Pastor Raymond Woodward of Capital Comunity Church is one of my favorite preachers to follow online. His sermons always cause me to really think and see the scriptures in ways I once did not. In fact, their church youtube channel is a great one to subscribe due to the number of different preachers always taking the pulpit and bringing amazing messages founded in the word of God. This specific sermon entitled The Walking Bible seems to be one of those messages that is meant primarily for his church family. But thankfully they still posted it online so we could all gain something from it.
As Pastor Woodward points out many have been referred to as walking bibles over the years. The one that sticks out in my mind is Johnny James. A preacher that is able to deliver entire sermons without ever referencing a note. While being sure to layout multiple scriptures without a mistake or without even missing a beat. It is men like him who have committed so much of the scripture to memory that we often think of as true walking Bibles.
I have often referred to those select few as walking Bibles never even coming to the conclusion that Pastor Woodward does. Every Christian should be a walking Bible. One read by all those who encounter us throughout our day. Not because we are able to quote scripture word for word at the drop of the hat. But because our lives are a testimony to the scripture. The world should be able to look at any given Christian and see the word in action. Because we are not called simply to know the Word but to do the Word.
James 1:22 (ESV)
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Even Jesus was sure to point out that it is not about simply knowing His commands. But about keeping the commands. Which means living out the instructions given by Christ in our lives day in and day out. Not only when at Chruch or when it is convent to do so but all the time. That is how we will cultivate the right relationship with God.
John 14:21 (ESV)
21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
As Pastor Woodward also points out Christians should be the best people in our communities. Kind, loving, generous, slow to anger, and so on. Not because we want to look super religious and better than others. Or because we think we must get to heaven. But simply because we are instructed to be that kind of people in God’s inspired word.
I must also agree with what Pastor Woodward says about bringing others to Church. While it is important that we try to get more people in Church. It must not become a crutch to Christians. As he points out others should be able to learn about Christ and Christianity based on the way we carry ourselves.
I would like to add that we should also not feel as though we need to bring someone to church so they can hear the plan of salvation. If you know enough to be sure you have received salvation then you know enough to lead someone else to salvation. If you do need help then at Acts 2:38 to your memorized scriptures. Because after faith in Jesus as the son of God that’s all one needs to know.
Acts 2:38 (ESV)
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
While this sermon lies on the shorter side, at least for the Apostolic church. It is packed with information that will change the way you look at your purpose in this world. So much so that I could mention every moving point in this article. I highly recommend you take the time to watch the whole video and learn how important it is that you take on your responsibility as a walking Bible in God’s kingdom. Because the truth is you may be the only exposure hunters ever have to the Bible. Your life has the power to forever alter their lives and save so many from the perils of hell.
My hope is that you will see that God has instructed every single Christian to live out His word. As a walking talking Bible for all to read. So that others might be brought to the faith. Help us bring this need before the eyes of every Christian by sharing it on social media. This is the message that the Church needs to hear. Just think about how the world would change if every Christian lived out their faith as an example of God’s word. Thank you for sharing and God Bless!
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