The Importance of the Word of God

Pastor Lorne continued his series on being a Disciple of Christ by reminding us of the importance of the Word of God.

We need a daily time with God’s word so when we come across situations where we need answers, the Word will already be in our hearts to fall back on. As we study the Word, the Holy Spirit will bring Scriptures to our memory and tell us how to react in situations.

We really need to live the Word of God. John 1:1 says, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’ And a bit further in v14, ‘And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, theglory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.’ Pastor Lorne says every time he reads the word, he thinks he understands it but the greatness of God overwhelms him. He said his interpretation is that the word of God is Jesus. We know Jesus through the Bible. Pastor Lorne said he knows us because he can actually see us and talk to us. But Jesus isn’t here in the physical form. No man has seen God, but we can know him through his Word. As a disciple of Christ, we need his Word deep down in our hearts.

Pastor Lorne said he knows people don’t have time to read several chapters every day, but he finds even 1 or 2 verses of Scripture helps. Found in the church foyer, the Daily Bread is a nice free little booklet which shows a daily Bible reading and a story to start your day. Pastor Lorne says during the day as he’s doing whatever he needs to do, he’ll remember the story or Scripture in the Daily Bread. In other words, it sticks with him throughout the day. Or, if he turns to his Bible after something has happened, he’ll usually find a verse that will relate to the same circumstance.

Everyone has daily rituals like brushing their hair and teeth, showering, maybe shaving. You take time for what is important to you. Part of that ritual should be to make time for the Lord and let His word speak to your heart at the same time every day. God’s heart is His word, the Bible. It’s teaches us and is the light to lead our path. Just a little bit of time spent in the word. Pastor Lorne said you will be surprised how accurate the Spirit of God knows your life and what you’re going through and he’ll have the right Scripture for you in your particular situation.

Pastor Lorne reminded us of his visit to Hungary. He said he met a German who did whatever he needed to become a farrier including university courses. Then, for on job training, he lived with a Master farrier for 2 yrs and went out with him for calls and whatever situations demanded a farrier. He even had to dig the Master farrier’s potatoes when required.

To Pastor Lorne, that paints a picture of how we as a Disciples of Christ, should follow Him daily and see how He handles(ed) each situation. Sometimes in our life we have to dig the potatoes even if it has nothing to do with our calling. Maybe God brings it into our lives for balance.

The way we follow Christ and see how He dealt with situations is through his Word. There are 66 books in the Bible written by 40 authors and they all have the same theme. So many years and they all point to Christ:
- Psalm 119:89 says, ‘Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.’
- Isaiah 40:8 says, ‘The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever."
- Mattt 24:35 ‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’

No matter what else is going on in the world, the word of God stands true and will be there forever.

The word of god is inspired. 2 Tim 3:16 & 17 says, ‘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.’

The Word of God shows examples of right from wrong and it shows the path. It shows how to love and trust and even the proper way to rebuke – a touchy subject which Pastor Lorne said he doesn’t like doing too much. He said if you were to go to him and say something, he wouldn’t like it but, if you go to him with the word of god and say, “Look what you’re doing”, Pastor Lorne has to take it because it’s what the word of god says to do.

The Word of God is used for correcting. A teacher corrects and uses a reference. So, when someone corrects us with the word of god, they are following a reference.

The Word of God is used in training righteousness – as a disciple of Christ, we get to know His Word, it will make our lives easier because we have a reference to fall back on – a clear idea of what we have to do.

The Word of God is powerful. Rom 1:16 says, ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Gentile).’ The Word of God is so powerful, it can change lives and make a difference. Pastor Lorne could spend his time with us and start off on some analogy or motivational speech but there’s no power in that. The Word of God has the power of God. When you believe in the power of God and it’s in your heart and you live it, there’s a power in your heart. Pastor Lorne can motivate us but he is totally powerless to change our situations. But the Bible says the Word of God gives correction, and when we come to Christ, the Word of God gives us the power to change whatever situation we are in at that time.

Make sure your life has the Word of God in it. You don’t need to be a great theologian with 6 or 7 yrs in seminary. Just spend 5 mins every morning in Scripture and let God speak to you. Your faith will build up. Heb 4:12 says, ‘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.’ Isn’t that good news? The living God is living and active and it gives power to go through any problems you may have.

Pastor Lorne wants to encourage you to get some of the Word of God into your heart. He wants to emphasize there are 66 books and lots of chapters and Psalm 119 is daunting. Bbut you know what it says in Psalm 119:105 – ‘Thy Word is a lamp under my path and a light unto my path.’

Pastor Lorne remembers being at camp and the kids would play tricks on the counselors. He said they would check to see if any kids were hiding in the bushes and as he walked in the dark, he felt a wire where the kids had placed it across the path so he was able to step over it. Let Christ light your path in life so you know where to go and what to do.

Quite often the Word of God won’t show the end, but far enough to see a bit, then a bit more as your go forward, just like car lights when you’re driving at night and your car lights shine in the dark and light up the distance ahead, a bit at a time.

Pastor Lorne wants to encourage you to look in the Word of God even if it’s only for one verse so you have it in your mind throughout the day.

If you'd like to take to Pastor Lorne please email.