In the World - But Not of the World

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We hear that Christians have to live in the world, but should not be of the world. Pretty easy to say, a nice catch phrase. This last week, well since Thursday, during a conversation with my Dad, I had not really given it the import it deserved.

Dad and I where talking about living a sinless life, resisting the devil, lusts of the flesh, our own selfish desires, the I or me in everything we do. I became a little frustrated, where do all of these ungodly distractions stem from?

1 John 2:15-17

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

James 4:4

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Christians live, study, work, and play in the world everyday. Are we mindful to be separate, are we prepared to be separate, do we equip ourselves to be separate?

I have not separated myself from the world properly. This is a constant task, keeping my heart and mind on God, and not the things of the world!

Colossians 3:2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

What music do I listen to? What movies, and TV shows, do I watch? Do I struggle with control of my words? Do I talk about others? Do I complain about my job, or people at work? Do I keep myself from the appearance of evil?

Colossians 3:23-24

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Who are my friends? What is my daily fellowship? Do I participate in questionable activities? Rude, or off color jokes, and discrimination? Foul language and behavior?

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

God's Word has shown me exactly what I have missed. I have allowed satan to suck me into the world I should be separate from. Daily worldly temptations, sins of the flesh so subtle and hurtful, working to destroy my fellowship with God, hurting my witness, lessening any Godly influence or effect I might have on those around me.

Romans 13:13-14

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

I give thanks and glory to my God and Savior for His grace in showing me from His Word the answers I need to live my life for Him.

Matthew 5:13-16

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

I am to be the light of the world, drawing it to the Loving Glory and Magnificence of God our Father!

That is why I live in the World, but I must not be part of the World!

Soul Winning

Jesus told us to teach all nations, to lead others to Christ.

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: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

We are to go into the world, your neighborhood, school, and workplace proclaiming the good news of the gospel, the news that Jesus Christ died for our sins. We should be working to win souls for Christ. We are ambassadors for Christ to reconcile the world to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 

This is our most important job, to win souls for Christ, we should prepare ourselves for soul winning. It won't be an easy task, but God gives us the tools to succeed.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

This will be a spiritual battle, a fight for the salvation of the unsaved, so we must prepare with the Word of God, prayer, the fellowship of God, and our comforter the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

Romans 1:17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 10:17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

We use the Word of God by our faith to witness, teach, and proclaim by the Holy Spirit to convict and stir the unsaved to belief and faith in our Savior.

The Lord sent us out two by two, so that we could be a witness and support to each other during the spiritual battle of spreading the gospel. So one could be in continual prayer during the witness, in fellowship with the Holy Ghost for support and comfort.

Mark 6:7

And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

Luke 10:1

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 

We must prepare with prayer, having the right mind, it is not us, or I, or me that is doing anything, but God and the Holy Ghost working through us to reveal the truth of the gospel to the world.

Colossians 4:2-6

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Ephesians 6:18-20

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

We are praying for God through the Holy Spirit to do the work through us to provide the opportunity and words we need to proclaim His message.

Luke 12:12

For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Keep all of these scriptures and truths with you, hide them in your heart because satan has blinded and deceived the world. The things of God are foolishness to the unsaved.

1 Corinthians 1:18-21

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Through the preparation of Godly fellowship and prayer, asking God to provide us boldness and opportunity to share his Word with the unbeliever, as we go out and witness to the world one soul at a time.

We ask -
Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?
Has anyone shown you from God's Word how to be saved?
Are you interested in spiritual things?
Do you know that you would go to heaven if you died today?

If the answer to any of these is yes, gently and lovingly ask for their witness, be sure of their salvation, fellowship with them, give God the glory for their salvation.

If the answer is no, or if their witness is not true, ask if you can show them from God's Word how they can have salvation, God's redemption and forgiveness of sin.

If they won't let you share the gospel, gently and lovingly thank them for their time, if possible present them with a tract, invite them to church if they will, and move on.

If they would like to hear more of God's Word, the Lord has opened their hearts to receive the gospel, then move to a comfortable place and begin sharing God's Word.

