God’s Living Word is Jesus and the written Word is the Bible. It’s vital to distinguish between the two and ensure that we follow a person not a book. Having the second without the first is a miserable and self-delusional existence that leads to a dry place.
The Bible
The Bible only makes sense if the author is present when you read or study it. Giving pre-eminence to the Bible instead of God is idolatry!
Information alone is insufficient to be a mature follower of Jesus. If you don’t experience the reality of what you read, then reading it serves very little purpose and can delude you to think you know more than you do!
“You search and keep on searching and studying the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and yet it those very scriptures that testify about Me.” – John 5: 39
“Even when they see what I do, they will not understand, and when they hear what I say, they will learn nothing.” – Mark 4: 12
“We speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words revealed to us by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit- taught words.” – 1 Corinthians 2:13
The Church has placed the book above the author for way too long and it’s time to allow the Living Word to be the head of His body.
The Living Word
Jesus was the fulfillment of the written word and His voice must be heard again.
“Jesus began speaking to them: Today this scripture has been made manifest in your hearing and in your presence.” – Luke 4: 21
Ask yourself these questions: Does my doctrine and Bible knowledge define and limit my relationship with God? Or does my relationship with God shape, rearrange and enhance my understanding of the Bible?
Ask Holy Spirit if he agrees with your answer!
– Navigator Jo
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