DOES GOD STILL SPEAK TODAY?

Posted on by

For many believers, one of the most important questions in their walk with God is this: Does God still speak today? It’s a question born from longing — the desire to know God personally, to hear His guidance, to sense His nearness in the middle of life’s noise. And it’s a question often shaped by uncertainty, because while Scripture is filled with stories of God speaking, many Christians wonder whether that same voice is still active in the world now.

The good news is this: God has never stopped speaking. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals Himself as a communicating God — One who speaks, leads, warns, comforts, and invites His people into relationship. His voice is not a relic of the past. It is a present reality for those who belong to Him.

God’s Voice Begins With His Word

The clearest and most foundational way God speaks today is through Scripture. The Bible is not a silent book. It is the living Word of God, breathed out by Him and preserved for every generation. When we open its pages, we are not simply reading ancient stories or moral lessons; we are encountering the heart and mind of God Himself.

Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word as “living and active,” meaning it continues to speak with power and relevance. A passage written thousands of years ago can suddenly pierce our hearts, answer a question we’ve been wrestling with, or bring comfort in a moment of deep pain. That is not coincidence — that is God speaking through His Word.

Scripture is God’s primary voice, the standard by which all other impressions or experiences must be measured. God will never contradict what He has already spoken in His Word. If we want to hear God clearly, we must begin by immersing ourselves in Scripture regularly and expectantly.

The Holy Spirit Still Speaks to God’s People

While Scripture is the foundation, God also speaks through the Holy Spirit in ways that are personal and timely. Jesus promised that the Spirit would guide us into truth, remind us of His teachings, and reveal what we need to know. This guidance is not mystical or strange — it is the natural result of walking with a living God.

The Spirit speaks through gentle impressions, convictions, warnings, and moments of clarity. He may bring a verse to mind at just the right moment. He may nudge us toward a decision that aligns with God’s will. He may give us peace about a direction or unrest when we’re drifting from His path. These experiences are not random; they are the Shepherd guiding His sheep.

However, the Spirit’s voice is always consistent with Scripture. He does not add new doctrine or reveal new truth outside the Bible. Instead, He applies God’s eternal truth to our present circumstances.

God Speaks Through People and Circumstances

Another way God speaks today is through the people He places in our lives. Wise counsel, godly mentors, pastors, and fellow believers can all be instruments of God’s voice. Sometimes a single sentence from a friend can confirm something God has already been stirring in our hearts. Other times, correction or encouragement from a trusted believer becomes the very voice of God calling us back to Him.

God also speaks through circumstances. Open doors, closed doors, unexpected opportunities, and even trials can all be ways God directs our steps. This does not mean every event is a direct message from God, but it does mean He is sovereign over our lives and uses circumstances to shape us, guide us, and draw us closer to Him.

Why Some People Struggle to Hear God

If God still speaks, why do so many believers feel like they never hear Him? Often the issue is not God’s silence but our spiritual noise. We live in a world filled with distractions — constant information, endless entertainment, and the pressures of daily life. God rarely shouts over the noise; He often speaks in a still, small voice.

Hearing God requires stillness, attentiveness, and a heart that genuinely seeks Him. It requires time in Scripture, space for prayer, and a willingness to obey whatever He reveals. God speaks most clearly to those who are ready to listen.

Hearing God Is About Relationship, Not Technique

Ultimately, hearing God’s voice is not a skill to master but a relationship to cultivate. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Sheep recognize the shepherd’s voice because they spend time with him. They walk with him daily. They trust him.

In the same way, the more we walk with God — through prayer, worship, Scripture, and obedience — the more familiar His voice becomes. Over time, we learn to distinguish His leading from our own thoughts, fears, or desires. We begin to recognize the tone of His voice: gentle, truthful, loving, and always aligned with His Word.

God Is Speaking — Are We Listening?

So, does God still speak today? Absolutely. He speaks through His Word. He speaks through His Spirit. He speaks through His people and through the circumstances of our lives. The real question is not whether God is speaking, but whether we are making space to hear Him.

