Promises: The Word of God is trustworthy and true. - Revelation 1:3

In this new message series we will explore some of the many promises God has made to man. If we are to grow closer to God through His promises, we must first place our faith in the source of these promises; the Word of God. Listen to what John passed down to us in his final inspiration from the island of Patmos.

God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. (Revelation 1:3 NLT)

There’s the promise, God blesses those who read, listen, and obey. How has God blessed you through the reading of His Word?

In this Hebrew acrostic poem the writer eloquently composes his blessings from this promise.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
      and a light for my path.
I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again:
      I will obey your righteous regulations.
I have suffered much, O Lord;
      restore my life again as you promised.
Lord, accept my offering of praise,
      and teach me your regulations.
My life constantly hangs in the balance,
      but I will not stop obeying your instructions. (Psalms 119:105-109 NLT)

Can you imagine praising God for regulations? Can you do that in your life?

Putting our faith in anything requires action on our part. Biblical promises are no different. James, the half brother of Jesus, made it clear to the earliest followers of Christ that they must trust and obey.

So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.  For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.  But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. (James 1:21-25 NLT)

Promises Kept: God’s promises to us call for our belief in His Word. When we live according to the “word God has planted in our hearts,” we are living the way we were created to live by our loving and perfect Creator.