Who is Quirky PreacherRichD-The Word

The Word of God

I am absolutely convinced that the original manuscripts of the Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God. It is absolute truth. Thus, my goal in life is that every decision I make is based upon the truths, the biblical principles found in the Bible. If something does not line up with Scripture, contradicts Scripture I do not want any part of it.

If the Bible is absolute truth then those who call themselves Christ Followers should live according to the Word of God. Our lives are to line up with the Word, not make the Word line up with our life.

Our thoughts, mindset, words, actions, lifestyle, politics should line up with the Word. It is very clear in Scripture what is acceptable and unacceptable in God’s eyes. What is godly and ungodly. It should be obvious to others we are people of the Word of God. To be otherwise is to be hypocritical. It is to bear false witness.

Leeway

There may be differences in interpretation of some passages of Scripture, differences in regard to certain topics. There are going to be differences in regard to the non-essentials. The non-essentials (such things as eschatology) should never be made into the essentials.

But there should be agreement on the Essential Doctrines of the Christian Faith. Such things as the deity of Christ, salvation by grace in Christ alone, the literal and visible resurrection of Jesus, monotheism.

In regard to Secondary Essentials (Jesus’ virgin birth, the Godhead (Trinity),) there can be leeway if it is based upon lack of knowledge.

Broken Vessels

Saying all of the above, we are all broken vessels that fall short. Praise God for His mercy and grace. Praise God for forgiveness. Praise God our hope is in Christ alone, not our good works or efforts. Because we all fall short we should be quick to show mercy to all.

Disdain Legalism

I have an absolute disdain for legalism. Thus, everything I have shared is not to be associated with legalism. Legalism is a distortion of righteousness and holiness. (That is a topic that will be covered in a future article.)

The Lost

The lost are lost, they are unredeemed sinners. Sinners sin. I do not expect sinners to believe or obey the Word of God. They need salvation, the Holy Spirit to obey the Word of God. The worse thing that can happen to an unredeemed sinner is to be told they must obey the Word of God. This leads to vain works and self-righteousness. They need to be told about the plan of salvation, not to keep the law.

My Problem

I have a major struggle with individuals who claim to be a Christian that believes in the Bible but they defend, justify, excuse behavior that is contrary to Scripture, especially when they twist Scripture to defend their willful sin. There is a big difference between battling, struggling, dealing with sin and turning oneself over to it.

Sadly, based upon what I have seen/experienced and based upon the statistics, a majority of those who call themselves Christians in America do not believe in the inerrancy of Scripture. Thus, their convictions are very different than mine, It is hard for me to fellowship with those who claim to be Christians but have no desire to live according to the Word of God.

My problem is I fall short of my standards to live according to the Word of God.

Solution

The solution is not to lower my standard, the standard comes from God not me. The solution is to keep my standard and repent when I fall short.

I must accept other Christians may not have the standard of the Word of God as their guidepost. The truth is they may not even have a relationship with Christ, so my heart needs to be to help them come to a relationship with Christ or to grow in Christ.

Be Aware

Be aware if I seem rigid when it comes to the principles found in the Word of God it is because I am rigid. I will not accept false doctrine that is clearly contradictory to Scripture.

My next topic will be TRUTH.

Bible Verses
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Psalm 119:105
Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes!

2 Timothy 3:16-17
¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Matthew 4:4
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

Psalm 119:11
Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.

Who is Quirky PreacherRichD?

Introduction
Honesty & Integrity
The Word of God
Truth