The Bible
Prov 13:13 CEV) If you reject God's teaching, you will pay the price; if you obey his commands, you will be rewarded.
This morning we continue our series In this verse Solomon reminds us of the benefits of receiving and applying God’s truth, of allowing God’s Word to be the ruler by which we judge every decision. With this in mind, let me share a few thoughts with you about the awesomeness of God’s Word.
The Bible is the #1 All-time bestseller. More people have read it than any other book in history. It is a compilation of 66 books, written by about 40 authors, in different times (over a span of 1,500 years), and for different reasons, but it all comes together as one work.
Why? Because the people penned the scriptures, but they were not the authors. They wrote the letters, but they did not manufacture the Words. They were the tools, but the Holy Spirit was the mastermind. That’s why we the Bible is God’s sacred book for our lives that we are to read, study, obey, and preach. There will be no 67th book. While everything is not in the Bible – the Bible does not tell us how to change a tire or fix a computer – everything we need to live a victorious life on the earth is contained within its pages.
In April 1521, Martin Luther appeared before a council of his accusers at the Diet of Worms. They wanted him to repudiate his unwavering faith in the sufficiency of the Word of God. He was being persecuted for placing more authority in the scriptures than the leadership of the Church at the time. This was his response, “Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of God... God help me! Here I stand.”
Like Martin Luther, we must have a steadfast belief in the infallible, inerrant, and inexhaustible Word of God. If there is ever a conflict between the Bible and man’s teachings the answer is clear: the Bible is Right!
Smith Wigglesworth said: “The Bible is the Word of God: Supernatural in origin, eternal in duration, inexpressible in valor, infinite in scope, regenerative in power, infallible in authority, universal in interest, personal in application, and inspired in totality. Read it through, write it down, pray it in, work it out, and then pass it on.”
John MacArthur said: “This book contains: the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here heaven is open, and the gates of hell are disclosed. Christ is the grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and is established forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its contents.”
So what does this mean to you? To answer this question I simply go back to Solomon’s words. The Bible is God’s Word for you and if reject it you will pay the price, but if you obey and apply its teachings to your life you will be rewarded!
Father, I thank You for making Your Word available to me. I have access to Your truth and I know that it is the truth that I need to maximize my purpose and potential in life. I declare, by faith, that I will allow Your Word to be the ruler by which I judge every decision. I read it, believe it, apply it, speak it, am transformed by it, and share it with all those I come in contact with. I know Your Word is not merely a textbook to study, but rather a Life-Book to live and I declare that I will live my life in accordance with it all the days of my life! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Prov 13:13 CEV) If you reject God's teaching, you will pay the price; if you obey his commands, you will be rewarded.
This morning we continue our series In this verse Solomon reminds us of the benefits of receiving and applying God’s truth, of allowing God’s Word to be the ruler by which we judge every decision. With this in mind, let me share a few thoughts with you about the awesomeness of God’s Word.
The Bible is the #1 All-time bestseller. More people have read it than any other book in history. It is a compilation of 66 books, written by about 40 authors, in different times (over a span of 1,500 years), and for different reasons, but it all comes together as one work.
Why? Because the people penned the scriptures, but they were not the authors. They wrote the letters, but they did not manufacture the Words. They were the tools, but the Holy Spirit was the mastermind. That’s why we the Bible is God’s sacred book for our lives that we are to read, study, obey, and preach. There will be no 67th book. While everything is not in the Bible – the Bible does not tell us how to change a tire or fix a computer – everything we need to live a victorious life on the earth is contained within its pages.
In April 1521, Martin Luther appeared before a council of his accusers at the Diet of Worms. They wanted him to repudiate his unwavering faith in the sufficiency of the Word of God. He was being persecuted for placing more authority in the scriptures than the leadership of the Church at the time. This was his response, “Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of God... God help me! Here I stand.”
Like Martin Luther, we must have a steadfast belief in the infallible, inerrant, and inexhaustible Word of God. If there is ever a conflict between the Bible and man’s teachings the answer is clear: the Bible is Right!
Smith Wigglesworth said: “The Bible is the Word of God: Supernatural in origin, eternal in duration, inexpressible in valor, infinite in scope, regenerative in power, infallible in authority, universal in interest, personal in application, and inspired in totality. Read it through, write it down, pray it in, work it out, and then pass it on.”
John MacArthur said: “This book contains: the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here heaven is open, and the gates of hell are disclosed. Christ is the grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and is established forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its contents.”
So what does this mean to you? To answer this question I simply go back to Solomon’s words. The Bible is God’s Word for you and if reject it you will pay the price, but if you obey and apply its teachings to your life you will be rewarded!
Father, I thank You for making Your Word available to me. I have access to Your truth and I know that it is the truth that I need to maximize my purpose and potential in life. I declare, by faith, that I will allow Your Word to be the ruler by which I judge every decision. I read it, believe it, apply it, speak it, am transformed by it, and share it with all those I come in contact with. I know Your Word is not merely a textbook to study, but rather a Life-Book to live and I declare that I will live my life in accordance with it all the days of my life! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
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