The Importance and Power of God’s Word
The Word of God is essential and powerful.Begotten by the Word.Reconciles us.Jesus is the good Word.The Bible can save souls, get people out of trouble, and change their thinking and actions.If it doesn’t change you, your salvation should be questioned.Matthew 11:2-6 – John’s Question
John, in prison, questions if Jesus is the Messiah.Sends disciples to ask Jesus, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?”Everything that happened in Jesus’s ministry got people’s attention.Brought them to a place where they wanted to find out more.Many were in trouble and needed help.God was able to supply that help like no one else.The message of Jesus is still being broadcast throughout the world.Information travels quickly today.The Word of God is still being proclaimed.Surrendering to God’s Will
People often try to control everything, preventing God from demonstrating His love and power.It’s necessary to surrender to God’s will.God accomplishes good in those who yield to His Spirit.The most important thing is to see souls saved.Testimony and Faith
Sharing testimonies releases the power of God.The Hebrew word for testimony means “to tell what God has done.”Sharing what God has done releases the same power that was present in the original event.God can move again as He did in the beginning.Never give up on sharing what God has done in your life.God came to save the lost.John’s Example
John’s life got worse, but he will rejoice in heaven for fulfilling his purpose.Preparing the way of the Lord.We should weigh our lives to determine if our actions bring glory to God or are just for personal satisfaction.The world can lead in many directions that don’t glorify God.Children of God should focus on seeing others come to Christ.The Active Word of God
The Word of God is alive and active.Hebrews 4:12.Not a genie in a bottle, but the Word of Faith, God Almighty.John had doubts, even though he knew Jesus from the womb.It’s okay to question and wonder.John’s beheading may seem like a loss, but it was a godly life.He stepped aside and said, “Not my will, but thy will.”John had the testimony from the beginning: “I must decrease, and he must increase.”He lived it out.The Power and Reach of God’s Word
The Word of God is real, powerful, and accomplishes its task.It hits the target.Defeats the enemy.Impacts the hearts of men.Nothing can interfere with the Word of God.Preaching in jail shares the message that “who the Son sets free is free indeed.”God loves those with life sentences.Have mercy on all people, as God has had mercy on you.God can turn anyone back to Him if they call on His name.God Hears and Reveals
God always hears prayers and complaints.Worldly desires can become enslaving.God questions the motivations behind accumulating things.John’s life was about God’s business.John called out a man for his sin and was imprisoned.People will do anything to stay in their sin.Only Jesus can fix oneself.Jesus’s Response to John
Jesus told John’s disciples to “go and show John again.”Show him the miracles and works being done.The blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached.It’s still Jesus, and nothing has changed.The gospel is that Christ came, was crucified, buried, and rose again.The greatest event is to be arrested by the Holy Ghost and cry out for Jesus.The Great Commission
Five principles based on loving God and loving your neighbor.Worship: Love the Lord with all your heart.Born-again people worship God freely.Question your salvation if you can’t worship God.Ministry: Love your neighbor as yourself.Everyone is called to be a minister in some way.Evangelism: Go make disciples.Share your testimony.Fellowship: Baptize men in His name.Become part of the body of Christ.Discipleship: Teaching the Word of God.Tell of God’s exploits.Ephatha – Open
Ephatha means “open” in Arabic.Pray that God opens the hearts of the lost to receive the Word.Looking for an eternal house in heaven, whose builder and maker is God.