"the word of god"

My favorite Bible verses? That’s easy. Leviticus 13:9-11.

"When anyone has an infectious skin disease, he must be brought to the priest. The priest is to examine him, and if there is a white swelling in the skin that has turned the hair white and if there is raw flesh in the swelling, it is a chronic skin disease and the priest shall pronounce him unclean.”1

Just kidding.

Even though the above verses, in context, show the Lord’s detailed concern for His covenant people, the Jews, let’s be honest: There really isn’t any practical application for those of us here in the 21^st century. Thus, they probably aren’t on anyone’s list of favorite Scriptures.

But now that I have your attention, what do you think God’s favorite verse or verses are? I know, I know, I’m asking you to speculate, but what do you think? Of all the Bible passages, which is closest to His heart?

For what it’s worth, here’s my best guess:

“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.”2

In this verse the Apostle Paul praises the Lord because the believers to whom he’s writing accepted and believed what they had been told, “not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God.”

If this isn’t the Lord’s favorite Bible verse it has to be one of His top three. And why? Because of the urgency for people to believe that Scripture is, indeed, the very words of God. When and if people believe that they’re convicted of their sin and discover how to avoid being judged in the life to come: Put their faith in Christ.

So, it’s gut-check time. Do you believe in the Christian Bible, “not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God”?

If your answer is “No,” I totally understand—I wasn’t convinced until the age of 35. But when I examined the evidence—really examined the evidence—the conclusion became obvious to me. If you’re not convinced but consider yourself open-minded, please read more about the Bible at http://windowtotheword.com/bible.asp. The article may address some of the concerns that you have.

In the meantime, if you do believe the Bible is “the word of God” I think I speak for the Lord when I say that He’s thrilled.

Before you congratulate yourself, however, here’s a follow-up question for you: Since you believe the Bible is the “word of God,” do you read it, study it and obey it? After all, it is the “word of God.”

A little squirmy, are we?

If it’s any consolation, I don’t always do such a good job in terms of reading, studying and obeying either. And I’m preacher boy.

But let’s make a pact, just between you and me. Since we both believe the Bible is the “word of God,” let’s actually show some interest in it. Let’s read it, study it, and obey it.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”3

1  Leviticus 13:9-11

2  1 Thessalonians 2:13

3  2 Timothy 3:16-17