Can I Handle The Truth?

John Chapter 8----
Jesus talking to a group of Jews and is explaining the dynamic between him and his heavenly father.
Verse 30 reads: As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him.
After this "light-bulb-coming-on" moment, Jesus makes another statement.
"If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of mine."
He didn't say if you join a fellowship/ church or.....
If you sing in the choir.......or.....
If you have prophetic dreams and great discernment...........
You will be my disciple.
No!
Jesus said if you abide in "MY" word.
The word we possess today is the Bible.
The most sought after.....
The # 1 seller.....
The book that has more versions printed that Quaker has oats.....
and yet it is probably the most under studied book out there.
We tote it around like it is a talisman or good luck charm to ward off the evilness of our world.
To me it's like having an incredible weapon, but we don't take it as being credible for our time and age.
Jesus said if you abide....live in....dwell in.....plant yourself there.....in His word...Then!!!
What an incredible word 'THEN'....
Jesus says if we (believers) do something on our part....THEN....
the implication is cause and effect.
If we do something....THEN we shall know and understand that we are truly (not fake-ly) are His disciples.

By being His disciples we are brought into a new sphere of understanding in our relationship with Him.
What sphere?
We shall know (experience and understand) the truth.
This implies that there is a truth that is revealed to those who abide in the word of Christ that might not be discernable to those who choose not to.
We shall know the truth...........
and the truth shall make you free. Some translations say "Truth will set you free".
I like "Make you" free.
The idea I come away with is that being set free is a process.
We are being set free.
This truth leads us out of misconceptions about ourselves and brings us face to face with the reality that only comes when the Holy Spirit reveals our own hearts to us.
The truth that makes me free is found when I am brought face to face with God's word and am uncovered for who I truly am.
That is truth that will "make" you free.
We all need this truth.
I know.
It's painful and we don't really want to see the "Real" us, but boy there is healing when the truth "makes" you free.
Get into God's word today.
Start with the book of John and read it first like a novel.
Then pray and ask God for wisdom.
Go back and begin reading is slowly taking in each verse.
Let God speak to your heart as you read.
This is the beginning of a truly incredible adventure.

God on you!
mb