1st Thessalonians 2:13 “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” (Emphasis mine…)
The most important thing in a person’s life is whether or not they repent of their sins against God and trust Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
That is #1. Period!
Second only to that is their relationship to the Word of God! As the LORD allows, this coming Lord’s Day I plan to begin a series of 8 sermons about the relationship between one who is trusting in Jesus and HIS eternal Word – the Christian Bible.
While this will be a new series of new sermons, I will basically cover the same areas that I covered from January through March of 2007 while I was serving you for the second time as Interim Pastor. The series must have gone well because three weeks after I completed this series of lessons you graciously called me to serve as your Pastor-Teacher!
Following this first, Introductory, message I will embark on an exposition of what the Scripture teaches about itself; how we received it; and, how it works in our life.
But, first things first…
Our Text for this first sermon (1st Thessalonians 2:13) points out clearly the two issues all believers must both face and settle: First, what is the Bible? “it really is the Word of God…” and, Second, what does the Bible do? “the Word of God, which is at work in you believers.”
The Bible is the Word of God!
The Bible accomplishes God’s will by the work that it does in the life of the believer!
Period!
Again, only your personal relationship with Jesus Christ is more important to your spiritual and eternal health than your relationship with the Word of God!
God, Who Himself created humans, could have chosen to communicate with us in any way HE chose. For His own plan and purposes, HE decreed that HE would communicate with us through human language; and specifically, through the written (inscripturated) Word.
First, we will consider the Christian Doctrine of Revelation.
Second, we will consider the Christian Doctrine of Inspiration.
Third, we will consider the Christian Doctrine of Preservation.
Fourth, we will consider the Christian Doctrine of Canonization.
Fifth, we will consider the Christian Doctrine of Translation.
I certainly realize how controversial this area of doctrine is; but, I honestly think this will be one of the most helpful sermons I have had the privilege to preach in our Church. I will give tons of evidence to show you “The 5 Completely Reliable English Translations” and why that is so.
Sixth, we will consider the Christian Doctrine of Interpretation.
Seventh, we will consider the Christian Doctrine of Application.
As we work through these seven foundational Bible Doctrines, I trust that all of us will understand more fully than ever before the relationship that God wills for us to HIS Holy Bible.
Finally, I will close the sermon with a five-fold direct application of these doctrines in a practical format that will help you focus on and remember why and how to “hide God’s Word in your heart.”
I hope to see you Sunday with a smile on your face, your Bible in your hand, and your family and friends by your side!
Pastor Lanny
LANNYFAULKNER.COM 