Bearbear,
I think this topic may lend itself to a closer look at "logos" and "rhema". This was helpful to me:
https://search.brave.com/search?q=lo...77e9a79dd0dee2
Logos vs Rhema
In Christian theology, logos and rhema are two Greek terms often discussed in the context of understanding the Word of God. While both are translated as "word" in English, they carry distinct meanings and applications.
Logos: This term refers to the universal, written Word of God. It encompasses the entirety of Scripture and is often associated with divine reason or the person of Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word (Logos) made flesh in John 1. Logos represents the foundational truths of the Bible that are applicable to all believers.
Rhema: This term denotes a specific, living application of the Word to an individual or situation. Rhema is often described as a "spoken word" or a divine insight that the Holy Spirit imparts to a person's heart, making the general truth of the logos personally relevant and actionable. For example, while the logos may contain the promise of salvation, the rhema might be the moment an individual feels the assurance that this promise applies directly to them [3]. Some theologians emphasize that logos is like a well of water, representing the complete Scriptures, while rhema is like a bucket of water drawn from that well, representing a specific truth made alive in a believer's life.
Others argue that the distinction between logos and rhema is not always clear-cut, as both terms can overlap in meaning depending on the context in which they are used.
In summary, logos is often seen as the objective, written Word of God, while rhema is understood as the subjective, living application of that Word through the Holy Spirit.
Key: Living application of the word through the Holy Spirit. It's important to have a living relationship with the Lord, i.e., the Holy Spirit. That is, the written word does not cover all life situations. Much has been written about divorce, but still the Holy Spirit has something to say to your heart. This is why Paul prayed, in Phillipians 3, "that I may know him". It's likely that at the time Paul spoke this, there was no "Logos" but the believers relied on rhema until there was logos.
Just my thoughts--
Nell