The Message Never Changed!

What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. 1Corinthians 9:18 (NKJV)

We live in a world of constant changes.  Every day there are changes in technology, and in ways of doing things.  Change can be good - even great.  In fact the resurrection of Jesus Christ is probably the most important and significant event to have historically happened to cause great change. 

There is one thing we can rely on never changing - the truth of God's Word.  You see God's word never changes.  In fact, Jesus never changes - He is the same as He always was and will be (Heb. 13:8)He is our Lord; our God, and our Savior.  

 "For I am the LORD, I do not change; Malachi 3:6 (NKJV)

It is very important for us as Christians to know these Biblical truths because they will bring us hope and peace of mind - they are a firm foundation in an unstable world.  It is important for us to be eager to share God's Word, but what if we don't know any scriptures to defend our Gospel message?  The scriptures contained within the bible equip us to better answer the questions of those who want to know, or who have been given false doctrine. That's is exactly what Paul said of the Jewish people as recorded in the Book of Romans.

For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.Romans 10:2 (NKJV)

Their zeal for God didn't save them, because those who were stubbornly following religious practices rather than Jesus had deceived them. They were so caught up in being religious they couldn't even see how Jesus perfectly fulfilled every prophecy about the coming Messiah - over 300 hundred prophecies.  

The same trap is awaiting us in our world today as Satan chooses to use the false religions to destroy the unsaved.  It is these heresies, which we can become ensnared in if we don't possess a proper knowledge of God's truth to guide us clear.  

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 1Timothy 4:1-2 (NKJV)

Here's the bottom line - God's Word doesn't change!  There is no new revelation being given - it is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  If someone says the truth cannot be found in the Bible alone, or perhaps they say, "It's not enough" - don't believe it!  That would contradict Scripture and make it to be a lie. 

We are told in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."  And Jesus even prayed that His followers be sanctified (Set apart - made Holy) by the truth of God's Word. 

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:17 (NKJV)

And Jesus told us His Word would never pass away - it would continue to exist long after the earth is gone.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Luke 21:33 (NKJV)

I think we can see a theme here?  God doesn't change!  His Word doesn't change! The message never changed!  Jesus is Lord!  Jesus is God manifested in the flesh.  He died on the Cross of Calvary for the sins of mankind.  We have the free will choice of whether we want to accept His free gift and salvation or deny it.  Its not a religion - it's a relationship with the Savior.

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn about God or His Word changing according to the Scriptures contained within this devotional?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you reading your Bible daily?

APPLICATION: Make a determined amount of time to read the Word of God - the Holy Bible.  Let God reveal Himself to you through His Written Word.