It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

John  6:63  -  NKJV


John Wycliffe, known as the Morning Star of the Reformation, laid the foundation for the great Protestant movement by initiating the first complete translation of the Bible into the language of the common man.  While at college he had an opportunity to read the Word in Latin.  As he studied, he was thrilled to find God's plan of salvation set forth beautifully in the Person of Jesus Christ.  Through his preaching, lights went on one by one in the dark world that had been denied the Scriptures.


One incident in his life shows his determination to rank the Scriptures supreme.  At one time he became critically ill.  His enemies from four religious orders rejoiced and planned to force him to retract his statements against the Roman catholic Church, which had suppressed the Scriptures.  The sick reformer, after listening to their demand, asked for assistance to be raised up in bed.  As he looked at these men who were demanding his recantation, "he said, in the firm, strong voice which had so often caused them to tremble:  'I shall not die, but live, and again declare the evil deeds of the friars.'" -- The Great Controversy, p.88.


The person who loves, knows, and practices the Word has an indomitable power.  You cannot crush the spirit of a man who feeds on the Word.  The Advent Movement came about because our prisoners gave themselves to a study of the Scriptures.  While this movement attains its victorious climax our people will devote themselves to Bible study as intensively as did those pioneers.


We talk and pray and long for Christ to return.  Though we do not know when that event will happen, one thing is certain -- when He comes again He will find His people searching the Scriptures, conforming their lives to its teaching, and sharing their Bible-based faith with their neighbors.  If we are to endure the troublous times ahead and are to be unmoved by the erroneous beliefs and teachings beckoning on every side, we must be daily rooted and grounded in the book of books.


Cling to the Word.  Esteem God's written revelations more than earthly possessions.  It is the only anchor on the stormy sea of life.  Give it up and shipwreck is inevitable.  Hold to it, and victory is yours.


taken from: First Things First
                      November 14
                 by: Bob Spangler