We believe that God has revealed Himself most specifically through words. The creation around us reveals many things about God, but words communicate with specificity. The words of God have been recorded, saved, and passed down through generations and have come to us in what is generally referred to as the Bible. There are numerous Bible versions, e.g., King James, New International, English Standard, New American Standard, etc. We do not believe that any one Bible can legitimately be called “the word of God.” Many men, in good faith, have attempted to be true to the available texts in their translations and versions. However, men, including us, can have biases and blind spots. Plus, the texts are not always as conclusive or “cut-and-dry” as we might perhaps wish.
We approach the Bible as God’s word and, therefore, we approach it with reverence and respect. Humility is our beginning attitude and remains our decided attitude in relationship to God and His word. His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Nevertheless, God has chosen to reveal Himself in words. Therefore, God does not want us to be ignorant. It is up to us to search the Scriptures in order to learn what God, our Father, would have us know.
We believe that the core subject of God’s word is His Son, whom He promised from the foundation of the world; whom He brought to life in Mary; whom He sacrificed on man’s behalf; whom He raised from the dead; whom He seated at His own right hand in the spiritual realm; whom He will send back to earth; through whom He will judge the world—Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.
Ken Schleimer
Incline Village, Nevada