The Word of God is under assault in America. Read over this article that talks about the current state of the church. Another report released this past August reveals that over 50 percent of professing Christians don’t believe in the Gospel. Another recent survey indicated that only 1 in 4 Christians believe that the Bible is God’s Word. How did we get here? Years ago, I was riding with an ordained Episcopal priest who graduated from Yale Divinity School. This minister proceeded to tell me that while he believed that God is perfect and Jesus is perfect, he did not believe that scripture was perfect. He went on to tell me why human reason should be the litmus test for how we interpret the scriptures. I am still trying to figure that one out.
Can human reason explain how the Red Sea parted? How did manna fall from Heaven? How did Lazarus rise from the dead? Better yet, can human reason explain how Jesus rose from the dead? Sadly, this individual was a victim of the teaching he received. When we have professors at seminaries who do not believe in the authority of the scriptures, why are we surprised that churches are flooded with ministers, priests, and pastors who no longer embrace the authority of scriptures. And we know this to be true when we watch and wonder why the moral climate of the church has deteriorated. We see a new wave of progressive Christianity, which is nothing more than a generation of churchgoers striving to create God in their own image.
The church must stand up for Biblical truth. We have access to the truths of God’s Word every single day, and we must dedicate ourselves to studying it. When we do, we can know and love Jesus more and more as we grow in our knowledge and love of the Bible.
Now, more than just having the Word in our life, we want it to be the foundation upon which we build our life. Here are (7) seven truths that you can count on as it relates to the Bible.
TRUTH #1 -The Bible is Alive
One of the essential truths we need to understand about the Word is that just as Jesus himself is alive, the Bible is also ALIVE. It’s God-breathed. It’s living and active. The scriptures come alive in our life through meditation, revelation, and faith.
(John 6:63) “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.”
(Hebrews 4:12) For the Word of God is living 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.
TRUTH #2 Faith activates the Word.
The activation of the Word in our life begins with our willingness to read it and meditate on its truth.
(Hebrews 4:2) For we also have had the Gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.
TRUTH #3-Revelation activates faith.
When we study the scriptures, the Holy Spirit will reveal the truth to us, which will grow our faith.
(Luke 1:34-38) “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God… For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
TRUTH #4-Meditation activates revelation.
Meditating on God’s Word is like chewing on a juicy steak. The scriptures are our spiritual sustenance. And when we intentionally block out all distractions and focus on being in the presence of God, the Holy Spirit begins to do His work of unpacking and revealing truth.
(Joshua 1:7-8) Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
TRUTH #5-I must accept its authority.
We were made in the image of God, not vice-versa. Progressive Christianity which is not Christianity at all, is continually trying to form God in the image of humankind. A colleague of mine once told me that what’s true for me isn’t true for her. And while that might apply to our differing views on Georgia and Auburn football, that mindset couldn’t be further from the truth as it relates to the Bible.
(1 Thessalonians 2:13) We also thank God continually because, when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the Word of men, but actually as it is, the Word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
TRUTH #6-I must assimilate its truths.
How do we do this?
1) By listening to God’s Word
(Romans 10:17 NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. (Luke 8:18) “Therefore consider carefully how you listen…”
2) By reading God’s Word.
(Matthew 4:4) Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” 3) By exploring God’s Word. (Psalm 119:11)
I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
TRUTH #7-I must apply its principles.
We must apply the Word’s principles. It’s not enough to just know what the Bible says – we need to do what it tells us to do. This kind of life, built on God’s Word, is a life built on solid rock. Though storms may come, we will not be shaken because our foundation is secure in truth!
(Mathew 7:24-25)Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
(James 1:22) Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Those who have been transformed by the finished work of Christ are called to grow in their relationship with the Lord. If we want to get to know God, we have to get to know His Word! John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” This verse indicates that “The Word” and Jesus are one and the same. We can’t know God without knowing His Word, and we can’t know His Word without knowing Him. The two are inextricably linked. The world needs a Bible-believing generation who will go forth and fulfill what Jesus commanded us to do, which is to make disciples.
Thank you, Church of the Highlands, for adhering to the Word of God. Much of what I have written comes from sitting under sound, Biblical teaching. I thought it appropriate to give credit where credit is due. I love my church, but more importantly, I love Jesus, who paid it all for my sake!
God bless!
Bill
