KEY SCRIPTURE: 2Ti 3:16 KJV” All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”.

When we say one is inspired, we may be saying he or she is  motivated. In another instance we may say one sang out of great inspiration, that is she sang out of great encouragement. The inspiration of the scriptures is not like any of these. The scripture says all scripture is given by the inspiration of God. This means the Spirit of God  breathe out the scriptures. The scripture did not come out of the individual’s will and predisposition but he or she was carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Apostle Peter explains this act of inspiration as follows 2Pe 1:20-21 EasyEnglish,” None of the prophets’ messages in the Bible came just from the prophets’ own ideas. It is most important that you should understand this. None of the prophets’ messages came from what a human person wanted to say. Instead, God’s Spirit caused people to speak words that came from God, we may say as the scripture rightly said , “that all scripture is given by the breath of the Spirit”..

Let’s consider the following example  in Matthew 19:4–5, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh?’” According to Jesus, God said that a man shall “leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife.” But when we turn to Genesis 2:24, we discover that God didn’t say these words. Moses wrote them. So, why does Jesus say that God said it, when in actual fact Moses wrote it?, The reason is that all scripture  is given by inspiration of God. God inspired Moses to write it because He said it..

So, do you want to hear God’s voice? Read the Bible—it is that which “goes out from [God’s] mouth” (Isaiah 55:11). It bridges the expanse between heaven and earth, infinite and finite, Creator and creature. It’s as powerful as the “rain” and “snow” which “come down from heaven, and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater” (Isaiah 55:10). Thus, we expect God to speak to us—not subjectively through inner urgings, but objectively through His Word. For this reason, we listen to the Bible as if we heard God speaking to us from heaven, rejoicing like those who find “great spoil” (Psalm 119:162).

 THOUGHT:THE BIBLE IS GOD’S INSPIRED WORD,IT IS INERRANT AND FINAL AUTHORITY FOR FAITH AND CONDUCT

FURTHER STUDIES 

1Th 2:13 KJV” For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

Isa 55:11 KJV “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 3:15 KJV” And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

SIMPLE TRUTH

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God’s word is God’s mind reaching us through clearly understood sounds. The scriptures say ,His word is Himself. The word is God, according to John 1:1. Knowing the word and understanding the word would ultimately lead to wisdom. The scripture is filled with  men and women who walked according to the word and excelled in all that they did.

The scriptures indeed give wisdom unto salvation. Salvation is a broad term. It means forgiveness  of sins, leading to one obtaining eternal life. It also means deliverance from Satan’s power, rescue from danger, healing of the body from all sicknesses, peace and preservation. God’s word makes one wise to encounter every one of these. The following is the scriptural testimony of the man who gives attention to the word. Psa 1:2-3 KJV” But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” The man who is given to the word has programmed himself for success.

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The scripture teaches about decay in man that would lead him to bondage if he goes without Jesus and the word of God. Jer 17:9 KJV” The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” A wicked heart is a heart devoid of the word of God and the ways of God. This is the natural state of every man. The result is man in bondage.

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His way out is to submit himself to the way of God, which is the word of God. He must dedicate himself to seeking the word of God and doing what it says. This makes one wise and on.

 acting on the word, he would come out of whatever boun̈d him.

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THOUGHT:HUMBLY ATTEND TO THE WORD, AND BE FREE FROM EVERY BONDAGE

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Joh 3:16 KJV For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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Jas 1:21 KJV” Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

KEY SCRIPTURES 2Ti 3:15 KJV “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto【 salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

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Timothy, as a child, had grown to know the scriptures. His parents, who were Christians, had taught him about the scriptures. The other important truth to know is that he also yielded himself to learn the scriptures. To know the scriptures is very important. The Lord Jesus said Joh 5:39 KJV” Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” Our Lord Jesus is the central figure of the scriptures

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Many Christians have not grown to know the scriptures in a broad sense. There are about five practical ways of knowing the scriptures. These ways are as follows.

1 Reading

2 Studying

3 Meditation

4 Memorization

5 Hearing

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These five practical ways are great if applied; they would help you know the scriptures in a more effective way. Let’s  consider how each act can be practised.

1 Reading the scriptures is simply reading a number of chapters of the scriptures. You may have a reading plan. It may be a one-year or two-year reading plan. That is to plan to read through the whole of scripture within one or two years. It could even be going through the bible  twice in one year.