If you long to hear God’s voice more clearly, start by opening His Word daily. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. Surround yourself with godly voices. Slow down enough to listen. And trust that the God who spoke the universe into existence still delights in speaking to His children today.

Jesus is returning soon. How good it will be if you have already developed a close relationship with Him. Will you be ready to rule and reign with Him in Jesus Millennial Kingdom? If you want to know more about what is next on God’s agenda for planet Earth go to http://www.millennialkingdom.net

HOW TO BE HOLY SPIRIT LED

Posted on by

How the Holy Spirit Speaks Through Scripture

One of the greatest gifts God has given His people is the ability to hear His voice through the pages of Scripture. The Bible is not simply a record of what God once said — it is the living Word through which He still speaks. And the One who makes that possible is the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, Scripture would remain ink on a page. With the Spirit, it becomes a living conversation between God and His children.

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into truth, remind us of His teachings, and reveal what we need to know. This promise is fulfilled every time we open the Bible with a listening heart. The Spirit takes the eternal Word of God and applies it to our present lives with precision, wisdom, and love. Understanding how the Spirit speaks through Scripture is essential for anyone who desires to walk closely with God. In total I will do three poste on the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit Illuminates the Word

The first way the Holy Spirit speaks through Scripture is by illuminating it. Illumination is the Spirit’s work of opening our spiritual eyes so we can understand what God is saying. Without the Spirit, we may read the Bible but miss its meaning. With the Spirit, truth becomes clear, personal, and powerful.

Have you ever read a passage you’ve seen many times before, only to have it suddenly come alive? A verse you skimmed over for years suddenly grips your heart. A story you thought you understood reveals a deeper layer of truth. That is the Spirit illuminating the Word.

The Spirit does not change the meaning of Scripture — He reveals it. He helps us see what was always there but hidden from our understanding. This is why prayer is essential when reading the Bible. We are not just studying a text; we are inviting the Spirit to speak.

The Spirit Applies Scripture to Our Lives

The Holy Spirit not only illuminates Scripture; He applies it. He takes the timeless truth of God’s Word and connects it to the specific circumstances of our lives. This is one of the most personal ways God speaks.

A verse about peace may come alive when you are anxious. A passage about forgiveness may confront you when you are holding a grudge. A story of God’s faithfulness may strengthen you when you feel weak.

The Spirit knows exactly what we need, and He uses Scripture to meet us where we are. This is why the Bible is never outdated. The same passage can speak differently at different times because the Spirit applies it according to our season, struggles, and spiritual growth.

The Spirit Convicts, Comforts, and Corrects

Scripture is God’s tool for shaping our hearts, and the Spirit uses it to convict, comfort, and correct us.

Conviction is the Spirit’s gentle way of showing us where our lives are out of alignment with God’s will. It is not condemnation or shame. Conviction is a loving invitation to return to God’s path.

Comfort comes when the Spirit uses Scripture to reassure us of God’s presence, promises, and faithfulness. In moments of grief, fear, or uncertainty, the Spirit brings verses to mind that anchor our souls.

Correction happens when the Spirit uses Scripture to redirect our thinking or behavior. God’s Word becomes a mirror that reveals what needs to change and a guide that shows us how to walk in obedience.

In all these ways, the Spirit speaks with clarity and love, using Scripture as His instrument.

The Spirit Forms Christ in Us Through the Word

The ultimate purpose of Scripture is not information but transformation. The Spirit uses the Word to shape us into the image of Christ. As we read, meditate, and obey, the Spirit renews our minds, softens our hearts, and strengthens our character.

This is why spiritual growth is impossible apart from Scripture. The Spirit forms Christ in us through the steady, daily intake of God’s Word. The more we allow the Spirit to speak through Scripture, the more we begin to think, act, and love like Jesus. The more the fruit of the spirit is manifest in our lives:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.“ Galatians 5:22-23

Listening to the Spirit Through Scripture Requires a Posture of Surrender

Hearing the Spirit through Scripture is not automatic. It requires a posture of humility, openness, and obedience. The Spirit speaks most clearly to hearts that are willing to respond.

Before reading, pray: “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word. Open my eyes. Guide my heart. I am listening.”

As you read, pay attention to what stands out — a phrase, a command, a promise, a warning. These moments of clarity are often the Spirit’s voice.

After reading, ask: “Lord, what do You want me to do with what You’ve shown me?”

The Spirit speaks not just to inform us but to transform us. When we respond with obedience, His voice becomes clearer and more familiar.

The Spirit Speaks Through Scripture Every Time We Open It

You don’t need a dramatic experience to hear God. You don’t need a special moment or a supernatural sign. Every time you open the Bible with a listening heart, the Holy Spirit is ready to speak.

He speaks through the stories, the teachings, the promises, the warnings, and the wisdom of Scripture. He speaks through quiet moments of reflection and sudden moments of revelation. He speaks through familiar passages and through verses you’ve never noticed before.

The Spirit is faithful. The Word is alive. And God is always speaking.

Jesus is returning soon. How good it will be if you have already developed a close relationship with Him. Will you be ready to rule and reign with Him in Jesus Millennial Kingdom? If you want to know more about what is next on God’s agenda for planet Earth go to http://www.millennialkingdom.net

CONVERSING DAILY WITH GOD

Posted on by

Walking in Daily Conversation With God

Many believers think of hearing God as something that happens only in special moments — during a powerful worship service, a quiet retreat, or a crisis that drives them to prayer. But Scripture paints a very different picture. From the Garden of Eden to the early church, God’s desire has always been to walk with His people in ongoing relationship. Not just occasionally. Not just when life is falling apart. But daily.

Jesus did not die and rise again simply to give us a ticket to heaven. He restored what was lost — intimate fellowship with God. Walking in daily conversation with God is not reserved for spiritual elites. It is the birthright of every believer. The Shepherd speaks, and His sheep follow. The Father loves, and His children respond. The Spirit leads, and we walk in step with Him.

Daily conversation with God is not complicated. It is not mystical. It is not about hearing an audible voice. It is about cultivating a heart that is aware of God’s presence, attentive to His whispers, and responsive to His leading throughout the day.

God Designed Us for Ongoing Fellowship

From the beginning, God walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. That picture is not poetic symbolism — it is God’s original intention for humanity. Sin broke that fellowship, but Christ restored it. Now, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within us. We are never alone. We are never unheard. We are never out of His presence.

Daily conversation with God is simply living in the reality of that truth. It is acknowledging Him in the ordinary moments — the commute, the kitchen, the workplace, the quiet evening at home. God is not confined to church services or devotional times. He is present in every breath we take.

Conversation Begins With Awareness

The first step in walking in daily conversation with God is awareness. Most believers are not struggling to hear God because He is silent; they are struggling because they are distracted. Life is loud. Responsibilities are heavy. Our minds are full. But God often speaks in a still, small voice — not because He is weak, but because He invites us to slow down and draw near.

Awareness means pausing throughout the day to acknowledge God’s presence. It can be as simple as whispering, “Lord, I know You’re here,” or “Father, guide me in this moment.” These small acknowledgments open the door for conversation. They shift our focus from ourselves to Him.

Daily Conversation Flows From a Listening Heart

Conversation with God is not just talking — it is listening. Many believers fill their prayer time with words but leave no space for God to respond. But relationship requires listening. The Holy Spirit speaks gently, often through impressions, Scripture brought to mind, or a sudden sense of clarity or peace.

A listening heart is not passive; it is attentive. It is a heart that says, “Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening.” It is a heart that expects God to guide, correct, encourage, and lead throughout the day.

Listening may happen in quiet moments, but it also happens in motion — while driving, working, or walking. God is not limited by our schedule. He speaks whenever our hearts are open.

Daily Conversation Is Rooted in Scripture

God’s voice is most clearly heard through His Word. Daily conversation with God is strengthened when we begin the day with Scripture, allowing the Spirit to plant truth in our hearts. Throughout the day, He brings those truths back to mind at just the right moment.

