From: Beverly French [frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us]
Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 6:16 AM
To: Heritage
Subject: May 16 Greetings

"Forever, O Lord,
 Thy Word is settled in heaven."  Psalm 119:89

Last week we looked at the Word of God from the point of view of those who are unwilling to accept the One whom the Bible reveals, Jesus Christ.  Today let's look at other aspects of Scripture.  We have looked at some of these aspects in the past, but in the light of those who would ridicule Bible believers in this present time, I think it might be good to be refreshed. Why?  Scripture says, "...Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.." 1 Peter 3:15

God's Word is eternal:
Jesus Himself said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away."  Matthew 24:35

"But the word of the Lord endures forever.  Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you."  1 Peter 1:25

The Word is divinely inspired:
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteous."  2 Timothy 3:16

"For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God."  2 Peter 1:21

God's Word is written with a purpose:
It authenticates the divinity of Christ:
"But these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." John 20:31

It gives hope to men:
"For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."  Romans 15:4

To give knowledge of eternal life:
"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life."  1 John 5:13

God's Word furnishes light:
"The precepts of the Lord are right rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure enlightening the eyes."  Psalm 19:8

"Thy word is a lamp to my feet,
And a light to my path."  Psalm 119:105

"The unfolding of Thy words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple."  Psalm 119:130

"For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light..." Proverbs 6:23

God's Word purifies life:
"How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Thy word."  Psalm 119:9

"Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." John 15:3

In John 17:17 Jesus is asking the Father to,
"Sanctify them in the truth;  Thy word is truth."

And of the Church,
"That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church..." Ephesians 5:26-27

God's Word is sacred:
"You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you."  Deuteronomy 4:2

"And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book."  Revelation 22:19

God's Word is eternal; divinely inspired; sacred; furnishes light; reveals Christ; purifies; gives hope to man, gives knowledge and much more. I hope these few verses challenge us to a deeper study of the aspects of God's Word.

In closing, read again 1 Peter 3:15 above and go on to read verse 16 that says, "And keep a good conscience so that in the things in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." Always keeping in mind that we are to be the expression of Christ in the earth here and now.  As we see in 1 John 4:17, "...Because as He is, so also are we in this world."

Thank You Lord for Your Word!  Amen!