A WITNESS FOR THE LORD
“..I am (the WORD is) in the Father, and the Father(God, the HOLY SPIRIT is) in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
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You are an EARTHEN VESSEL or physical body and you have the INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT within you. The bible says the INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT is liken unto a TREASURE. “ …[you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).
God, the HOLY SPIRIT “DOES” - whatever God, the WORD SPEAKS – without FAIL; “EVERY” single time!! “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…these three (god’s thoughts, word, actions) agree in (within) one (one god)…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).
It is through AGREEMENT that God’s confirming WORD come TOGETHER with His ACTIONS to POWERFULLY CREATE “ALL THINGS!” “…All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).
The BIBLE ASSURES US THAT “… [God’s] WORD (spoken or unspoken) … SHALL ACCOMPLISH (through the confirming ACTIONS of the Holy Spirit) that which [GOD] please[s], and it SHALL PROSPER (through the confirming ACTIONS of the Holy Spirit) in the thing whereto [God] sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word (spoken or unspoken) to PERFORM it (through the confirming ACTIONS of the Holy Spirit)…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB).
IN Ezekiel 37 it is EASY to SEE how GOD’S confirming WORD, when SPOKEN, through the mouthpiece of an earthen vessel, ACTIVATES the POWERFUL WORK or ACTIONS of the HOLY SPIRIT. “…Prophesy (BE the MOUTHPIECE), [Ezekiel SPEAKS God’s WORD]… and say to [THE DRY BONES]. This is what the Sovereign Lord says…” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). REPEAT what God SAID.
It doesn’t matter the MOUTHPIECE that is USED to SPEAK God’s confirming WORD. The power inherent in God’s WORD is ACTIVATED whenever IT is SPOKEN.
Further, Whoever - by faith or by depending upon god - SPEAKS the confirming Word of God ACTIVATES the POWERFUL works or actions of the HOLY SPIRIT.
This is the confirming WORD of God that Ezekiel, the mouthpiece, was inspired to SPEAK. “…‘My people …I will PUT my SPIRIT in you and you will LIVE …Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord...’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).
“…As [Ezekiel, the mouthpiece]… was prophesying (SPEAKING GOD’S confirming WORD), there was a noise (The Holy Spirit started DOING the WORK), a rattling sound, and THE BONES CAME TOGETHER, BONE TO BONE. [Ezekiel, the mouthpiece]… LOOKED, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them … [then]… BREATH ENTERED THEM; they came to LIFE and STOOD UP on their feet—a vast army… I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord (the word of god)…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).
“…I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord (the word of god)…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “…the Father (God, the Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (the WORD), he doeth the works (the Holy Spirit doeth the works or displays God’s power) …” (John 14:10 KJV).
The FATHER’s WORD “is” POWER. “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father (GOD), the Word (JESUS), and the Holy Ghost (POWER): and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).
The POWER of GOD’s WORD … is “CLEARLY SEEN in EZEKIEL chapter 37.” “…Since the creation of the world God’s …[POWER]… have been CLEARLY SEEN, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE …” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “… [THE BONES] …came to LIFE…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “ … BREATH ENTERED THEM; they … STOOD UP on their feet—a vast army... I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord (the word of god)…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV).
AGAIN, “… THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command (his WORD) … what we now SEE (ALL THINGS) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (the confirmingWORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord (his spoken word) the heavens were made (by the confirming WORK of the Holy Spirit), And by the breath of His mouth all their host…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).
Earthen vessels, who SPEAK God’s WORD over their situations and circumstances in life depend upon the HOLY SPIRIT to “DO” the confirming WORKS that will change or transform those situations or circumstances, ACCORDING to the WORD OF GOD. “…God anointed (set apart) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power (God, the Holy Spirit and God, the WORD), and …he went around doing good and healing all ….because God (the father, the word, & the holy spirit) was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me (in JESUS, the WORD), he doeth the works (the holy spirit does the confirming works) …” (John 14:10 KJV).
THE “WORD of God” spoken through the mouthpiece of earthen vessels, activate THE confirming WORKS of the HOLY SPIRIT! “… [The] Good News about Christ (THE WORD of GOD)… “It is” the power of God at work, saving (PERFORMING his confirming WORKS UPON) everyone who believes (WHO DEPENDS UPON HIS WORD)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).
God anoints (sets apart) earthen vessels “through” the indwelling Holy Spirit and with POWER too. The Holy Spirit and POWER are ONE and the SAME. “…Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and POWER (the indwelling Holy Spirit), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV). “…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (by the indwelling Holy Spirit) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV). “…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (by the WORK of the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me (or in his people), he doeth (the Holy Spirit doeth) the [confirming] works [“in” and “through” them]…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“…Now God GIVES US many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same HOLY SPIRIT who is the SOURCE of them all. …it is the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT (that indwells within God’s people) DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of [them] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
“…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).
God’s Holy Spirit, which ALWAYS responds to God’s WORD, dwells within his people.“…Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me (the word of god). You always hear me (the word of god), but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me (YOUR WORD)...” (John 11:41-42 NLT). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (THE WORD with inherent POWER that activates THE CONFIRMING WORKS of the HOLY SPIRIT)…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU (THROUGH his indwelling POWER) both to will and to do of his good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [YOU], he doeth the works (the holy spirit doeth the CONFIRMING works)…” (John 14:10 KJV).
The WORD of GOD is SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is not human “…God is Spirit …Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV). “…Not one of all the LORD's good promises … failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:45 NIV). “…My counsel (MY WORD)… SHALL stand, and I will do all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).
The MOST challenging part of being a MOUTHPIECE for speaking God’s WORD is being certain of what the Word of God is and is that WORD actually God’s Word.
IS THE BIBLE THE “WORD OF GOD?” JESUS is The WORD of GOD. “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). The WORD of God is SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT …” (John 6:63 KJV).
Thus, Jesus (THE WORD) is also SPIRIT. “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).
God is Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).
Jesus (the word) is SPIRIT. “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).
God is Spirit and Jesus, the Word is Spirit. “… I and my Father are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV).
The human words, translations, or versions are “not” the SPIRIT. The Word of God is “NOT” human. . “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT …” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is not human “…God is Spirit …Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV).
Like a HUMAN VESSEL is a MOUTHPIECE, so is the BIBLE also for the WORD OF GOD (like a mouthpiece); whatever translation, version, or language. A mouthpiece SPEAKS at the command of the WORD of God. “…I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me (sent the WORD), he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak…” (John 12:49 KJV).
The accuracy or power of God’s Word is NOT based on or limited by human translations, versions, mouthpieces, or languages. Accuracy and power is based on the WORD OF GOD’S inherent SPIRIT. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT …” (John 6:63 KJV).
The reason the human translations, versions, and languages are questioned because most people rely upon humanity or human facts to give validity to God’s WORD. However, “…THE WORDS THAT I (Jesus, the WORD of GOD) SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).
Human facts are limited to human intellect. Human facts are based on human wisdom gleamed from the natural world. Nonetheless, “…God is not human “…God is Spirit …Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV & John 4:24 KJV).
There are a host of FACTS regarding God’s WORD such as the hundreds of future prophecies the bible predicted and were fulfilled. No other religious book has ever detailed these kinds of prophetic facts.
Also it’s verifiable record of different events give credibility to the past like any other historical document. Archaeological findings have provided biblical history with evidence that proves its various recorded accounts.
Further, there are a host of FACTS that verify the unity of the 66 books of the bible, written by different mouthpieces, on different continents, who spoke different languages, from different cultures, and over a period of 1500 years. The FACT of its MIRACULOUS UNITY gives validity to its UNIQUE TRUTHS.
In addition, the FACT of its POWER to SAVE and TRANSFORM lives gives even more validity to its AUTHORITY over any other book ever written. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).
GOD used HUMAN VESSELS, throughout biblical history, as MOUTHPIECES to SPEAK his WORD and RECORD his WORD. “…All scripture (The WORD of God) is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). “…The prophecy (WORD OF GOD) came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God SPAKE as they were… MOVED BY THE HOLY [SPIRIT]…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV).
The WORD of GOD is PROOF that God actively works “IN” and “THROUGH” human MOUTHPIECES to speak and display his POWER. “...There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his… … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “……the [HOLY] SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will and to do of his good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father … doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
God PICKS and CHOOSES mouthpieces who are WILLING to SPEAK his WORD as he INSPIRES them to DO so. “…I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak…” (John 12:49 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).
Human vessels, who were mouthpieces for the New Testament, were also used by God to SPEAK and RECORD his WORD.
