In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it (John 1:1-5).
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (John 1:10-12).
In searching Scripture, we need to recognize the authority that the Word of God represents. It is the Word of God! If the Bible says something- this is the way it is. Let us look at some non-negotiables in Scripture.
Jesus is more than a prophet or a good teacher. He is the Son of God- divinity. He was there when everything was created. According to John 1:14, He was God manifested to men: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:17 informs us that the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. There is more regarding Jesus that we must grasp by faith.
In John 1:29, John the Baptist declared, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Jesus came to show us the love of God by sacrificing Himself for us..He represented the epitome of God’s love toward us. Look at the words of Romans 5:6-8:
For when we were still without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
These beautiful words are written in our Bible. Jesus is more than a man that walked on this earth. The Bible is more than just another book. The following verses deal with the inspiration of Scripture:
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (II Timothy 3:14-17).
The Bible is inspired by God- He is the author. His Word has such weight that Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Psalm 119:89 says, “Forever, O
Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven.” No matter what anyone says or thinks, God’s Word is the authority. God has the final say.
THIS IS THE WAY IT IS!
Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.
Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter — Breanna.
Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.
by leaps and bounds 
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