Found Faithful To The Word Series

13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost. 17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

Introduction

It’s been said that a Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone whose life is not. The Bible was written over a period of about 1600 years, around 40 different authors, yet the message is central – redemption through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ..

I. The Word of God Brought Power – Trust It!

A. The Word Must Be Preached

Note – The Bible is not man’s word about God, but God’s word to man. I thank God that you believe His Word! What if you didn’t?

Note – Elton John comment on Jesus being a gay man (Elton believes his beliefs over the testimony of God’s Word)

Note – If I did not believe the Bible was the Word of God to teach, train, warn, witness, encourage, edify – I would not be in the ministry – I would not study it – I would not share it. I could be golfing, vacationing, sleeping, working, spending time with family, watching TV, etc.

Note - Because the Bible is the Word of God and it is the truth, there is every reason in the world to study, share, speak, surrender to it. “God cannot lie,” Paul tells is in Titus 1:2. God is the Author of this book – He is Faithful and True!

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “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.”

Note – I thank God today for faithful parents, SS teachers, Pastors, friends who speak the Word of God. (Dr. John Sullivan, Dr. Mark Brister, Dr. Stephen Trammel, Pastor Tom Cobb). Through their faithful preaching of the Gospel, I came to believe that Jesus Christ loved me, died for my sins, was buried, rose again, and now lives in me by His Spirit! How about you?

Note - You have heard the story. God is in heaven and an angel comes up and God says, "My plan is to give the Good News to my children on earth and ask them to share it." And the angel says, "What if they don't? What is plan B?" And God says, "There is no plan B."

B. The Word of God Must Become Personal

Note – Some do not believe the Bible is really the Word of God – or believe only the parts that are convenient

Note – Many are watering down God’s word to conform to their beliefs rather than letting God’s word be truth in their life

“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” – John 17:17

Note – A man once said to a pastor, “I don’t believe in hell.” The pastor said, “Your unbelief doesn’t cool hell down by 1 degree!”

Note – Do you personally believe (rely) on God’s truth – Jesus is God and the Only way to the Father? The Lord Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, died on the cross of Calvary, was buried, and on the third day rose again? That you cannot attain eternal life by your way, but must come before God as a sinner repenting of sin and trusting only in the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you believe His Holy Spirit lives in you, empowers you, leads you, gifts you? Do you believe Jesus is coming again for His own? You are not your own, but have been bought at a price? The Word must become personal!