Dauthor Jacqueline (Jackie) Richey Weber
Jesus was asked the question of Pilate, What is truth?
(John 18:38). Though Jesus didn’t answer Pilate’s question then, He did answer it on another occasion.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
We hear the apostle Paul saying:
Philippians 3:3-4 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Note that Paul was as orthodox as it was possible to be. He was faithful to the Torah, to the extent that he could call himself blameless.
Whatever righteousness could be obtained by being obedient to the letter of the law, he had obtained.
Continue reading “Cost of Knowing Truth”
Jesus prayed this prayer for us:
John 17:11-21 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. … That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
We all know that every Christian —including me— quotes the Bible to confirm whatever he believes. We also know that beliefs which contradict each other can all be defended with Scripture. So what can we trust?
Out of Himself God conceived and brought forth the perfect creation which was very good
(Genesis 1:31). In His own likeness and image He brought forth man (who was also perfect) and gave him dominion over all the rest of creation (Genesis 1:26-28). Man is God in expression —the avenue (the only avenue) through which God reveals Himself to His creation. In man resides all the power of God; and it is only through man that this power is exercised.
Identity in Christ —Life or Doctrine?
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Jesus taught in parables or word pictures to convey spiritual truth —because words are never sufficient. God even had Ezekiel (ch 4) lie first on one side and then on the other as a parable to help the children of Israel understand what was happening in their lives. We all think in pictures as we attempt to get understanding. My picture will always be different from your picture.