In the Beginning
God has made an amazing universe. We read that "the Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. ... When He spoke, the world began! It appeared at His command" (Psalm 33:6, 9). In His account of the Good News, Jesus' friend John declared, "In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone" (John 1:1-4). Jesus was no ordinary man, but actually took part in creating the universe.
Power of the Word
God's people had been told long ago about the power of His Word: "'It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it'" (Isaiah 55:11). Because of that power, God knows all about everything He has made: "the Word of God is alive and powerful. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all Creation is hidden from God. And He is the one to Whom we are accountable" (Hebrews 4:12-13).
Trust in the Word
The Apostle Paul taught the young pastor Timothy the importance of being grounded in Scripture: "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right" (2 Timothy 3:16). Therefore, we rejoice in knowing that "The instructions of the Lord are perfect, the decrees of the Lord are trustworthy. The laws of the Lord are true; they are more desirable than gold" (Psalm 19).
Prayer, Care and Share Jesus
* The Prayer, Care and Share Jesus (PCS) series is a guide to help you PRAY and CARE for others and SHARE your faith in Jesus *
“Learning God’s Word”
Matthew 4:4, 7 & 10
One of the main ways through which God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) reveals Himself to us is through the Bible. We believe that all Scripture (the words in the Bible) has been inspired by the Holy Spirit, and can be read as if it is God speaking to us.
In today’s passage, we see that Jesus quoted Scripture to satan when He was tempted, thereby refuting satan's words. Finally, satan left Him.
This demonstrates that knowing what is written in the Bible is critical for us as believers. The same is true for someone you may have led to Christ. Do your best to ensure that the new believer has a Bible, in his/her own language if possible. And, you can even help to make sure they know how to start reading the Bible.
The Bible can be difficult and confusing for a new Christian. This can happen if they start reading through the Old Testament -- it will be a long time before they get to the gospels, and start reading about Jesus, who is central to their new faith.
Here are a few simple steps you can use to encourage your new believer in getting to know the Bible:
• Suggest they start with the book of Luke followed by the book of Acts.
• You can then follow with Genesis and Exodus, then Matthew.
• Then suggest a Psalm each day, and at the same time, the gospel of John.
• If possible, get together regularly to discuss what they are reading.
• Make sure the believer understands the abbreviations of the books and how to use the index to the Old and New Testament.
The “Creation to Christ” story gives a very simple overview of the main message of the Bible.
You should also explain to your believer the power of the Word in speaking and praying. Give simple but powerful examples, such as Psalm 23 and John 3:16.
Your PRAY NOW Challenge: "Lord, I pray that You will enable me to explain Your Word in a clear way to any new believer You put in my path. Speak through me as I explain Your Word. In the Name of Jesus. Amen"
Source:
By Hope
www.LooktoJesus.com
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