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Blessings from the Word

This week weve talked about the importance of knowing Gods Word as you step out in faith to reach your world. We learned that you dont have to be a scholar to witness, but Gods word will give you a passion for the lost, power in your speech, joy in your life, and a standard to live by. The last thing I want to tell you about the Bible is that in reading it, and getting to know it well, you will find great blessing.

Psalm 1 says, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

Reading the Bible is not a chore. Its not something you are forced to do either. Its something we are privileged to do- and it is a joy. If we meditate on Gods word often, we will be blessed. Its not we might be blessed, the scriptures say we will be blessed.

And if the Bible says something will happen, you can count on it. Ive found this to be true in my own life, and I know you will too. Read your Bible today, and as youre blessed, go out and bless others.

Confidence in the Word

You know, these days, it seems nothing is absolute anymore. Malcolm Muggeridge said that the greatest problem of our day is not political or economic but it is “the loss of a sense of moral order.” It is so exciting to me, that as followers of Jesus we have an absolute standard to live by.

This absolute standard is Gods Word to mankind- the Bible. The Bible is without error. You can trust it 100%. It is the inspired Word of God. If we dont think God is big enough to create a book without error, then we serve too small a god. God absolutely can create a perfect book and He did.

The Bible says of itself in Second Timothy that “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Isnt this exciting? The more we read the Bible, the better equipped we are to reach our world. When we live our lives in light of the scriptures, we live based on unchanging, absolute truth.

Teach the Word

You know, many times people feel they cannot share the Good News because they havent been believers very long. But, one of the best ways to learn more is by sharing. The more you share, the more you will grow. Shortly before Jesus went back to Heaven he told his disciples to go and make disciples of all the nations. He also comforted them saying, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Do not be held back by your lack of experience- the Lord is with you always. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians, “Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of this world?”

God has different standards than this world- and your humility is something that God can work with. A theology degree doesnt necessarily equip you to be effective for the Lord… though education is important, but without an attitude of humility and love for other people, all the education in the world is useless. God looks at the heart first.

So, dont be held back by being new to the faith or by feelings of inadequacy. Depend on God and His Holy Word when youre sharing the Good News, and the Lord will be with you every step of the way.

The Foundation of the Word

When I first began to follow Jesus, at 12 years old, I would often pray that God would open doors for me to reach the whole world with the Good News. Since I was new in my faith, and still a boy, I had a lot of learning and growing to do. I felt that a wonderful place to start was studying the Bible, and getting to know it well. And so even as a boy I found myself pouring over the Bible.

Some people wonder if the Bible is a divinely inspired book, or simply a work of literature that men wrote. The Bible is written by men, yes, but these men were under the direct inspiration of God. St. Peter writes, “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”

Reading Gods Word, meditating on it, and studying it, are great ways to become effective in sharing the Good News with others. After all, the Good News is found in scripture. What better way to reach the lost then to share with them what God has said in His Word.

So try it this week, wont you? Set aside time in your day to read the Bible. You will find, in time, that sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ is easier when you have the power of Gods Word on your mind and in your heart.

Christ’s Ambassadors

Its easy to get discouraged in evangelism, isnt it? Sometimes youre criticized, given the cold shoulder, or cant see the fruit of sharing your faith. When were feeling low, we often forget that God has called each of us to be His ambassadors.

Second Corinthians 5:20 says, “We are therefore Christs ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” Thats so important to remember!

What does it mean to be Christs ambassador? First of all, an ambassador doesnt invent the message. His president tells him what to say. This means that you dont have to come up with the message. You simply give out the beautiful Good News Gospel, wherever God has put you.

Leave the rest to the Holy Spirit. Also, since youre an ambassador, youre not just some nobody praying for your neighborhood. You have power. You have authority. You have an important mission to spread the Good News message to your world!

No matter how people may respond, it doesnt change the way God sees you. You are His messenger – His ambassador. So keep sharing Gods message of Good News, with dignity and power. After all, thats exactly what an ambassador is called to do!