We just completed a week of Vacation Bible School We spent each night talking about the Bible. We saw how God’s Word changes the lives of people. We discovered that the more we learn about the Bible, the more we want “to go” and tell others about this awesome Book. And why . . . because God’s Word offers hope for today and for eternity.

The Centrality of God’s Word As followers of Christ, the Bible stands at center stage of what we believe and teach. It provides directions for living life. It gives guidance on finding eternal life. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living 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.

God’s Word Is . . . I. God’s Word is True. (John 17:17) Let’s Go! I. God’s Word is True. (John 17:17) II. God’s Word is Comforting. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) III. God’s Word is Surprising. (Psalm 105:4-5; John 20:30-31) IV. God’s Word is Life-Changing. (Ephesians 2:11-14a) V. God’s Word is for Everyone. (Psalm 145) Let’s Go! Let’s Go! Let’s Go! Let’s Go!

God’s Word Is True John 17:17 (Page 805) Let’s Go! John 17:17 (Page 805) Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. (NIV) Colossians 1:5 calls it “the word of truth.” Psalm 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. (NIV) We can trust in God’s Word. It is TRUE! We can rely upon its teachings, knowing they will not mislead us.

The Miraculous Nature of the Bible The Bible is referred to in many different ways. We speak of it as God's Word, the Good Book, the Holy Scriptures, and the Sword of the Spirit. It is also known as the Book of books and the Living Word. Some call it simply THE Book, for nothing else seems necessary. It stands alone, towering above all other writings. God’s Word is MIRACULOUS!

The Miraculous Nature of the Bible 1. It is miraculous in its origin -- coming to us by divine inspiration. 2. It is miraculous in its durability -- outlasting the opposition of its critics and surviving the attempts of its enemies to exterminate it. 3. It is miraculous in its results -- transforming the lives of those who read and believe it.

The Miraculous Nature of the Bible 4. It is miraculous in its harmony -- agreeing in all its parts, even though written over a period of 1600 years by about 40 different authors. 5. It is miraculous in its message -- telling of many occasions when God supernaturally intervened in the affairs of men to accomplish his redemptive purposes.

The Miraculous Nature of the Bible 6. It is miraculous in its preservation -- maintaining its accuracy and reliability down through the centuries. Yes, the Bible is Miraculous, BUT much, much more, the Bible is TRUE! You can trust it. It is reliable. It will stand forever into eternity (Psalm 119:89; 1 Peter 1:25).

God’s Word Is Comforting Let’s Go! 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (Page 858) 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (NIV) Comfort = paraklesis – para (along side) + kaleo (to call) —Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionary

God’s Comforts Us When you call upon the Lord, He comes. Are you hurting? Do you feel discouraged or in despair? God is waiting for you to call upon Him. He is the God of “ALL COMFORT.” He would like to comfort you. Give Him your troubles. Give Him your cares and He will sustain you. (Psalm 55:22)

God’s Word Is Surprising Let’s Go! Psalm 105:4-5 (Page 451) 4 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 5 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. (NIV) Think of the Creation and of Re-Creation. Think of answers to prayer. Think of miraculous events. You will be amazed and constantly surprised by how wonderfully God works!

God Can Do Great Things! John 20:30-31 30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (NIV) Christ is still in the miracle-working business. Ask God to surprise you with what He can do in your life.

God’s Word Is Life-Changing Let’s Go! Ephesians 2:11-14a (Pages 869-870) 11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth . . . were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace (NIV)

When God Comes into a Life . . . He changes it . . . You become a new creation in Him. He remakes and remolds you after His image. What was destined for destruction is destined for an eternity with Him. God wants to change you! God wants to remake you . . . To work in your life . . . WILL YOU ALLOW HIM ACCESS?

God’s Word Is for Everyone Let’s Go! Psalm 145 (Page 470) 1 I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. 2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.

God’s Word Is Worth Sharing 5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. 8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

God’s Word Is Worth Sharing 9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. 10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. 11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, 12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

God’s Word Is Worth Sharing 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. 14 The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

God’s Word Is Worth Sharing 17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. 18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. 20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. 21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. (NIV)

God’s Word Is True & So Are the Promises Are you in need of comfort . . . Then seek out God and call upon Him. Are you in need of a miracle . . . Then ask God to provide for you as only He can. Are you wanting to change . . . Then seek God and ask Him to help you. Are you wondering if the promises of God’s Word are for you . . . Then place your faith in Jesus, becoming one of God’s children, and then trusting the Father to provide.