What the Bible really says

 

      If you have read the Bible you know what it says.  If you have read the Bible with the knowledge you are a Christian, you know what it says.  If you read the Bible from a defensive stance you know those parts of the Bible you can focus on to take the focus off you.  If you read the Bible from an offensive stance you know those parts of the Bible to lob as artillery to the unbeliever.  IF you have surrendered to Jesus, have him living through you and know that your eternity is sealed, the Holy Spirit is guiding you while you are reading the Bible, all that shows is the love of Jesus towards others.  Lots of "if's" in those lines.  Let's not presume that all who profess Jesus know him.  Neither do we presume that all who profess Jesus have read, are reading and will read the Bible.  Finally, let's not presume that teachers and preachers have read the Bible and know what it says.  If they did there wouldn't be differences in religious groups much less Christian groups.  Working the premise that the Bible is the God breathed Word of God, infallible and complete for instruction and correction for those who love Jesus, we have a confidence in what we read.  If we know the Word, it's written in our hearts.  The Holy Spirit aids us in recalling what the Bible says, where it says it, and what it means.  Don't be deceived though.  It's easily done in this world.  Be wary of those who say what they know people want to hear.
     While I could go into all kinds of thoughts on different questions regarding what the Bible says, I will try to be concise and direct in what I'm about to say.  The Bible is complete.  There is no allowance for ANYONE of any group, individual, or even the angels who is allowed to ADD to or SUBTRACT from the Word of God.  No one.  If you are reading the Bible there is no substitute for interpretation of any book, "help", or other man written item.  None.  The Bible says it all.  It's all and well that there are Christian books.   Some are and some aren't.  We know that the Bible is the Word of God.  When mankind become involved in writing their interpretation, human logic, feelings, and twisted thoughts come into play.  The Bible really does say that we need to love God with all of our heart soul and mind.  The Bible really does say that we need to love others as we love ourselves.  These two truths guide all the interpretation of thoughts, actions and words we might speak regarding what we believe the Bible says.  If you are not aligned with the Word you are aligned with the world.  A partial truth is still a false truth.  God isn't a "kinda" god who doesn't say what he means.  Those who read the Bible under the direction of the Holy Spirit will be directed by these same two guidelines:  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.  Love your neighbor as you love yourself."  There is no other truth in the Bible.
     The Bible tells us that there will be consequences for every thought, word and deed.  Those consequences come in positive and negative form.  2 Corinthians tells us that the authorities are put in place to protect those who love God and to punish those who don't.  Both are results of man's individual choice regarding Jesus.  You cannot choose to love the world without the backlash of your choices.  Don't go blaming anyone else for your lack of a relationship with God.  You call yourself a Christian; act like it, think like it, and do like that definition means what it means.  A Christian has come to the knowledge that he/she is a sinner and is lost in a world of sin.  A Christian has made a decision to deny their lives and to have Jesus live through them.  A Christian who has let Jesus live in and through them no longer has affinity for things of the world.  They are heavenly minded.  The things of the world hold no appeal to them.  The Bible says that to "those who overcome" a new name, a white robe and eternal life will be given to them.  What is the consequence of not overcoming?  Separation from God.  When  someone is separated from God they are subject to the consequences they have chosen.  This is what the Bible says.  Does your pastor, friend, neighbor, spouse, or other self-identified Christian tell you this?  Go  before God with ACTS and let God reveal himself to you through his word.  If you love God as the Bible says, all the rest falls into place.  Don't ignore such a great salvation.