Introduction

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I am elated to be in your midst today, standing on the sacred ground of God's grace, wrapped in His unending mercy, and buoyed by His unfathomable love. We are gathered here in the sanctuary of our Father's house, united in our shared faith, bound by the bonds of His eternal promises, and driven by our collective aspiration to grow closer to Him, to understand His Word, and to live our lives in a manner that reflects His divine glory.

In the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon, "A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't." This quote, simple yet profound, encapsulates the transformative power of the Holy Scriptures, the living Word of God that guides us, nourishes us, and empowers us to stand firm amidst life's storms.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the book of Acts, specifically Acts 13:42-48: "As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed."

Believing in the Word of God

The Word of God, as presented in the Holy Scriptures, is a treasure trove of divine wisdom, a guide for righteous living, and a beacon of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness. It is more than just ink on paper; it is the living, breathing testament of God's love for humanity, His plan for our salvation, and His promise of eternal life. It is a mirror that reflects our true selves, a lamp that illuminates our path, and a seed that, when planted in the fertile soil of our hearts, grows into a tree of life that bears the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Believing in the Word of God is an active commitment to living out its teachings in our daily lives. It is about allowing the Word to shape our thoughts, guide our actions, and transform our hearts. It is about trusting in God's promises, even when our circumstances seem to contradict them.

The first aspect of believing in the Word of God is understanding its divine origin. The Scriptures are not the product of human imagination or wishful thinking; they are the inspired Word of God, breathed out by Him and written down by His chosen servants. Every word, every verse, every chapter is infused with His divine wisdom, His eternal truth, and His unfailing love. When we read the Bible, we are not just reading a book; we are communing with God Himself, hearing His voice, and receiving His guidance.

Next is recognizing its transformative power. The Word of God is not just information to be learned; it is a force to be experienced. It has the power to convict us of our sins, to cleanse us from our guilt, to comfort us in our sorrow, to challenge us in our complacency, and to change us from the inside out. It is like a fire that refines us, a hammer that breaks us, and a potter's hand that reshapes us.

The third aspect is embracing its relevance. The Word of God is not an ancient text that has lost its relevance; it is a timeless truth that speaks to every generation, every culture, every situation. It addresses our deepest fears, answers our most pressing questions, meets our most desperate needs, and fulfills our most profound longings. It is as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago, and it will remain relevant until the end of time.

The fourth aspect is committing to its authority. The Word of God is not a buffet where we can pick and choose what we like and ignore what we don't; it is a banquet where we are invited to feast on every course, from the appetizing appetizers to the satisfying main dishes to the delightful desserts. It is the final authority on all matters of faith and practice, and it demands our complete obedience, our unreserved submission, and our unwavering allegiance.

In the book of Acts, we see the transformative power of the Word of God in action. The people who heard Paul and Barnabas preach the Word were not just informed; they were transformed. They were not just educated; they were enlightened. They were not just spectators; they were participants. They did not just hear the Word; they believed it, they embraced it, they lived it. And as a result, they experienced the joy of salvation, the peace of forgiveness, the hope of eternal life, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Bearing Witness to the Truth

As we turn our gaze from the act of believing, we find ourselves standing in the presence of truth ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO