All the faithful in scripture are seen at prayer and once again the finest exponent of this is the Lord Jesus.

Those of faith also value highly the privilege and the power of prayer. ‘ And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.’ (Revelation 19:13) The Apostle John in the book of Revelation even calls him ‘ The Word of God’. He gave his perfect life as a sacrifice according to the word. He lived consistently and unfailingly by the word. All his teaching was derived from the word. The Lord Jesus is of course the finest example. We should endeavour to receive the word of God daily so that it will give us a living energetic faith.Īll the great men and women of faith have a high regard for the word of God. The phrase ‘effectually worketh’ is just one word ‘energeo’ in the original Greek language from which we can see easily we get the English word ‘energy’. Note also the following words that the Apostle Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica ‘ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.’ (1 Thessalonians 2:13). All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.’ (2 Timothy 3:15-17) The man or woman of faith does not neglect God’s word. Commending the word of God to Timothy his fellow disciple the Apostle Paul says ‘ thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. If we are to have a pleasing faith before God, then, we must all cherish His word, both preacher and hearer. The preacher must preach but it is God’s word that is powerful and life giving.

If a correct understanding of the scriptures is not conveyed then only the word of man is shared. If someone is hearing with the right spirit then by the grace of God they too can have that faith that saves. A few words on the bus, or at work, or by an email might just start the whole wonderful process off. The preacher might be a highly respected speaker giving a formal public address but he or she may just as easily be that quiet unassuming person who simply says a sentence or two to a family member, a neighbour or a work colleague at the right time. This point is made by the Apostle Paul when he writes ‘ So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’ (Romans 10:17) A preacher is therefore required to give voice to that message. To develop a saving faith men and women first have to hear the gospel.

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