Sunday, February 4, 2018

Not the word of mere men but the Word of God...

Have you ever wondered why our world is such a sin twisted mess when the Bible is still the best selling book in the world? I've wondered the same thing. This week when I read the verse featured above in my devotions, (in the ESV version), I wondered if some of the reasons why might be revealed in this verse."And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers." 

Perhaps, some read the Bible as beautiful literature. They find it poetic and lyrical.  Yet, they read it and walk away unchanged.

Perhaps, some read the Bible as the words of mere men. They may think that the authors are very wise men.  Maybe they even consider them to be prophets.  But, for some reason, the words contain no wonder working, life changing power in their lives.

But then, there are some who receive the Bible as a message from God.  They accept it as more than a collection of 66 books authored by approximately 40 different men, but as the God-breathed, Spirit-inspired word of God. They do more than merely read its words, they welcome it into the depths of their mind and heart allowing the Holy Spirit to use it to renew their mind.  They accept its teachings, its encouragement, its exhortation, its correction, its comfort, counsel and wisdom. To those who accept it for what it really is and allow it to have its way in them it produces supernatural results.  It is living, active, powerful, mind renewing and life transforming.

There is so much overwhelming evidence that the Bible is no ordinary book. I love apologetics so I've read and researched the evidence out for myself.  But being convinced of the Bible's uniqueness or supernatural origin in our head isn't enough.  Just as faith is an essential part of our salvation and relationship with God, there comes a time when we have to receive and accept the Bible as God's Word by faith. By faith, we also have to receive it and accept it as God's Word for us.  Yes, historically it was written to certain people at certain times in certain cultures, but it is written for us in our culture, in our time.  When we adhere to, trust in and rely on the Bible, it effectively, supernaturally does its wonder working, mind renewing, life transforming work in us and through us.

still following,


6 comments:

  1. Amen! As I've often heard great men of God say, "We read other books, but the Bible reads us."

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  2. Yes, many times I have wondered why a book that has sustained so many centuries can be doubted. Power in those who trust, believe, and rely. I like the sharing of that verse from the AMP Bible.

    Peabea@Peabea Scribbles

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  3. "When we adhere to, trust in and rely on the Bible, it effectively, supernaturally does its wonder working, mind renewing, life transforming work in us and through us." Amen! I pray that more people will realize that it isn't just another book. It is life changing! Blessings to you! I'm your neighbor at #FaithOnFire this week!

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  4. It really is the word of life...the bread of life. I cannot imagine being able to sustain myself without it.

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  5. "To those who accept it for what it really is and allow it to have its way in them it produces supernatural results. It is living, active, powerful, mind renewing and life transforming." Amen!

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  6. I'm reading the chronological one year bible right now - and I'm in the King David stories. Reading Psalm 140 - and his other psalms are certainly applicable to understanding what is going on today. I'm so glad the saving grace of His word has encouragement for every season of my life!. Shalom,sweet friend. Good encouragement for continuing to press forward in his word.

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