so we may receive of the Spirit of God.

Jesus commanded for us to be born of water, and of the Spirit.

John 3:5

King James Version

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, 

I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

This is the process.

This is the journey.

It's the only way to understand the WORD of GOD.

To have Spirit instruct us, after we've become born again.

It's really an orderly process in God's kingdom.

You'll know when God's SPIRIT is in you.

Reading the Bible becomes easy.

The verses are easy to understand.

You'll be able to connect verses.

You won't need a theology background.

SPIRIT is there to teach you.

If anything, Jesus commands you become child-like in your approach.

Matthew 18:3

King James Version

3 And said, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Except ye be converted, 

and become as little children, 

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

When your heart is as a child, you're eager for NEW learning.

You will delight in the SPIRIT's teachings.

Jesus knows exactly how, and what to give us.

Ephesians 4:7

King James Version

7 But unto every one of us is given grace 

according to the measure 

of the gift of Christ.

Because I'm a writer, researcher, and child-like with God, the Holy Spirit teaches me that way, and uses all those things I have in my heart.

Whoever you are in God's plan, is how He will use your gifts.

He alone knows how.

His will alone be done.

That's what being born again means.

Being totally obedient to the LORD.

And repenting of our sins, of which, by then, we'll know.

Delight in the SPIRIT, for He has much to teach you!

And Scripture holds God's TRUTH.

Related material:

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Parable of the Sower

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The way the HOLY SPIRIT taught me to share BIBLE verses with you

HOW I was TAUGHT to SHARE GOD's WORD with YOU

The DAY God made a DECISION on JESUS

 

Isaiah 59:14

King James Version

14 And judgment is turned away backward, 

and justice standeth afar off: 

for truth is fallen in the street, 

and equity cannot enter.

We've written before why God made man.

We've also written the reason for the cross.

But WHEN did God really decide it was TIME for a REDEEMER?

Walk along with me, as I came upon a particular discovery today.

As always, Holy Spirit led me to the DEFINING verse.

But first, the backgrounder, which happens to be a state of Israel then, and of the world now.

Isaiah 59:2-13

King James Version

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, 

and your sins have hid his face from you, 

that he will not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood, 

and your fingers with iniquity; 

your lips have spoken lies, 

your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

4 None calleth for justice, 

nor any pleadeth for truth: 

they trust in vanity, 

and speak lies; 

they conceive mischief, 

and bring forth iniquity.

5 They hatch cockatrice' eggs, 

and weave the spider's web: 

he that eateth of their eggs dieth, 

and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.

6 Their webs shall not become garments, 

neither shall they cover themselves with their works: 

their works are works of iniquity, 

and the act of violence is in their hands.

7 Their feet run to evil, 

and they make haste to shed innocent blood: 

their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; 

wasting and destruction are in their paths.

8 The way of peace they know not; 

and there is no judgment in their goings: 

they have made them crooked paths: 

whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.

9 Therefore is judgment far from us, 

neither doth justice overtake us: 

we wait for light, 

but behold obscurity; 

for brightness, 

but we walk in darkness.

10 We grope for the wall like the blind, 

and we grope as if we had no eyes: 

we stumble at noon day as in the night; 

we are in desolate places as dead men.

11 We roar all like bears, 

and mourn sore like doves: 

we look for judgment, 

but there is none; 

for salvation, 

but it is far off from us.

12 For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, 

and our sins testify against us: 

for our transgressions are with us; 

and as for our iniquities, 

we know them;

13 In transgressing and lying against the Lord, 

and departing away from our God, 

speaking oppression and revolt, 

conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

From which, it became the MOMENT of DECISION for GOD.

Isaiah 59:16

King James Version

16 And he saw that there was no man, 

and wondered that there was no intercessor: 

therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; 

and his righteousness, 

it sustained him.

And this became the LORD's will, and plan:

Isaiah 59:17-20

King James Version

17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, 

and an helmet of salvation upon his head; 

and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, 

and was clad with zeal as a cloak.

18 According to their deeds, 

accordingly he will repay, 

fury to his adversaries, 

recompence to his enemies; 

to the islands he will repay recompence.

19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, 

and his glory from the rising of the sun. 

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, 

the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.

20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, 

and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, 

saith the Lord.

And yet, the Lord, in His never-changing nature, keeps the covenant He had with Israel, His chosen nation.

Isaiah 59:21

King James Version

21 As for me, 

this is my covenant with them, 

saith the Lord; 

My spirit that is upon thee, 

and my words which I have put in thy mouth, 

shall not depart out of thy mouth, 

nor out of the mouth of thy seed, 

nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, 

saith the Lord, 

from henceforth and for ever.

Related materal:

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Why was JESUS MANIFESTED?

JESUS material

Why GOD Chose ISRAEL

God's COVENANTS with Israel

Has God Cast Away ISRAEL?

ISRAEL is the APPLE of God's EYE

MYSTERY of SALVATION

God's CHOSEN vessel

 

Ephesians 3:2-6

King James Version

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation 

of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me 

the mystery; 

(as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, 

when ye read, 

ye may understand my knowledge 

in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known 

unto the sons of men, 

as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles 

and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, 

and of the same body, 

and partakers of his promise in Christ 

by the gospel:

Why did God choose Saul?

Ananias asked that.

Acts 9:10-14

King James Version

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, 

named Ananias; 

and to him said the Lord in a vision, 

Ananias. 

And he said, 

Behold, 

I am here, Lord.

11 And the Lord said unto him, 

Arise, 

and go into the street which is called Straight, 

and enquire in the house of Judas 

for one called Saul, 

of Tarsus: 

for, behold, 

he prayeth,

12 And hath seen in a vision 

a man named Ananias coming in, 

and putting his hand on him, 

that he might receive his sight.

13 Then Ananias answered, 

Lord, 

I have heard by many of this man, 

how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests 

to bind all that call on thy name.

To which, the LORD answered:

Acts 9:15-16

King James Version

15 But the Lord said unto him, 

Go thy way: 

for he is a chosen vessel unto me, 

to bear my name before the Gentiles, 

and kings, 

and the children of Israel:

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer 

for my name's sake.

Ananias does as the LORD commanded.

Acts 9:17-18

King James Version

17 And Ananias went his way, 

and entered into the house; 

and putting his hands on him said, 

Brother Saul, 

the Lord, 

even Jesus, 

that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, 

hath sent me, 

that thou mightest receive thy sight, 

and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: 

and he received sight forthwith, 

and arose, 

and was baptized.

Strengthened by SPIRIT, Saul right away preached about CHRIST.

Acts 9:19-20

King James Version

19 And when he had received meat, 

he was strengthened. 

Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20 And straightway he preached Christ 

in the synagogues, 

that he is the Son of God.

Of course, the people were mistrustful.

Acts 9:21

King James Version

21 But all that heard him were amazed, 

and said; 

Is not this he that destroyed them 

which called on this name in Jerusalem, 

and came hither for that intent, 

that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

But, Saul was unstoppable.

Acts 9:22

King James Version

22 But Saul increased the more in strength, 

and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, 

proving that this is very Christ.

The Jews plotted to kill him, but this was known to Saul.

Acts 9:24-25

King James Version

24 But their laying await was known of Saul. 

And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

25 Then the disciples took him by night, 

and let him down by the wall in a basket.

Still, the disciples were not trusting of him.

Acts 9:26

King James Version

26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, 

he assayed to join himself to the disciples: 

but they were all afraid of him, 

and believed not that he was a disciple.

But Barnabas vouched for him.

Acts 9:27-28

King James Version

27 But Barnabas took him, 

and brought him to the apostles, 

and declared unto them 

how he had seen the Lord in the way, 

and that he had spoken to him, 

and how he had preached boldly at Damascus 

in the name of Jesus.

28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

Thus, began the official ministry of Saul -- God's chosen vessel to minister to the Gentiles, the kings, and children of Israel.

Acts 9:29-31

King James Version

29 And he spake boldly 

in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

and disputed against the Grecians: 

but they went about to slay him.

30 Which when the brethren knew, 

they brought him down to Caesarea, 

and sent him forth to Tarsus.

31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea 

and Galilee and Samaria, 

and were edified; 

and walking in the fear of the Lord, 

and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, 

were multiplied.

We really can't judge who the Lord wishes to work in His behalf.

At any given moment, the worst offender could be touched by the SPIRIT of GOD, and could turn overnight, for the LORD's service.

I can only observe in awe God's wonderful ways, as shown in Scripture, and in my own life since I became born again.

Related material:

Saul's CONVERSION

(Image source: Free Bible Images)

Saul's CONVERSION

 

Acts 13:9-10

King James Version

9 Then Saul, 

(who also is called Paul,) 

filled with the Holy Ghost, 

set his eyes on him.

10 And said, 

O full of all subtilty and all mischief, 

thou child of the devil, 

thou enemy of all righteousness, 

wilt thou not cease to pervert 

the right ways of the Lord?

In the previous post, we spoke of SPIRIT-filled Stephen, who was stoned for his beliefs.

Saul was there, and he repented of it.

But let us know how this former accuser, became converted to CHRIST.

Who better, than Paul to speak of it.

This, he spoke in his own defense, for he was accused of teaching others to forsake Moses, among other things.

Acts 22:3-21

King James Version

3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, 

born in Tarsus, 

a city in Cilicia, 

yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, 

and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, 

and was zealous toward God, 

as ye all are this day.

4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, 

binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, 

and all the estate of the elders: 

from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, 

and went to Damascus, 

to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, 

for to be punished.

6 And it came to pass, 

that, as I made my journey, 

and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, 

suddenly there shone from heaven 

a great light round about me.

7 And I fell unto the ground, 

and heard a voice saying unto me, 

Saul, Saul, 

why persecutest thou me?

8 And I answered, 

Who art thou, Lord? 

And he said unto me, 

I am Jesus of Nazareth, 

whom thou persecutest.

9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, 

and were afraid; 

but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

10 And I said, 

What shall I do, Lord? 

And the Lord said unto me, 

Arise, 

and go into Damascus; 

and there it shall be told thee 

of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, 

being led by the hand of them that were with me, 

I came into Damascus.

12 And one Ananias, 

a devout man according to the law, 

having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

13 Came unto me, 

and stood, 

and said unto me, 

Brother Saul, 

receive thy sight. 

And the same hour I looked up upon him.

14 And he said, 

The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, 

that thou shouldest know his will, 

and see that Just One, 

and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men 

of what thou hast seen and heard.

16 And now why tarriest thou? 

arise, 

and be baptized, 

and wash away thy sins, 

calling on the name of the Lord.

17 And it came to pass, that, 

when I was come again to Jerusalem, 

even while I prayed in the temple, 

I was in a trance;

18 And saw him saying unto me, 

Make haste, 

and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: 

for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

19 And I said, 

Lord, 

they know that I imprisoned 

and beat in every synagogue 

them that believed on thee:

20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, 

I also was standing by, 

and consenting unto his death, 

and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

21 And he said unto me, 

Depart: 

for I will send thee far hence 

unto the Gentiles.

From persecutor, to minister to the Gentiles.

We really have no idea how God will come into the lives of those He has plans for.

Romans 8:28

King James Version

28 And we know that all things work together for good 

to them that love God, 

to them who are the called 

according to his purpose.

What do you think, are GOD's plans for you?

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God's CHOSEN vessel

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