Professor Dumbledore said,

“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.”

Words used powerfully and beautifully made J.K. Rowling a best selling author. But God’s words are infinitely more important. Remember what the Bible says about God’s word.

In the beginning was the Word–John 1:1.

“By faith we understand the universe was created by the word of God” Hebrews 11:2.

There is no overestimating the importance of God’s word.

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Therefore “We will give ourselves to the ministry of the word”–Acts 6:4.

It is no wonder then that we must give ourselves over to the study of God’s Word. Joshua said, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8). The Psalmist said, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11), and “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Our Heavenly Father says to us even now:

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God, (Proverbs 2:1-5).

Romans 1 presents us with Paul’s view of the ministry of the word. In the opening paragraph he speaks of both the written word and the living Word which we serve. It is inspiring and instructive to note Paul’s view of God’s Word.

Ministry of the Written Word

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures

Romans 1:1–3.

The letter to the Romans begins powerfully and eloquently, and with the power of words. Paul reminds us how we know about Jesus and the gospel of God. We have the precious promises revealed through his prophets in his Scriptures. So we, with Timothy, are encouraged to “be acquainted with the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise unto salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15).

Ministry of the Living Word

concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh ⁴ and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, ⁵ through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, ⁶ including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

Romans 1:3–6.

The written word is powerful, living, and active because it is from and about the Living Word–Jesus Christ. It is the Scriptures that testify concerning him. We have faith in Christ because of the word–Romans 10:17. From the word we see how Jesus was declared to be the Son of God through the resurrection and we find ample evidence to believe in the resurrection from Old Testament prophecies and New Testament witnesses.

We also learn from the Scriptures how Christians receive both grace and mission from God. That great mission is to bring about “the obedience of the faith” in our own lives and in the lives of others.

Let us now join in the “ministry of the Word” searching the written Word and and serving with the Living Word.