Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet Outreach

The Word in Our Lives

The Bible must change how we live our lives.

THE BIBLE, AGENT OF CHANGE
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [2 Corinthians 5:17]

The Bible paints a dim picture of human nature in general (e.g., Isaiah 59:2-4; Romans 3:10-12). Although that view often comes under attack by critics of the Bible, even the most cursory review of history proves the assertion right. Even worse, so often well-meaning attempts to improve our lot fail. Many of the great “-isms” of the past few centuries — often predicated on the idea of changing Humanity for the better — make things worse.

But there is hope: hope for us as individuals, hope for anyone who wants to be changed. And that’s because the Bible points us to YHWH, our Creator and Redeemer, and in Him we’ve been given wonderful life-changing promises. By studying the Bible, a sinner can get acquainted with the Lord; He is the Truth, having creative, redemptive and healing power to change us.

Scripture can change lives. It pours a flood of light upon us, pushing back spiritual darkness and revealing to the world the truth about a loving, powerful Deity who seeks to transform the lives of all who come to Him in faith. All who surrender themselves in faith and obedience to YHWH will experience for themselves just what a dramatic change can be wrought, even in the worst of sinners.

DOERS OF THE WORD
O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our lord. [Romans 7:24, 25a]

YHWH is the source of our salvation (e.g., Ephesians 2:8, 9). And though faith is a gift through Him, how do we receive it? The more we read the Bible, the more we know YHWH — the Father and the Son — and the more faith we’ll have. The more we listen to His words, the more our faith in Him will increase and the more we’ll experience His power to change our lives.

Many folks, though, read the Bible and it does nothing for them. Knowledge — even knowledge of Scripture — doesn’t automatically change us for good. A teachable spirit and a heart open to the leading of the Spirit are crucial in the study of Scriptures. It’s not more information we need — not even more information about the Bible. It is instead, a willingness to obey the Bible’s teaching. It’s not those who hear the Word who’ll be blessed, but those who follow it (e.g., Matthew 7:24-29). We need to approach the Bible with a desire to apply it to our lives and to adjust our lives according to its teaching. If we come to Scriptures with humility and the desire to do YHWH’s will, He’ll give us the life-changing faith that will permeate all we do.

PRINCIPLES OF LIFE
The doctrine of YHWH is perfect, restoring the soul: the testimony of YHWH is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of YHWH are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of YHWH is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of YHWH is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of YHWH are true and righteous altogether. [Psalm 19:7-9]

Everyday, we’re confronted with difficult decisions on how to live. How do we know how to make right choices, especially when so many moral theories exist? YHWH has given us His Word as a guide for how we should live. Whether sacred biographies, the life and teachings of Yahushua, or specific direct biblical instructions — the Word gives us principles to guide our lives.
Though the Bible doesn’t pretend to give instruction on every problem known to Humanity, it does give us principles we can apply to our daily lives. Using these principles, along with sanctified common sense and guidance by YHWH’s Spirit, we can learn to be sensitive to the Lord’s leading. Learning the example of biblical heroes or following the guidelines of the Bible will change our lives.

We must see the Bible as more than a compilation of historical or spiritual facts. We need to see it as the will of YHWH, who desires the best for our lives. For that reason, the Bible can educate our ethics and tell us what the Lord expects us to do. He can show us in His Word how to live. When we follow divine guidance for our happiness, our lives will be changed by His divine power.