The ministry, by whatever means - spoken or printed - is the vehicle

that brings the Word of God to the doorstep of the human heart. There,

the Lord Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit knocks quietly, seeking entrance.

One of the most profound promises revealed in the Word of God is the

statement: "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my

voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him

and he with me." (Rev. 3:21)

To respond to this gentle knock is an expression of personal faith that

allows the Word of God to become the foundation of an individual

spiritual experience.

First, the Gospel" ...is the power of God unto salvation to everyone

that believeth..." Jesus made a definite and decisive statement to

Nicodemus that clearly defined the conditions of Salvation and requirements

for becoming a citizen of God's kingdom: "Except a man be

born again he cannot see the kingdom of God..."

The Word of God is the instrument of the Spirit in bringing an individual

to this experience of a new creation. "Being born again, not of

corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth

and abideth forever."

To illustrate the work of the ministry in bringing salvation, Paul said,

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call upon him in whom they have not believed? And

how shall they believe in him, whom they have not heard? And how shall

they hear without a preacher? ...So then faith cometh by hearing, and

hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:13, 14 & 17.

Paul as a minister of the Gospel was not shy in taking credit for his

work: "for in Jesus Christ I have begotten you through the Gospel." I

Corinthians 4:15

Second, The Word of God is the Christian's guide. Even the Psalmist

said, ''Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my pathway. "

(Psalms 119:105). Today when the world is groping in darkness, indecision,

and frustration God's Word is the only reliable guide.

It is also the Christian's power to overcome temptations to sin that

would otherwise overwhelm him. Jesus told His disciples: "Now ye are

clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you". (John 15:3). He

then prayed that they might be dedicated continually unto the holiness

of God: "Sanctify them through thy truth; thy Word is truth". (John

17:17). Finally, the individual has a personal responsibility. “Thy word

have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee". (Psalm 119: 11).

Third, The Child of God is sustained by His Word. "I have written

unto you, young men, because ye are strong and the Word of God

abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one..." (I John 2: 14).

"But whosoever keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God

perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." (I John 2:5)

Knowing the importance of the ministry of the Word of God, it is our

Fervent hope that by presenting it anew in this manner - the Word might

be even more effective in your life.