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2 Studying involves having a more analytical and serious study of the scriptures. Just as we study our test books, you may  study the scriptures to find the truths  and their appropriate application. Through study, you obtain a good understanding of the scriptures, which becomes clearer.

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3 Meditation  is the act of reflecting or contemplating on the scriptures. This is either done by speaking the scriptures over and over again. Another type of Meditation is to ponder over the scriptures. Meditation helps in the renewal of our minds. 1Ti 4:15 KJV “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.”

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4. The next is scriptural  Memorization. This involves committing the scripture to memory . This act is like filling a gun with bullets, ready to shoot. In scriptural memorisation, one commits  a verse of scripture to memory by reading and repeating till  it is committed to memory.

5 The final one is hearing the word, through life, preaching or recorded preaching.

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In these ways, you can grow to know the scriptures, always ready to apply them to every situation in our lives. DISCIPLINE IS ONE INGREDIENT THAT WOULD MAKE ALL THESE POSSIBLE

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THOUGHT:  DISCIPLINE YOURSELF TO GAIN A GROWING KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES

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FURTHER STUDIES

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2Ti 2:15 KJV” Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Joh 8:31 KJV” Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 3:14 KJV” But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;”

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According to the scriptures, one is established in the truth by continuing in what one has learned. Repetition is the main means of knowing the word. The Lord Jesus said if you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed. (John 8:31).He then added , And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

You cannot truly know until you continue  studying the word.

. *The man who reads once is not truly established in the truth*

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Apostle James  said Jas 1:25 KJV But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” Continuing in reading and  studying will be the true means of knowing. The word.

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In the parable

Of  the sower, the Lord taught  that seeds that fell by the wayside were  quickly picked up by birds of the air. The Lord explained that these are people who hear God’s word, but Satan comes immediately to steal the word from their hearts. Dear child of God, one thing satan dreads so much is the word in your heart. He will do everything to snatch the word from your heart. The answer to this issue is through continuing in the word. In our modern world, anyone who is  serious can easily overcome this  problem. Most mobile phones we have  can record messages as they are preached. You  can then play it again and listen to it over and over again.

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The real challenge is that worldliness  has taken over the hearts of most people. Some would be watching their mobile phones while the preaching goes on. Their desire for the word is almost dead. Please note that God’s word is life and that life is your light to overcome darkness. What is darkness? Darkness is the power of Satan and his devils. God’s word is the power of God to easily stop every power of Satan . Give God your highest honour ,respect and attention. And you would forever be successful.

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THOUGHT:NOTHING CAN ROB YOU OF THE WORD IF YOU ARE DILIGENT TO CONTINUE IN IT

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CONFESSION:The word of God is my light in this dark world , it is my wisdom out of every difficulty , my medicine for my whole body,the power of God to destroy every power of Satan, and above all ,it is my faith  builder . I diligently attend to it, reading, studying and meditating on it day and night. I also do whatever it says. It continually brings me good success  in all I do.

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Jos 1:8 KJV “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

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Joh 1:4-5 KJV” In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

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Pro 4:20-22 KJV” My son, attend to my words, incline thy ear unto my saying. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 3:12 KJV “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

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Apostle Paul gives a statement of fact which every Christian must accept and be prepared for. He says whoever would live righteously would suffer persecution. The world, with its inhabitants, is ruled by Satan. Satan is the father of everything unrighteous. He would do everything to prevent the right things from being done. Persecution is Satan’s way of resisting  righteous acts of righteous men and women.

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During persecutions, the persecutors inflict all kinds of pains or punishment to cause the child of God to compromise. Others may apply verbal insults as a way of persecuting the upright.

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Apostle Peter tells the brethren to arm themselves with a mind to suffer persecutions1Pe 4:1 KJV” Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;” Dear child of God  the scriptures say prepare your mind to stand through persecutions that may come your way. You should not curse those who may persecute you. Jesus said, ” But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;Matt 5:44

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These days we have seen Christians attacking people who tend to treat them badly.There are even some who would pray and curse those who wrongly treat them.This kind of response have been diverted into various homes.Specifically between couples.Husbands respond terribly to the wife who mistreat him, and the wife also attacks the husband who may be wrongly treating her. This is very wrong. Our actions and reactions do not proceed from how we are treated but by what the Lord says.We are born  of love and that is what must proceed from us.

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THOUGHT: WE ALWAYS RESPOND TO OTHERS BY CHRIST, NOT BY OUR FLESH.

