During Christmas we listen to some pretty amazing music. One of the songs we are using tomorrow at the Rock is called “Joy to the World” by Steve Green. It is a powerful rendition of this song. As I was preparing the power point I was drawn to four words –Joy to the world. I was thinking about power and words. When the song concludes these four words ring out with power. Scripture is the same. These are not just words on a page, another book to read but words that leap off the page with power. Unfortunately we do not place enough importance on these words and treat them just like any other words on a page. We have a promise that these words will never return void. Isaiah 55:10 “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” This is important for us to remember; there is power in these words. Luke 4:36 “All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” Hebrews 1:3 “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” He gave us this same word. 1 Corinthians 2:4 “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5 “because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” This word is so powerful that Genesis 1 states “and God said” and creation took place. So just as musicians make words powerful so it is with the scriptures wherever they are read. The Spirit is behind them. Ephesians 6:17 “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Too often we forget to use scriptures in our day to day living. Yes we use it when we preach but do we read it to those in need or do we give them our words. Have our words been replaced with His words. The question is; do we really believe in the power of God’s word? The word of God is not a book but are living and powerful words. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Rock Report by Pastor Paul
This is a blog that comes from my personal devotions each day. The Blog has replaced the Sermon section. There will also be the occassional food for thought.
