ARE WE LIVING THE LIVING WORD OF GOD
“Be
careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.”
― William J. Toms
“Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.” This quote is popularly attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. The saying is often used as a recommendation for how we should primarily or even exclusively evangelize. But, did St. Francis of Assisi really say this? And, did he really live this out as his primary means of evangelization?
Well, the truth is, there is no evidence that St. Francis said this. It is clear that St. Francis’ life and actions did provide a great deal of evangelization on their own.
There is no doubt that our lives should proclaim the Gospel. But, we should also be able to articulate the Gospel to others.” (Did Francis really say, Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words? (October 4, 2011 by Kevin Cotter)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 NIV
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. Hebrews 4:12 NIV
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NIV
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16 NIV
Are we truly living the Living Word of God? The Word of God comes alive when we not only speak it and proclaim it, but when we actually live it.
When we ask Jesus into our heart and are born again, then Jesus, Who is the Word made flesh, is truly living His life through us. Not only do we need to be proclaiming the Word but living it through our actions and deeds.
The Word of God is alive when we speak it! When God created the heavens and the earth He spoke the Word. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” Genesis 1:3
The devil cannot hear our thoughts but he can hear our words. We need to speak out the word for not only the devil to hear but the world.
When we are afraid, we can say:
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NIV
When we need to be healed we can say:
Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. Psalm 30:2 NIV
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:8 NIV
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 NIV
It really is about the Kingdom of God. We need to live in His Kingdom, not the world. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4 NIV
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5 NIV
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NIV
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7 NIV
When we live in the Kingdom of God, we are living out God’s Word in us and through us! Can we live the living Word of God by ourselves? No, we cannot. That is why Jesus said, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” John 14:26 NIV “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. John 15:26 NIV Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38 NIV
We need the Holy Spirit in our lives because He gives us the help that we need to carry out His mission, His Word here on the earth.
The Acts of the Person of the Holy Spirit
- He teaches – John 14:26
- He testifies – John 15:26
- He guides – Rom. 8:14
- He speaks – 1 Cor. 2:13
- He enlightens – John 16:13
- He strives – Gen. 6:3
- He commands – Acts 8:28
- He intercedes – Rom. 8:26
- He sends workers – Acts 13:4
- He calls – Rev. 22:17
- He comforts – John 16:7
- He works – 1 Cor. 12:11
- (“What We Know About the Holy Spirit” Dr. Elmer Towns BIBLE SPROUT)
PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12 NIV
Please open the link below so you can listen to the song---Thru His Eyes---
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3-JKygR-MI
Marcella Ward May 25, 2022 Author of “Stolen Identity: Plan of the Evil One”
No comments:
Post a Comment