As you share the plan of salvation, do not be in a hurry, cover each step slowly and carefully, read the scripture slowly and deliberately, prayerfully. Have the unbeliever read the scripture out loud. You being in prayer as they are reading.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Ask what does this say to you? What is God trying to say? Help them with the love of God and that God does not want them to perish, they can have everlasting life.
Go on to have the unbeliever read the next verses to show why they will perish without God.

Romans 3:10

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 6:23a

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Notice the a: part of Romans 6:23a For the wages of sin is death; We will get to the b part after the next verse.

Ask what do these verses say to you? What is God saying to you. It should help to show that we have all sinned and will perish because of our sin and unrighteousness.
Have them read the next verse.

Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

What does that mean to them? What is God saying? Re-reference John 3:16 as a help. Reiterate if needed that God loves us so much that Christ died for us. Notice the b part of the next verse.

Romans 6:23b

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Notice the b: part of Romans 6:23b but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God has provided eternal life for us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What does that mean? What is God saying? Would they like to know how to be saved?

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Romans 10:9-13

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

What does this mean? What is God saying? Would they like to be saved? Are they ready to confess their sins, open the door and be saved? Would they like to believe on Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, call on the name of the Lord and be saved?

If they would like to be saved, if they desire to repent and turn away from their sins and follow Jesus Christ, and honestly mean every word, then by praying this prayer God will save them.

Let them know that God knows their heart, and if they don't mean this with all their heart, don't pray it because they won't be saved.

Have them pray the following prayer:

Confessing to God that I am a sinner, and believing that the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins on the cross and was raised for my justification, I do now receive and confess Him as my personal Savior.

With all gentleness and loving kindness praise God for their salvation. Pray with them, and for them praising God with thanks for a new member in the Body of Christ.

Now we should provide assurance of salvation, invite them to church to proclaim their salvation and be baptized, the first act of obedience.

Have them read the following verses -

John 5:24

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 

John 10:28-29

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

John 20:31

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

What does that mean? What is God saying? Exclaim how wonderful and great it is to be saved protected by God and a new creature.

Invite them to come to church, invite them to be baptized, encourage them to now immerse themselves in the Body of Christ and grow in spirit and fellowship.

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Acts 2:41

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 

Romans 6:4

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Have them read the verses, fellowship with them, if you can, give them a New Testament or show them how to load the Bible on their smart phone or tablet.
If you are comfortable with it give them your phone number.
Invite them to get involved with other believers.

This is a great online resource for reading the Bible through in one year: http://oneyearbibleonline.com/

The Gideons provide a Bible App that contains sections and verses for helps in the time of need, help with life's problems, and Christian character for Godly living in today's world, as well as the plan of Salvation. This Bible App will even read itself to you!
http://gideons.bible.is/

Give God the thanks, glory, and praise for the salvation of a new convert.

The Consequences of Sin

Have we become lackadaisical towards sin?
Knowing that our sins are paid, we have been redeemed and are now under grace and no longer under the law.
Have we allowed ourselves to become watered down and non-effectual Christians?

Romans 6:1-2

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Our sins are forgiven, as Christians we are no longer under the penalty of spiritual death because of our sin.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sin still has consequence, shown through out the Bible. Though we are free from the horror of everlasting separation from God. Sin has a consequence on our lives, both physically and spiritually.

Genesis 3:16-19

Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 

Genesis 3:23-24

Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Sin caused Adam and Eve to be cast out of the Garden of Eden, pain and suffering for all mankind, pain and suffering in procreation, hardship, and work for food. The very ground was cursed against us.

Genesis 9:2-6

And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.
Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.
And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.
Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.  

God destroyed the world because of mankind's sin, saving only Noah and family, and the animals in the ark. After which God cursed mankind by causing animals to fear, dread, and cause to kill man. Animals now became a source of food for man, up to this point man only ate the green herb. Man killing man and requiring life for life. Sin is removing peace.

Genesis 16:11-12

And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

Genesis 21:18

Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.

Because of Abraham and Sarah's sin we have Ishmael, the father of the Arab nations. Setting into motion more strife and discord.

Numbers 20:12

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. 

Deuteronomy 34:4-5

And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.
So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.

Because of sin Moses was kept out of the promised land. Because of sin David, a man after God's own heart was not allowed to build the Temple.

Acts 13:22

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 

1 Chronicles 28:2-3

Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:
But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.

