Destination: God's Word

Dear Grace Baptist Family,

   It is very popular today to be invited to a wedding that is not local. It is called a “destination wedding.” And often the family and a few friends are able to make arrangements to go to that destination—often a beautiful place that people want to spend a few extra days at especially due to the expense of getting there.

   Sometimes we read of particular destinations and what they have to offer. I even saw an article that was about 100 destinations you need to visit if you want rest and relaxation and peace.

   That actually sounds appealing—rest, relaxation and peace.

   While I doubt that I will be going to any of the destinations that were mentioned in that article, I realize that there are some destinations that I can get to.

   In this case, the destinations are at your fingertips. They are in your Bible.

   There are places in your Bible that you should go to as you journey through the realities, joys, troubles, blessings and hardships of life.

   Over the next several weeks, I would like to take you to a few destinations that I hope will be places of rest, relaxation and peace for your soul.

   Let’s begin with this destination:  God’s Word.

   First, consider this doctrinal position:  I believe that the sixty-six books of the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible, as we have it today, is the complete canon of Scriptures. The books of our Bible, Genesis - Revelation, are the complete and divine revelation of God and should be the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and practice for believers in Christ Jesus (II Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 1:1; II Pet. 1:20-21; Rev. 22:18-19). All of the original autographs are those which were inspired by God (II Pet. 1:20-21), then men of God recognized the various writing as inspired of God, and these writings were collected and preserved by the people of God.

   The Word of God is living—Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

   The Word of God is practical—2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence,

   The Word of God is personal—James 1:23–25— 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

   The Word of God directs us—Psalm 119:105  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

   The Word of God is a place of peace—Psalm 119:165 Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

   Now, make your own observations about this destination as you review the following Scriptures:

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

2 Timothy 3:16–17  16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

1 Peter 1:23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

1 Thessalonians 2:13  And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

Matthew 4:4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

Psalm 119:11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

James 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Isaiah 55:11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

   One of your greatest destinations will be the Word of God. And the Scriptures will be the foundation, basis and direction for all of our considerations regarding destinations that we need to visit for the next several weeks—actually for the rest of our lives.   

   Please pray for our services this Sunday, please pray for me as well. I look forward to worshiping the Lord with you. I do hope you will be able to join us in person.   

In Christ,

Wynne Kimbrough

Your Pastor