The Transformative Power of God's Living Word

 

Summary

Opening the Bible is an invitation to hear God's voice, meet Jesus, and find life. The Bible is not just a historical document; it is the living Word of God, revealing Jesus Christ and His work for those who trust in Him. It contains everything needed to know Jesus personally, trust Him fully, and obey Him gladly. The Bible has the power to change lives, renew minds, and revive souls. It is through the Bible that God speaks to us, and it is through the faithful preaching of His Word that His voice is heard. The Bible is the foundation of our faith, and it is through it that God's work is accomplished in the world.

God's work in the world can be summarized in three words: saving, sanctifying, and sustaining. Each of these works is accomplished through His Word. God's saving work is done as people hear the Word and come to believe in Jesus Christ. His sanctifying work is done as believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ through the truth of His Word. And His sustaining work is done as believers are nourished and sustained by the Word throughout their lives. The Bible is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, and it is through it that we come to know God and His will for our lives.

The ministry of Open the Bible is dedicated to helping people discover the power of God's Word. Through various media, including radio, the web, and social media, the ministry seeks to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible. The impact of this ministry is evident in the lives of individuals like Janna Balis, who, through Open the Bible courses, found her calling to share the gospel through basketball, and Kenneth McMun, who uses the ministry's resources to reach others. The goal is to spread the Word of God and see His work accomplished in the lives of many.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Bible as God's Living Word: The Bible is not merely a historical document but the living Word of God, revealing Jesus Christ and His work. It contains everything needed to know Jesus personally, trust Him fully, and obey Him gladly. The Bible has the power to change lives, renew minds, and revive souls. [13:12]

2. God's Work Through His Word: God's work in the world is accomplished through His Word. His saving, sanctifying, and sustaining work is done as people hear and respond to the Word. The Bible is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, and it is through it that we come to know God and His will for our lives. [24:37]

3. The Power of Preaching: God speaks through the faithful preaching of His Word. When the Bible is opened, explained, and applied, God's voice is heard. The responsibility of any preacher is to faithfully convey what God has said in His Word, allowing His voice to be heard and His work to be accomplished. [23:42]

4. The Role of Open the Bible Ministry: Open the Bible is dedicated to making the Bible accessible to as many people as possible through various media. The ministry seeks to help people discover the power of God's Word and see His work accomplished in their lives. [15:06]

5. Impact Stories of Transformation: The impact of Open the Bible is evident in the lives of individuals like Janna Balis and Kenneth McMun, who have found their calling and are using the ministry's resources to reach others. Their stories inspire others to discover the power of God's Word and share it with those around them. [31:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [12:54] - The Importance of the Bible
- [14:10] - Introduction by John Aiello
- [15:06] - Mission of Open the Bible
- [16:00] - Message from Pastor Colin Smith
- [18:25] - Stuart Briscoe's Influence
- [19:28] - Foundation Principles of Open the Bible
- [21:50] - God Speaks Through His Word
- [23:22] - The Power of Preaching
- [24:37] - God's Work Through His Word
- [27:52] - God's Sustaining Work
- [29:23] - Convictions of Open the Bible
- [31:01] - Janna Balis' Story of Impact
- [39:17] - Growth and Impact of Open the Bible
- [45:01] - Encouragement and Call to Action

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
2. John 17:17 - "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
3. Romans 10:14-17 - "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?"

#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what are the three main works of God accomplished through His Word? ([24:37])
2. How does the sermon describe the role of preaching in hearing God's voice? ([23:22])
3. What impact stories were shared in the sermon to illustrate the power of God's Word? ([31:01])
4. What is the mission of the Open the Bible ministry as described in the sermon? ([15:06])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 support the idea that the Bible is essential for spiritual growth and maturity? ([19:28])
2. In what ways does John 17:17 illustrate the process of sanctification through God's Word? ([26:18])
3. How does Romans 10:14-17 emphasize the importance of preaching in God's saving work? ([25:11])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between loving God and loving the Bible? ([12:54])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when reading the Bible changed your perspective or decision. How did it impact your life, and what steps can you take to ensure regular engagement with Scripture? ([13:32])
2. Consider the role of preaching in your spiritual journey. How can you better prepare your heart to receive God's Word during sermons? ([23:42])
3. The sermon highlights the importance of sharing the gospel. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. What practical steps can you take to share the gospel with them this week? ([25:24])
4. How can you incorporate the practice of opening the Bible into your daily routine to experience God's sustaining work in your life? ([27:52])
5. Reflect on the impact stories shared in the sermon. How can you use your unique talents and passions to serve others and spread God's Word? ([31:01])
6. The sermon mentions the mission of Open the Bible to make Scripture accessible. How can you contribute to this mission in your community or online? ([15:06])
7. Think about a specific area in your life where you need God's guidance. How can you seek His will through Scripture this week? ([24:37])

Devotional

Day 1: The Bible as the Living Word of God
The Bible is not just a collection of historical texts; it is the living Word of God, actively revealing Jesus Christ and His work to those who seek Him. It contains everything necessary for knowing Jesus personally, trusting Him fully, and obeying Him gladly. The transformative power of the Bible is evident in its ability to change lives, renew minds, and revive souls. As believers engage with Scripture, they encounter the voice of God, which guides, instructs, and comforts them in their spiritual journey. The Bible serves as the foundation of faith, providing the essential truths needed for spiritual growth and maturity. [13:12]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you create a daily habit of engaging with the Bible to allow its living power to transform your life today?


