Sharing God’s Word

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course,”
(2 Thessalonians 3:1)

God speaks to our hearts through His word. God’s word is “…quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,” (Hebrews 4:12) The Bible gives us words of truth, grace, light, and hope.

The Bible doesn’t always tell us pleasant truths. It tells us we are sinners: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23) And that we deserve death and hell: “For the wages of sin is death;” “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.” (Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:14) Those words certainly aren’t pleasant, but they are there because we need to see how bad our sin is.

Yet the Bible also tells how Jesus loved us and “…died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) Finally, the Bible tells of forgiveness of sins and eternal life through Jesus: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?” (Romans 10:13-14) Yet the Bible gives us far more than that.

The Bible helps believers learn more about Jesus and grow in their faith: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18) “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” (1 Peter 2:2)

The Bible is also a guide for our daily life, to help us enjoy fellowship with God and walk pleasing to Him: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” (Psalm 119:33)

The Bible gives words of truth and hope: “…that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) God loves people and is “…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) He also wants to guide people with His word. That is why it is so important for believers to tell others about Jesus and the truths of God’s word.

People may not want to hear God’s word. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 says a time will come when people “…will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” They may reject God’s word, simply because it’s not what they want to hear.

Yet the Lord tells Christians to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) and to be “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:” (Matthew 28:20) That’s simple obedience. Moreover, 1 Corinthians 3:9 says, “For we are labourers together with God:” So when you share God’s word, it’s not just you giving a sales pitch. God deals with the hearts of those with whom you speak, convincing them of the truth of what you’re saying.

God’s word provides truth, grace, hope, and light. We may never learn this side of eternity how God worked in people’s lives through us, but we can be sure that sharing God’s word with people is never a waste of time or effort: “…your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

If you want to see how to have eternal life by receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”

Brian Miller 5/19/2023

Cleveland Baptist Church 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 216/671-2822