Studying the Word
#thewordofGodseries
(This Weekly Prayer Summary was written by Devi Susanto, from the CBC English Prayer Ministry Core Team, and edited by Brigitta Tedja)
Pastor John sees the sending of the young people to Compassion Commission as an investment. The Hebrew word used first to describe compassion is "rakhum", which is translated to “compassionate.” The word “compassion” in Hebrew is a "rekhem" or a mother’s womb. In Matthew 24, we read that the love of men will grow cold and we need to counter it with the nurturing compassion of God.
Pastor John Hadi continued with the "The Word of God" series for the month of July with a sermon entitled, "Studying the Word." The Word of God is God Himself. The Word of God is important because heaven and earth will cease but His word will remain.
The Purpose of Studying the Word of God
Studying the Word of God is Very Important
a. Profitable to us: 2 Timothy 3:16, AMP 16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The Church is a training ground. When you follow the Word of God, the Word of God will guide, transform, and you will not fail.
b. Spiritual GPS: Psalm 119:105, NKJV “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
As we walk in this journey of life, we have to be able to navigate the pits and falls of this life. Some of us are being challenged with health, financial, relationships, holiness, and many other things, but if you have the Word of God, it will guide you step-by-step. If you have the Word of God, it will encourage you when you stumble and give you the spirit of persistency and perseverance. Nothing is too difficult with the Lord. All things are possible.
Studying and Meditating the Word of God
Joshua 1:8, NKJV “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
When the situations at work or school are very difficult, when your boss is very demanding, or any other challenges, the enemy will come and try to discourage you. But when you CONFESS the Word of God, our God is the Almighty God and the Holy Spirit is our teacher. When we trust in the Lord, nothing is difficult. I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. When you CONFESS that Word, there is a spirit inside of you that will rise up and encourage you and tell you that you can do.Psalm 1:1-3, NKJV “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law, he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”
God will supply all our needs. The unanswered prayers will be answered in His time.
Ways to Study the Word
Listen to the sermons
Read the Bible through TAWG
Sing praise and worship songs
Practicing the Word of God
Luke 11:28 Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
Matthew 6:33, NKJV “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Do you have a life verse?
What is your “first”?
Psalm 37:4, NKJV “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
How do you delight yourself in the Lord? Studying and meditating the Word of God, day and night. God is talking to us every day and every time, we need to attend our ears towards Him.
Our life is short and filled with challenges.
Psalm 90:10, NLT “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away.”
Our time is short: Average is 70-80 years.
80 years = 4000 Sundays. How many Sundays have you not come to church? We have to use our time wisely; time to serve the Lord, time to love one another, no bickering.We need the Word of God to navigate and guide our lives.
Spiritual GPS: Psalm 119:105, NKJV “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
The Promises of God in the Word of God
~7000 Promises in the Bible
Salvation and eternal life, Deliverance from sin and evil
Freedom from addictions
Overcoming depression, free from fear and anxiety
Relationship (reconciliation of marriage, family, and friends)
Hope and strength
Good health, Healing
Financial provision
Many more blessings and gifts that God promises to provide for those who believe in Him
President Ronald Reagan stated: "Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face." He was a man who loved God. If the President of United States can love the Word, how about you and I? The Bible is given to us to guide us.
B I B L E: Book of Instructions Before Leaving Earth
Through Faith and Patience One Inherits the Promises
Hebrews 6:10-15, NKJV “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”
Psalm 75:6-7, NKJV “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. He puts one down and exalts another.”
Pastor John shared a testimony and stated that he worked with Disney for 15 years and when another opportunity came, he and his wife sought God on what to do. He received a word from Pastor Paul from Psalms 75:6-7. As seen in the map during his sermon, the word Pastor John received was literal. Even though promotion does not come from a geographical place, God put one job down and set up another. Pastor John received a promotion in God’s timing. When you listen to God, He will guide you and make your way successful.
Spending time with God puts everything in the right perspective.
Prayer Points:
Pray for the Lord to give us the discipline to meditate in the Word, day and night
Pray that we will be trained in the Word of God
Pray for the Lord to incline our hearts to His Word
Pray to turn our eyes from worthless things and prioritize Jesus in our lives
Pray to open our eyes to see the wonderful things in His Word—Rhema and Revelation
Pray for the Lord to give us understanding as we study and meditate His Word consistently
Pray for the Lord to fill us with His abundant life
Pray to stir up and grow our spiritual hunger, to thirst and desire for Him everyday
Pray to confess and declare His Word daily
Pray for the advancement and building progress of the Training Center; no delays, obstacles, or interruptions.