Prioritizing God's Word

As Henderson Hills begins to unpack our new mission and strategy, we recognize that God’s Word will always be the first and most important priority. We want to prioritize God’s Word in every sermon, every song, every prayer, every class, every group, and every decision. As a church, this is our commitment. As a fellowship of believers, this should be our individual commitment as well.

Without question, the Bible is the most important book that has ever been written. It is full of history and wisdom. It reveals to us God’s character and nature, His sovereignty and power, and His deep abiding love for each of us. If that were not enough, woven throughout the entire book is the redemptive story of Jesus and His saving grace. People have died horrendous deaths just to gain access to this book. And yet our access to the Bible is unhindered, and at times taken for granted. If we are not careful, it becomes just another book in our library; or worse, something to check off our to-do list. Sometimes we forget exactly what the Bible, God’s Holy Word, has the power to accomplish.

Revives Our Soul

God's Word has the power to reach us in our darkest moments and lead us back into the light of His righteousness. We all go through difficult times in life; we are hurt, we are sick, we are alone, we are rebellious, we are weak, we are overwhelmed. All of these things have the power to consume us, but only the work of God and His Word has the power to save us. When we prioritize God's Word in our lives, it renews, refreshes and revives our soul.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

Teaches

The Bible is unlike any other book that has ever been written. The words in this book have been “breathed out”, or spoken by God himself, and He has given us everything we need to know in matters pertaining to doctrine and moral behavior. God's Word has the power to meet us exactly where we are; teaching us, disciplining us, correcting us and training us with the purpose of leading us to righteousness.

All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Exposes

Nothing can be hidden from Him who sees all things. All of the secrets we keep buried deep inside of us are not secrets to Him. God's Word has the power to pierce through the darkness of our souls, revealing our innermost thoughts and intentions. We stand before Him completely exposed, allowing us the opportunity to confess our wrongdoings to Him, whom we must give account.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eye of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13

Gives Hope

The Bible, from beginning to end, draws us in with expectancy to The One in whom all hope is found: Jesus Christ. In a world burdened by pandemics, natural disasters, and religious and political turmoil, God's Word has the power to not only give us hope, but to change our lives. Jesus Christ died on the cross, taking all of our sin and all of our shame upon Himself. By doing so, He made it possible for all of us to have a relationship with God. When He rose from the grave three days later, He gave us hope that one day we will be free from all of the sickness, all of the wars, all of the burdens of this life, and we will be in heaven praising the very One who gave us His Word.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a High Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20

The Bible gives us access to God Almighty. While we will never understand the mysteries of God this side of heaven, God's Word reveals to us His character and His nature. The Bible revives our souls and teaches us how to be righteous. It exposes our deficiencies so we can learn how to serve Him better and love Him more. The Bible gives us hope that one day we will be with the Creator of the universe, praising and worshipping The Holy One. This is why at Henderson Hills the Bible will always be our most important priority. Will it be yours too? What steps can you take this week to make the Bible a priority in your life?

--Katina Louderback