Thoughts Worth Thinking

And the Lord Said

According to the concordance, the phrase, “And the Lord said …” precedes some 152 statements of fact, command or question to His people within the Old Testament. Similarly, there are 11 such statements in the New Testament: seven in the book of Luke and four in the book of Acts. Each time one reads the statement, one notices the impact of His words upon the receiver. No one argues against His statements, questions or commandments. In fact, they are stated so emphatically, it seems none would dare ignore His statement.

We note the “infrequency” of the phrase within the New Testament. Some, not desirous of compliance with God’s directives, mock this reality by saying, “It doesn’t say, ‘And the Lord said’ regarding this point.” Others, “There’s no ‘thus saith the Lord’ about it.” (found 415 times in the Old Testament). Friend, such attempts at escaping the validity of God’s Word are meager at best, foolish in the least! Notice the following passages:

Hebrews 1:1- 2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.

John 12:48 - 49 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

John 14:26 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. (This said to the apostles.)

Additionally, we read this phrase: “the Spirit saith,” or “the Spirit speaketh expressly” within the New Testament. Obviously, this verifies the coming of the Spirit, as Jesus promised the apostles. He is the One who guided them to write these words of truth! To say, “But God never said … It was Paul, or Peter, or another writer,” is to insult the mind of God and His design for bringing us the Word of God!

Yes, “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3) are found within this Sacred Writ we call the Bible. Our faith comes by hearing this word of God (Rom. 10:17). It, the Word of God, is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16-17). It is the same as the “preaching of the cross” (1 Cor. 1:18). In reality, every passage can begin, “And the Lord said,” for it ALL comes from His voice. (2 Tim. 3:16)

Those who smirk at the Bible, calling it “a collection of moral values at best” are fighting windmills. Certainly, the writers of the Bible show their message is from God. For the skeptic, this reality becomes their greatest challenge! There is NO book, so respected and admired for truth and honesty, as is the Bible. Even unbelievers quote the Bible as the recognized and respected HIGHEST LAW OF MOREALITY KNOWN TO MAN. (Quite frankly, it boggles the mind when trying reason their acceptance of the Bible’s MORAL law, and their rejection of its ETERNALLY SAVING LAW!)

Confidant the Bible is God’s Word, hearing Him speak via this wondrous book should delight us as well as cause us to fear (Heb. 12:25 – 29). To those whose study has convinced them of its authenticity and completeness, “And the Lord said,” remains their absolute agreement: “God said, it. I believe it. That settles it.” To the unbeliever, it remains unmolested – their challenges have never successfully reversed its truth except to their calloused minds! (1 Tim. 4:1 – 3). “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY word which proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4:4).

Mike’s Musings …..

“I Love You”

Those are such little words, yet they have immeasurable meaning when used correctly and sincerely! Sure, there’s the flippant statements from those of immature minds, and the sarcastic attitudes expressed by those hating everything who use the phrase. Those are readily recognized. We’re speaking of the TRUTHFUL minds, the genuine hearts who realize the power of those words!

No parent, grandparent, spouse, son or daughter tires of hearing those words! Granted, each appreciates seeing the action of those words, but hearing them always brings a spark of joy and a bonding graciousness neither time or distance diminishes. The words always speak the greatest admission of truth realized by the receiving heart. The words are full of immeasurable comfort and assurance.

Now re-read John 3:16! Do you experience the same sense of abiding comfort and assurance? Do you note the great sacrifice given to prove His words? Do you also note the willingness of the Sacrifice to keep His Father’s from being vain? Do you note the personal statement?

Is it then such a difficult thing for His children to assure and comfort our Father in heaven with the same statement and kindred proof of the words? Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Yet many who appreciate God love to them, speak of this commandment as being rather harsh. Really? Read John’s inspired statement of 1 John 4:16 – 21. How are our words alone sufficient to fulfill the statement? Perhaps even in this case, “actions speak louder than words.” It surely seems the case regarding John 3:16: the loving actions given for the remission of our sins indeed speaks louder than words! As one reads 1 John 3:16, that makes the application toward us much more pertinent.

Let’s go one more step, having read 1 John 3:16. When was the last time YOU PERSONALLY said, “I love you” to a member the Lord’s church with whom you do NOT share a physical relationship? Why? Do you not recognize them as a brother/sister in Christ? Yes, actions can speak louder than words, but in THIS case, I muse on the action that such words would cause! Rather than just muse on that thought, try experimenting with its actions!!!