Held Captive by the Word of God

 I am held captive by the word of God in my devotions, teaching, and preaching. There is always something new to discover, new truths to expound, and hidden passages that spring to life in obscure passages passed over by most. The word of God is worth serious study by serious students. When I say students, I am not referring to academic study. I am thinking of devotional study as a devout disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ seeking a closer walk with Him. 

I have read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation a few dozen times. There are always fresh words from the Lord to apply to life. I rarely preach topical messages based on current events. I prefer to preach expository messages through books of the Bible verse by verse. This is not the easiest way to do it. My convictions hold it is the most necessary way to do it. Difficult passages arise that must be addressed and not avoided. My call is to preach the whole counsel of God. 

I'm currently teaching through Mark, Acts, and Colossians. Methodically marching through verse after verse. Great themes and doctrines of God's word present themselves. Hard texts have to be wrestled with to uncover truth. I recently sat a round table with several couples to teach from the first few verses in Mark 10 dealing with divorce. With the exception of Brenda and I, everyone else at the table had suffered through divorce. It was uncomfortable to say the least. There were a few tense moments. There was also grace as truth got explained. It was painful to expound that truth. To teach the truth in love, not in judgment or condemnation. It was not the most fun I've had expounding scripture. It would have been easier to avoid those scriptures. That would have been the coward way out. I'm held captive to the word of God and must present the truth contained in it. Even when it is hard. 

I do not have to be creative. Nor to rely on gimmicks to entertain the people. I abhor the dog and pony show to attract a crowd. I'm held captive to the word of God. It should be enough to draw people to come. It is not always easy to listen to God's words. Some passages are pointed. They have a sharp edge to them. They cut to the heart. Others scriptures encourage and strengthen people in their daily journey. Either way I keep pointing people to God and His book. May we all be  held captive.