Christian Foundations (7) - The Centrality of the Word of God

There are 7 Foundational Doctrines in Hebrews 6:2: “The FOUNDATION of (1) repentance from dead works and (2) of faith toward God, (3) of DOCTRINE, (4) of BAPTISMS, (5) of laying on of hands, (6) of resurrection of the dead, and (7) of eternal judgment.” The doctrine of DOCTRINE (the TEACHING of God's Word) refers to the Bible's teaching on the importance and centrality of the WORD of God in our lives, and therefore the necessity of receiving right teaching and having correct doctrine. God's WORD is TRUTH (John 17:17), and the mark of true disciples of Christ is that they abide in His Word by hearing and obeying it (Matthew 28:18-20). In this way we grow spiritually and experience freedom from sin (John 8:31-32, 1Tim 2:4, 1Peter 2:2). God's WORD is our SPIRITUAL FOOD, and so it is necessary for our spiritual strength and growth (Matthew 4:4): “My WORDS are SPIRIT and LIFE” (John 6:63). God’s Word contains His life, Spirit and energy: “The WORD of God is LIVING and POWERFUL” (Hebrews 4:12). “ALL SCRIPTURE is given by INSPIRATION of God (literally: ‘God-breathed’), and is profitable” (2Timothy 3:16). “The WORD of God which LIVES and ABIDES FOREVER” (1Peter 1:23). “FAITH comes by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of God” (Romans 10:17). “Blessed are those who HUNGER (for God's WORD) and THIRST (for the SPIRIT of God) for righteousness (from God), for they shall be FILLED” (Matthew 5:6). God provides: “WINE that makes glad the heart of man, OIL to make his face shine (the HOLY SPIRIT), and BREAD (the WORD), which STRENGTHENS man’s HEART” (Psalm 104:15). We must EAT the WORD of God: “Man shall not LIVE by BREAD alone, but by every WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The process of EATING the Word is MEDITATION. This involves (1) VERBALISING it, (2) PERSONALISING it, (3) VISUALISING it, and (4) MEMORISING it. This way you will digest it, and it will become part of your soul (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3). Hearing God's Word is the one necessary thing for your life (Luke 10:39-42). We are like PLANTS