Pastor Josh continues the series exploring the Assemblies of God statement of faith, focusing on the Bible and its importance in our lives. He reminds us that Scripture is far more valuable than we might realise. Just as people have discovered priceless treasures hidden in ordinary objects, Christians can overlook the incredible gift they have in God’s Word.
The Bible is a collection of books written by different authors over many years, but together they form the foundation of our faith. Pastor Josh explains that Scripture is inspired by God, trustworthy in what it teaches, and a guide for how we should live. It acts like a measuring stick, helping us test our opinions and discern whether something reflects God’s character. However, while the Bible is infallible, our interpretations are not, so we should be careful not to use verses to support ideas that do not reflect God’s true message.
Drawing from Psalm 119, Pastor Josh shares three important lessons about God’s Word.
First, its purpose is to lead us into joy. Like honey, Scripture should be something we delight in rather than treat as a chore. God wants us to trust His wisdom and discover the fulfilling life He desires for us.
Second, its power is found in putting it into practice. The Bible is described as a lamp guiding our steps, but it can only shape our lives when we act on what we read. Hearing God’s Word without responding to it is like noticing something wrong in a mirror but doing nothing about it.
Third, its value lies in encountering God. When we read Scripture, we can expect God to speak to us. The Holy Spirit helps us understand what we read and apply it to everyday situations.
Pastor Josh also introduces a simple Bible study method called SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. This offers a practical way to reflect on a passage and consider how to live it out.
He closes by encouraging everyone to read the Bible thoughtfully and put it into action, allowing God’s Word to transform our lives, families and communities.