The Importance Of The Bible
You might wonder why it’s so important to read and study the Bible daily. If you’re like me, you might struggle to find the time or motivation to dive into God’s Word consistently. But what if I told you that the Bible is not just a book, but a source of wisdom, guidance, and transformation for your life?
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe that God’s Word the Bible is essential for living a life that reflects His love and wisdom. Our mission, “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us,” is rooted in the transformative power of Scripture. We live out this mission through our “Just 3” principles: Study, Share, and Serve. Let’s delve into why God’s Word is essential and how you can make it a daily part of your life.
The Sweetness of God’s Word
In the Bible Proverbs 24:13-14 says, “Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Just as honey is sweet and nourishing, so is the wisdom found in God’s Word. Imagine starting your day with a spoonful of honey, savoring its sweetness. Now, think of God’s Word as that honey—something you crave and delight in. When you read and meditate on Scripture, it becomes a source of joy and strength, guiding you through life’s challenges.
In the Bible Psalm 119:103 echoes this sentiment: “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” When we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, we experience its sweetness and the profound impact it has on our lives.
Digging Deeper for Wisdom
It’s not enough to simply read the Bible; we need to dig deeper and mine for wisdom. Proverbs 2:1-5 encourages us to seek wisdom as if searching for hidden treasures. This means studying the Bible, joining a Bible study group, and discussing Scripture with others.
Consider this: Olympic athletes train rigorously to excel in their sports. They dedicate time, effort, and discipline to achieve their goals. Similarly, we must be diligent in our pursuit of God’s wisdom. By investing time in studying the Bible, we grow in our understanding of God’s will and become more like Jesus.
At Lakeview Christian Church, we emphasize the importance of studying God’s Word through our “Just 3” principle of Study. We encourage you to study to love and know God. As 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
Applying God’s Word to Your Life
Reading and studying the Bible is just the beginning. The real transformation happens when we apply God’s Word to our lives. In the Bible Proverbs 24:32 says, “I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw.”
When you allow God’s Word to soak into your heart, it changes you from the inside out. It shapes your thoughts, actions, and decisions. For instance, if you’re struggling with anxiety, Philippians 4:6-7 reminds you to present your requests to God with thanksgiving, and His peace will guard your heart and mind. By applying this truth, you can experience God’s peace in the midst of your worries.
James 1:22-25 emphasizes the importance of applying God’s Word: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
Sharing the Wisdom
One of the most important aspects of studying God’s Word the Bible is sharing it with others. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” When you share the wisdom you’ve gained from Scripture, you encourage and strengthen others in their faith.
Think about the story of Linda McCreary, who found herself lost and alone but turned to the Bible for guidance. By sharing the hope she found in Psalm 40, she not only transformed her own life but also led others to Christ. You, too, can be a beacon of hope by sharing God’s Word with those around you.
At Lakeview Christian Church, we live out our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us” through the principle of Share. We share to know and love others, building a community rooted in God’s love. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Serving with Love in Action
The final principle of our “Just 3” mission is Serve. We believe that love in action is a powerful testimony of God’s work in our lives. Galatians 5:13-14 reminds us, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Serving others is a tangible way to demonstrate the love of Christ. Whether it’s volunteering in our community, helping a neighbor in need, or participating in church ministries, serving allows us to put our faith into action and make a difference in the lives of others.
The Importance of Memorizing Scripture
One of the most powerful ways to internalize God’s Word is by memorizing Scripture. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” When we commit Scripture to memory, it becomes a part of us, ready to guide and comfort us in any situation.
Over this series, I kept challenging you to memorize scriptures, much in the same way, honestly, that I did when I was teaching junior church for 20 years. I would teach the kids back, right back in the social hall, we would sing our crazy songs. We would have a Bible story and then we would take time. You can ask Drew. He was one of my kids. We would take time to memorize scripture because it was vital and it was important. Why? Because you may not always have this book with you.
When there were times in my life when things got dark, times when things weren’t sure where they were. And I could always remember the verse that Drew opened up with. Psalm 119:105. That your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I could always remember that. I could always remember John 3:16. Well, everybody should know that. Yes, everybody should know that, because it’s your hope unto salvation, because Jesus died for you and God gave him as your savior. But there are verses that we need to understand.
Last week, Jim challenged you to memorize Proverbs 27:17. Did you do it? You don’t have to raise your hand. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. We need to sharpen one another in our walk and in our life. Memorize it, understand it, know it, hold it in your heart, and hide God’s word in your heart so that you might not sin against him.
Understand how vile it is to not just read it, to not just study it, not just apply it, but then to share that truth with other people. And sometimes when you’re in the grocery store, you don’t have your Bible with you. The only Bible you have is what you have up here. And you need to know some scriptures and understand what they mean.
The Power of God’s Word in Community
At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe that studying God’s Word is not just an individual endeavor but a communal one. Acts 2:42 describes the early church: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” By coming together to study and discuss Scripture, we grow in our faith and build strong, supportive relationships.
We offer various Bible study groups and classes to help you dig deeper into God’s Word. Whether you’re a new believer or have been walking with Christ for years, there’s a place for you to learn and grow. Our small groups provide a safe space to ask questions, share insights, and encourage one another in our faith journeys.
Living Out Our Mission: Be the Change
Our mission at Lakeview Christian Church is to “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us.” This mission is rooted in the transformative power of God’s Word. As we study, share, and serve, we become agents of change in our community and beyond.
Study: To love and know God, we must immerse ourselves in His Word. By studying the Bible, we gain wisdom, understanding, and a deeper relationship with our Creator. Psalm 1:2-3 says, “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
Share: To know and love others, we must share the wisdom and love we’ve received from God. By sharing our faith and the truths of Scripture, we build a community rooted in God’s love. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Serve: Love in action is a powerful testimony of God’s work in our lives. By serving others, we demonstrate the love of Christ and make a tangible difference in our community. Matthew 20:28 reminds us, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Conclusion
The point is, God’s Word is a treasure trove of wisdom, guidance, and transformation. What will you do this week to make it a daily part of your life? Will you commit to reading a chapter a day, joining a Bible study group, or memorizing a verse? Remember, without taking this step, you’ll miss out on the abundant life that Jesus wants for you.
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we invite you to join us in our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us.” Through studying God’s Word, sharing His love, and serving others, we can make a lasting impact in our community and beyond.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help us to crave it like honey, to dig deeper for wisdom, and to apply it to our lives. Give us the courage to share Your truth with others and to live boldly for You. May Your Word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
