The Crock Pot Theology. The practice of reading the bible Become like Jesus. This is our last Sunday talking about what I’ve been calling “crockpot theology.” How would we throw all the raw stuff into the crockpot, put some heat into it and give it some time a beautiful meal emerges. This is how God so often works in our life. There are some things that he does instantaneously but forming you into the person that he wants you to be, the person that he designed you to be that is going to take some time. Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Paul says that the best life is the good and perfect and pleasing will of God. Jesus said that he came to give you life, and more abundantly. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. What is the abundant life? The abundant life is Jesus living in your soul. When Jesus is inside of you are fully alive. TODAY…The Bible is one of the most transformative tools that we have. John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. Jesus says that the words that he speaks have a dimension about them that are totally different from any other guide. His words contain spiritual life. There is something different about the words of Jesus and the words of the Bible. They come from another place. They are heavenly. Otherworldly. They have the power to profoundly affect your mind. And your heart. And your emotions. And your soul. 2 Timothy 3:16 (MSG) Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. What we do with the words of Jesus? His words are connected to his authority and his authority brought things into order. Like Jesus said, his words are spirit and life. His words have a dimension about them that are connected to God. There is power connected to every word in this book which is why we need to read the Bible. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. There is a life-giving quality in the Bible. The Bible is living and active. God has spoken through the Bible. God has spoken his will. God has spoken his mind. God has spoken his heart. God has spoken his law. God has spoken his promises. God has spoken his warnings. God has spoken his correction. God has spoken wisdom. God has spoken of things yet to come. Do you have a practice of Bible reading? Are you putting these heavenly words into your life? Let’s see what GOD can do! Pastor Brian Harrell