Transformative Power of Scripture in Faith and Service

Devotional

Day 1: Scripture as the Source of Faith Formation

The Holy Scriptures are the foundation of faith, serving as the primary means through which individuals come to believe in God. Observing nature or Christian behavior alone is insufficient for faith formation; it is the Word of God that truly transforms lives. The Scriptures are described as spirit and life, possessing the power to change hearts and minds. This transformative power is evident in the story of an elderly man who came to faith at the age of 81, not through human persuasion but through the words of the Bible. This highlights the unique and divine role of Scripture in leading people to a relationship with God. [08:36]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Think of a person in your life who is seeking truth. How can you introduce them to the transformative power of Scripture this week?

Day 2: Consistent Study for Deep Knowledge of God

To know God deeply, one must engage in consistent study of the Scriptures. Developing a habit of daily Bible reading can sustain a person for decades, providing a foundational understanding of God's ways and thoughts. This discipline not only enriches personal faith but also equips individuals to teach others about God. The practice of daily Scripture reading is a lifelong journey that fosters an intimate relationship with God, allowing believers to grow in wisdom and understanding. [16:38]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: Identify a specific time each day this week to dedicate to reading the Bible. How can you ensure this becomes a consistent habit in your life?

Day 3: Scripture as a Guide for Loving Service

The Scriptures instill a love for God that naturally extends to serving others. This love is not passive but active, compelling believers to engage in acts of service and compassion. The formation of organizations like the Rafiki Foundation exemplifies how Scripture guides believers to care for orphans, widows, and those in need. By following biblical principles, individuals and communities can make a tangible impact in the world, demonstrating God's love through their actions. [37:06]

James 1:27 (ESV): "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

Reflection: Consider a specific way you can serve someone in need this week. How can you let Scripture guide your actions in this service?

Day 4: The Transformative Power of God's Word

The Holy Scriptures have the power to transform lives, providing believers with faith, knowledge, and a love for God that translates into loving service. This transformation leads to an abundant life filled with purpose and joy. By engaging with the Word of God, individuals can experience profound changes in their hearts and minds, leading to a life of fulfillment and service to others. [41:31]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when Scripture has transformed your life. How can you share this experience with someone else to encourage their faith journey?

Day 5: Reflecting on the Impact of Scripture

Believers are encouraged to reflect on the impact that the Scriptures have had on their lives and to seek God's guidance in acting upon His Word. The Scriptures are a divine gift, providing the knowledge and love needed to live a life of service. By contemplating the role of Scripture in their lives, individuals can gain clarity on how to align their actions with God's will and purpose. [42:35]

Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Reflection: Take time this week to journal about how Scripture has impacted your life. What steps can you take to deepen your engagement with God's Word and act upon it more fully?

Sermon Summary

In today's reflection, we delve into the transformative power of the Holy Scriptures. The words from James 1:22-25 remind us not to merely listen to the word but to act upon it, as it is through action that we find true blessing. My journey with the Bible began at a young age, and it has been a guiding force throughout my life. From a childhood experience where my mother's fervent prayer saved my sister's life, to my own commitment to Christ at 16, the Scriptures have been a constant source of faith and guidance.

The Holy Scriptures have the power to bring people to faith, as I have witnessed countless times through Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) classes. It is not through observing nature or Christian behavior that one comes to faith, but through the Word of God. The Scriptures are spirit and life, and they have the power to change lives. My own father-in-law came to faith at 81, not through my words or actions, but through the words of the Bible.

Knowing God deeply requires consistent study of the Scriptures. At 16, I began reading the Bible daily, a habit that has sustained me for over 50 years. This discipline has given me a foundational knowledge of God's ways and thoughts. It is through this consistent study that I have come to know God more intimately and have been able to teach others about Him.

The Scriptures have also instilled in me a love for God that compels me to serve others. This love led to the formation of the Rafiki Foundation, which works to bring the Word of God to developing countries and support those in need. The Scriptures have guided our work, reminding us to care for orphans and widows and to maintain a holy life.

Ultimately, the Holy Scriptures have given me faith, knowledge, and a love for God that translates into loving service. They have provided me with an abundant life, filled with purpose and the joy of serving others. I encourage you to reflect on what the Scriptures have done for you and to seek God's guidance in how you can act upon His Word.

