The Word of God is Living & Active
Table of contents
The Word of God is certainly the most printed book of all time, but why is that? What is it about Scripture that draws people to it? Why do we—as Believers—need to regularly read it?
Join us as we discover why God’s Word is so important, what it means to say the Word of God is living and active, and why we need to spend time in the Word regularly!
The Most Printed Book in the World
In the United States of America, and even in many other nations, gaining access to a copy of God’s Word is quite simple. Be it printed or digital, we would not have to put much effort into discovering God’s Word… and we would be unlikely to face repercussions for doing so—even as cultures change.
There are apps, websites, and other digital resources to enjoy God’s Word. Copies of the Word of God can be found in bookstores, libraries, waiting rooms, hotels, and many other places.
Essentially, someone would be hard pressed to not be able to enjoy God’s Word—at least, in the United States of America and other free countries of the world—especially if we consider that the total number of printed copies produced is believed to be AT LEAST 5 billion, with estimates reaching 7 billion!
In fact, these numbers could easily be underestimating the true figures. Many believe that roughly 4 billion copies of the Word were distributed during the 50-year period from around 1960 to 2010. That, on its own, would be the bulk of the estimate. Yet, when we add more recent figures, the last decade or so has given us an average of 100 million copies printed PER YEAR!
Should these numbers continue, that would be equal to 1 billion printed copies produced every 10 years—though the number could decrease with increasing digital readership; or increase due to the printing of additional versions and translations.
With so many copies available and regularly produced, it is obvious that God’s Word is important. Yet, in spite of these numbers… not everyone has read the Scriptures… and not every Believer chooses to spend a great deal of time in God’s Word!
Why God’s Word is Important
God’s Word is not important merely because it has high print runs. Nor is it because of its easy access in many parts of the world. Instead, it is important because the Word of God is living and active. It is wisdom, and truth. It is the Word of God! His words, given and written for us, so that we might know God, His ways… His heart!
When we read God’s Word, we are allowed insights into our Creator. It goes heart-deep, imparting what is right, and true, and pure.
God’s Word, in fact, is able to shift chaos into order of the most beautiful kind. It is able to silence anger with the peace of God; it is able to teach and provide clarity; it is even able to pour out love!
This begs the question: Why is the Body of Christ often hesitant to read God’s Word?
Many groups have taken surveys (most focused in America) of Christians, provided them with questionnaires, and used those to give us information—including, but not limited to, the frequency with which people read Scripture.
While lacking a full, world-wide Body picture, the statistics given are certainly not good…
Most sources say that around one-third of Believers never read all of God’s Word, while only around one-third of Believers read the Scriptures with any regularity! The reasons given tend to vary. However, certain reasons are given with regularity…
One sad reason is that not all Believers view Scripture as being God’s own words, but instead being simply the result of men who, at most, were inspired by God.
Yet, this is not true! No words of man were ever so powerful! No text able to change the hearts of its readers!
When we believe with certainty that the Word is in fact from God—being His words—then it is in the Word that we are able to find the many truths about the Word itself…
What the Word Says About Itself
How many books do we read that lay out so clearly the purpose and nature of the text?
Few provide a true understanding of what it is meant to be used for or what can be expected from it. And of those few that do, none are as impressive or accurate as the Word of God.
God’s Word promises that not one word of it will pass away. That every promise written within WILL be fulfilled!
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”
—Matthew 5:17-18
It lets us know that it is able to cleanly and sharply cut away, laying bare all the intents of thought and heart; promising that we will be laid bare before God!
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
—Hebrews 4:12-13
And, of course, it clearly tells us that God and the Word are ONE; that before the earth was formed, the Word was, and that, due to the love of God, that same Word became flesh, dwelling among us and allowing us to be saved!
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
—John 1:1-5
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
—John 1:14
What other book could lay hold to such claims?
None.
A Look at the Benefits of the Word
Exploring even these few aspects of God’s Word, we realize that it is not simply a collection of requirements, directives, or stories meant to promote better behavior. It is far, far more…
The Word of God is LIVING. When we open our hearts to it, no matter the situation we find ourselves in… we can be taught through its pages. We can find answers. We can discover an amazing God and wonderful freedom!
What a remarkable thing, to be able to read from one Book and find anger stilled, confusion turned around, hope restored, and love poured out! Yet, that and so much more happens when we take the time to read the Word of God! When we refuse to give in to our doubts and fears, choosing instead the path of promise and renewal by exploring God’s Word with the understanding that it is one of the ways through which God speaks!
Are YOU ready to rediscover how wonderful the Word of God is?
Are YOU prepared to lean into God?
Consider asking God to direct your reading of His Word. Ask Him to lead you to something new. Or to cause something new to be revealed from a scripture you think you know. Or to answer a question you have. Remember, God’s Word always has something important to share for every season and day of your life…
No matter if you decide to read through God’s Word chapter by chapter, or daily go where God leads you… the living Word of God will impact your life for the better! Renewing peace; directing pathways; restoring hope; invigorating love!Enjoy the Scripture, remembering that it is both a privilege and honor to be invited to know our God so intimately. Yes, it can be a time of study… but it is also a beautiful opportunity for deep relationship with the Lord!