The Blessed Book: A Foundation, A Light, A Mission
Pastor Hackman
10:00 AM
October 27, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
The Foundation of Faith: A Book that Endures
The Unchanging Truth of Scripture
Emphasize the Bible’s unwavering truth, from Genesis to Revelation.
Share how Scripture serves as a reliable foundation, unaltered by time or culture.
Building Life on Solid Ground
"A solid foundation where I firmly stand" — highlight the security and strength of a life grounded in Scripture.
Contrast the shifting morals of the world with the Bible’s consistent moral and spiritual guidance.
Sin and Redemption Through Scripture
"Sin kept me from it; now it keeps me from sin" — explore how Scripture transforms lives, calling believers away from sin and guiding them to righteous living.
The Bible as Sustenance for the Soul
Living Water and Bread of Life
“Into the well of pure water” — share how the Word refreshes and nourishes like water for the thirsty soul and bread for the hungry.
Reference Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35) and living water (John 4:10).
Strength for Life’s Battles
"My faithful sword" — describe the Bible’s role as a spiritual weapon against temptation and life’s struggles (Ephesians 6:17).
Illustrate how Scripture strengthens and equips believers for trials and spiritual warfare.
The Bible’s Light in a Dark World
A Guide for the Pathway of Life
“A light to my pathway” — emphasize the Bible as guidance, illuminating the path when life seems dark.
Psalm 119:105 – "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Clarity Amidst Confusion
"A lamp to lighten when the world gets so dark" — highlight how Scripture provides clarity, comfort, and direction.
Address the confusion and challenges of modern times, showing how God’s Word offers wisdom and understanding.
The Cost and Value of Scripture
The Sacrifices of the Saints
“When I think what it cost just to hold in my hand” — reflect on the sacrifices made by martyrs and believers who preserved the Bible.
Acknowledge the cost of holding and reading the Bible today, honoring those who died for the faith.
Our Responsibility to Treasure the Word
Encourage reverence and appreciation for Scripture, urging believers to read, meditate on, and cherish the Bible.
Remind the congregation of the privilege of access to Scripture in a world where some still do not have it.
The Bible as a Call to Action and Mission
The Great Commission’s Foundation
Reference Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands to "teach all nations" — reveal how the Bible underpins the mission to share God’s truth globally.
Tie the message of missions to the reliability and transformative power of Scripture.
Supporting Missionaries and the Spread of the Gospel
Outline the role of local churches in supporting missionaries who spread the gospel worldwide.
Emphasize the importance of partnering with and praying for missionaries, ensuring the true doctrine is shared faithfully.
Conclusion: Embracing the Blessed Book Fully
A Foundation, Shelter, and Light
Reinforce the themes of the Bible as foundation, sustenance, and guide.
Encourage believers to allow Scripture to be their solid foundation, the anchor in trials, and their guide in a dark world.
A Call to Deepen Devotion to God’s Word
Inspire the congregation to deepen their relationship with the Bible, allowing it to impact every area of life.
Prayer for Commitment to God’s Word and Mission
Close with a prayer, asking God to strengthen the church’s commitment to Scripture and to equip them for mission work locally and globally.
Biblical References
Psalm 119:105 – "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
John 6:35 – "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'"
John 4:10 – "Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.'"
Ephesians 6:17 – "Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Matthew 28:19-20 – "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you."
Mark 16:15 – "And he said unto them, 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.'"
Acts 1:8 – "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
2 John 1:10-11 – "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."
Reflection Questions
How does the Bible serve as a foundation in your life, especially in times of uncertainty or change?
In what ways has Scripture acted as “living water” or “bread” for you, nourishing your spirit during times of spiritual hunger or thirst?
How has the Word of God been a “light to your path” or a “lamp in the darkness” when you faced difficult decisions or felt uncertain about your future?
Considering the sacrifices made by past believers to preserve Scripture, what commitment do you feel called to make in how you honor or share the Bible in your life?
How might you allow God’s Word to be an even stronger “sword” or “shield” in your spiritual battles, guarding you against temptation and guiding you to live in obedience?
Daily Activities
Daily Scripture Challenge
Activity: Set aside 10-15 minutes each morning or evening to read a chapter from the Bible.
Application: Reflect on how these verses provide guidance, like "a light to my pathway." Journal any insights or applications for your day.
Scripture Memorization
Activity: Choose one verse that resonates with the themes of foundation, light, or spiritual strength, such as Psalm 119:105, and commit it to memory over the week.
Application: Repeat the verse whenever you face a difficult moment, using it as your “faithful sword” in times of need.
Bible as a Shelter
Activity: When feeling overwhelmed or anxious, turn to the Bible as a “shelter from life’s troubled storms” by reading a comforting Psalm or passage.
Application: Pray through the words, asking God for peace and refuge in your specific circumstances.
Gratitude for Scripture’s Legacy
Activity: Spend a few moments in prayer or reflection, thanking God for the sacrifices made by past believers to preserve the Bible.
Application: Consider supporting a Bible translation or distribution organization, acknowledging the privilege of having Scripture by helping others receive it.
Mission Action Plan
Activity: Reflecting on the Great Commission, write down one practical step you can take to share God’s Word with others, such as volunteering, sharing a Bible verse on social media, or inviting someone to church.
Application: Pray for opportunities to be a “light in the dark” to those around you.