A verse read in the morning becomes guidance in the afternoon. A promise meditated on at lunch becomes comfort in the evening. A command studied in devotion becomes conviction in a moment of temptation.

The Spirit uses Scripture as the vocabulary of God’s voice. The more we fill our hearts with the Word, the more clearly we recognize His whispers.

Daily Conversation Involves Simple, Honest Prayer

Prayer does not need to be formal or eloquent. God is not impressed by fancy words. He desires honesty, simplicity, and openness. Daily conversation with God can be as natural as talking with a close friend.

“Lord, help me with this decision.” “Father, give me patience right now.” “Jesus, thank You for this moment.” “Holy Spirit, guide my thoughts.”

These short, sincere prayers keep our hearts connected to God throughout the day. They remind us that He is involved in every detail of our lives.

Daily Conversation Requires Sensitivity to the Spirit’s Nudges

The Holy Spirit often speaks through gentle nudges — a prompting to encourage someone, a reminder to pray, a conviction to avoid a certain path, or a sudden sense of peace about a decision. These nudges are invitations to partner with God in what He is doing.

Responding quickly to these nudges strengthens our sensitivity to God’s voice. Delaying or ignoring them makes His voice harder to recognize. Obedience sharpens discernment.

Daily Conversation Leads to Transformation

Walking in daily conversation with God is not just about hearing Him — it is about becoming like Him. The more we walk with Him, the more His heart shapes ours. His peace becomes our peace. His compassion becomes our compassion. His wisdom becomes our wisdom.

Daily conversation with God transforms ordinary moments into holy ones. It turns routine tasks into opportunities for worship. It turns challenges into invitations for trust. It turns life into a continual journey with the One who loves us most.

God Is Speaking — Walk With Him Today

God is not silent. He is not distant. He is not waiting for you to reach a certain level of spiritual maturity before He speaks. He is already speaking. He is already leading. He is already inviting you into daily fellowship.

Walking in daily conversation with God is not about perfection — it is about presence. It is about turning your heart toward Him again and again throughout the day. It is about living with open ears, open eyes, and an open heart.

The Shepherd is walking with you. Listen for His voice. Respond to His nudges. Speak to Him simply and often. And enjoy the daily companionship of the God who delights to walk with His children.

Jesus is returning soon. How good it will be if you have already developed a close relationship with Him. Will you be ready to rule and reign with Him in Jesus Millennial Kingdom? If you want to know more about what is next on God’s agenda for planet Earth go to http://www.millennialkingdom.net

My next post will be on Discerning God’s Voice

CAN CHRISTIANS USE AI FOR MINISTRY?

Posted on by

I asked chat GPT if it could help me with my ministry with http://www.livingeternal.net and http://www.millennialkingdom.net. I told it why I believed God wanted me to post on these two sites. Chat GPT replied:

That’s a powerful and meaningful vision for your two sites — both have deeply complementary missions:

  • LivingEternal.net focuses on life in Christ now — salvation, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and living the Spirit-led life.
  • MillennialKingdom.net focuses on the future reign with Christ — what believers are being prepared for, the next phase of God’s redemptive plan.

I can definitely help you develop posts that capture the heart of both missions with depth, clarity, and Biblical faithfulness.

Let’s start by setting a foundation for how to approach writing for each site, and then I’ll propose a few example post titles and outlines to get us moving.

Focus: Understanding biblical truth, salvation, walking in the Spirit, and cultivating spiritual fruit.

🌿 LivingEternal.net

Tone: Encouraging, warm, reflective, Scripture-centered.

