20 Feb Book it! (Because a Bible that is falling apart indicates a life that isn’t!) Part 23

Posted at 07:25h in Uncategorized by

For the last few weeks we have begun to discover some Truths to Trust God’s Word:

  1. The Bible is historically accurate (Ps. 33:4)

Three Tests of Historical Accuracy:

  1. Eyewitness accounts (I cor. 15:6)
  2. The Bible was recorded and copied with extra care.
  3. Archaeological confirmation

     2. The Bible is scientifically accurate (I Tim. 6:20)

5 Scientific Stupidities:

1.) The earth was flat

2.) The earth was held up by something

3.) The number of stars could be counted

4.) Medical science

5.) Contagious diseases

     3. The Bible is prophetically accurate (Matt. 26:56)

     4. The Bible is thematically unified.

     5. The Bible is trusted by Jesus (Matt. 5:18)

     6. The Bible has enduring power (Luke 21:33)

3 Enduring Entities:

    1. The Bible is the most despied, derided, denied, dissected, debated and destroyed book ever.  However, it still endures and no one can stop it.
    2. What will you make final authority in your life…the Word or the world?
    3. There are times when you read it and there are times when it reads you

Last week we began with…

      7. The Bible has transforming power (John 8:31-32)

Here the Bible tells us, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him.  If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed:  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

This is my 35th year of ministry and throughout that time frame I have often told people concerning the Bible, “Take the recipe, go into the kitchen and cook with it.  Just see if that recipe produces something pretty tasty.”  Meaning, simply take the Word of God as it is a recipe for success, into the “kitchen” of your life and cook with it!  Not over night, but over time…it will always produce something tasty and satisfying in your life!

The Word of God has personally transformed me from alcoholic to a free man!  It has transformed me from uncontrollable anger to peaceful!  The Word of God has transformed me from chronically depressed to habitually joyful!  It has transformed my body from the place where I could barely walk and barely talk, to a 56 year old man who can do things most 20 year olds can’t!  The Word of God has transformed my finances from a single man who had to cut up his credit card to a man who is absolutely and completely debt free!  Continue in it…don’t just try it but continue in it and it will transform your life too!

This week let’s continue with…

Now let’s break down these powerful verses in a more detailed fashion.  The Greek word translated “continue” is the Greek word “meno”.  “Meno” means to “abide” or “remain as a habit.”  The Greek word translated “know” in this verse is the word “ginosko” which denotes a knowing deep in your heart.  With this in mind, please allow me to share with you “Three Freedom Facets”:

  1. If there is an area in your life that is not free…there is something you don’t know.
  2. It’s not the truth that makes you free…it’s the truth that YOU know that makes you free!
  3. There is a difference between “set” and “make”.

Please allow me to explain.  Many times we quote John 8:31-32 like this, “The truth shall set you free”.  However the Bible does not say “set” it says “make” and there is a big difference!  If you are “set” free it’s as if you are in jail and I alone hold the prison keys.  Therefore it is up to me to come along and “set” you free.  If you are “made” free, it’s as if you are in prison and I hand you the prison keys and now you can release yourself anytime you choose.  I watch so many Christians who look to be “set” free.  They look to the latest revival or special conference or famous TV preacher to “set” them free.  However, if you will continue in the Word for yourself…you will have the keys to your own freedom!  You will be made permanently free!

Join us next week as we continue our series…