Some tried but they failed. Had they been successful, we wouldn’t have one on our desk or beside our bed or on our phone. Over the centuries, evil powers have made multiple attempts to wipe it out. Dark, but sophisticated strategies have been employed to erase it from the minds and hearts of people. But the continuing dominance of the Bible as the world’s #1 best-selling book is current evidence that it always comes out on top, and it always will!

This is a fact: there are more Bibles, in more languages in more parts of the world in 2018 than at any other time in human history.

The Apostle Paul was feeling the isolation of imprisonment when he wrote 2Timothy. He had been arrested for preaching the Gospel in the cities of the ancient world. He was considered a menace to society – an evil doer, guilty of crimes against humanity. We might think he’d be singing the blues and wallowing in self-pity.

Do you recall ever reading these depressing words of Paul written to Timothy?

Why is this bad thing happening to me? Is God not good? Has God lost control of the agenda? It doesn’t make sense to me that I’m locked-up in this dark prison when I was so busy honouring the Lord and serving Him so faithfully! It’s particularly perplexing to me that I’m now physically restricted by these chains, when I was out there every day, so diligently, doing such an important work. Why this?

Of course, Paul never wrote such words. Here is what he did write:

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 2Timothy 2:8-9

From the cold, damp prison cell, Paul wrote Timothy one last letter to encourage him to stay focused on Jesus Christ.

“Yes, Timothy, men may bind you with chains and throw you into a dungeon; but they cannot chain or bind your spirit if you stay focused on Christ. Remember Jesus Christ risen from the dead! Just as Christ arose mightily from the grave, so a Christian’s spirit can leap over the walls of a prison-trial when their thoughts are focused on the Lord Jesus.”

“But…but…but…”

“But what, dear Paul? What are you going to say next? What’s behind the huge smile of victory on your face? Why did you just throw your fist into the air triumphantly? Why are you so pumped?”

“Why? Because they can bind me with their strongest chains and restrict me – but there are two things they can never-ever stop:

  1. they can’t stop me from thinking about Christ; and
  2. they can’t stop the Word of God from spreading. It can’t be bound. It will triumph every time.”

Dear Child of God – let’s remember those two great realities as we move forward.

You may only occasionally get one of those golden opportunities to share Christ with an inquiring seeker – where they hang-on to every word you say. But don’t ever underestimate the sheer power of the Word of God itself! We can be tongue-tied and bound-up in knots as we try to leverage or wedge a word for Christ into a conversation. But the Word of God is not bound – never has been and never will be!

If you can leave a verse or a portion of the Word of God with a person – then relax. The Word of God is not bound. It is living, and God has His own ways of leaping over high barriers and successfully breaking through thick walls and illuminating dense darkness.

Remember what thrilled Paul’s heart as he himself was bound in solitary confinement: the Word of God is not bound! Remember this great reality when …

  • you give-out a fridge magnet with a Bible verse on it; or
  • leave a Seed Sower text in a door; or,
  • leave a Gospel paper or your personal testimony  tract on the seat you vacate; or
  • give a New Testament to a friend; or
  • share a Gospel CD with someone; or
  • build a website to promote the truth of the Scriptures; or
  • mount a little Bible verse at your work station; or
  • pass out a pen with a verse on it; or
  • include a Bible verse in your automatic signature or in your profile; or
  • tweet or text a Gospel verse; etc.

When you do any of the above, never underestimate the power of the Word of God and what it will accomplish!  The Word of God can NOT be bound. It is the Living Word and it is powerful and sharp – even if we ourselves are desperately dull at times. (Hebrews 4:12) The Word of God is mighty and powerful, because it is the Word of the Almighty, All-Knowing God – with no limitations!

So in closing, what are the two things that cannot be bound or crushed in  2018? (1) The indomitable spirit of a Christian who is absorbed with and focused on Jesus Christ, and (2) the Word of God. Take a moment to praise the Lord today!

Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.

Warmly in Christ
Peter Ramsay

h4s   Share-Christ Tip & Prayer Cards

18 Lessons for New Believers

Vehicle Magnet:  9″X2.5”” (22.5cmX6cm) A quiet Gospel witness and a helpful tool to help Christian drivers curb their tendencies to exceed speed limits. Over the years, these magnets have worked. An inoffensive way to help promote the Gospel in traffic and parking lots. Unlike decals, magnets can be removed easily.

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Automatic Signature: If you include www.heaven4sure.com in your automatic email signature, you will increase the number of visitors to the Gospel site. This is particularly relevant if you are in contact with those who do not yet know Christ.

FACEBOOK or social media link to heaven4sure? Links really do work! People are finding the site through such links.

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