“Visit many good books but live in the Bible.” – Charles Spurgeon
The Bible. The good book. The number one best-seller of all time. Though it is known by many names, did you know that the Bible is the inerrant and infallible Word of God? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “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.” Every word written in Scripture is God breathed and is beneficial for our lives. The Holy Spirit moved on holy men of God to ensure that His Word would be available to the world. The Bible offers us a life guide that instructs us in righteousness for the purpose of making the reader complete (spiritually mature) and equipped to do good. James 1:22 states, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Thus, the intent of Scripture is not just for one to read it, but also apply it; otherwise, we risk being deceived. When Jesus was led into the wilderness and temped by the devil, Jesus did not try to outsmart the devil or debate him. Instead, Christ quoted Scripture. Though the devil continued to tempt and seek to deceive Him, the Word of God gave Christ a foundation to stand on and a shelter in which to take refuge. Jesus knew that the Word of God was powerful and enough for Him. Additionally, the Word of God is not meant to be a rule book for followers to blindly follow, rather it is a love letter from the God of the universe to protect and guide His children. Psalm 119:105 states, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” In a world full of sin and darkness, we must follow the light that is God’s Word. 1 Peter 5:8 states, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” When one neglects the Word of God, they relinquish their ability to be effective for the kingdom of God and make themselves spiritually vulnerable to being led astray. Therefore, it is imperative to cling to what is good. We can take comfort in the fact that God’s words are faithful and true. However, God’s Word is not just a helpful guide, but it is also the medium in which we can hear His voice directly. Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Scripture is just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. The Word of God is a supernatural book that lives and speaks to the heart, soul, and mind of the reader. Do you want to know the will of God? Read His Word and get to know His voice. Romans 12:2 states, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Scripture will renew your mind and grant you access to know the perfect will of God.
The Word of God is unique in the fact that it is the only book in which the Author is in love with every reader. I pray that you will spend more time in the Bible and get to know the One who wrote it.
Would you like to start reading the Bible, but don’t know where to start?
I recommend starting in the book of John. It would also be beneficial to utilize a daily devotional or a Bible reading plan. Both can easily be found online or in your app store.
Alice Ann, grandma😂 says
Thank you for this word! We all need encouragement! God bless!
Jim says
Very good Zach. We can never be reminded to much how important it is to stay in the word. Thank you.
Dan Shasteen says
Good word Zach. At a time when some are objecting to the absolute truth of the Holy Bible the only real and eternal life is through a relationship with Christ found in that very book. The holy scripture that gives peace that passes all understanding.
Etha Anderson says
Absolutely, well said. It is very important now more then ever to keep our focus on God’s teachings from the Bible during Church and Home Bible Study time and during Church and Home Worship time, and not on our selves or on worldly things.