(Photo by Selma Komisky)

What’s the Word?

By Zelda Dominguez

What’s The Word has quickly become the most popular game trend on all mobile platforms. If you don’t know what it is, it’s a simple game that requires you to view four images and guess the word that unites all four pictures.

I’m not going to speak about game apps. I want to talk about the Word of God. I hear the question, what’s the Word, in reference to the bible often. I would like to share a few interesting facts and points pertaining to the Bible

• Historically it has been said that the Bible is the most sold book of all time.
• According to the Bible Society and their attempt to calculate the correct  number  printed between 1816 and 1975, about 2,458,000,000 –– almost two and a half billion. Another survey, for the years up to 1992, put it closer to 6 billion.
• About 50 Bibles are sold every minute.
• There are many books written about and by various religions. But the Bible is the only one which includes the actual words of God. Those who believe the Bible also believe that God inspired various people through the years to write down His actual words for mankind. The Bible’s authors wrote under divine inspiration from God.
• The Bible says more than 3,000 times ‘thus saith the Lord.’ And the     words which follow are quotes from God.
• Interestingly, ‘Do not be afraid’ appears around 365 times in the Bible (depending on the translation, of course), one for each day of one year.
• The Bible is the most shoplifted book in the world.
• When looking at the Bible as a whole and understanding its teachings,      there are no contradictions.
• There were historians who wrote about the events of the New Testament at the same time the Bible was being written. Josephus is the most         well-known of them. These men, as well as others, can be used to back up the historical accuracy of the Bible.

EVERY WORD OF GOD IS SUFFICIENT FOR EVERY SITUATION

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God, may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

– Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

God’s Word is sufficient for every situation of life.

On a personal note I have found this to be true. Many times in my personal relationship with Christ, He has spoken to me through His word. He has revealed an answer to a prayer request, confirmed a decision, and gave me a promise He later fulfilled. God’s Word restored my joy in the midst of sorrow, He encouraged me to trust Him when I felt weak, God gave me comfort when I was hurting, directed me, showed me my wrongs, taught me about Himself and His love, strengthened me, and countless other things.

I want to be clear I am not saying I used the Word as a magic lamp and ask a question, and randomly opened the Bible and wherever my finger landed, that was my answer. I prayed and while reading my Bible the specific verses just jumped out as the Holy Spirit quickened my heart. The Holy Spirit always works in conjunction with the Word. When we come to the Word, we need the Spirit to give us insight and understanding.

EVERY WORD OF GOD IS ALIVE AND POWERFUL

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

– Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

Many times the Bible has word pictures too. Here in this verse it speaks of a two-edged sword. Not only can it be used offensively, but defensively. God’s Word holds the mirror of His holy standard to our lives. It shows us where we all fall short, and need His forgiveness and grace.

It also can be used to defend ourselves against the enemy. Jesus Himself used God’s word defensively against the devil when he tempted Him in Deuteronomy 8:3. We must know His Word. Like a sword we can deflect an attack only if it is handled precisely and skillfully.

EVERY WORD OF GOD IS FLAWLESS

“Every word of God is flawless”

– Proverbs 30:5a (NIV)

The word flawless here means tried, pure, refined or tested. It is likened to a refiner purging gold or silver by fire, to separate from dross (impurities). God is not like us. His Word is pure. He never deceives, nor does He ever fail to keep His promises.

EVERY WORD OF GOD IS PERFECT

“As for God, his way is perfect…”

– 2 Samuel 22:31a (NIV)

The definition of the word perfect in Hebrew is tamyim, which means without blemish, blameless, complete, or sound.

EVERY WORD OF GOD IS OUR SHIELD

He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”

– Proverbs 30:5b (NKJV)

A shield gives broad and general protection. It means to defend, cover or surround. But you notice it requires something from us. We must trust He can, get under the shield , seek refuge, flee to Him for protection, and hope in God.