Spiritual Illiteracy

by Bud Lambert

My first computer was an Apple Macintosh Plus. Compared to my typewriter, it was one powerful machine. It literally changed my life. But at first my Apple was more of a frustration than it was a help; not because it was incapable of helping me, but because I didn't know how to properly use it. I was computer illiterate.

The Bible is a powerful book with literally unlimited capabilities. It contains the power of God that can revolutionize our lives. The apostle Paul says it can empower us to do everything that is right ( Romans 8:1-4) and not do anything that is wrong ( Galatians 5:16-26). The Bible offers us the power to change our lives so we can enjoy an abundant life now and eternal life later. But, in order for it to help us, we must use it properly.

The New Testament writer, James, wrote to Christians who were spiritual illiterates. They didn't know how to properly use the word of God. Consequently, God's word wasn't able to work its power in their lives, and their lives were unsatisfying and unchanging. So, in James 1:19-27, in order that his readers could avoid spiritual illiteracy, gain access to the power of God, and live the abundant life, James gives several instructions about the proper use of God's word.

Is your life better now than it was last year? Is your life as a Christian exciting and enjoyable? Is your life better than the lives of your friends who are not Christians? If it's not, you're probably not properly using your Bible. Sometime this week, study James 1:19-27. See how many instructions about the proper use of the Bible you can find, and learn how you can bring excitement back into your Christian life.

November 11, 2007



Spiritual Illiteracy by Bud Lambert My first computer was an Apple Macintosh Plus. Compared to my typewriter, it was one powerful machine. It literally changed my life. But at first my Apple was more of a frustration than it was a help; not because it was incapable of helping me, but because I didn't know how to properly use it. I was computer illiterate. The Bible is a powerful book with literally unlimited capabilities. It contains the power of God that can revolutionize our lives. The apostle Paul says it can empower us to do everything that is right ( Romans 8:1-4) and not do anything that is wrong ( Galatians 5:16-26). The Bible offers us the power to change our lives so we can enjoy an abundant life now and eternal life later. But, in order for it to help us, we must use it properly. The New Testament writer, James, wrote to Christians who were spiritual illiterates. They didn't know how to properly use the word of God. Consequently, God's word wasn't able to work its power in their lives, and their lives were unsatisfying and unchanging. So, in James 1:19-27, in order that his readers could avoid spiritual illiteracy, gain access to the power of God, and live the abundant life, James gives several instructions about the proper use of God's word. Is your life better now than it was last year? Is your life as a Christian exciting and enjoyable? Is your life better than the lives of your friends who are not Christians? If it's not, you're probably not properly using your Bible. Sometime this week, study James 1:19-27. See how many instructions about the proper use of the Bible you can find, and learn how you can bring excitement back into your Christian life. November 11, 2007	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM