“God Is” by Rev. James Cleveland
2 Tim 3:16-17 (KJV)
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
God Is.
English: Jesus Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Through out the 90s I was a member of a small Episcopal church located close to where I lived. Their worship was more formal and far less lively than what I was used to and the congregation was rather frosty, but I looked at the historical records of the Episcopal church and felt that they were biblical, so I decided to join . What disappointed me most one Sunday was when the Pastor referred to the story of creation as “the Genesis myth.” Those words of unbelief stung my mind and wounded my soul. I had never before heard a Pastor cast dispersions on the veracity of the word of God. I later learned that such absence of trust in the truth of the word of God is cultivated in seminaries under the guise of education, intellectualism, science and logic.
I believe what the word of God says, that: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Numbers 23:19 says: “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” These words are the seal on the validity of the Bible, and have given me the greatest comfort. Our faith is challenged daily, and daily, I must choose to believe God, and strive to continue in the true faith of our fathers. We don’t go to church expecting to receive platitudes and history lessons. We go to Church to praise God and learn of Him. To treat the Word of God like it’s Greek mythology is wrong and constitutes a denial that God is, and that He is Who He says He is.
2 Tim 3:16-17 provides our assurance that the word of God is true and reliable. We find instruction, advice and comfort for all aspects of our lives within its pages. The word of God gives us the weapons we need to defeat doubt and despair. His name is the strong tower we can run to and be safe. (Proverbs 18:10) Hebrews 4:12 says: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
We use the word of God to learn more about Him and His will for our lives. We can also use its standards to evaluate friends, relatives, working relationships and everything pertaining to our lives on Earth. The treasure trove of inspiration to be found in Bible is endlessly rich, uplifting and enduring. The word of God, washes us from the filth of the world and helps us to escape numerous evil plans. It comforts us in calamity and losses, heals our sicknesses and diseases, leads us beside the still waters, and restores our souls. (Psalms 23).
Faith is Christ Jesus is the key to eternal life. It is by faith that we see God and trust His holy word. If God is not true, and His word is not reliable, then He is not God. If Jehovah is not God, if Jesus and the Holy Spirit be not God, then there is no God. This I know above all: God Is. Let no man discourage you from this truth. Refuse to let anyone frustrate your faith and trust in the Lord. As for preachers who don’t believe that God is real or that His word is true, pray for them and find another church home, and may the peace of the Lord be with you.
Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
-Verneda
© 2012 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
The video, “God Is,” performed by Rev. James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir, was uploaded on Youtube.com May 23, 2008 by JayEm86. Verneda Lights and E-graphX Omnimedia have no ownership in this video. It is used for educational purposes only.
Related articles
“God is True and Reliable.” Metropolitan Gleanings.
