Truth is our nourishment to live in the freedom of Christ.
As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. John 8:30
Hearing the voice of our Lord brings faith. Faith is now; like eating is now. After we digest our food, and it is changed into nourishment, it has served its now purpose of giving life to our bodies. So is the word spoken by God.
But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, man shall hot live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4
The devil, however, does not heed what we have heard but a higher truth, “The Written Word”. This is why Jesus answered the devil with, “It is written,” and why Jesus spoke to those who believed in Him, through the words He was speaking, to abide in His word.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31
Hearing Jesus speak brings faith, abiding in His word brings truth, and the truth makes us free. Abiding in the living word of God, His full counsel (Logos) is the only means of knowing truth and the freedom that is in Jesus.
Personal Confession: For decades, I sought to abide in the spoken word of God, what He had spoken to me in the scriptures, by the Holy Spirit, in visions, dreams, worship, anointed preaching, and through seeking God in prayer. But I did not know that a good meal today was not there tomorrow. I would try to bring back the experience of His voice being spoken the next day. With the help of my soul, I could remember feeling faith, but there was no faith. Instead, my soul took the place of the spoken word. I became fixed in a moment that was no longer present. I became lazy, neglecting the great salvation of Jesus, even to my own self-deception that I was good, all was well, and I had no need of this “abiding daily in His word to be His disciple indeed and to know the truth and be made free.
They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free.’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:33-36
This Sunday, I will share my confession and how the Lord forever changed me, through the knowledge of truth, that offends to reveal my slavery to sin, and then brings me to Jesus, who makes me free as the Son. I have never felt so strong that this present truth (Abiding in His word) must be practiced, especially with our adversary, the devil, going around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Please make every effort to come and listen to my confession or join us online. Even better before Sunday, download our App (AppleStore) or (Google Play) and listen to our daily bible reading.
It will make His Word come alive this Sunday.
