Beech Tree News Network

The Bible is a powerful tool (Jer. 23:29). It is a warrior’s weapon (Eph. 6:17; II Cor. 10:3-5)! Unfortunately, the Bible is something that is taken for granted by many in our society. It is treated by some as a book of myths and legends, as a magic charm, and other things. It is time that we learned what the Bible truly is, and respect it for what it is.

    A good way to appreciate the Bible is by noting its inspired descriptions. The Bible is described as the “sword of the Spirit” by the apostle Paul. “Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm .... And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:13-17). Hebrews 4:12 declares God’s word to be sharper than any “two-edged sword.” When God’s word is handled accurately, it results in people being cut to the heart (Acts 2:37)! If people are not cut to the heart at the preaching and teaching of God’s word, something is wrong with the preacher or the listeners! We must handle God’s word correctly (II Tim. 2:15). May we remember God’s word is a “sword” and use it as a good soldier should!

    God’s word is also compared to a fire. Jeremiah wrote, “Is not my word like a fire declares the Lord … ?” (Jer. 23:29). Just as a fire can burn off the chaff in the field, so also, the Lord’s word can burn away the “trash” in our lives to reveal a heart ready to do His will. In connection with this, I find it fascinating to read that when the disciples spoke with the Lord on the road to Emmaus, they said, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Lk. 24:32).

    Another description of the word of God is “truth.” In Jesus’ prayer to His Father, He readily proclaimed, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). In a world known for dishonesty, God’s word is truth! Never forget this!

    Just as we see timeless truths in the description of the Bible, we also see timeless truths when observing people’s reactions to it! When people hear God’s Word, they will react in one of two ways without exception. They will either accept and obey God’s word, or they will reject and dismiss God’s word. Let us look at some examples of this.

    First, we see Abraham. He displays a heart of submission. When called by God, he answered, “Here am I” (Gen. 22:1) and was obedient to God’s command. In contrast, when Pharaoh heard God’s word, he hardened his heart (Ex. 5-12). Again, we find that the apostles showed their submission to the Lord when He spoke, but many of Jesus’ disciples “walked with him no more” when He said something they did not want to hear (Jn. 6:66-69).

    Friend, which best describes you? Do you act like Abraham or Pharaoh when you read and study God’s word? Will you be like the apostles of the Lord, or those foolish followers who left the Lord when He expected them to change? Let us all show the proper respect for the word of God. Let us read, study, speak, and submit to God’s word (I Pet. 4:11; Eph. 4:3).

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program on 1570 AM at 8:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167