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Once, when a stubborn disputer seemed unconvinced, Lincoln said, “Well, let’s see how many legs has a cow?” “Four, of course,” came the reply disgustedly. “That’s right,” agreed Lincoln. “Now suppose you call the cow’s tail a leg; how many legs would the cow have?” “Why, five, of course,” was the confident reply. “Now, that’s where you’re wrong,” said Lincoln. “Calling a cow’s tail a leg doesn’t make it a leg.”
Bits & Pieces, July 1991
There seems to be a few different people that say the only thing that we have to pay attention to in the Bible is the New Testament because after Jesus came the New Testament is all that matters. That creates the question that we should always ask ourselves. What Did Jesus Say (WDJS): But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 ESV Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 ESV So with these two statements, one from Jesus Himself, we are told that we need His direction and He does not change. So when the statement’s been made that proclaims that we do not have to pay attention to the Old Testament. Understand it is going against the words that came out of the mouth of Jesus.
Another thing to consider; when Jesus was quoting the “Word” it was not the New Testament. The Old Testament was all that had been written up to that point. So to say that the Old Testament has no validity today is to say that what Jesus quoted was worthless. I know that is a very bold statement, but it is what we are being told and what has been said in the past by some church leaders. I am not knocking any church, but I want you to understand that some well-intentioned people have made statements that do not match the narrative we have been told. Jesus told us: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Matthew 24:35 ESV Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38 ESV
John told us: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 ESV And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 ESV Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 ESV
Paul wrote a letter to Timothy to advise and encourage him. Paul told him: And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 ESV Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV Paul also told the Thesilonians: And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 1Thesilonians 2:13 ESV
Finally, James tells us: Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls .But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:21-22 ESV
The people listed above knew Jesus while He was on earth. Over and over again; they told us that we need to be familiar with the entire Bible. It’s not just the parts that you like or the verse or chapter that fits what someone wants you to know. Read and know the entire Bible so that you are never deceived. Like I mentioned; these are just a few instances from the New Testament, there are more. When you read the Old Testament, you will see the importance that was put on knowing all scripture as well.
When I was younger and did not read or for that matter understand what the Bible was or what it said, I will also say I am not an old man either. I would be deceived by only hearing what I wanted to hear. I used to entertain statements like Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah. The Bible is just a bunch of stories that give examples for morality. God was an unloving, cruel God that does not care about anyone or anything. There are some that say Jesus was not God in flesh, that the devil and Jesus are brothers, and when Jesus came to earth He gave up His Diety. I’ve even heard one theory that God screwed up making us the first time, destroyed it all, and Adam and Eve is the second try for creating humanity. The list can go on and on.
This all has been created by the devil to make us doubt the word of God. In Ephisions 6:12 we are told: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. It is important to know who, what, and why we are fighting.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all that You have created. Thank you for the entire Bible and the direction that you give us. It all helps us see life through the eyes You want us to have. Lord; help us understand the message You have for so that we will never be deceived. In Jesus Name Amen
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