Opening Prayer
Father God, I pray that our minds be focused on you, Lord. That we may be filled with your wisdom, that you fill our hearts with your spirit, and that you join all of us today as we learn what your Word will do for us. Father God I ask that you bless this group0 and everyone in it, that we may be brought closer to you, and that we may share this new found wisdom abut you with others. In Jesus' name we pray all of this, amen!!!
#1 The Word of God is truth and when we follow it we are made free (John 8:32)
Note: Jesus himself is the truth that sets us free (John 8:36). He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from continued slavery to sin, from self-deception, and from deception by Satan. He shows us clearly the way to eternal life with God. Thus, Jesus does not give us freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God. As we seek to serve God, Jesus' perfect truth frees us to be all that God meant us to be.
#2 The Word is life healing and health to all who find them (Proverbs 4:20-22)
NIV version
(20)My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear toward my words.
(21)Do not let them out of your sight,
Keep them within your heart;
(22)for they are life to those who find them
and health to one's whole body.
Note: The word tells us how to live:
what to eat
rules/guidelines to follow
how to obey God which leads to eternal life!!!
#3 The Word heals and delivers us (Psalm 107:20)
NIV version
He sent out His Word and healed them,
He rescued them from the graves
Note: Fools and rebels surely bring trouble upon themselves. This psalm offers hope for those who have made a mess of their lives. By receiving God's free gift of forgiveness (see Micah 7:18-20 and 1John 1:9). Anyone can begin a new life and break with the past (see Romans 3:23-23 and 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Micah 7:18-20
(18)Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. (19)You will again have passion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the seas. (20)You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our ancestors in days long ago.
1John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness
Romans 3:23-26
(23)For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (24)and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (25)God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood--to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-- (26)he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come, the old has gone, the new is here!
By faith in Christ, we can break addictions, heal memories, and restore broken relationships. If we ask Christ to take control. of our lives, he will answer us. His love reaches even those who have rebelled against Him.
#4 The Word protects us (Psalm 18:30)
NIV version
As for God, Hes way is perfect.
The Lord's Word is flawless.
He shields all who take refuge in Him.
Note: Some people think that belief in God is a crutch for a weak people who cannot make it on their own. God is indeed a shield to protect us when we are too weak to face certain trials by ourselves, but he does not want us to remain weak. He strengthens, protects, and guides us in order to send us back into an evil world to fight for Him. Then He continues to work with us because the strongest person on Earth is infinitely weaker than God and needs His help. David was not a coward; he was a mighty warrior who, even with all his armies and weapons, knew that only God can ultimately protect and save him.
Closing Prayer
Father God, I ask that these verses remain in our hearts and in our minds. I ask that we are able to continue to feel your ever loving presence with us as we go about our day. Thank you for your blessings, Lord and allowing us to gather today. We praise you, Lord, for all that you do and all that you have done! In Jesus name we pray, Amen!!!
