God Works Through His Word
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
The Christian workers were glad the Thessalonians had received God’s Word and taken heed to it. Paul also said they didn’t just receive it as the word of men, but “…as it is in truth, the word of God,” They realized God was talking to them through the Christian workers’ words.
Some people may dismiss the Bible as being man’s word, not God’s. Yes, it is man’s word in that someone had to do the writing. God didn’t commission angels to do that. Yet God inspired the writers to write as they did: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)
The Bible is the “sword of the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6:17) God the Holy Spirit uses it to speak to people’s hearts. First, God uses it to speak to people’s hearts of their need for Jesus as Saviour. When Paul spoke to King Agrippa of his need for Jesus, he used Scripture. He asked him, “King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.” (Acts 26:27) King Agrippa was under God’s conviction and replied, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28)
What a sad response, by the way. Agrippa “almost” received Jesus as Saviour. If he received Jesus later, the Bible doesn’t mention it. If he didn’t, he died “almost” saved, but still lost forever.
Realizing you’re a sinner headed for hell is a sick, scary feeling. Yet God, in His love for us, often uses that fear to bring people to repentance and faith in Christ. If a doctor said you had a life-threatening condition that needed immediate attention, you wouldn’t think he was just trying to scare you. You’d appreciate his candor and want to hear about treatment options right away. So much the more when God tells you of your desperate spiritual condition and need for Jesus.
God compels people to receive Jesus but doesn’t force them, just as a doctor doesn’t force you to take treatment. Some dismiss God’s conviction. Others listen. When Paul preached at Athens, “…some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.” (Acts 17:27)
Yet when you surrender to Jesus and receive Him as Saviour, the same Bible that convicted you of your need for Jesus now assures you of His forgiveness of sins and a home in heaven: “…through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:43) “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
If you don’t know for sure your sins are forgiven and heaven is your home, please take a little time to go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”
Brian Miller 10/27/2021
Cleveland Baptist Church 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 216/671-2822