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We Need Both the Spirit and Scripture

As a student in Bible college and seminary I was given tools for “rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV). Bible study methods and the art of studying Scripture were taught by great professors and scholars. However, I had a hard time combining what the Holy Spirit said in the Bible with what He is saying in the present through spiritual gifts and in my personal time spent with Him. Nonetheless I knew He was and is my “present” companion and comforter and that He enjoys speaking to His kids. 

Through ongoing study and revelation, I learned that the wonderful Holy Spirit is still speaking through Scripture! The great chasm can be bridged. Not only has God spoken as recorded in Scripture, but He is still speaking, continuing to reveal Himself to us through the Bible and present circumstances. 

Romans 10:17 (ESV) says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Many people tend to think the “word” refers only to the gospel, but the term also refers to prophecy that aligns with the written Word of God. The Greek term for “word” comes from the term “rhema,” which is the living, spoken word connected to prophecy throughout the New Testament. It includes the written word of the past, but also the Spirit-empowered spoken word of the present. Again, what He is saying to us personally, to our churches and movements will not contradict what He has said in the Bible. 

The Simple Question 

The wonderful Holy Spirit must be included in our study of Scripture. He is the best teacher (Nehemiah 9:20; John 14:26; 1 John 2:27). Fellowshipping with Him enhances our understanding of the Bible, increasing our faith as we continue growing in friendship and community with Him and with one another. 

As you read the Bible, I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit directly, “What are you showing me through this Scripture?”

Then wait on Him, writing down what He says to you. He longs to communicate with you!

About the Author


Jared Laskey, an Open Bible credentialed minister with an M. Div. in Christian Ministry, is the founder of Fireborn Ministries in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and host of Adventures in God podcast. He lives to see Jesus awaken this generation to the power of the Holy Spirit. Jared is a writer for FaithWireNews and contributor to GodTV, Charisma magazine, AG News, and more. He loves teaching people how to hear God and recently published the Spirit Empowered Journal, available on Amazon. 

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