Real Hope: Back to Basics - BibleSample

More Than A Book

The Bible is more than just a book – it’s a book that has power to change. Have you ever wanted to change something about yourself? In your past efforts to change, maybe you’ve encountered the huge difference between knowing what to do to change, and actually doing it. Simply knowing what we ‘should’ do in life doesn’t always seem to provide enough motivation or power to act on it.

Going far beyond offering inspiration or self improvement techniques, the Bible’s message tells us how God offers us the power to change by trusting ourselves to Jesus. Jesus says, ‘The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don’t make anything happen. Every word I’ve spoken to you is a Spirit word, and so it is life-making’ (John 6:63).

James, the brother of Jesus writes, ‘Humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you’ (James 1:21b NIV). This is not a mere change of your habits or words, but a change of your heart, hopes and your very being. But perhaps the idea of change makes you cringe. Whether it’s a change you’re resistant to or whether it’s a good change you welcome, change is uncomfortable.

Many people think that following Jesus means giving up everything they deem pleasurable in life. Giving your life to Jesus is not so much about giving up what you think ‘the good life’ is – it’s more about coming into the fullness of life that God intended you to experience. Jesus says, ‘I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of’ (John 10:10b MSG).

Written by CHRIS WITTS