It has probably always occured, but it’s especially common during these recent seasons ~~ Christians “watering down” the Word of God.
I expect it from nonbelievers. They do it to rationalize sin, to explain compromise, and to find fault with Christ followers. When this happens, it doesn’t surprise me – or bother me – or even offend me. But and I am saddened and disturbed when believers “water down” the Word. I don’t expect it from the believer – from those who have supposedly trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior.
God is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And God’s Word does not change. It just doesn’t.
All Scripture (God’s Word) is for us – in one way or another. We must apply and learn from the Old Testament, although we realize that God’s people, at that time, were living “under the law.”
Then Jesus came. He brought the New Covenant. He brought us the offer of salvation. And He taught us believers how we need to live in today’s world.
God inspired His Word. Paul teaches us that it is living and active. It is sharp. It judges our thoughts and penetrataes our hearts. It is a powerful piece of armor – a sword of God’s Spirit within us. We are commanded to put on that piece of the armor so that “when the day of evil comes,” we can stand our ground.
And friends, that day of evil has come.
I am not speaking only of the political divisions in our country, although we certainly find evil within it. I am speaking of the social and moral atmosphere in which we live. Although we still find much love and certainly we have great hope, one doesn’t have to look further than the evening news to see the acceptance and celebration of the evil around us.
We must be armed with the Word of God. Not so we can fight people – but so we can “stand.” (See passages below – Ephesians 6:13-17).
The Apostle James instructs us to not merely “listen” to the Word of God but to “do” what it says. How can we do it if we don’t “know” it?
The Apostle Peter tells us that we have the Word of the prophets. Let’s study those Words.
The Apostle Paul tells us not to distort God’s Word.
Timothy admonishes us to avoid godless chatter and to correctly handle the Word of truth.
God, in his marvelous providence, gave us the Word – it is “God-breathed” and vital. It is for us. It is God speaking to us. In my writing, I refer to those messages as “Jesus Whispers,” because as I quiet myself before the Lord and dig into His Word, He speaks to me. I only have to “listen.” God wants to speak to you. Directly. Personally. His message is of love and of guidance. Of hope and of comfort. Of peace and of a future!
The Word is life-changing!
We must let the Word of God stir us, speak to us – in a gentle whisper or in a thundering voice. We must let the Word of God lead us, change us, and give us the wisdom God promises.
You might wonder where you can begin. You might start with the passages listed below. Familiarize yourself with the power of God’s Word. Next, you’ll want to read and pray and review Psalm 119: it is all about the Word.
The Bible, God’s Word, is for each of us. The only “water” we shall put on God’s Word is that of Jesus, the Living Water. Let those streams of His Living Water flow from within us. Be “washed” by His Word instead of “watering down” His powerful Word. Drink of the Living Water – Jesus.
If you’re not sure you are truly a believer, please make sure. Click here and Learn more.
Want to begin to listen to God’s whispers? Or his thundering message? He wants to speak personally to you. Read the Word and stand!
Start right here! Further reading: 2 Cor. 4:2; Eph. 6:17; 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 4:12; James 1:22; 2 Peter 1:19; 2 Tim. 3:16an
Thanks for sharing!