Sermon 113097

1Co. 4:20;                            Powerful Words That Affect The Soul                             11/30/97

Heb. 4:12                                                                                                                           ABCC

I.     Review                                                                                                                             600

q      Are you satisfied with a normal lifestyle – not much risk, nothing extraordinary or supernatural = EVERY DAY IS JUST LIKE THE NEXT?

q      Do you expect to see the clear evidence of God’s power in your life regularly?

q      Jesus’ Ministry & Apostles was Characterized by Power (Ac. 10:37-38; 4:33)

q      The Christian’s ministry & lifestyle is to be characterized by power

·        Preaching , Teaching, Diaconate, Prayer, Singing, Witnessing; Joy, Sanctification & victory over sin, LOVE

II.    The Word of God/Scriptures Are Characterized by Power

A.     Jesus declares that the scriptures are spirit and life (Jn. 6:63,68)

B.      Power to permanently & totally change a sinner- spirit, soul & body (Rom. 1:16; Jas. 1:21)

C.      Power to judge the thoughts & intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12-13)

D.     Power to comfort, encourage, strengthen, restrain, reprove, correct, train, guide, make wise (Is. 55:11)

III.   What Affect Do The Scriptures Have On You?

A.     Some people find the scriptures delightful & precious (Ps. 1:2; 19:7-11)

B.      Some people respond with immediate obedience (2Ki. 22:11-13)

C.      Some people are joyful (1Th. 1:6)

D.     Some people revere the scriptures & demonstrate their reverence (Neh. 8:5)

E.      Some people are moved & verbally confirm their agreement with “Amen” (Neh. 8:6)

F.      Some people feel a deep sense of conviction & weep (Neh. 8:9)

G.     Some people feel a deep sense of encouragement & hope (Lk. 24:32)

Powerful Words That Affect the Soul, pg. 2

But the question still is “What affect does the word of God have on you?”  Does the word of God have any affect on your soul?  Do you love the scripture, yearn to hear from God; hunger & thirst?

What is the affect of all your hearing?  Any conviction, encouragement, reproof, correction, comfort, guidance, etc.?  Do the scriptures reveal more of Christ to you?  …more of the His grace, the Father’s love & the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.  Do you see your great need for Jesus Christ today – when you think about the dangers that you face every day; the power of Satan & sin; your own weaknesses & failures – can’t you honestly say with me & with the Psalmist “Revive me according to Thy word.  Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Thy word.  Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.  O how I love Thy law, it is my meditation all the day.  How sweet are Thy words to my taste!  Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth.  Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.  Those who love Thy law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.”  “Revive me, O Lord”, is that your prayer?  Is that your plea?  Or have you become dull of hearing?  Can you walk away from private devotion, bible studies, sermons week after week with no change?  Do you feel the pressure & power of the word of God?  If your answer is YES, then you need to thank God for it.  But if your answer is NO, then you need to honestly deal with the question of WHY NOT.  God has not changed!  The Holy Spirit has not changed!  His power has not changed!  The scriptures have not changed!