29 min
What the Bible Will BE Lake Merced Church of Christ
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- Kristendom
Sunday we heard the last of three lessons on understanding the Bible from John Mulligan: “Understanding Your Bible’s Influence - What the Bible Will Be.” John gave us 3 points to ponder about the Bible’s evolution.
1) The Word of God Did Not Start as a Book and will Not End as a Book:
In our early histories, stories were passed along vocally, later some were carved in stone, later still we wrote on parchments and scrolls, and finally the Bible was published in book form. Now we even have it digitally.
Consider Hebrews 4:12. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
God’s Word is always alive. It is never limited by the form it takes. The Bible’s truths are constant, regardless of how they are communicated.
2) The Word of God is Much More than a Book:
It is the living, ever-enduring Word of God. The power of the message is there whether we read it in book form, or if we listen to a recording, or if we view it on our phone. In fact, digital forms can ensure even deeper preservation. This preservation is God at work, keeping his message available to us.
3) The Word of God is in the Best Position to Not Only Survive but Thrive:
The Bible is the most recognizable book in the world. It’s also a controversial book, but controversy can be good, stimulating and refreshing our understanding of it. We shouldn’t become complacent about God’s Word. It will thrive - the book may go away but never the Word.
Why do we read and re-read the Bible? Because it deals with our human condition. Our relationships and emotions about others - love; greed; envy; joy; fear; trust - can all be clarified by reading the Bible. It is always relevant, regardless of the times, and regardless of the form it takes. Let us heed God’s Word and be responsive to His teachings.
Sunday we heard the last of three lessons on understanding the Bible from John Mulligan: “Understanding Your Bible’s Influence - What the Bible Will Be.” John gave us 3 points to ponder about the Bible’s evolution.
1) The Word of God Did Not Start as a Book and will Not End as a Book:
In our early histories, stories were passed along vocally, later some were carved in stone, later still we wrote on parchments and scrolls, and finally the Bible was published in book form. Now we even have it digitally.
Consider Hebrews 4:12. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
God’s Word is always alive. It is never limited by the form it takes. The Bible’s truths are constant, regardless of how they are communicated.
2) The Word of God is Much More than a Book:
It is the living, ever-enduring Word of God. The power of the message is there whether we read it in book form, or if we listen to a recording, or if we view it on our phone. In fact, digital forms can ensure even deeper preservation. This preservation is God at work, keeping his message available to us.
3) The Word of God is in the Best Position to Not Only Survive but Thrive:
The Bible is the most recognizable book in the world. It’s also a controversial book, but controversy can be good, stimulating and refreshing our understanding of it. We shouldn’t become complacent about God’s Word. It will thrive - the book may go away but never the Word.
Why do we read and re-read the Bible? Because it deals with our human condition. Our relationships and emotions about others - love; greed; envy; joy; fear; trust - can all be clarified by reading the Bible. It is always relevant, regardless of the times, and regardless of the form it takes. Let us heed God’s Word and be responsive to His teachings.
29 min