What is the Word of God?
Harold Paul joined us this morning to deliver the message. He opened with sharing what he recently read on two clever church signs:
Sin burn is prevented by Son screen.
Forgive your enemies, it messes with their heads.
Then he asked, “What is the Word of God?” Different answers were:
The written Word (Bible)
Jesus (as read in John 1:1)
A word/message from God
Then, we all dove into our Bibles.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12
If you read the original Greek of this verse, there were many options available to be used for the word, “sharper.” But, the writer (likely Paul) wrote this, he used:
τομώτερος (tomōteros)
Which means: sharper, keener. Comparative of a derivative of the primary temno; more keen. You would not go into a surgery if the doctor had a dull or blunt knife, so we should want our Bibles to be dull either!
The Bible has the power to change, save, correct us. It is alive and active. There is power in the Word.
The Bible produces results... it is how one gets closer to Jesus.
The Word brings His purpose.
God's Word (the Bible) is His primary means of communication to the world.
Psalm 107:10-20 and Matthew 8:8 tells us that God's Word has healing power
Psalm 119 points us to the many important roles God’s Word has in our lives:
God's Word cleanses us ~ Psalm 119:9-11
God's Word keeps us from sin ~ Psalm 119:33
God's Word is a counselor ~ Psalm 119:24
God's Word is a source of Strength ~ Psalm 119:19:28
God's Word gives life ~ Psalm 119:93-94
God's Word is light ~ Psalm 119:105-106
God’s Word gives understanding and Discernment ~ Psalm 119:129-130
God’s Word gives peace ~ Psalm 119:165-166
God’s Word sorts reality from falsehood ~ 119:Psalm 169
Throughout this morning’s message, Harold led us to read the following scripture:
Psalm 119
Hebrews 4:11-13
John 1:1
Hebrews 4:12
2 Thessalonians 2
Deuteronomy 29:29
Psalm 107:10-20
Matthew 8:8
Revelation 4-5
John 15:1-3
James 1:22-25
Harold challenged us with this perspective: Our respect for the Word of God reflects our respect of God. We need to take time to be in His love letter to us. That is how we get into a more intimate relationship with Him and know Him more.
How can we know the will of God on our lives if we don't spend time in His Word?
Read the Bible as if your life depends on it, because it does.... because the kingdom of God is here.
