Truth cannot be conveyed without words

The phrase "talk is cheap" has its legitimate point, but it's far from being the only truth.

"A picture's worth a thousand words." Maybe, but try saying that without words. Pictures presuppose that the viewer knows words and concepts. Truth cannot be conveyed without words. "Sanctify them by the truth; thy word is truth," said Jesus. (John 17:17)

I agree wholeheartedly with Jim McGuiggan's observations in his book "The God of The Towel," that when God came, he came talking (Mark 1:14). The Bible is a record of God's action, plus interpretation. John 1:18 tells us Jesus was the exegesis (interpretation) of God. He fully explained the Father.

Could we look at a person dying on a cross and know from that sight that atonement is being affected for mankind? Can we look at a lovely life lived by an atheist, a Hindu and a Christian and know whose philosophy is true?

If the lovely life of a Christian proves the truth of his world-view, what does the equally lovely life of an atheist prove? If a Christian's life, by itself and without interpretation, proves Jesus is Lord, why doesn't the Hindu's lovely life prove his views of Hare Krishna?

God came talking because humans are rational beings who need their intellect addressed. "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe." (I Cor. 1:21)

Also, salvation is tied to hearing the word in Romans 10:13-17. The Master Himself judged that his own lovely life wasn't enough communication -- so he came talking.

Let us determine to study the Bible and listen to the Words of God as He expresses Himself in this love letter to mankind.