The Word of God is alive and active!

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb 4:12 NIV)

What God’s Word did to a biker

Many years ago, I heard the conversion testimony of a Hell’s Angel-type biker who recounted how, during a drunken stupor, he tore up an old lady's front lawn as she stood watching helplessly from her front porch. But instead of receiving the usual negative reaction when he did things like this, she calmly recited a Bible verse to him as he sped away. He described how the verse clung to his mind like glue, consuming his thoughts until he ultimately collapsed onto his knees, pleading with God for forgiveness. That shows the power of what God’s Word can do!

What Jesus said about the Word

“But he answered and said, It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matt. 4:4)

The foundation of successful ministry

When I was being trained for ministry many years ago my instructors repeatedly told me, "The Word of God does the work of God!" And they said if I wanted to be successful in my ministry, I must make God’s Word the emphasis and foundation in everything that I do. And the Bible repeated confirms it.

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isa. 55:11) 

“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:7)

“But the word of God grew and multiplied.” (Acts 12:24)

Therefore

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Col. 3:16 ESV)

“My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” (Prov. 4:29-22 ESV)

Quote

“Sharper than any double-edged sword." A sword with two edges has no blunt side; it cuts both this way and that. The Word of God is edge all over. It is alive in every part, and in every part keen to cut the conscience and wound the heart. Depend on it: not a verse in the Bible is superfluous or a chapter that is useless.” - Charles Spurgeon