Receiving the Word of God

People have cast doubt on the Bible so much that many are skeptical about it. They think it is simply a book written by a lot of people containing their opinions about things. They believe that it is like any other human book, so it is not inerrant or infallible. In fact, most people today think that the teachings of Scripture are outdated and those of us who believe them are backward and narrow minded. This reaction to God's Word is not new. It happened when Paul went to preach and teach God's Word on his missionary journeys. (I Thessalonians 2:13) In Thessalonica there was a group of people who did not receive the Word of God as the words of men, but the Word of God, as it really is. Because of this, the Word was able to perform its work in their lives. We need to make sure we always receive it as the Word of God, as well.

God knew we needed a special revelation of His truth about history and doctrine, so the Holy Spirit inspired about 40 men to write the books of the Bible over a 1,500 year period. Then, the same Holy Spirit showed the believers which books were inspired in various ways. The fulfilled prophecies are a strong evidence, as is the unity of the message, even though it was written over such a long period of time. However, an undeniable evidence of the Word of God is its power to work in our lives to lead us to be like Jesus. This only happens when we receive the words as the very words of God, like the Christians in Thessalonica did. Then, we are living proof that the words of the Bible are God's words, and everyone should receive them as such. I pray that all of us, as believers, are constantly sharing how God has changed us as we have fed upon His powerful words, and show others the change. Then, they will be encouraged to receive the Bible as God's Word.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read I Thessalonians 3-5.