For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
All to often in my discussions with some who profess to believe in God is their unbelief in the Word of God. And for some who do acknowledge it, they want to pick and choose which parts they believe, or give their opinion on the parts that they don't, as if it had as much validity as God's Word. I guess it could be the fact that the Word of God points out so clearly that our ways are flawed. Or perhaps it is that basic fleshly instinct to display pride and rebellion when we are confronted with the truth of God's Word, and we are held accountable for our sinful ways.
I thought we'd take a couple of days to take a look at why it is so important for us as Christians to know the Bible, it's origin and the teachings that are contained within it. With that said, let's take a look at this Masterpiece given to us from the Master Himself.
Q: What is The Bible?
The Psalmist said it best when he penned the words; Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).
Let's take a look at a few things that we should all know about God's Word:
* It is our personal guide to operate and direct our lives.
* It helps us to be reconciled to God as it directs our paths and leads us in all understanding.
* The Bible tells us all we need to know about who God is.
* The Bible tells us all we need to know about what God requires of us.
* The Bible is an exacting piece of historical recordings of God's dealing with man.
* The Bible is a record of man's fall through sin, and God's redeeming work of delivering man from that sin
* If the writings found within the pages of God's Word are followed, it will produce everything needed to bring about the changes required to live a life that is pleasing to God.
* Simply put, it contains everything we need for life.
1. The Bible is more than a Book
Actually, the Bible is a perfect combination of 66-Books that were crafted by 40-different Authors over a 1500-year period by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
2. The Bible is God's Revelation to His People
Revelation is an act of revealing or communicating divine truth. Some of the ways God has revealed divine truth to us in the past include: The visible creation, angels, dreams, visions, prophets, as well as theophanies (Appearances of God). He has spoken from heaven with a still small voice (1Kings 19:12). He has spoken from heaven with a loud voice (Ezek 43:2). He even spoke once through a donkey (Numbers 22:28).
3. The Bible Is The Word of God
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 1Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)
* Over 2,000-times the Old Testament claims to be the Word of God.
* Over 40-times the New Testament is referred to as the Word of God.
Q: So just how important is the Word of God according to God?
A: God magnified His Word even above His own name.
I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. Psalm 138:2 (NKJV)
Hey Christian, God loves us so much, that He gave us a collection of writings to tell us of the origin of sin, and how destructive it was. He showed us How He provided a way to be forgiven of this sin in our life. He has given us an instruction manual on how we should live our lives. Let's open it up and start to read it regularly so that we may know the proper path, and everything else that He has taken the time to share with us so that we might have life, and so that life might be more abundantly.
In Part II of this message, we'll take a look to show us how we can know that the Bible is, in fact, The Word of God.
STUDY QUESTION: Can you see from the Scriptures contained within this devotional, how important, and powerful the Word of God is?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you reading the Bible daily?
APPLICATION: Keep reading the Word each and every day because it is the roadmap to Christian living, and it will direct your paths and make them prosperous and full of wisdom.
All to often in my discussions with some who profess to believe in God is their unbelief in the Word of God. And for some who do acknowledge it, they want to pick and choose which parts they believe, or give their opinion on the parts that they don't, as if it had as much validity as God's Word. I guess it could be the fact that the Word of God points out so clearly that our ways are flawed. Or perhaps it is that basic fleshly instinct to display pride and rebellion when we are confronted with the truth of God's Word, and we are held accountable for our sinful ways.
I thought we'd take a couple of days to take a look at why it is so important for us as Christians to know the Bible, it's origin and the teachings that are contained within it. With that said, let's take a look at this Masterpiece given to us from the Master Himself.
Q: What is The Bible?
The Psalmist said it best when he penned the words; Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).
Let's take a look at a few things that we should all know about God's Word:
* It is our personal guide to operate and direct our lives.
* It helps us to be reconciled to God as it directs our paths and leads us in all understanding.
* The Bible tells us all we need to know about who God is.
* The Bible tells us all we need to know about what God requires of us.
* The Bible is an exacting piece of historical recordings of God's dealing with man.
* The Bible is a record of man's fall through sin, and God's redeeming work of delivering man from that sin
* If the writings found within the pages of God's Word are followed, it will produce everything needed to bring about the changes required to live a life that is pleasing to God.
* Simply put, it contains everything we need for life.
1. The Bible is more than a Book
Actually, the Bible is a perfect combination of 66-Books that were crafted by 40-different Authors over a 1500-year period by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
2. The Bible is God's Revelation to His People
Revelation is an act of revealing or communicating divine truth. Some of the ways God has revealed divine truth to us in the past include: The visible creation, angels, dreams, visions, prophets, as well as theophanies (Appearances of God). He has spoken from heaven with a still small voice (1Kings 19:12). He has spoken from heaven with a loud voice (Ezek 43:2). He even spoke once through a donkey (Numbers 22:28).
3. The Bible Is The Word of God
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 1Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)
* Over 2,000-times the Old Testament claims to be the Word of God.
* Over 40-times the New Testament is referred to as the Word of God.
Q: So just how important is the Word of God according to God?
A: God magnified His Word even above His own name.
I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. Psalm 138:2 (NKJV)
Hey Christian, God loves us so much, that He gave us a collection of writings to tell us of the origin of sin, and how destructive it was. He showed us How He provided a way to be forgiven of this sin in our life. He has given us an instruction manual on how we should live our lives. Let's open it up and start to read it regularly so that we may know the proper path, and everything else that He has taken the time to share with us so that we might have life, and so that life might be more abundantly.
In Part II of this message, we'll take a look to show us how we can know that the Bible is, in fact, The Word of God.
STUDY QUESTION: Can you see from the Scriptures contained within this devotional, how important, and powerful the Word of God is?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you reading the Bible daily?
APPLICATION: Keep reading the Word each and every day because it is the roadmap to Christian living, and it will direct your paths and make them prosperous and full of wisdom.
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