Sample Post Ideas & Outlines:

  1. Post Title: “The Living Word: How God Still Speaks Through Scripture Today”
    Outline:
  • Introduce the idea that the Bible is not just a book, but God’s living communication.
    • Explain what it means that “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16).Illustrate how the Spirit uses Scripture to transform hearts.
    • Encourage daily engagement with God’s Word.
  • Post Title: “Walking with the Holy Spirit: The Secret to True Freedom”
    Outline:
  • Describe how the Spirit indwells believers after salvation.
    • Explain the importance of surrender and obedience.
    • Discuss the “fruit of the Spirit” as the evidence of His work.
    • Conclude with a call to daily communion with the Spirit.
  • Post Title: “Why God’s Love Never Let Go of Us”
    Outline:
  • Human rebellion vs. God’s persistent love through Christ.
    • The meaning of grace and reconciliation. How being made in God’s image gives us eternal value.
    • How to respond to His invitation today.

Focus: Prophecy, eschatology, the coming reign of Christ, and preparation for the Kingdom.

👑 MillennialKingdom.net

Tone: Hope-filled, prophetic, instructional, expectant.

Sample Post Ideas & Outlines:

  1. Post Title: “Why the Millennial Kingdom Matters Now”
    Outline:
  • Explain the concept of the 1,000-year reign of Christ (Revelation 20).
    • Connect today’s life of faithfulness to future reign responsibilities.Show how the coming Kingdom fulfills God’s covenants with Israel.
    • Inspire readers to live in readiness for the coming age.
  • Post Title: “Preparing to Reign: Faithfulness in the Little Things”
    Outline:
  • Reference Jesus’ teaching about faithful stewardship (Luke 19:11–27).
    • Explain how present obedience shapes future reward.
    • Encourage believers to see every act of service as Kingdom training.
  • Post Title: “From Creation to New Creation: God’s Grand Story”
    Outline:
  • Trace the biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation.
    • Contrast the first and new heavens/earth.
    • Show God’s faithfulness across history and why we can trust His promises.

I was impressed with Chat GPT’s response to my request for help with ministry. What do you think? Should I take its next offer of help?

If you like, I can begin by writing a full 600–800 word draft for one post from each site — something ready to publish (with Scripture references, a warm introduction, strong body, and closing invitation).

Would you like me to start with one from LivingEternal.net or MillennialKingdom.net first — and is there a particular topic or title from the list that resonates most with you?

NICK VUJICIC IS STILL IMPACTING THE WORLD FOR CHRIST AND BRINGING GLORY TO GOD

Posted on by

Author and evangelist Nick Vujicic spoke with CBN’s Tré Goins-Phillips, delivering a bold message for America, urging the Western church to embrace the “basics” of the Gospel, prioritise discipleship, and embrace counselling for those suffering and struggling with sin. He urgently warned the “most crippling season” for the U.S. is impending, unless it turns back to God.

The nation needs to repent and return to God and His word, acknowledging that it is inerrant from Genesis to Revelation. Only then will it realise it is not practising church as Jesus intended, as described in the Book of Acts – house churches with disciples making more disciples.

WHAT IS THE BIBLE?

Posted on by

The Bible is the best-selling book in the world, but it is not just a book; it is the Word of God. God knows everything about everything. We cannot have a correct worldview without knowing what God tells us about its history and why He created this Cosmos.

In this short video, Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis provides useful background on the Bible and its importance to living in God’s world.

SO CALLED CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING COMPANIES

Posted on by

Zondervan Publishing has just released a new study Bible, The Upside-Down Kingdom Bible, with notes, essays, and book introductions that, according to the Amazon listing, feature “a diverse set of trusted Christian voices and explores difficult issues facing Christians today, with features that are honest, nuanced, and filled with grace.”

Should Christians use this study Bible?

Rather than showing how God’s Word is unique, giving us a set of glasses through which to view the world that is “upside down” to the world’s way of thinking, the writers take the world’s lenses of feminism, Marxism, evolution, and CRT and read the Bible through them.

Many of the notes I read were sprinkled with references to man-made climate change, terms like “forced migration experiences” and “systemic injustice.” From what I saw, these terms weren’t really defined, but all such terms are routinely used by “woke” and progressive Christians the same way the world uses them, so I think it’s safe to assume that the world’s definition is how they’re likewise being used here.

