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Discover why the Bible is living, powerful, and trustworthy. A heartfelt teaching from Atlin Family Church on God’s Word, faith, truth, and transformation.

Why the Bible Is Not Just a Book

Atlin Family Church – Online Teaching

Welcome to Atlin Family Church Online. We are grateful you’ve joined us. Today’s message is not a traditional sermon but a heartfelt discussion about why we love the Bible and why it is far more than just a book.

We primarily use the New Living Translation (NLT) because it communicates Scripture in today’s language. While versions like the King James Version and New International Version are valuable, many people find modern translations easier to understand and apply.

Today, we are focusing on God’s Word—what it is, why it matters, and how it transforms lives.

The Bible Is Alive

Many people own beautiful Bibles that sit on coffee tables as decorations. While there’s nothing wrong with that, the Bible only becomes powerful when it is opened, read, and received into the heart.

The Bible is not merely historical text. It is a living relationship between the Author—God Himself—and the reader. Over time, as we engage with Scripture, our minds are renewed, our hearts are shaped, and our lives are transformed.

God already knows everything about us. The Bible is how we come to know Him.

God Speaks Through His Word

As we read Scripture, there are moments when a verse suddenly stands out—speaking directly into our situation. It brings confirmation, clarity, and trust. This is the Holy Spirit at work.

A relationship with God begins in His Word. Over time, He also speaks through our spirit, but Scripture remains the foundation.

Our Calling: Equipping the Saints

At Atlin Family Church, our calling is to equip believers—to help people grow in their relationship with Christ and walk confidently in their God‑given calling.

Growth is not controlled or forced. God is love. True spiritual maturity leads to serving others freely, rooted in love rather than obligation.

Correction from God is never condemning. Conviction is loving, restorative, and purposeful.

Knowing Truth Protects Us From Deception

The Bible teaches us to recognize truth versus lies. The enemy is described as an accuser whose goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. He cannot read our minds—he can only plant thoughts. Scripture gives us discernment to reject lies and walk in truth.

As believers mature, they are no longer tossed around by every new teaching or deception. Instead, they grow into unity, love, and spiritual strength (Ephesians 4:11–16).

The Bible From the Beginning

Genesis repeatedly says, “Then God said…”
Creation itself began with God’s spoken Word.

Humanity was created in God’s image—spirit, soul, and body—reflecting the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Jesus Is the Word

John 1 tells us that the Word existed from the beginning, was with God, and was God. Everything was created through Him. That Word became flesh—Jesus Christ.

Eyewitnesses saw Him, touched Him, and testified to the truth. Jesus is the living Word who brings light that darkness can never overcome.

The Bible Is Trustworthy

The Bible is not one book—it is 66 books, written over 1,600 years by approximately 40 authors across three continents. Yet it is unified, consistent, and cohesive.

It is:

Historically accurate
Scientifically consistent
Medically sound
Prophetically precise

Archaeology, mathematics, fulfilled prophecy, and historical records—including non‑Christian historians like Josephus—affirm biblical truth.

Jesus Affirmed Scripture

Jesus quoted the Old Testament repeatedly and treated Scripture as final authority. During His temptation in the wilderness, He defeated Satan using the Word of God.

If Jesus upheld Scripture as truth, we can trust it fully.

The Word Is Personal and Powerful

The Bible is not meant only to be read—it is meant to be prayed.

Scriptures like Psalm 91, Ephesians 1 and 3, Colossians 1, and 1 Corinthians 13 can be spoken personally and confidently over our lives.

The Word becomes alive when we apply it.

A Living Testimony

Scripture has sustained us through trauma, depression, danger, and life‑threatening situations. Knowing God’s Word and responding to His promptings has brought protection, healing, and peace that surpasses understanding.

This is why the Bible is not just a book—it is life and death, truth and freedom, hope and restoration.