I have been reading and studying the Bible for decades. There is no scripture more important than another. However, the words printed in red are most important to heed.
Watch the video of this teaching at https://www.celllifechurch.tv/heeding-the-words-in-red/
Most modern Bibles today have the words of Jesus printed in red ink. This started with Louis Klopsh, a Christian magazine publisher in the late 1800s. Mr. Klopsch was an ardent student of the Bible and wanted people to be able to understand the Bible even more. He enlisted many scholars to help him produce the first red letter Bible. The response to this was so great that most publishers started printing Bibles the same way. The point of the red letter edition was so the reader could know what the words of Jesus were in relation to the rest of scripture. This allows us to read and heed the words in red.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says:
(16) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (17) so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Paul’s instructions to Timothy here are clear. All scripture is useful for equipping God’s people for all that God is going to call on them for. Having Jesus’ words in red helps them to stand out. We do not elevate the words in red above the rest of scripture, but they are easily seen as being the words of Jesus himself. We can learn from the Master just as the disciples did as they walked and lived alongside him.
The Apostle John starts his gospel account identifying who and what Jesus was and is. John 1:1-5 says:
(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was with God in the beginning. (3) Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (4) In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. (5) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
We continue reading John 1:14-18:
(14) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (15) (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'”) (16) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. (17) For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (18) No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
This is important. We can understand that reading and heeding the words in red, Jesus’ words, is one of the most important things we can do. I often go back to the words in red when I am studying on any topic in scripture. Jesus addresses everything we need to know to be His representative here on earth at this time.
We learn how to live a life that is not only pleasing to the Lord but is light to the world around us through Jesus’ stories and parables. Jesus’ teachings cover everything we are going to face in life.
Luke 12:4-7 records Jesus’ words about fear.
(4) “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. (5) But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. (6) Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. (7) Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Jesus speaks about leadership and being a good leader in Matthew 20:25-28.
(25) Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. (26) Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, (27) and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— (28) just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus teaches about pride and priorities in Luke 10:17-20.
(17) The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” (18) He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. (19) I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. (20) However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
One of the most profound things Jesus said and teaches us in his own words is about God’s commandments and scripture found in Matthew 22:36-40.
(36) “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (37) Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ (38) This is the first and greatest commandment. (39) And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (40) All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
No matter what you are facing in life, good or bad, you can learn how to face it with grace and joy by heeding the words in red. These are Jesus’ words and are the most applicable to life today.
One of the great things about Jesus is that he left his Heavenly place with God to come to us. He did this to be the much needed sacrifice and redemption for all mankind. Jesus also came in the flesh as a man. He was tempted by the things that tempt us, being hungry and tired like we get hungry and tired, and being faced with fear and doubt just as we face fear and doubt. Jesus knew first hand what we were experiencing and could address it in his teaching. This gives us all we need to rise above our situation and be a witness to the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ in all we say and do at all times.
Heed the words in red, my friends. Read them and study them. Commit Jesus’ teachings to memory. Rely on the wisdom of Jesus and share His teachings with others. Jesus’ teachings will open up the rest of the Bible to you in a way that you could not have imagined. Teach others to heed the words in red. Teach others to follow Jesus and accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior.
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