Receiving the Word

Receiving the Word

Throughout the Bible, we find many teachings about the power of God's Word. Jesus calmed a stormy sea with a spoken word, in Mark 4:39. In Colossians 3:16, we read that Christ's Word dwells in us. In 1 Thessalonians 2:14, God's Word performs its work in believers.

Those are just a few examples of the unique nature of God's Word. His Word is more than just speech or written letters. There is power and strength in it. A favorite verse of mine is in the book of James.

James 1:21

"Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the Word implanted, which is able to save your souls."

God's Word is powerful and it is able to do so much, but if you take the time to read the verses I just mentioned, you will find that in two of those passages we are told to “receive” the Word. How do you receive God's Word?

Well, how do you receive any word? It has to be read or heard. There is really only one way of doing that. We need to be around the Bible. We have to be reading His Word or hearing it preached. This is how God works in us.

There are a lot of people who are friendly to the Bible, who say they love it and claim to know what it says, but they never pick it up and read it. They never go to a church where they can hear it read or discussed.

Are you reading the Word? Are you in a church where the Word is preached? Isaiah 55 tells us what will happen when we do that:

Isaiah 55:11

"So will My Word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."

God's Word is powerful and it makes a real difference in our hearts and in our lives when we receive it. If you are not hearing or receiving God’s Word, you aren’t experiencing God the way He wants you to.

Romans 10:17

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ.”