The Power of The Word

One of the most strengthening and enjoyable things we do as a church is meeting in the middle of the week for Let’s Talk Nights. These are refreshing times where we get together in smaller groups to talk about our lives, relationships, and the Scriptures. We are grateful to have a digital team that provides videos and digital content to help our discussions go deeper and bring us closer to each other and God. We recently completed a two-part series called “When the Church Abandons The Word: 5 Ways To Get The Scriptures Back Into Our Lives.” The following was one of the passages in this series:

All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ERV

At my Let’s Talk Night, my friends and I had a great discussion about learning to apply the Scriptures, instead of merely studying or quoting them. Applying the Scriptures is what changes our lives, and we have heard from groups all throughout the Bay Area about great discussions that have led to decisions to apply the Bible to our lives daily.

These conversations reminded me of the power of the Word of God to transform not just one life, but whole families. Today I want to share with you one such story of change.

Not simply with words but also with power
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 NIV

Lucina, who is a member of our church in Silicon Valley, had been praying for 17 years that her husband Mike would study the Bible so he could know God and become a Christian too. Mike would come to church, but his heart was never open to studying the Scriptures and applying them to his life.

Throughout those 17 years, Mike saw firsthand the lives of the Christians and the friendships that they were able to have through the influence of the Bible. Sam and Grace Wong, two other members of the church here in Silicon Valley, became Lucina and Mike’s lifelong friends. Though Mike wasn’t ready to become a Christian, these relationships made an impact on him.

Finally, after the pandemic lockdown and other losses in his life, Mike saw it was time to make changes. He knew exactly who to call and what to do. He told his wife and Sam that he was ready to study the Bible.

Mike was quickly able to see that studying the Bible came with power; following the Scriptures helped him to be a more loving husband, a more spiritual father, and a better friend. As Mike was baptized a couple of weeks ago with his family by his side, he implored those listening, “Do not wait as long as I have waited to study the Bible. Talk to your friends now and get started, it can change your life.”

Mike and Lucina’s story has been tremendously inspiring to me personally, as it helps me see just how powerful the Bible is. It can truly change a life.

Devouring the Word of God
So until I come, be diligent in devouring the Word of God, be faithful in prayer, and in teaching the believers.

1 Timothy 4:13 TPT

The more we read, hear, and make the Word of God the center of our lives, the more power we will have. Our lives will make an impact on people around us.

Our hearts should be set on devouring the Word of God. I have found so many tools on Deep Spirituality that help me get more of the Word in my heart. I encourage you, if you haven’t already, to go to Deep Spirituality and find One Quick Thought videos, podcasts, or devotionals to help you in your own walk with God, and join so many of us who are finding new inspiration through the Word of God.

Till next time,

Scott and Margo Colvin

South Bay Lead Ministers