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CONFESSION:I am born of Love, for my heavenly father is love. I can not hate, no matter the treatment. He that hateth his neighbour is in death, but I am alive because I love. I bless ,and I see men from God’s eyes,that is, people  are in the image and nature of God, but corrupted by sin, but must know God through my love response.

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FURTHER STUDIES

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1Jn 3:14 KJV “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

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Act 7:60 KJV” And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 3:10 KJV “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,”

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Apostle Paul, in writing to Timothy, testified boldly that he knew what kind of man he was. He said Timothy knew his doctrine. This reveals that Paul was very plain about his teachings. He was very elaborate about what he taught. Please, your doctrine should be very clear, elaborate and very easy to understand. This should be about the good news of our Lord Jesus.

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He also said you knew my manner of life. Apostle Paul was saying to Timothy that he had behaved acceptably and honourably . For one to speak this way implies that he is saying my life has not been dishonourable. He even talked about his purpose in life. This referred to his life mission. A life which was fully given to pleasing the Lord Jesus in all He did. He made mention of his faith. Paul was a great man of faith.

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Now the question each of us have to ask ourselves is, can we make such bold defence of ourselves.Anyone who has made Jesus Lord indeed, can make these claims.Timothy has been a son to Paul, who has been with him on a number of his missions.Timothy knew him very well.Timothy from the tone of Psul’s statement was only endorsing all these claims.Dear one can your close associates testify about your impeccable lifestyle.? What is your purpose in life.Paul lived his life to honour Jesus in everything he did.Most people are living for themselves.They may claim they are living for Jesus, yet everything points to themselves. This is seen in how they relate to others, especially when they are offended.It also shows even when talking about the Lord Jesus himself.

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Dear one, if you feel your life testimony does not match up, do not throw in the towel ,just surrender to the Lordship of Jesus, acknowledging that He is the one living His life through you. Gal 2:20. Do everything with the consciousness that Christ is your very life. In this way, your words only proceed to glorify him. Your faith would always be firm in Him, trusting him to honour what he has promised. Living an impactful life always proceeds from allowing the Lord to lead His life through you.

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THOUGHT:YOU WOULD HAVE AN IMPACTFUL LIFE IF JESUS IS TRULY YOUR LORD.

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Act 6:8 KJV” And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.”

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Gal 2:20 KJV “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 3:9 KJV “But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.”

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The bible is filled with stories of how various persons related with God.it shows the outcome of each person depending on how they related with God.People who totally dedicated their lives to honour him were greatly blessed.The following verse shows us how God treated those  who lived rightly  with Him.2Ch 16:9 KJV “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him……………”.” God surely shows His power to all those who sincerely serve him wholeheartedly.

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Now how does he relate to those who despitefully treat Him.1Sa 2:30 KJV” Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”Anyone who refuses to submit to Him is definitely  acting proudly. Jas 4:6 KJV “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Those who oppose God have chosen a path of shame and reproach. It was during the era of those kings who went into idolatry  and other abominable things that God allowed  the whole nation to go into exile.

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Dear reader, God’s words are not just statements of advice but divine laws that have serious consequences if disobeyed. They also bring great blessings and promotion if honoured. These things are summarised  in the following verses. Romans 2:7-9 says it clearly. Rom 2:7-9 KJV To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey  unrighteousness,  indicgnation and wrath  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,”

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These words are very clear. Which path would you take? Moses, before he died, said to the Jews, ‘I set before you, life and death, choose life. Deut 30:15-19

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THOUGHT:LIFE EXPERIENCES HAVE TAUGHT US THAT TO CHOOSE GOD IS TO CHOOSE LIFE

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Pro 4:18-19 KJV But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.”

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Deu 30:19 KJV “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 3:8 KJV “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.”

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The Lord Jesus met Paul on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians. Paul was a Pharisee who saw the Christian message as a great canker to the teachings of the Law. He was very sincere in his persuasions, yet he was sincerely wrong. From our key scripture,  he could be described as reprobate to the truth. The Lord Jesus said the following to him, Acts 9:5 KJV, “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” To kick against the pricks is to  unprotectively attack the sting of bees or deadly snakes. You would be terribly injured or even killed. It is of great folly to attack the truth.

