Timeless truth

August 23, 2007

By Randy Mantik

Unlike fashions, hairstyles and the latest trend of culture, God’s Word does not go out of style. It is always in date, always fresh, always refreshing.

Jesus said of God’s Word, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17, NIV). The writer of Hebrews states, “The word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). God’s Word is alive! It is not a dusty, moldy book. That’s what makes it different from every other book in the history of the world.

Even Christians sometimes treat the Bible as though it were not quite “up to date.” I must confess at times as I am preparing to teach the Word I’m thinking, How can I spruce this up a little bit? How can I make it more contemporary and relative? But as I let the Word speak, it is always powerful. I don’t have to spruce it up. I just have to let it speak for itself.

God honors His Word. The Scriptures are not empty promises. The Lord assures us, “I am watching over My word to perform it” (Jeremiah 1:12, NASB).

The Holy Spirit brings the Word to life. As we read and speak the Word, we are infused with that life. Our souls become alive! The Word is the mechanism. The Spirit is the catalyst. The Word is the engine. The Spirit is the gasoline.

Jesus promises, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed” (John 8:31, NKJV). It is not about a one-time encounter. It is about a process. That’s how we are transformed by truth. It is by acknowledging the Word’s diagnosis of us and acknowledging the remedy — Jesus Christ.

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).

Randy Mantik is senior pastor of Crossroads Church of the Assemblies of God in Pembine, Wis.