If you've been a believer for awhile, then you're probably familiar with this verse. It's used over and over again as a reason we should be reading our Bibles as much as possible. If we want more Faith, we must read the Word. If we want our prayers answered, we must read the Word. If we want to move forward in our walk with God, we must read the Word.
But what if I told you that the "word" in this passage does not refer to God's written Word?? There are two greek words for "Word" and they have completely different meanings.
Logos = Written Word (This is our Bible)
Rhema = Spoken Word - a specific word from God spoken to a specific person
Many people can know the Logos of God and never be saved. There have been countless Bible Scholars throughout the ages who have never truly known God. So, reading the Bible does not get you saved. You became a believer because of a Rhema word from God, a word the Holy Spirit put on your heart that led you to accept Jesus.
Before you click off the page, let me say that I strongly recommend you read your Bible every day and as much as you can every day. Leave it open on your kitchen counter, in your family room and read it whenever you have a spare minute. Knowing the Logos Word of God is very important to your understanding of God, His character, His love, and His plan for mankind. But this is completely different from receiving a direct specific Word from God. As an example, you can read a history book on George Washington and really gain an understanding of him and what motivated him and his life, but can you imagine what you would learn if you could sit down in a room with him for an hour?
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
Now, I'm sure you've heard this verse. Yet did you know the word Jesus refers to is Rhema, not Logos? Which would imply that He is telling us that we should make a specific Rhema Word from God each day as important as our meals.
Examples from Scripture
- Noah walked with God. He knew the Logos of God, but it was when he received the Rhema Word to build an ark, that he stepped out in faith and grew in his walk
- Moses knew the Logos of God, but it was his response to the Rhema Word to go back to Egypt and free God's people that sent him on his journey of faith
When we run across struggles in life, modern Christianity tells us to pull out a verse from the Bible and stand on it in faith. But that's not what God says will build the faith you need to believe for a miracle. The Bible says to receive that Rhema word from God, stand on that, and watch what God will do!
How do you receive the Rhema, spend time in worship, in meditation, in study of the logos and ask God to speak out of that logos, a rhema word. This takes much more time and dedication than simply pulling out a verse and trying to believe it. You must get alone with God in order to hear His voice.
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7
Again Jesus is speaking here of His Rhema words, not the written Scripture. Are you starting to see a pattern? God wants you to spend time with Him. Knowing the Logos does not require fellowshipping with God, getting a Rhema Word does require fellowship and knowing God. I know which one I'm seeking!
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