Day 2: God's Work Through His Word
God's work in the world is accomplished through His Word, which is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. His saving work occurs as people hear the Word and come to believe in Jesus Christ. The sanctifying work of God is evident as believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ through the truth of His Word. Additionally, God's sustaining work is experienced as believers are nourished and upheld by the Word throughout their lives. The Bible is the means by which we come to know God and understand His will for our lives, making it indispensable for a vibrant and growing faith. [24:37]

"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you allow God's Word to accomplish His purposes in your life today, particularly in areas where you seek growth or change?


Day 3: The Power of Preaching
God speaks through the faithful preaching of His Word, and when the Bible is opened, explained, and applied, His voice is heard. The responsibility of any preacher is to convey faithfully what God has said in His Word, allowing His voice to be heard and His work to be accomplished. Preaching is a powerful means by which God communicates His truth, challenges believers, and encourages them to live out their faith. As the Word is preached, it has the potential to convict, inspire, and transform those who listen with open hearts and minds. [23:42]

"And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" (Romans 10:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively engage with the preaching of God's Word in your church community, and what steps can you take to apply the messages you hear to your daily life?


Day 4: The Role of Open the Bible Ministry
Open the Bible is dedicated to making the Bible accessible to as many people as possible through various media, helping individuals discover the power of God's Word. The ministry seeks to spread the Word of God and see His work accomplished in the lives of many. By utilizing platforms such as radio, the web, and social media, Open the Bible reaches a diverse audience, encouraging them to engage with Scripture and experience its transformative impact. The ministry's efforts are evident in the lives of individuals who have found their calling and are using the resources provided to reach others with the gospel. [15:06]

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you support or participate in efforts to make the Bible more accessible to others, and what role can you play in spreading God's Word in your community?


Day 5: Impact Stories of Transformation
The impact of Open the Bible is evident in the lives of individuals like Janna Balis and Kenneth McMun, who have found their calling and are using the ministry's resources to reach others. Their stories inspire others to discover the power of God's Word and share it with those around them. These testimonies highlight the transformative power of Scripture and the importance of sharing the gospel in creative and impactful ways. As believers witness the change in others' lives, they are encouraged to pursue their own calling and contribute to the spread of God's Word. [31:01]

"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." (Revelation 12:11, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your own story of transformation through God's Word. How can you share your testimony with others to inspire and encourage them in their faith journey?

Quotes


"Why open the Bible? The Bible is God's word. God speaks to us through the Bible. It's how we hear his voice today. If you believe God, you will believe the Bible. If you resist God, you will resist the Bible. But if you love God, you will love the Bible." [00:12:40]

"The Bible reveals Jesus Christ. It tells us who he is, why he came, what he accomplished, and what he can do for those who trust in him. The Bible contains all you need to know Jesus personally, trust Jesus fully, and obey Jesus gladly. The Bible will change your life." [00:13:02]

"God's spirit uses God's word to bring and sustain new life. Jesus said, 'Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' The Bible will change your heart, it will renew your mind, it will redirect your will. The Bible will revive your soul." [00:13:28]

"Open the Bible is a mission to change this. We do this by putting the scriptures within people's grasp using all forms of media: radio, the web, mobile apps, podcasts, books, devotionals, blog articles, and more. No matter what the format, we strive each day to open the Bible for people." [00:15:00]

"The Bible is the Living Word of God. It's the key to knowing God, understanding ourselves, and choosing a path that leads to redemption and salvation. And this ministry we share together is all about helping people discover this. It's awesome." [00:15:21]

"God has spoken through his word. 2 Timothy chapter 3 and verse 16: All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. Now faithful believers have always held that God has spoken in his word." [00:19:38]

"God speaks through the preaching of his word. God has appointed that his word should be preached, and where the word of God is faithfully proclaimed, well, there God's word, God's voice is really heard. Now listen to how the Apostle Paul puts it in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 and verse 20." [00:21:55]

"God's work in the world can be summarized in three words: saving, sanctifying, and sustaining. Each of these works is accomplished through his word. God's saving work is done as people hear the word and come to believe in Jesus Christ." [00:24:37]

"God's sanctifying work gets done through his word. Listen to these wonderful words of Jesus. He's praying to the Father in John 17: 'I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.'" [00:26:06]

"God's sustaining work gets done through his word. God not only gives new life through his word, he sustains the new life that he gives through his word as well. And that is what Jesus says in Matthew in chapter 4 and verse 4: 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'" [00:27:52]

"Through his word, he saves, he sanctifies, and he sustains. You know, the first thing we learn in the Bible is that when God speaks, things happen. And he's given to us this marvelous promise in Isaiah chapter 55 and verse 11: 'My word that goes forth from my mouth shall not return to me empty.'" [00:28:56]

"Open the Bible courses are those people at the bottom that are like cheering you on and pointing you in the right direction and encouraging you to kind of grab that first peg that then appears because God puts it there, and then he keeps putting the pegs so that you can kind of keep taking those steps of faith." [00:36:19]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?