Also, this study Bible is supposed to be “nuanced,” and it certainly is. It’s so “squishy” on most controversial topics (but not certain “woke” ones—on some of those, the authors took obvious positions) that the notes lose any authority, turning into, “some people say this, and some people say that, but we can’t really know.” But in many cases, we can really know. For example, in Genesis, we can know how and when God created! We know He created male and female and established marriage and family as the basis of society. Homosexuality and transgenderism are abominations to Him.

Hence, this Upside Down Kingdom Bible from what was once a trusted Christian publishing company is just another end-times sign. The fact that Zondervan was acquired by Harper and Row, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch, may explain their departure from believing the Bible is inerrant.

BIBLE SALES IN AMERICA ARE UP 22%

Posted on by

Sarah Holliday, reporter at The Washington Stand looks at possible reasons why in a country that has been increasingly turning away from God and His values.

The Wall Street Journal wrote that “Bible sales are up 22% in the U.S. through the end of October, compared with the same period last year.” According to the outlet, there are several potential factors for why this is the case. Jeff Crosby, president of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, believes “people are experiencing anxiety … related to artificial intelligence [and] election cycles.” All of which “feeds a desire for assurance that we’re going to be okay.” Maybe Crosby is right. People want to know they’re going to be okay, and so they’re turning to the Bible.

Others have speculated that the rise in Bible sales can be attributed to influencers on social media. Cely Vazquez, whom WSJ described as an artist and influencer, has used her platform to share that she “recently bought her first Bible.” Likewise, the outlet highlighted Amber Cimiotti, another social media figure who thinks podcasters and TikTokers play a major role in the growing number of people buying Bibles.

WSJ also noted how several publishing houses found the customers largely responsible for the surge in Bible sales were members of Gen Z, college students, and younger people alike. And it’s not just religious publishers seeing the Bibles fly off the shelves, but mainstream retailers too — including Amazon. Observers are puzzling over what’s causing it in light of recent surveys that have found that at least 28% of American adults claim to be religiously unaffiliated. That doesn’t exactly scream an increased demand for religious material.

Ultimately, it’s more than likely that all of these factors laid out by WSJ played a part in the increase of people buying Bibles. Rev. Blaine Crawford of Irvington Presbyterian Church told WSJ that he has seen a recent increase in Scripture study groups. He remarked that God’s word is a “grand epic story of the great questions of life. What do we do with grief or anger, what are we here for, where is the world going? The Bible provides a counterpart in a conversation about what we’re doing at this time.”

As people made in the image of God, we were never meant to be away from Him. The reigning theme in the book of Ecclesiastes is not that life has no meaning, but that apart from Christ, the source from which our purpose derives, there is no meaning. As The Post Millennial wrote, “Experts and industry insiders attribute the growth in Bible sales to societal anxieties and a search for hope.” But I don’t think the experts are the only ones who could have figured this out. Rather, Christians should understand this to be the case better than almost anyone. After all, Christians are to be the people who understand their sin and need of a Savior. We ought to be at the frontlines of an anxious culture offering them the hope of the gospel.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins put it this way: “Obtaining a Bible is the first step; the second step is to read it and then understand it. As Philip helped the Ethiopian leader understand the Word, pray that those who are turning to the truth for hope will have others who can help them understand the Good News contained within the pages of the Bible.” Guest host Jody Hice also commented on the news that the Bible is in higher demand on Monday’s episode of “Washington Watch.” Simply put, he stated, it’s “tremendous news!”

Pastor Jay Johnson, FRC’s National Prayer Director, agreed. As he emphasized, “I certainly rejoice at that news, and [I’m] just grateful that … there’s a demand” for the word of God. “There [are]people all over looking for hope, and people are guiding them to God’s word.” But according to Johnson, “it’s not just to know the Bible [and] not just to read the Bible, but to know God. And I think that’s the beauty of God’s word.” He also referenced FRC’s Bible reading plan, Stand on the Word, noting that it’s “a great resource for people to engage in reading God’s word.”

