The Living Word: The Significance of Biblical Scrolls
Summary
In my sermon, I discussed the significance of the biblical scrolls and the meticulous process of their creation. I highlighted the importance of the phrase "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever," which is repeated in different contexts throughout the Bible. I also emphasized the importance of God's promises and how they are written and watched over. I explained the role of a sofair, a scribe in Hebrew, who is responsible for writing the biblical scrolls. This process is not just a task, but an act of worship. I also discussed the importance of reading the Bible, emphasizing that it is not just a historical or religious text, but the living word of God. I also shared the story of how the Christian Heritage Foundation came to possess a complete set of biblical scrolls, one of only five sets in the world.
Key takeaways:
- The phrase "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever" is significant and is repeated in different contexts throughout the Bible. [ 57:09]
- The process of writing the biblical scrolls is an act of worship, not just a task. [ 01:00:01]
- The Bible is not just a historical or religious text, but the living word of God. [ 46:47]
- The Christian Heritage Foundation possesses a complete set of biblical scrolls, one of only five sets in the world. [ 01:03:23]
- God's plan A is a blood covering by God himself and not another. [ 32:54]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 12-3 [07:40]
2. John 3:16 [32:54]
3. 2 Chronicles 20 [57:09]
Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of Genesis 12-3 in the context of blessing the Jewish people?
2. How does John 3:16 relate to the mission of the Christian Heritage Foundation?
3. What can we learn from the story in 2 Chronicles 20 about how God fights our battles?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Genesis 12-3 apply to our relationship with the Jewish people today?
2. How does John 3:16 guide the actions and mission of Christian organizations?
3. What does the story in 2 Chronicles 20 teach us about trusting God in times of crisis?
Application Questions:
1. How can you bless the Jewish people in your community this week, following the example of Genesis 12-3?
2. In what ways can you embody the message of John 3:16 in your interactions with others this week?
3. Can you think of a situation in your life where you need to trust God to fight your battles, like in 2 Chronicles 20?
4. How can you contribute to the mission of your local church or Christian organization, inspired by the work of the Christian Heritage Foundation?
5. How can you demonstrate the enduring love of God, as described in 2 Chronicles 20, to someone in your life this week?
Devotional
Day 1: The Living Word of God
The Bible is not just a historical or religious text, but the living word of God. As we read through it, we are impacted by its truths and teachings. This word is alive and active, shaping our lives and transforming our hearts. It is God's plan A, a picture of His grace, mercy, and the ultimate covering for our sins ([46:47]).
Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: How has reading the Bible impacted your life? Can you recall a specific instance where God's word has guided or transformed you?
Day 2: Faith in God's Promises
We often place our faith in mundane things, like chairs, without a second thought. Yet, the promises of God are far more reliable and significant. We can have confidence in His word and His promises, knowing that He is faithful and true ([30:02]).
Numbers 23:19 - "God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?"
Reflection: What promises of God are you holding onto in this season of your life? How does it feel to place your faith in His promises?
Day 3: God's Word in Our Hearts
God's word is not meant to be confined to the pages of a book or a screen on a phone. Its ultimate destination is the tablet of our hearts. As we internalize His word, it transforms our lives and guides our actions ([31:22]).
Jeremiah 31:33 - "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Reflection: How are you making an effort to internalize God's word? What changes have you noticed in your life as a result?
Day 4: God Fights Our Battles
In our struggles and battles, we are not alone. God is the one who fights for us, turning the tide in our favor. As we sing praises to Him, we can trust that He is working on our behalf ([57:09]).
Exodus 14:14 - "The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."
Reflection: What battles are you facing right now? How can you invite God into these struggles and trust Him to fight for you?
Day 5: The Preservation of God's Word
The meticulous preservation of the Bible is a testament to its divine origin and importance. It is a holy act of worship to write, read, and preserve God's word. This underscores the significance of the Bible in our lives and the reverence we should have for it ([01:03:23]).
Isaiah 40:8 - "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Reflection: How do you show reverence for God's word in your daily life? How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the preservation of the Bible?
Quotes
1. "There's this sense that this word is holy. This word is holy. This word of God is holy. And I think in the church, we've kind of lost that sense. It's amazing that we have the Bible on our iPhone. But a lot of churches I go to these days, you know, you don't see these in the hands of many people anymore. And in a sense we've lost our connection and lost that sense of reverential awe. But this is the word of God, that this word is holy." - 40:03
2. "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love, and doors forever. So every time I look at this special feather, it makes me think of our promise keeping God and all the promises that he's made to us." - 56:21
3. "This is a powerful example of how this Word has been preserved. Medoor la door from generation to generation. I want to explain a little bit of that to you tonight or this morning. So that when you walk out these doors, you have greater confidence than you ever have that the Bible is the Word of God." - 36:18
4. "There's only five sets of these on planet Earth. And this is the only one in the entire world that people can see. These are so rare that in Israel they don't have a complete old testament or we say Tanakh in Hebrew. That's how we say the old testament, complete Tanakh in ancient scroll form." - 23:03
5. "And we're going to take them to the creation museum. And Walter was this made, he's like, well, this has been the best year of my life, best year of my business. And he goes, I need to get my own set. And he said, well, Walter, that's just impossible, these are incredibly rare. They're not very many of them. And he said, well, you know, God in me, we just love that word impossible." - 36:18
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