Do you Really Believe the Bible is the Word of God?

by Kent Secor
(All references from the NIV)

My question to you all today is, do you really believe that the Bible is the Word of God? Do you believe that Christ gave you specific commands that all believers must follow? Or are some just suggestions, or were only for the first century believers and not for us today?

I have specific words in mind here. My thoughts are about what Jesus taught and commanded regarding our good works towards the poor. Do we really believe that Jesus commands us to help those in need? Or do we try to excuse ourselves so that we don't have to get involved with "those people"?

Jesus taught:

Matt. 19:21  Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

Mark 10:21  Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

Luke 4:18,19  "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Luke 6:20  Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

Luke 11:41  But give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

Luke 12:33,34  Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 14:12-14  Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Luke 14:21  "The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'
Luke 18:22  When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

These are direct references from Jesus about giving to the poor.

We have Jesus giving the basis for the judgment of all men as the way they give to the needy.

Matt. 25:40  "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
One man's direct response to God's command to give to the poor:

Luke 19:8  But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."
Do believe that the bible is the Word of God? That is is the revelation of the will of God and what his good pleasure is for all believers in Christ Jesus? Or is it just words you use to discuss ideas of theology around  with?

If you are a follower of Christ, truly born again, and call Jesus your Lord, then you have no other option but to obey his word....

Jesus commands us to give to the poor, it is not an option, it is a matter of how each one of us will be judged. Be faithful as He is faithful and obey his commands and teaching....

Heart to God, Hand to man!