The word of God as we have it in the King James Bible, the paragon of all translations, is a living, breathing entity which has the power to save, heal, deliver and transform lives. God’s word is powerful, but most of all, it is alive. And even though I am looking at my own Bible as I make this broadcast, it is merely ink on paper; yet the word of God was written in the heavens, long before it was ever etched on stone, penned on parchment, or bound in leather. Join Carl now as he shares the vibrancy and power of God’s Word…
Here is a complete transcript of the broadcast (below)…
Friend, our study today focuses on the living aspect of God’s Word. I’m talking about the word itself. The word of God as we have it in the King James Bible, the paragon of all translations, is a living, breathing entity which has the power to save, heal, deliver and transform lives. God’s word is powerful, but most of all, it is alive. And even though I am looking at my own bible as I make this broadcast, it is merely ink on paper, yet the word of God was written in the heavenlies firstly before it was ever etched on stone, penned on parchment or bound in leather. The word is holy, it is divine, it pre-existed, it became flesh, and it has two aspects to it, as we shall soon see.
In John 6:63, Jesus makes a fascinating statement saying, “It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The words Jesus spoke are living words; they have a life of their own. The words of Jesus are spirit and they are life. The bible in my possession is merely a physical reflection of words recorded by the living God, as he inspired men to put pen to paper and record the oracles of God. Jesus said his words are a spirit entity, having supreme power and authority in the spirit realm, hence the need for them to be spoken out loud to override nefarious spirits in that realm. The spoken word of God cuts through the malaise of oppression, depression, sickness or disease; it cuts to the heart of the matter. I have preached often on this channel, the importance of speaking God’s word over our lives, and not only that to the obstacle in our path. The spoken word changes lives and circumstances; it’s that simple. It heals the broken-hearted and once accepted by the recipient, it begins a fruit-bearing transformation that lasts forever. Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, But it shall accomplish that which I please, And it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.“ Praise God.
Friend, down the years, I have seen tough men weep at the altar because of the spoken word of God. I have seen drug addicts break free from addiction and come to their senses because of God’s word, I have seen hardened alcoholics, place their booze at the feet of Jesus and even hardened criminals, weep like babies in their hour of repentance. This is the power of God’s Word and it cannot be refuted or denied. It is powerful and it is alive. Let’s look now at our source text, regarding the living power of God’s word, that is Hebrews 4:12-13, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.“
The term ‘quicken’ of course has no reference to speed here, the word quicken in the Greek, is zoopoieo means to ‘make alive, or ‘cause to live.’ And the term for life, is zoe, the same abundant zoe life Jesus promised us, for those who would surrender their lives to him (Jn 10:10). The word of God, is likened in this passage to a surgically sharp knife. The word translated here for sword is machaira, and akin to a large knife used for cutting meat or conceivably for surgery, rather than a long sword per se. And if you have read my article on the Armor of God which has gained a lot of traction online, this sword is the similar to, the one yielded by Maximus, in the movie, Gladiator. It is called the Gladius Hispaniensis, aka the Spanish Sword, having a relatively short double-edged blade for cutting and thrusting motions, with a counterbalance or pommel at the end of the blade. This was also the chosen sword for the Roman Centurion of the time.The emphasis is not on the length of the blade,but on its sharpness.
The point being, God’s word has the surgical sharpness to pierce even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Therefore, God’s Word like a scalpel, is razor sharp and effective, piercing deeper than our mind, into the recesses of our heart. God’s word transcends logic and psychology. It pierces directly to the human heart, just as the surgeon’s knife goes to the marrow. Just as our leg for example is visible, the bone inside is not visible, just as the marrow is hidden within the bone, so God’s word is able to cut through it all and get to the core. Notice the term ‘two-edged’ which is referenced often in the New Testament. This word distomos is a compound word comprising of di and stomos. It effectively means a two-mouthed sword. Why is the word of God two edged or has two mouths? Because it comprises of the logos, the written word and the rhema, the spoken word. The logos word of God is the summation of God’s Word in written form, a rhema word is the spoken word, it is clear, vivid, and direct in it’s language. Many believers often share a word spoken to them in their spirit man, this would be likened to the rhema quickened word of God, which often occurs when reading the logos on daily bible devotional time.
Many believers claim God never speaks to them, yet they cannot be bothered to even read from the Logos each day, just one chapter in fact, is all it takes and soon enough, you will start to hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit quickening on the inside of you, directing your steps. And later in scripture of course, Ephesians, 6:17, mentions the Sword of the spirit, as the word of God, indeed, it is our only offensive weapon against Satan. Jesus quoted the Book of Deuteronomy three times in his defense when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, and it is this powerful, quickening, spiritual word that was recorded on tablets of stone in order to be spoken when Satan comes on the scene. This two-edged sword imagery can also be found in the book of Revelation, chapters 1:16 and Rev 2:12. Now it is interesting that God’s sword is mentioned as having two edges or is two mouthed so to speak, but the bible warns also about a duplicitous style of speech called a froward mouth or tongue that speaks out of both sides. A forward mouth is one that says one thing and means the other, is caught lying on the outside but telling the truth on the inside, and vice versa, it is perverse speech, and the Bible has much to say against a froward tongue.
