TODAY’S WORD FOR TUESDAY OCTOBER 18, 2016.
BIBLE
The inspired Word of God; a collection of sacred writings of the Old and New Testaments.
For the Word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7.
An online Bible resource called “Bible Gateway” shows that the number one verse in the Bible searched for from their 9 million monthly visitors is John 3:16. Dating back as far as we can remember we heard and were taught that John 3:16 was the heart of the scriptures. It is the gospel message in a nutshell.
Born-again Christians, those that have accepted Jesus as their Savior, believe the Bible to be God’s very inspired Word from beginning to end. Nevertheless, many professing Christians are spiritually starving because they do not read or even open a Bible very often, if at all, and certainly do not read it with serious thought.
Most non-believers who say the Bible is just a historical book or perhaps even think it is just fiction have not ever read even a portion of the Bible.
The Bible is not simply a collection of sacred writings, as the dictionary defines it. The Word of God is alive, dynamic and powerful as we read in the verse that we have put above from Hebrews. It penetrates to the very core of our soul, revealing who we are and what we are not. One of the reasons people do not read the Bible is that when they read it it makes us aware of the evil that is within us and it opens our eyes to what is truly good for us.
If you are going to understand the Bible and learn how to study the Bible you must understand the following basic truths:
First, you need to know what the Bible says about itself. In Psalm 19:7 (above) we read that the law of the Lord (the Bible) is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. We can be certain that the Bible is perfect because it is the Word of a righteous and Holy God. God’s Word makes us wise by making us aware of our sin and guides us to seek God’s holiness by converting our souls.
Secondly, you need to know what God intended the Bible to do for you. In Genesis 1:1, the very first verse in the Bible we read, in the beginning God. The Bible is God’s Word and in the beginning He wants us to know that He is God. He created the heavens and the earth and we can be assured that God is in control of all that He created. What greater source for life do we need than He who is the giver of life?
Thirdly, you need to know that the Bible deals with truth and therefore it is factual. Jesus said of God’s Word in John 17:17, “Your Word is truth.” God is truth and He does not change nor does His Word.
In Colossians 2:8 the apostle Paul was talking to the Christians at the church in Colossae and preached that the gospel is not a hollow philosophy based on human ideas and experiences or on principles of this world, which are ever changing, but on Christ’s life and His example. He then goes on to say that we are to beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ who is one with God the Father.
And finally, you are to know the correct methods of Bible study. The apostle Paul was a mentor to Timothy and instructed him to be diligent in doing his best to present himself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. Rightly dividing the Word of truth means to interpret the Bible correctly and to not accept false doctrine. It is wise to have a good accordance when you read the Bible so you interpret it correctly. Paul’s advice to Timothy is relative for us today as well.
The scriptures are filled with truths for each one of us to search out and share with others. In Psalm 119:97 the psalmist shared his thoughts about the Word, the Bible, and his desire to search it and be taught by God when he said, “Oh, how I love Your law.” The more you read the Bible, the more you will love the author.
Abraham Lincoln in a letter to a friend while he was in office as President of the United States said: “I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible. Take all of this book upon reason that you can, and the balance upon faith. You will live and die a better man.” God’s Word does not change but it will change you.
Our memory verse for this week is found in I Peter 1:24-25.
All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls away, but the Word of the Lord endures forever.
Thank You that the Bible, Your Word, is not only perfect and true but powerful. Give me the leadership and boldness today to teach my family and friends the truth of the Bible that can change their lives. Plant Your Word in my heart so that I might not sin against You.
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