Written Word of God

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2Tim. 3:16).

I have noticed that many of our people, have good reference books, and quality reading material in their personal libraries. Not everyone does. According to Klaus Bockmuehl, books are “God’s tools in the history of salvation”. In a preface to Bockmuehl’s book by this title, Jim Wilson, tells of 2 things that have greatly ‘impressed’ him:
1) The life changing power of the Gospel in print.
2) Relatively few Christians will give a book to an unbeliever, even though they received Christ reading that particular book.

At bible study recently, Jim Callinan told us that the bible was: ‘the mind of God, on paper”. Not a bad definition. (Attributed to Charles Stanley). And most amazing, if the claim is true – which I think it is.

Imploring a “bible-believing” congregation, such as our own, to recognise, and have confidence in the power of the written word, may seem to be like trying to sell coal to Newcastle. But it is not. Sometimes, things we’ve known, can become just too familiar. We need to rediscover our own gospel, and the power of the spoken word, and the power of the written word.

Sharing the gospel, can take some time. That is why books and tracts, and pamphlets and signs, and invitations, can all help in leading others to know Christ. Why not pass on a book, to someone else. May the Spirit, open hearts anew, in this way.

Living Christ, Word of the Father, lead us to share the rich resources which you have given to us. Amen.