The Power of the Bible
by Skip Heitzig |The Bible changes lives. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 calls the Bible "the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe." Isaiah 55:11 says the Word "shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." One of the greatest joys I have whenever I preach is knowing that God's Word will work. It has tremendous power, when people listen and are open.
The Word of God brings salvation. In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul said, "From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation." Further, it prepares you for service. "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" (verses 16-17).
It will give you growth in your life. 1 Peter 2:2 says, "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." Get off "junk food," those doctrinal trends or whims that blow through the church all the time, that are not founded upon the Scripture. As you stick with the Word, you'll grow.
It will give you direction for life. David said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105), and "Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors" (verse 24). I find that the need for counseling diminishes as the appetite for the Word of God increases.
It will bring you victory in your life. As the enemy comes against you, pressuring you with temptation, remember that the Bible is the sword of the Spirit (see Ephesians 6:17). You can whip out that particular verse or passage that can poke the enemy's stronghold to give you victory. When Satan attacked Jesus Christ, Jesus didn't say, "I bind you, Satan." No, He quoted the word of God. He said, "It is written" over and over again until Satan left.
It will bring joy to your life. David said, "I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure" (Psalm 119:162), and "The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (Psalm 19:8).
When you understand the Word and experience its power, you'll truly enjoy life as a whole. It's my personal conviction that the joys of life are doubled for the Christian. We enjoy the same beauty that unbelievers enjoy, but we see God in everything, which increases our joy.
As you read it, know it, and live it out, it will become the joy and the rejoicing of your heart (see Jeremiah 15:16). The two on the road to Emmaus said, "Did not our hearts burn within us as He spoke to us along the way?" Jesus spoke to them about the Bible, and as they understood it, it brought them joy (see Luke 24:13-35).
May you know the power of the Word of God, and may it always be a joy to you!
The Word of God brings salvation. In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul said, "From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation." Further, it prepares you for service. "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" (verses 16-17).
It will give you growth in your life. 1 Peter 2:2 says, "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." Get off "junk food," those doctrinal trends or whims that blow through the church all the time, that are not founded upon the Scripture. As you stick with the Word, you'll grow.
It will give you direction for life. David said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105), and "Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors" (verse 24). I find that the need for counseling diminishes as the appetite for the Word of God increases.
It will bring you victory in your life. As the enemy comes against you, pressuring you with temptation, remember that the Bible is the sword of the Spirit (see Ephesians 6:17). You can whip out that particular verse or passage that can poke the enemy's stronghold to give you victory. When Satan attacked Jesus Christ, Jesus didn't say, "I bind you, Satan." No, He quoted the word of God. He said, "It is written" over and over again until Satan left.
It will bring joy to your life. David said, "I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure" (Psalm 119:162), and "The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (Psalm 19:8).
When you understand the Word and experience its power, you'll truly enjoy life as a whole. It's my personal conviction that the joys of life are doubled for the Christian. We enjoy the same beauty that unbelievers enjoy, but we see God in everything, which increases our joy.
As you read it, know it, and live it out, it will become the joy and the rejoicing of your heart (see Jeremiah 15:16). The two on the road to Emmaus said, "Did not our hearts burn within us as He spoke to us along the way?" Jesus spoke to them about the Bible, and as they understood it, it brought them joy (see Luke 24:13-35).
May you know the power of the Word of God, and may it always be a joy to you!
In His strong love,
Skip Heitzig
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