The Whole Story: A Life in God's Kingdom, the Word of GodSample

When Christians speak of the “word of God” we often refer to different, though related concepts. First, the New Testament speaks of Jesus himself as the “word” or logos of God, who took on flesh and established his sacred space among humanity (John 1:1-18). Therefore the phrase word of God is expressed in its highest and truest sense when it refers to Jesus himself.

But Christians will also refer to the Bible as the “word of God” as well. There is a literal component to this label––the Bible is most literally a collection of words. But there is also a revelation component to referring to Scripture as the word of God. Such a statement testifies to our belief that Scripture is the primary means by which God has chosen to reveal himself to humanity. We know who God is, in large part, because of the testimony of Scripture.

We can also speak of the word of God as the message about God’s redemptive plan for humanity––the gospel. Finally, there is also a sense that when the Holy Spirit speaks through the people of God through words of knowledge and words of prophecy that he is speaking his words through his people (though this is secondary and must agree with Scripture).

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Living in God’s Family 

The word “family” can mean many different things to different people. Often, when people speak of family, they mean their blood relatives, specifically those with whom they live (often called the “nuclear family”). While this certainly is one aspect of family, it is not the totality of it!  

 When Christians speak of family, we also refer to God’s family, his ekklesia or “church.” Those who are members of God’s household, brought together in Jesus the Messiah, are more than random individuals who come together a couple of times a week. When we enter God’s kingdom, we become family with one another, forging a unique bond that transcends blood relation, culture, social class, or geographic location. We are all children brought together into God’s great family. 

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Jesus, the Word

When the apostle John referred to Jesus as “the word” (or logos), his readers would have connected this Greek word that referred to that which ultimately ordered everything in existence to the creation story in Genesis (John 1:1-18). John explained that the logos that ordered creation and was the source of all wisdom was none other than God himself. Additionally, through Jesus, the logos “made flesh”, God set up his dwelling place or “tabernacle” with his human creation.

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Instructions for Daily Reading 

Each day as you engage the Scripture, we recommend following this pattern of devotional reading.  

[Take a brief moment of silence to quiet your heart.] 

1. Read the Scripture aloud. 

2. Seek out where King Jesus is at work in the Scripture. 

3. Pray over the Scripture. 

4. Discern how this Scripture impacts your life. 

[Demonstrate loyalty to Jesus in one tangible way today.] 

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Daily Reading - John 1:1-18

Discussion & Reflection: In verse 12 we read how, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we can enter into the spiritual lineage of God’s family. What does it mean to be a child of God? How does this perspective impact your life? How does it influence the way you interact with others?