The Word of God

The word of God is God’s logos¹. We can say it this way: God’s word is ‘what God has to say’. We can find his word in Nature (Psalm 19:1-6, Romans 1:19,20). We find his word in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16,17). And Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1-18).

“God’s word is ‘what God has to say’.”

Creation reveals what God has to say. The Scriptures reveal what God has to say. Jesus is our clearest revelation of what God has to say.

To encounter Nature, Scripture, and Jesus, is to have the opportunity to encounter ‘what God has to say’.

But this requires humble hearts.

Worshiping Nature misses what God has to say. Twisting Scripture to fit a human agenda defies what God has to say. And studying Jesus without being conformed to his image is a rejection of what God has to say.

When ‘God’s word’ fails to communicate ‘what God has to say’—his intent—it ceases to be God’s word (logos) altogether.

¹ Koine Greek for persuasive 'reason' or 'reasoning'. The same root as the English word 'logic'. The Greek word rhema refers to God's speech. God's rhema conveys his logos.

The work of faith

Suppose the Apostle Paul and Jesus’ brother, James, co-wrote a statement on Kingdom living in the world? It might read like this:

“Faith without works [of love] is dead faith.”

— James 2:14-26, I Corinthians 13

Love is a work of faith. Love is the work of faith.

Ask my brother

There are lots of people who have known me in different contexts. But my brother has a unique perspective on our growing-up years. We shared a bedroom and a lot of life.

So I find it interesting how practical and plain speaking Jesus’ brothers are. They speak to the Church—followers of their brother.

One (James) says “Faith without works is dead faith”. The other (Jude) says “grace gives no license for sin”. James requires fruit of the Spirit. Jude prohibits works of the flesh.

Apparently, the Jesus his brothers knew connected belief with actual down-to-earth behavior.