One of the realities that is often so hard for people to fathom is that each and every person in the world is, in fact, an individual.  Individual habits,  individual appearances,  individual diets, even individual preferences of clothing and automobiles.  There are no two people alike – even identical twins!  There is no single cure-all for every single human being.

Though these things are true, every person, though created in God’s image, also possesses the image of Adam – the first sinner.  Because of the sin of that one man, sin was passed down to every man.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12)

The hope for every person in the world, however, is in the second man, the Lord Jesus Christ:

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. [20] Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: [21] That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:19-21}

ALL MEN ARE UNDER THE CURSE BROUGHT ON BY THE SIN OF ADAM

It should be readily apparent that everyone is different, and under the curse of Adam.  We all have problems!  What an understatement!  This is something common among all people.  We all have differing maladies, and all will at some point face physical death (unless, of course, the Rapture of the Body of Christ takes place first).

That said, every person has a different physical makeup, as well as a different spiritual makeup, or acumen.  That’s why it is so important to stick with a literal, Biblical interpretation, rather than the popular allegorical – needs based – view.

So many use Scripture (mostly verses taken totally out of context) as a sort of talisman that brings special power to the one in possession of it.  This power is the so-called key to overcoming every felt need, problem , and woe that one faces in this life.  

What type of “Goliath” are you facing in your life?  All you have to do is put your particular problem you are facing in place of Goliath.  Perhaps you are facing the “Goliath of drug addiction?”  Well, by golly, all you have to do is follow the  three bullet points I have for you!  Perhaps you have the “Goliath of a bad marriage?”  I could go on, and on, and on, and…

But… It’s not about our life now, “Best,” or otherwise.  The Christian life is about looking vertically, rather than horizontally:

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)

Because people are people, the Christian minister in no way has access into the very depths of man.  There is no other person beside the individual himself that knows what’s inside of him.  As a matter of fact, someone can actually appear to be engaged in a church service, but inside that person is “out to lunch,” thinking of the roast that is in the oven, or the ball game that is happening later.  He knows what is inside of him.  Fortunately the Holy Spirit also has access into the cranial depths, and it is the Scriptures which the Spirit works in conjunction with.

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. – 1 Corinthians 2:11.

Simply put; we try to figure people out, when we have no clue what is going on inside of them.  Let us stick to preaching, and teaching, the Word of Truth – as it is written, without trying to customize / change Scripture to meet the needs of people.

For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. (Psalms 33:4)

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17:17)

If trusting in the Word of God is powerful enough for those who are laboring to enter into rest (Hebrews 4:11), how much more powerful is it for those who have already entered into rest, and are seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2;6)?

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12  

To the false prophets , Jeremiah had these words to say, in reference to them:

Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29)

The Word of God is sufficient for the Believer today.  It needs no help, and absolutely no embellishment.  The Word stands on its own! It is a sad state we are in when the Bible takes a back seat to worldly philosophies, and practices.

It’s up to us to boldly proclaim the Word of God – not only to the lost around us, but to the professing church today.  It is surely needed!  This is something that all men are in need of.

Bob Picard, Pastor, God’s Grace Bible Church, Millbury, Massachusetts