Monday, November 17, 2014

The Transforming Word of God


1 Thessalonians 2:13When you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

The other day, I had an informal (unofficial, yet informing) discussion with Pastors Rick and Kyle on the subject of the deterioration of the society due to leaving and abandoning the life standards applications found in the Holy Bible (the Word of God) in order to incorporate that which God calls “sin” into their way of life today by claiming that the book is “out-dated” for this day and age. That the disregard for the Word of God is a reflection of the disregard of God Himself by individuals and the culture in unbelief. I heard this same claim lately that the Bible was some “ancient book” by an Atheistic American Science in a recent Creation debate; like God’s Word was merely old, worn-out ideas of flawed men with no inspiration from God.

 

2 Timothy 3:14-17 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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.

 

In reality, where the Word of God says “No” to sin, the non-Believer says “No” to, not only the Bible, but also God, the Giver of Life, who is the standard of “right & wrong” communicated in the holy Scriptures for righteousness in truth for which we are accountable to (which I believe is the real issue). People do not want to be accountable to God; only self. To paraphrase Pastor Rick: “They want the Savior part of Christ, but the Lord part they are not so anxious for.” It’s like driving over the speed limit on a county road with the Deputy Sheriff next to you and not expecting to get pulled over because you don’t believe in the speed limit law and want to go as fast as you want, whenever you want without penalty. The law is “good” and for a reason.

 

Hebrews 4:11-13Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 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. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

 

The Lord Jesus calls us to be “Salt and Light” (Matthew 5:13-16). Salt stings in an open wound, but heals and preserves and splices life. Light chases away darkness. Think about it – darkness cannot enter a lighted room, but light can enter a dark room and the darkness leave. So do not just walk into the darkness of sin and unbelief with the light of the Word of God … run into that darkness with the truth of the gospel of salvation and restoration of the sin-broken relationship with God in Christ. Nobody is saved by the flesh, the world or the devil; only by the truth. Speak the truth in love and pull the lost out of the pit of lies.  


 

John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth.


Pastor Rick is writing a message for you all on the word “world”, in relationship to the phase “We are in the world, but not of the world” or “Do not be conformed to this world” and many others, so look for that post coming soon. As the children of God, we have the privilege of reaching the lost in sin for Christ’s sake and leading those who do not know the Lord to the foot of the Cross for forgiveness and salvation with passion and compassion demonstrated in action, because as Pastor Kyle says: “passion without action is nothing.” It’s not about conforming to this world, but transforming to the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 12:2 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.

 

In Christ, Brian


 


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