Jesus said in Matthew 7v24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
As Christians the Word of God, the Bible, should be the foundation not only of our preaching but also of our lives. The Bible in itself is an incredible book, how 66 books can be written by various authors, over hundreds of years and how it is all united, all fits together as one, the various prophesies that have been fulfilled etc it is truly a unique book.
However the Bible is much more than just a book. We believe that it is the inspired word of God. 2 Timothy 3v16 says “All scripture is God breathed”. This is a remarkable statement, but one we whole heartedly believe, that all of the scriptures, both Old and New Testaments were inspired by God Himself. 2 Peter 1v21 confirms that “prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”. Although God used human agents in the writing of the scriptures, these men didn’t speak according to their own imaginations, but it was the Holy Spirit that was leading and guiding them.
Because the Bible is the word of God that means it contains all that we need for Christian living and ministry. Everything that we preach and teach should have its foundation in the scriptures. As Christians we should read the Bible as an essential part of our daily walk with God, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matt 4v4). The Bible shows us God’s standard for living and is a way God can lead and guide us “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Pslm 119v105).
Most importantly of all, the Bible should not be considered just a written word only but something that is alive and life changing! By the revelation of the Holy Spirit, God desires to speak to us through the scriptures so that we may get to know Him better and His will for our lives “For the word of God is living 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 4v12)
As well as the scriptures themselves testifying of the fact that the Bible is the word of God there are also the testimonies of billions of lives throughout history who have had their lives changed by the power of God’s written Word.