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How often have you been sitting in a worship assembly and listening to the sermon when suddenly a point that is being made from the Bible makes you wonder, “How did he know?” Something was said that really hit home. You are struggling with a temptation, a difficulty, or a Bible question and it was addressed as though the preacher was talking to you! But the preacher had no way of knowing about it. That has happened to this writer both as a listener and as a preacher, time and time again. That is a demonstration of the power of God’s word!
The Bible, when preached, taught or read, has the ability to address the deep thoughts, struggles and guilt in a individual’s heart for “the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
The Bible, when preached, taught or read, will help us in our every day lives with very practical matters. God’s word is not some antiquated book. What to do about some conflict with another? How to overcome some temptation in the workplace? Is there a way to put my priorities in order when life is chaotic and out of control? “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).
The Bible, when preached, taught or read, has the ability to make us better people, a blessed people, a heaven bound people. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). How God’s Word affects us, however, is really up to us as hearers and doers.
So don’t think too highly of the preacher if he said something that really helped, or blame the preacher if he said something that seemed too direct, for the power is in God’s Word. If what was said was applicable he was talking to you, but if it was not, he was talking to someone else.
Brent Smith
Trenton, TN
BulletinDigest.com