Becoming More Than An Average Christian #1

My beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we have gathered to reflect upon our relationship with the Word of God and how we can deepen our devotion. As Christians, we are called to be more than just average believers; we are called to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ willing to stand in the gap for the Gospel.

To do this, we must first recognize the power and importance of the Word of God. The Scriptures tell us in Hebrews 4:12 that "the word of God is alive 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." The Word of God is not merely a collection of ancient stories and teachings but is living and active, possessing the power to transform our lives and the world around us.

To become deeply devoted to the Word of God, we must form a habit of reading, studying, and meditating on it. Jesus teaches us in John 8:31-32 that if we hold to His teachings, we are indeed His disciples. We cannot hold fast to something we do not know or understand; thus, studying the Word of God is essential to our growth as disciples of Jesus Christ.

We must also remember that the Word of God is not meant to be kept to ourselves but shared with others. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded. To stand in the gap for the Gospel, we must be well-versed in the Word of God and willing to share it with others.

Finally, we must allow the Word of God to transform us. As James 1:22-25 tells us, we must not merely listen to the word and deceive ourselves but must do what it says. The Word of God has the power to change our hearts, minds, and actions, and if we allow it to do so, it will create in us a zeal and passion for the gospel that cannot be contained.

So my dear Brothers and Sisters, let us commit ourselves to being more than just average Christians but faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, deeply devoted to the Word of God, motivated to share it with others, and willing to stand in the gap for the Gospel. Let us not remain stagnant in our faith but be constantly growing and transformed by the power of the Word of God. Amen.