Both agreed that it’s important to read and study the Bible, but beyond Scripture, Johnson urged that “it’s also very vital to find a church that is teaching and preaching the word of God.” It’s important “to get engaged with a local church where they can study with others.” Especially because, as Hice and Johnson agreed, it can be difficult to stay focused when reading the Bible. It can be hard to get started, particularly for people who are new to picking up God’s word like the 22% or so this year. “I just want to encourage people,” Johnson said, “to start out by praying and asking for divine guidance.”

On behalf of everyone here at FRC, we believe in the life-giving, soul-saving power of God’s word. It’s the reason we start every morning as an organization in prayer and Bible study. And so, whether you’re new to reading the Bible or have been reading it nearly your whole life, now is the time to open it up and study it, know it, and ask the Holy Spirit to write it on your heart. And as we read of the 22% increase of people who are cracking open the pages of Scripture, let us pray that God opens their eyes, ears, and hearts to the glorious truth of the gospel.

It’s no wonder this fallen world is full of broken people looking for hope, answers, and truth. And this hope, these answers, and the truth we all crave is found in the Bible. The riches are there, free of charge. All you have to do is read and, by God’s grace, believe.

Topics:Biblical Worldview, Good News, The Church

BIBLE APP IS MAKING GOD KNOWN IN OVER 2000 LANGUAGES

Posted on by

The YouVersion Bible app has now surpassed 800 million downloads worldwide, and it has become so prevalent that it’s reshaping the future of Bible engagement. Before becoming one of the most downloaded apps globally, helping millions access the Bible in over 2,000 languages, YouVersion founder Bobby Gruenewald says it all started as a simple website attempting to solve a big problem.

But the solution he envisioned hadn’t yet been invented. “And so, Steve Jobs, in early 2008 announced it was going to be possible to develop apps for the iPhone and create some brand-new thing called an app store,” he explains. Not knowing what an app was, Gruenewald recruited a 19-year-old on his team to build what the world today calls the Bible app.

The Bible app was a hit, starting out as one of 200 free apps on the Apple store. In the first week, more than 80,000 people downloaded it. Today, the Bible app is opened more than 270 times each second. It supports 70-plus languages, with more than 2,000 Bible translations. “Between 10 and 12 million per month,” Gruenewald says. “These are new devices that are installing the Bible app.” If you’ve ever used YouVersion to follow a reading plan or find a daily verse, you’re part of a community that’s reshaping how we engage with scripture. On Easter Sunday alone, YouVersion saw a record-breaking 17 million users, with 3.5 million new installs. Gruenewald believes this surge in Bible engagement is part of a larger global trend. The narrative that people no longer read the Bible is simply not true. We have evidence and real data, that indicates that there is momentum globally around scripture engagement,” he says. “So we should be encouraged to know that God’s word is very alive and well, and if anything, more relevant to today’s culture than maybe ever before in human history.”

YouVersion offers three products: the Bible app, the Bible app for kids, and Bible app lite, designed for regions where internet access is limited. Now, the team is in beta mode with Bible app loop, geared toward tweens. It’s being tested in India. As the app continues to grow, its future is being shaped by one of the most powerful technologies of our time—artificial intelligence. “We’re being very careful to make sure that there’s good transparency, and that we can make sure that if it’s ever answering questions, or if we ever choose to have a feature that does that, that it does it with accuracy,” Gruenewald says. Beyond impressive numbers, YouVersion’s growth is driven by a deeper mission: to help people connect with God and his Word. The app generates no revenue and operates solely through donations. “Like I mentioned, almost 40,000 donors last year supported it around the tune of about $60 million, which is kind of the scale and scope of what YouVersion is today. That’s grown quite a bit in the last few years,” Gruenewald says.