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Our Lord Jesus is the truth. Anyone  who hates him and therefore tries to fight him is seriously waging a suicide mission. Some of these people claim they have read the bible a number of times, yet they remain in the dark concerning the truth. They approach the scriptures  with a corrupted mind. They read it to find faults so they may condemn it. You can not see your way out of any thing if you veil your face. A reprobate mind can never know the truth because its mind is seriously corrupted.

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Dr Kakir Rahman is an Islamic apologetic who has written a number of books with over fifty million followers. This man  claims he won every debate he had with Christian apologetics . He seemed to have an answer for every claim that the Christians would put up. During one Such debate at his TV studio in Dubai, the Lord appeared to him. He was instantly  unable to speak for forty-five seconds. He was rushed to the hospital, suspecting a cardiac arrest ,but was given a clean bill of health. This was not a neurological or psychological  defect but a true encounter. The Lord appeared to him the second time after he had now read the bible with an open mind. The second time the Lord appeared to him, he bowed and surrendered to the Lord.

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This man, like many people, has a reprobate mind and so opposes the truth ignorantly. Dear one, you should not die in your ignorance. That would be very terrible for you. Surrender your life to the master today

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THOUGHT: TO FIGHT THE TRUTH IS LIKE SAYING, YOU WOULD DESTROY THE SUN BY LOOKING AT IT

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Act 9:5 KJV” And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”

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Act 5:39 KJV” But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”

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KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 3:7 KJV Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

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We continue  with our above topic. The scriptures explain why many keep learning but never get to know the truth that may bring true freedom to them. Many people have erroneously thought that knowledge comes from just acquiring information. True scriptural knowledge comes through experiencing the truth. Encountering the power is the means of  true spiritual knowledge.

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The Lord made mention of two persons, one of whom got to know the truth through encountering the power of God, and one did not because he did not encounter God’s power. Let’s  consider the first instance. Mat 7:24 KJV” Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” He said this man heard the message, or read the message and acted on the word. Because he did the word, he is likened to the man who built his house on the rock. This man overcame the challenges that came his way. He was not destroyed by the storms of life. He was the man who truly experienced the truth.

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Let’s consider the second instance. Mat 7:26 KJV “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:” He said this man heard the word or read about the message, yet he did not do what the word said. The Lord said the actions of this man are like a man who builds his house on the sand. He took no pains to do anything. When challenges came, he could not face or stand them. This man never came to the knowledge of the truth.

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James, the brother of the Lord, wrote the following: “Jas 1:22 KJV But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Those who hear and fail to do what the word says are  deceiving themselves, for they would never know the reality of the word .

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THOUGHT: THE TRUTHS OF GOD ARE ALWAYS FOR DILIGENT SEEKERS

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Jas 1:25 KJV “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

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Psa 27:13 KJV “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

KEY SCRIPTURE:2Ti 3:7 KJV” Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

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The Lord said  that  those who continue in his teaching shall know the truth and the truth shall make them free, John 8:31,32. Our key scripture reveals there are certain individuals who keep learning but never come to the knowledge of the truth. This is a very serious observation, yet many people find themselves in such a condition. There are a lot under all kinds of bondages, or simply, they are not free. So long as they remain bound, then it simply means they have not known the truth or have yet to apply the truth.

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What keeps men in the dark, although there is an abundance of the truth? In natural life experience, one may remain in darkness  in the midst of light on two counts.

1.Either his eyes can not see, or

2  He has shut his eyes

3 His mind is clogged with ideas that oppose the truth

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The man who can be described as blind is the man who is still in his sins but listens to God’s word yet holding on to his sinful ways.1Pe 2:1 KJV Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:These sinful acts are like various infirmities in a person’s body . No matter how well he eats ,he will not grow strong because of the underlying sicknesses. He must cure himself of the sicknesses . This implies those sins must be completely put away before he can make good use of the food. Such people would study and never know the truth.

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The second group are those who have shut their eyes to the truth. These are those who do not necessarily have certain sins, but they have chosen not to believe the things that they may be reading. The cause of unbelief may be due to some scientific theories that hinder their ability to receive the truth of the word.

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The other cause of  their inability to come to the knowledge of  the truth is due to a wrong doctrine that they might have deep down in their minds. Such wrong teachings fight the truth, making them unable to surrender to the truth.

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Please help yourself by putting away all these hindrances to knowing the truth.

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THOUGHT:THE MEEK SHALL ALWAYS BE BLESSED

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Psa 25:9 KJV” The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”

Jas 4:7 KJV “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

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