The Unchained Word

Ken_Chris_ColemanThe weather was great today, and I took advantage of it and got some work done outside. But after two, plus hours, I was getting fairly fatigued. But food and rest can make a difference!

This afternoon, I went to Lakewood to attend a retirement reception for our friend, Chris Coleman. Debbie and I have known Chris for over twenty years. I served as the pastor to her and her family for many years. In recent years Chris and Debbie reconnected through their nursing profession. (Picture of me with Chris, daughter Caroline and granddaughter, Eliana)

I was able to go by and see Bridget and the grandchildren and have dinner with them before returning to Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “Because I preach the Good News, I suffer and I am even chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.”  2 Timothy 2:9 GNB

This verse is even more powerful with the Bible as we have it today. There have been countless stories of lives being changed by the power of God’s Word; from the Ethiopian eunuch, in the Book of Acts to today.

I recall a young man in India who was in a hotel room ready to commit suicide. As he prepared to take his life he noticed the Bible and something spoke to him and said open and read. He opened the Bible and it fell on Ecclesiastes  7:16,17 “…why kill yourself? …Why die before you have to? “

He called out to the Lord and today is a missionary to Northern India where he has planted hundreds of house churches, and is reaching thousands with the gospel message.

This is why individuals and organization over the years have made a commitment to get  the Bible to people who have never heard the gospel. In the past, individuals risk their lives to smuggle Bibles into the former Soviet Union, the Gideon’s for decades have committed themselves to Bible distribution. Wycliffe Bible Translators, have labored to ensure that the Bible is available to every people group. We have seen efforts such as the “Jesus Film” that has been used to share God’s Word with thousands in unreached nations. The list could go on. What these efforts and the results reveal is the truth of Hebrews 4:12 “The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.”

God’s Word is able to go where missionaries can not go. Doors may be shut to those who share the good news, but when the “good news” is available to be read or listen to, the Holy Spirit is able to work in the hearts of people.

The power of God’s Word, is not in being a “mysterious” or “magical” book. The power of God’s Word is seen in revealing God, His love, mercy and His plan of Salvation through Christ. Jesus said, “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” (John 5:39)

God’s Word provides guidance and insight into life and our own hearts. God’s Word can connect with people, when we can’t. The power of God’s Word speaks to our lives. While we read it, it read us. As Hebrews says, “it judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.”

As Paul writes to Timothy he asserts the value and function of God’s Word when he says,  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living,  so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.”                                   (2 Timothy 3:16,17)

In your life, value the importance of God’s Word. As a follower of Christ, understand the value of sharing God’s Word with others. Where it is present, God’s message can’t be shut out.