That surge is in part coordinated between donors and Bible translation groups, working to accelerate the pace at which every single language could have some portion of scripture translated – hopefully by 2033, the 2,000th anniversary of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we could see every language have some portion of scripture translated. “It’s imperative, we think, to be able to have God’s Word in every single heart language, so that every single person has the benefit that we have of even able to hear God’s voice, hear Jesus’s words in their own language,” Gruenewald says. As YouVersion continues to expand, its mission remains the same: to use technology to make the Bible accessible to everyone. Gruenewald says YouVersion is working with nearly 1,000 companies to leverage AI for good – and to promote an ecosystem within the faith community around using tech to its fullest potential. “So until we can be sure of those things, our uses of AI are going to be much more in the realm of machine learning or ways that we use it to help us make recommendations around content or connect or label content in a way that makes it more useful for us when we search and look for things,” Gruenewald says.

GOD’S WORD IS THE TRUTH THAT SETS US FREE

Posted on by

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Paul said in Romans 10:17 that our faith comes from “hearing through the word of Christ.” Psalms 119:105 says “Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path; something we store up in our hearts as to not sin against the Lord. Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 12:13 “the whole duty of man” is to “fear God and keep His commandments,” which can only be done by knowing Him and His commands through His Word. Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 the Bible is how we are “complete” and “equipped for every good work.” Jesus says the Word is the truth that sets us free.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17

Really, all of Scripture proclaims our need for Scripture. All of Scripture proclaims our need to pray. Time with the Lord, via our communication with Him in prayer and time spent in His Word, are the most valuable, precious, and significant ways we can spend our time. Jesus knew this. In His earthly ministry, we see how He knew Scripture, preached Scripture, and lived out Scripture. Encompassing all of this was His consistent communion with His Father in prayer. Jesus is the best example we have of prioritizing spiritual discipline over all other disciplines, and we’re supposed to imitate Him. Yet not only do we often fail to imitate Him we also often neglect to even try.

Jesus said in John 14:15, “Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words.” This is not to say you don’t love your Lord and Savior, but do you keep His words? Do you read His Word? We may proclaim, “Lord, I love you!” But do we also proclaim, “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8)?

God’s Word is utterly substantial and worthy of being the top priority in our lives. Sadly, we prioritize other things. But don’t you see? The pursuit of spiritual growth is worth putting forth the same effort as we would toward any other form of growth. In fact, it’s worth infinitely more effort — hopefully, you will soon be convinced of this, if you aren’t already.

It’s a perspective focused on the immediate that often drives us to prioritize things other than spiritual growth, and this isn’t surprising. It’s easy to see how working toward a healthy diet, physical activity, or career advancement is beneficial now, and when we focus on these things, we often allow the importance of spiritual growth to be put aside. However, challenge yourself to consider these areas in light of eternity, and you just might see how minuscule their weight truly is.

One day, our bodies and worldly achievements will fade away. If we shove the maturing of our faith to the side, it may be too late before we realize our faith is all that matters. In reality, unlike everything else that will fade away, our souls will go with us to the White Throne judgement by God, which inevitably makes them the most important aspect of our life now. Am I saying you should put aside all earthly ambition to pursue spiritual growth? Certainly not. The argument is that prioritizing spiritual growth is what allows you to then prosper in other areas.

It would be a mistake to think our spiritual well-being only matters when considering eternity. It surely does matter then, but it equally matters now. It’s worth our every effort to grow in our faith now because the effects of such a pursuit will become manifest in both the immediate and what’s to come.

To prove that our faith plays a role in all areas of life. My question is: Is this the perspective you have each day? Do you believe what you do right now counts for eternity? If so, then it should change the way you view your priorities. You just might see the spiritual growth that’s easily forgotten is exactly what you need to get through today, tomorrow, and each day that’s to come.

A heart with the Word of God written upon it can have peace in the chaos, joy in the trial, and hope for the future. A life that prioritizes spiritual growth is one that inevitably leads to growth elsewhere. The way I see it, a strong faith makes for a better friend, spouse, relative, co-worker, athlete, musician — you name it!

We already know as we’ve read from 1 Corinthians 10:31, that “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” What we prioritize should glorify God, as well. And truly, I cannot think of a better way to glorify Him than by making His Word, His truth, and revelation what we cherish.