SOME of those MOUTHPIECES SAW the WORD in ACTION first-hand and they SPENT time with Jesus, the WORD of God, personally. “…Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were EYEWITNESSES and servants of the Word…” (Luke 1:1-2 NLT). “….Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were EYEWITNESSES, and ministers of the Word…” (Luke 1:1-2 KJV). “…For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were EYEWITNESSES of his majesty….” (2 Peter 1:16 NLT). “…And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
MOUTHPIECES were human vessels who SPOKE God’s WORD as they were INSPIRED or MOVED by the POWER of the Holy Spirit. “…For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God SPAKE as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV).
These MOUTHPIECES did not speak from the origin of their own human minds or hearts, but were INSPIRED or MOVED by the Holy Spirit. “..Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, WHICH THE HOLY GHOST BY THE MOUTH OF DAVID SPAKE before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus…” (Acts 1:16 KJV). “…But those things, WHICH GOD BEFORE HAD SHEWED BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS PROPHETS, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled…” (Acts 3:18 KJV).
They “…SPAKE as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV). “Moved” implies they were EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit as a ship is MOVED along by the wind. “…We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God SPAKE as they were moved by the Holy Ghost…” (2 Peter 1:19-21 KJV).
Holy men, who were MOUTHPIECES, spoke as they were moved by God, the Holy Spirit. They WERE his willing human vessels. “…Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled WHICH WAS SPOKEN OF THE LORD “BY” THE PROPHET, saying…” (Matthew 1:22 KJV). “…And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled WHICH WAS SPOKEN OF THE LORD “BY” THE PROPHET, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son…” (Matthew 2:15 KJV).
“..Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, WHICH THE HOLY GHOST BY THE MOUTH OF DAVID SPAKE before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus…” (Acts 1:16 KJV). “…But those things, WHICH GOD BEFORE HAD SHEWED BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS PROPHETS, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled…” (Acts 3:18 KJV).
“…And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.…” (Numbers 11:25 KJV). “And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man…” (1 Samuel 10:6 KJV). “….And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them…” (1 Samuel 10:10 KJV). “…And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied….” (1 Samuel 19:20 KJV). “…And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah…” (1 Samuel 19:23 KJV). “…Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak…” (Jeremiah 1:6-8 KJV).
These prophets and mouthpieces spoke God’s WORD strictly under the POWER of the Holy Spirit. God has the power to SPEAK through human vessels and SUSTAIN the SPIRIT of his HOLY Words!! “…In him (Jesus, the Word) ALL THINGS (including the SPIRIT and POWER of his WORD)…hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “… [God is]…sustaining ALL THINGS … by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “….Apart from Me (Jesus, God’s WORD), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
The SPIRITUAL WORDS can NOT be reduced to simply a book of pages, or a particular language, or a specific translation, nor are they a reflection of the HUMAN mouthpieces that delivers them, yet MIRACULOUSLY they SUSTAIN their inherent SPIRIT, POWER, and AUTHORITY.
The sustained, HOLY, inspired WORD of God has endured, in spite of flawed and corrupt humanity, for centuries. The WORD of God is the power of God unto salvation.
The hard copy of the bible, itself, can be destroyed, buried, burned, and hidden, but the inherent POWER, SPIRIT, and AUTHORITY of its spoken message cannot be stopped, reduced, or contained.
From the 1st century until this present day the POWERFUL message of God is still saving and transforming lives. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).
“…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).
There are many versions and translations of the bible. People question its authenticity, reliability, and wonder if it can be trusted. I say “Yes it can.”
Even though much of the original texts are lost, they were copied by dedicated people of God to the highest possible degree of accuracy for human vessels. Nonetheless, God’s Word is SPIRIT and the inherent POWER and AUTHORITY of its message is indestructible!
Further, “the Almighty God” is SO powerful - that in spite of flawed humanity and the destructive enemies of the WORD - GOD, ALONE, can continue to sustain the gospel message; transmitting it throughout the generations. “…The Son is ….sustaining all things by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words SHALL NOT pass away…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).
People are still being saved, experiencing miracles, and being transformed. The bible, itself, has been attacked, burned, denied, discredited, buried, hidden, debated, destroyed, and crucified more than any other book in recorded history, yet it is still the most published book to this day. “…my words SHALL NOT pass away…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).
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