Hey,
What’s going on? I hope you baby sharks are blessed.
Here’s today’s sermon.
Let the WORD shape your WORLD
[Jhn 1:1-3 NLT] 1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.
[Eph 6:17 NLT] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
[Jos 1:8 NLT] 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
[Jhn 2:5 NLT] 5 But his mother told the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
1. What the Bible Is:
The Bible is God’s inspired Word, consisting of 66 books written by over 40 authors over 1,500 years. It tells one cohesive story through four major movements: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. It contains over 63,000 cross-references, showcasing its divine unity and interconnection. The Bible includes numerous prophecies.
https://www.chrisharrison.net/index.php/visualizations/BibleViz
2. How to Read the Bible:
Reading the Bible is not like reading a regular book. It requires a heart open to hearing from God and a willingness to be transformed by His Word.
Scripture: Psalm 119:105 (NLT) "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."
Here are some practical steps for reading the Bible:
a. Prayerfully: Begin with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to open your understanding and speak to you through the Scriptures.
b. Consistently: Develop a daily habit of reading the Bible. Consistency helps build a deeper understanding and relationship with God's Word.
c. Contextually: Understand the context of the passages you read. Consider the historical and cultural background, and read verses in context to grasp their full meaning.
d. Meditatively: Meditate on the Scriptures. Reflect on what you read and allow it to sink into your heart and mind.
3. Why We Should Read the Bible:
Reading the Bible is essential for several reasons:
a. It Reveals God’s Character: The Bible shows us who God is—His holiness, love, justice, and mercy.
Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NLT) "This is what the Lord says: 'Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!'"
b. It Guides Our Lives: The Bible provides direction and wisdom for making decisions and living a godly life.
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
c. It Transforms Us: The Word of God has the power to transform our hearts and minds, conforming us to the image of Christ.
Gospel Summarized in One Sentence: God’s love made visible through Jesus Christ, offering salvation and reconciliation to all humanity. (See Tim Keller and Greg Laurie)
2. Bible Summary in One Sentence: The Bible reveals God’s unending love, His desire for us to share eternal life with Him, and His call for us to spread these truths to others. (See Andy Naselli)
3. Eternal Purpose in One Sentence: To live in an unbroken fellowship with God, where His will is done on earth as it is in heaven, revealing His kingdom through our lives. Think a Bride, a House, a Body, and a Family. (See frank Viola)
4. The Mission of the Church in One Sentence: To worship God wholeheartedly, disciple believers into maturity, and reach the world with the transforming power of the Gospel. (See Frank Demazio and Myles Munroe)
5. Biblical World View in One Sentence: Seeing and engaging the world through the lens of Scripture, recognizing God’s sovereignty and our role in His creation. (See Randy Alcorn and RIck Warren)
6. Stewardship in One Sentence: Faithfully managing and utilizing all resources God entrusts to us, for His glory and the betterment of His kingdom.
7. The Need for Humility and Simplicity in One Sentence: Embracing humility and simplicity directs our hearts towards God’s priorities, fostering a life of service, contentment, and dependence on Him. (See Richard Foster)
8. The Three Falls Enhanced in One Sentence: From Genesis 3's free-will rebellion by God's imagers, leading to death; to Genesis 6:1-4's divine rebellion causing human corruption; to the story of Babel and Deuteronomy 32:8-9's human rebellion inviting divine judgment, Scripture unfolds God's redemption narrative amidst our failures. (See Dr. Michael Heiser)
9. Kingdom Marriage in One Sentence: Kingdom Marriage illuminates the path for couples to impact society significantly, anchored in biblical principles that foster a godly union, where both husband and wife reflect God's image, embodying their roles with grace and strength. (See Tony Evans)
10. Kingdom Parenting in One Sentence: Kingdom Parenting guides parents toward nurturing their children in the ways of the Lord, through loving discipline, godly example, and the cultivation of an environment where faith can flourish and God’s purposes can be pursued. (See Alistar Begg)
If these emails are a blessing to you and you want to help me stay sharp
Sermon: Let God's word shape your world