The Word of God: what is it exactly? Is it the Torah? Is it the New Testament? Is it the Bible? Don't worry: we've got answers. In Christianity, the Holy Bible is honored as the Word of God. How awesome to know that we have the Word of God to turn to! The Bible is a collection of 66 books and is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament.
But have you ever found yourself asking, “Why do Christians care about the Bible so much?” Well, that's because Christians receive the Bible as God’s word. There are even scriptures that say the Word of God is living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword, and that as humans, we must eat the Word of God like we eat normal food (Hebrews 4:12, Matthew 4:4).
In this blog, we’ll explore why the word of God matters, how God’s word can transform your heart, and how the Bible can even guide you through life! So, let’s begin.
Why God’s Word Matters
If you’ve ever received a Bible, you know there’s something supernatural and special about reading the Word of God. In Western culture, we can sometimes take the Bible for granted. The treasure of God’s word is available to most of us, right at our fingertips. We have God’s word in our homes, on our phones through the Bible app, and even in most hotels in the United States.
Fun Fact: The Bible App through YouVersion just celebrated one billion downloads worldwide!
The Bible is more than just a history book or a collection of moral lessons: it’s the actual Word of God. When we’re reading the Bible, we’re not just learning about God; we’re connecting with Him. Because all scripture is God breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17), it helps us connect with God and receive His wisdom on how to be more like Him, every day.
When we respect the Word of God and use it like a foundation that we build the rest of our lives on, it’s easier to have peace in hard times. Even though things in culture shift, God’s word remains the same (Isaiah 40:8). Even though troubling things happen in our lives, God’s word always has comforting words for us (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). And even though there are wars, famines, and earthquakes, God’s word warns us about such things, tells us not to be afraid, and gives us hope for the future despite all the chaos going on (Matthew 24, Jeremiah 29:11).
God’s word is essential to the life of the believer, and it’s also a great way for people who don’t know Jesus yet to encounter the love of God through the living pages of the Bible. No matter where you are on your journey, Jesus’ love is found in the Word of God and all you have to do is read it to meet Him!
Curious to learn more about Jesus and give your life to Him? We’ve got you covered. Visit our blog: This is For You!
How God’s Word Transforms Our Hearts
Have you ever read something that changed your life? Maybe you read the phrase,“Treat others how you want to be treated," and your heart felt overwhelmed with joy. Believe it or not, this iconic phrase is a rephrasing of a famous Bible verse out of Matthew 7, which reads:
The Golden Rule: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." - Matthew 7:12
The Word of God is full of phrases, sayings, and words of wisdom that have the power to transform our hearts. Instead of a heart of stone, we can have a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26-27). You can even think of God’s word like a “life manual”. As Christians, we don’t just read the Word of God; we also live the Word of God. It’s essential that as you discover God’s word, and spend time reading and meditating on it, that you also commit to living out God’s word!
For example, say you’re working through feelings of jealousy or unforgiveness. God’s words in the Bible tell us to cast our cares on the Lord, to forgive our enemies, and even to love our enemies (1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 5:44) God’s word doesn’t let you stay in a place where bitterness, envy, or jealousy can grow, rather the Word of God calls you higher to become more like Him and be free from the weight of sour emotions.
Another example of how the Word of God transforms our hearts is found in Psalm 119. This Psalm is also the longest Psalm in the Bible, with over 176 verses and 22 stanzas! One verse in this passage from the word of God says,
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! - Psalm 119:9-10
If you’re struggling with sin or self-control, this Psalm from the Word of God gives you the recipe and the path forward: it’s by living according to God’s word! Following God’s word doesn’t limit our freedom; it transforms our hearts, refines our desires, and helps us live a holy life.
Want to learn more about self-control and how to have more of it? Visit our blog: What Does the Bible Actually Say About Self-Control
God’s Word Guides Our Lives
As God’s words transform our hearts and renew our minds (Romans 12:2), it also guide us, lead us, and are like a shepherd for us in every season. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Bible verses in the Word of God give us wisdom not only for how we should live our lives, but God’s word also gives us direction for big decisions and small decisions.
In God’s word, it’s common for God to be the Good Shepherd who supernaturally leads people on the way they should go. In the Old Testament, God showed up in big ways as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). And in the New Testament, God even sent angels to break Peter out of prison and lead him to a prayer meeting where the believers were praying for his release (Acts 12:6-18)!
The Bible not only offers us practical wisdom on how to follow God, but as the inspired Word of God, it also gives us wisdom for each day. Did you know that there’s even a Proverb for each day of the month? Seriously! There are 31 Proverbs in God’s word. You can read a Proverb a day, just click here to start!
Have you walked away from the Lord, but want to come back to God? Today is your day. Hear a story of redemption, forgiveness, and hope: How to Restore Your Relationship with God
God Preserves His Word for All Generations
In Psalm 119, the Bible says that God’s word is eternal and that it is firmly fixed in the heavens (Psalm 119:89-86). Because God’s word endures forever, it is also preserved for all generations. Curious to know some practical ways that God’s word has influenced culture over the generations? Here are some examples:
In America, the Old Testament influenced laws, governance, and even morality. The Ten Commandments in God’s word even helped to inspire modern American law.
In England, William Wilberforce was inspired by God’s word and started an abolitionist movement that was influenced by God’s heart to free the captives. Because of William Wilberforce's dedication to God's word, he continued to fight for the freedom of slaves while serving in British parlaiment. In the book of Galatians, Paul writes:
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" - Galatians 6:9
William was encouraged to do good and bring liberty to Africans who were trapped in slavery because of God’s word and Bible verses about freedom. Praise God!
The Bible has something to say to everyone, in every place, in every era of history. God’s word is timeless and good for everyone to read. If you don’t know where to start, read our blog: 50 Bible Verses for New Believers
Jesus as the Word of God
In the Gospel of John, the writer opens up with an iconic sentence,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” - John 1:1
This Bible verse about the Word of God names Jesus as the Word of God. While this may feel confusing, it’s actual confirms Jesus’ identity. In God’s word, there are around 300 messianic prophecies. Messianic is a big word that means relating to or about the Messiah, and prophecy is a fancy word that means a prediction or foretelling about something that is going to happen. For example, Bible passages such as Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 speak about Jesus, the One who would come to earth and take away the sins of the world.
In that essence, Jesus is the Word that God has spoken about! In another part of God's word, John writes about Jesus as the Word of God again, just a few verses later:
The Word became flesh, dwelling among us, and we saw His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. - John 1:14
Because Jesus is the One that God’s word speaks about and because He is God Himself at the same time, He is the Word of God who became flesh and walked the earth. How wild and awesome to know that God would go to any length to show us His love!
Want to learn more about discovering Jesus in the Word and following His leadership in everyday life? Read our blog with the co-founders of the OneStoryWell Collective: How to Embrace Each Moment with God
Conclusion
Discovering the Word of God is a lifelong journey that just gets better with time! God’s word has the power to transform your heart, guide you through life, and show you how much God loves and cherishes you. The Bible is way more than just words on a page – it’s timeless and timely for today.
Whether you’re brand new to God and reading the Bible or whether you’ve been reading the Word of God for years, remember that God wants to meet you as you read. God’s word isn’t just meant for studying; it’s meant to be experienced. As you’re discovering God’s word in the Bible, feel free to use some of our Bible study blogs and our free E-books to keep learning about Jesus, the Savior of the world!