Key Takeaways

1. in-law at 81. [08:36]
2. Consistent Study Leads to Knowing God: Knowing God deeply requires consistent study of the Scriptures. At 16, I began reading the Bible daily, a habit that has sustained me for over 50 years. This discipline has given me a foundational knowledge of God's ways and thoughts, allowing me to teach others about Him.

3. Scripture as a Guide for Service: The Scriptures have instilled in me a love for God that compels me to serve others. This love led to the formation of the Rafiki Foundation, which works to bring the Word of God to developing countries and support those in need. The Scriptures guide our work, reminding us to care for orphans and widows.

4. The Transformative Power of God's Word: The Holy Scriptures have the power to transform lives, providing faith, knowledge, and a love for God that translates into loving service. They have given me an abundant life, filled with purpose and the joy of serving others.

5. Reflecting on the Impact of Scripture: I encourage you to reflect on what the Scriptures have done for you and to seek God's guidance in how you can act upon His Word. The Scriptures are a gift from God, providing us with the knowledge and love needed to live a life of service.

** [08:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to James 1:22-25
[01:11] - The Power of the Holy Scriptures
[02:34] - Personal Journey with the Bible
[03:16] - Childhood Experience of Faith
[05:27] - Commitment to Christ at 16
[07:11] - Faith Comes from Hearing the Word
[09:17] - The Transformative Power of Scripture
[11:00] - Father-in-Law's Journey to Faith
[15:12] - Knowing God Through Scripture
[19:03] - Missionary Calling and Experience
[21:19] - Bible Study Fellowship and Learning
[24:32] - Developing a High View of God
[27:34] - Loving God Through Service
[30:24] - Rafiki Foundation's Mission
[37:06] - Scripture's Guidance in Service
[40:23] - The Abundant Life Through Scripture

Sermon Clips

I've been asked to speak to you at this conference this afternoon about the Holy scriptures. I would not presume to give a scholarly speech on the Holiness of scripture. I am not a preacher. I'm not a seminary scholar, and besides the reformed Camp wouldn't allow me to do too much as a woman in preaching. [00:01:08]

I have spent over 50 years with the Holy Bible and I can testify to its power. It brings faith, it teaches the truth, and it motivates to service. That's what the scriptures have done for me and that's what I can speak to you this afternoon uh about with confidence. [00:02:05]

I remember attending a special youth meeting in my Pastor was speaking and he read these words from the scripture John 5:24 I tell you the truth whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned. [00:06:55]

I have had people at this very conference come up to me and tell me that they came to Faith in a BSF class because they heard the Sacred Scriptures. Faith comes from hearing and hearing from the word of God and one does not know what to believe unless except through the scripture. [00:08:22]

I cannot tell you how many times I have tried to convince people that they should believe in Jesus. Have you ever done that? I especially my own relatives but I don't know one single person that I have ever argued into belief or been able to convince by my logic. [00:10:33]

I grew up in an age before young people were told to find the god within them. I knew that it was only by the Bible anyway so at age 16 I set out to read the Bible so that I could come to know God. Now remember I was 16 and I decided to read one chapter a day until I'd read the whole Bible. [00:16:24]

I managed to finish because I had determined that I was going to do that and I did finish and I was so proud of myself but what happened at the end was that I was in the habit of reading the Bible every day and it never occurred to me to quit and I've kept this habit up ever since now for way over 50 years. [00:17:26]

I tell parents to do anything they can to get their children to read the Bible regularly they're as young as possible whether they understand it whether they like it do anything that it takes even if you have to bribe them I am in the process of bribing my grandchildren now to read the get into the Habit. [00:18:04]

The holy scriptures taught me to know God not much yet but a little I'm convinced that no one comes to know God apart from consistent study of the Holy scriptures. Do you want to tell others about God? I did you can't do it unless you know him you can't tell anyone about someone you don't know. [00:26:08]

The scripture has led me to love God enough to want to give my life in service to him by helping the ones he loves, the problem is that I want to give everybody else's life too. Jim Boyce once said well God loves you and rosemary has a great plan for your life. [00:37:45]

There's no greater motive for service to others than pure love for God I make sure that this is the motive of all our missionaries or else we don't send them because nothing else will hold you when the going gets tough and the going will get tough but remember it's the holy scriptures that will give you love of God that leads to loving service. [00:39:47]

The scriptures gave me faith in God in the Lord Jesus Christ Christ my savior my faith is tiny but it was enough to make me a child of God by his grace the scriptures made me know God now my knowledge is minuscule but it's enough to send me out to tell others about this amazing God. [00:40:50]

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