We have numerous examples how sin and its consequences have scarred mankind from the beginning through to today. Satan and his evil, tempting and plying the world and the saved with a season of pleasure, worldly, fleshly desires, causing man to put himself before God.

As Christians we have a commitment to keep...
We have accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are new creatures, we are not bound by sin, God promises to provide a way out of temptation. God commands us to be holy as He is holy.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Romans 6:11-14

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

1 Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 peter 1:14-16

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

God provides all the tools for us to resist sin, for us to be holy as He is holy. God chastens us, corrects us, forgives our sins. God wants us to have fellowship with Him and other believers so that the scars of sin can be reduced, so that we don't limit our ministry by the consequence of sin. Sin by members of the Body of Christ cause the discourse we see today, the ineffectual witness and reconciliation of the world to God.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Hebrews 12:5-7

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Corinthians 6:14-16

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  

This is the consequence of a Christian's lackadaisical attitude towards sin, loosing fellowship with God and the Body of Christ.
Causing the unsaved to harden their hearts, sending potential converts to hell instead of Salvation.
Causing our Brothers and Sisters in Christ to stumble and fail.
Weakening our Churches.
Harming the Body of Christ.

Galatians 5:9

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 

We can not have fellowship with sin, we must be separate from the world while living in the world, a beacon of light for the world.

If not, at best we are of no effect, at worst we become satan's helper.

We must revive our commitment to God, understand that we should be in His Word, sanctifying ourselves daily, striving to lead a sinless and holy life so that we can be the ambassadors of God.

God is so gracious and loving, he sent his Son, who died on the cross for our sins, made us new again, redeemed us, providing everything we need to be holy as He is holy.
We only need to be in His Word, allow the Holy Ghost to work in our lives. Then we can be healthy, effectual members of the Body of Christ.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

God has given us his all.

Let's not be lackadaisical, let's be committed, earnestly seeking His righteousness, striving to live every moment for Him.

Life's instruction manual

I have often heard the following, "I wish life had a instruction manual", or "Babies don't come with manuals".
It hit me the other day, we do have an instruction manual, and it covers everything a Christian needs!
The Bible, the inspired living Word of God, God's Holy Word!

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Look at that.

The Word of God is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, and whats more, God has provided us the Holy Spirit to teach us. We as Christians, have our own personal teacher. All we have to do is read our Bible and the Holy Spirit will teach us all things and provide remembrance and comfort as we need it.

John 14:26 

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Why?

So that Christians (the men and women of God) may be perfect, and able to provide all good works. We are changed creatures, made new again.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

We need to read our Bible, live in God's Word everyday so that we may prepare, and strengthen  ourselves for a life set apart from the world, yet living in the world. That we can be a beacon, a light to the world, drawing and reconciling the unsaved to God.

We do battle with the evil in the world everyday, and God wants us to be prepared and ready, God gives us everything we need, contained in His Word, the Bible, imparted by his teacher, and comforter the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

God's word provides the way and means to discern righteousness, what is spiritually correct from evil and worldly. Reading the Bible is what makes the Christian successful in both mortal and spiritual life.

I can tell you, reading your Bible every day, spending time in God's word,  it changes you, it tunes you, it makes you want more, to be more, to live for God.

You can not spend time with God and not be changed!

I challenge my Brothers and Sisters in Christ to read the Bible, set a goal of reading through the Bible over the next year. It only takes about 15 minutes a day.

Spend one month reading the Bible everyday, and you will never stop. You will be changed and amazed by what God has in store for you!

This is a great online resource for reading the Bible through in one year: (I use it every day)
http://oneyearbibleonline.com/

The Gideons provide a Bible App that contains sections and verses for helps in the time of need, help with life's problems, and Christian character for Godly living in today's world, as well as the plan of Salvation. This Bible App will even read itself to you!
http://gideons.bible.is/

God's Word provides Christians the manual for life, how to love God, pray, manage your household, how to love your spouse, how to raise your children, how to love your neighbors, how to love your brothers and sisters, how to manage money, how to bring others to the loving and saving knowledge of Christ. It is our sword against evil.
God's Word is our all...

It is God's love to us. 

Hebrews 1:2-3

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;