From: Beverly French [frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us]
Sent: Sunday, November 21, 2004 6:21 AM
To: Heritage
Subject: November 21st Greetings

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4

I came across this Scripture once again in my morning reading and it brought to mind those who overlook or dismiss parts or all of the Bible as 'not for today'.  Clearly from this verse we see that that is not so!  Down through the centuries God has preserved His word for His purpose so then how dare any part of it be set aside as irrelevant?!  Let us review together some truths concerning God's mighty word.

First of all we know that it is divinely inspired:
The Lord speaking to Jeremiah, "Take a scroll of a book and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you..."  Jeremiah 36:2

"Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets..."  Zechariah 7:12

"Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David..."  Acts 1:16

I am certain you are all familiar with 2 Timothy 3:16,
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

"For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."  2 Peter l:21

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

"Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it."  Deuteronomy 12:32

"Every word of God is pure;
 He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
 Do not add to His words,
 Lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar."  Proverbs 30:5-6

Revelation 22:18-19 gives a dire warning to everyone concerning the adding to or the taking away 'from the words of the prophecy of this book'.  I will let you look at these verses yourself as I am sure you are familiar with them.

God's word is mighty in its influence:
It is a saving power:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes..."  Romans 1:16

It is a defensive weapon:
"And take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17

It is a scrutinizing instrument:
"For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart."  Hebrews 4:12  The Amplified Bible

God's Word purifies the life:
"How can a young man cleanse his way?
 By taking heed according to Your word."  Psalm 119:9

Jesus speaking to His disciples in John 15:3,
"You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you."

Jesus' prayer to His Father in John 17:17,
"Sanctify them by Your truth.  Your word is truth."

Speaking of Christ and the Church, the Apostle Paul tells us: "That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word."  Ephesians 5:26

I'll close with 1 Peter 2:24, but it would be good to read the whole passage -- verses 22-25 "All flesh is as grass,  And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.  The grass withers,  And its flower falls away,  But the word of the Lord endures forever..."

All praise to our God forever!