2 Timothy 3:16-4:1- “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”  NASB

1 Thessalonians 2:13 – “For this reason, we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”  NASB

1 Peter 2:2-3 – “…like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”  NASB

Before accepting Christ as my Savior, I knew nothing about the Bible or what it taught.  Once I accepted Jesus as my Savior, I still knew that I knew nothing, but I had an insatiable hunger for the Word of God.  After being a Christian for a few years, I, like many, developed the idea that I had “The Truth ” and became quite a Pharisee. 

The Holy Spirit took me through a metamorphosis where I knew that I Knew Nothing or So Little that it was almost shameful and that “no man” had a corner on truth.  We should always be learning and growing in our knowledge of God and understanding Truth.  That is one of the reasons that the Church is called a “Body” because the body needs every member or part to function as a complete whole.

Each of us lives at a different level of understanding or “light” in the revelation of the things of God. If we link together, we have a powerful composite of knowledge.  Sadly, too often, we attempt to either live isolated lives or attend churches that are so sectarian and isolationistic that we do not draw from other members of the body of Christ for various doctrinal reasons. 

To me, that is a shame!  Hardly a day goes by that I do not learn something new about God or expand something I already knew to reveal that truth in full measure.  That makes living exciting and the Word of God desirable as the most delectable plate of your favorite food, pleasurable activity, or vacation spot.

The Word of God is our “final authority” on all matters, but not one portion of it is of private interpretation.  That is what Peter was addressing in 2 Peter 1:20-21- “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

We need to remember that we are not Omniscient, Omnipresent, or Omnipotent.  We are human and “totally dependent” upon God, His Word, and the Power of the Holy Spirit to live this thing called life.  We need “each other” because we are The Body of Christ!

Therefore, I refuse to be exclusive and strive to be inclusive in my association and relationships with others who name the name of Christ.  We may not agree on all things, and that is perfectly okay. 

However, if we can agree on the fundamental foundational principles that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died as a substitute for our sins and is not interceding for us before the throne of God, we can work around almost anything else. If we accept the Word of God as The Word of God, we have a basis for working through all other differences. 

I consider some things heresies, as do you, but what if I am wrong?  Should I not reach out to those who acknowledge Jesus as their personal savior, truly find out what they believe, share with them what I believe, and maybe, just maybe, together, we can develop a clearer picture of The Truth of God!

That is something to consider as you stand before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords today!   Let the peace and love of God fill your hearts today!

May the rich and bountiful blessings of our LORD come to you on this beautiful day!