A Pastor’s Perspective

“God’s Word Remains” by Mike Hill, pastor of Calvary Chapel Aberdeen        

Listen to CALVARY RADIO 90.3 FM (mjhill@ida.net)

      Soon after I became a Christian, I took Christ’s words seriously when He said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31-32 NASB).  I not only read the Bible to continue in His Word, I also began to memorize it.  The fact that God’s Word does not change supplies security to my soul.  As I feed upon the Scripture, I acquire God’s eternal perspective concerning the uncertain times in which we live.  I came across a story told by one of my heros, Billy Graham, that describes the powerful effect of memorizing Bible passages on God’s children.

     “A missionary in China who was imprisoned by the Japanese during World War II, managed to take a forbidden Gospel of John with her into prison.  She carefully hid it, and each night when she went to bed, she pulled the covers over her head and memorized one verse.  She did this until the day she was freed.  When the prisoners were released, most of them shuffled out, but the missionary was so chipper someone said she must have been brainwashed.  A Life magazine reporter who had interviewed her said, ‘She’s been brainwashed for sure.  God washed her brain.’ 

     I urge you not only to read God’s Word but to memorize it.  You may find it hard at first, but as you repeat a verse or a group of verses over and over to yourself, you will find that they begin to take root in your soul.  The Psalmist declared, ‘Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You’ (Ps. 119:11).  Then when adversity or trouble arise, those verses will come back and give you hope.”

     Currently, many people in our nation are standing up to fight against greater degree of control by the government and the socialistic agenda in the guise of reform.  Why is this political issue included in a religious column?  This issue affects believers throughout our nation.  World Magazine quotes Senator Jim DeMint’s opinion, “In order for socialists to expand the power of government they have to decrease the power of religion, which empowers individuals.  Dependency on government reduces dependency on God.”

     What is the first step to promoting freedom in our nation?  Hide God’s Word in your heart and tell others about its freedom-producing truth.  Include a Bible memorization plan within your schedule now.  When adversity or crises hit, your heart will be filled with hope from the truth revealed in Scripture, knowing that God is in control (Daniel 4:25b; Psalm 96:10).  And, if there ever does come a time when you are put in chains because of your faith, your soul will remain eternally free.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).