The bible makes us alive by the word, we became born again and spiritually alive after the word was preached and respond to it. The thoughts and intentions of the heart are revealed by the word of God. When Jesus was in the midst of the Pharisees, scripture states, in Matthew 9:4, “And Jesus knowing their thoughts, said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” In other words, Jesus who was the word of God manifest in the flesh, was privy to the thoughts of evil men in his midst. This is what the word can do. It reveals things, that are hidden. The word of God is two edged because it has the power to heal and wound. Elsewhere in scripture, it says, Psalm 139:23, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts.” The word of God searches our heart, because it will ultimately judge us. In essence this chapter from Hebrews, our source text, is a warning against hardening of one’s heart and rebelling against God. The word of God is the living voice of God that gets to the heart of the matter. It cannot be ignored, or dismissed with impunity. Someone may look fine in the eyes of other people, but God’s Word exposes the true condition of the heart, the real character of one’s faith and reveals a genuine spirit. God sees every action, He knows every thought and attitude. No matter how hard people try to hide their sins, the truth will eventually come to light and they will be expected to give an account.
God’s word is the ‘critic’ by which all are judged. Indeed, confronted by the word of God, we are confronted by God himself, and nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. When the writer says Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of God, the image is that of an animal with its head thrown back and neck bare, ready to be sacrificed! Put simply, we cannot hide our faces from the one to whom we must give account. If the word of God has its dissecting and exposing effect in our lives now, we will not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin and come utterly unprepared to face him on the day of reckoning. The living Word is altogether like God in its power. It is an outflow of God’s eminence and infused with the same imperishable, powerful life, which either kindles similar life in us or to react against all opposition. “God does not separate himself from his Word. He does not disown it as if it were a foreign thing to him.” It is an extension of his being. Therefore, it is never dead matter, insensible to what is done with it; the word itself is a bond of union with the living God.”
We will all have to face the power and precision of God’s word. It is more effective than a sword with two blades. It cuts finer than a surgeon’s scalpel. It finds out the division between soul and spirit—between being animal and being human. It separates longings from motives—knowing the difference between our heart and our mind. Nothing is hidden from God’s scrutiny. One day we will be forced to meet his gaze. Our actions and attitudes will be laid bare. His judgment of us will be completely penetrating and absolutely unavoidable. We will have to face God naked and undisguised—as we really are. This notion of everything being uncovered is referenced elsewhere in scripture, namely, in Matthew 10:26; Luke 8:17, Luke 12:2 and Mark 4:22, with rhetoric such as, revealing that which is hidden, shouting from the rooftops those things done in secret, so on and so forth. The wicked think they will get away with everything, but they won’t, whether in this life or the next.
Friend, God’s word is alive, powerful, omniscient, and direct. It is a hammer to convict (Jer. 23:29), A fire to refine (Jer. 23:29), A mirror to reflect (Jas. 1:23), Seed to multiply (1Pet. 1:23), A laver to cleanse (Eph. 5:26), A lamp to guide (Ps. 119:105), Rain and snow to refresh (Isa. 55:10), A sword to cut (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17), A bow for revenge (Hab. 3:9), Gold to enrich (Ps. 19:7–10), Power to create faith (Rom. 10:17) and eternal life (1Pet. 1:23), Food to nourish:, Milk for babes (1Pet. 2:2), Bread for the hungry (Mt. 4:4), Meat for people (Heb. 5:11–14), and finally, Honey for dessert (Ps. 19:10).
Friend, until next time, Good night God Bless and remember to spread the Good news.
Bibliography:
David G. Peterson, “Hebrews,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1331.
Sparkling Gems from the Greek, Rick Renner (Teach all Nations Publishing, 14th Edition, Tulsa OK.)
R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of the Epistle to the Hebrews and of the Epistle of James (Columbus, OH: Lutheran Book Concern, 1938), 141.
Andrew Knowles, The Bible Guide, 1st Augsburg books ed. (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg, 2001), 665.
Understanding the Bible, Hebrews thru Revelation An Independent Baptist Commentary Series – Northstar Ministries- David Sorenson (Duluth, MN), P33. Layman’s Commentary of the Bible (Hebrews thru Revelation) – Volume 12 – (Barbour Publishing, Inc, Urichsville, Ohio, 2008) P 23-24.
Finis Jennings Dake, The Dake Annotated Reference Bible (Dake Publishing, 1997), Heb 4:12.
Title: God’s Word is alive!
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/the-word-of-god-is-living-and-active.html
https://carljosephministries.com/podcast/did-god-preserve-his-word/
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Machaira
Six Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is the Bible just a book, or is it truly alive?
The King James Bible, often referred to as the paragon of all translations—is far more than ink on paper. According to scripture, the Word of God is a living, breathing entity. Though physically printed, its origin is eternal, having been written in the heavenlies before it was ever recorded on stone or parchment. As Hebrews 4:12 declares, “The word of God is quick (alive), and powerful…” It has divine life, capable of saving, healing, delivering, and transforming anyone who believes upon it.
2. What makes the Word of God “alive” or “quick”?
The word “quick” in the original Greek is zoopoieo, which means “to make alive.” The Bible is alive because it is infused with the very nature of God, and God’s essence is life itself. Jesus said in John 6:63, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” God’s Word carries divine energy and presence, which is why when it is spoken in faith, it actively changes hearts, minds, and circumstances.
3. What’s the difference between the “logos” and the “rhema” word of God?
The two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12) speaks of the logos and rhema—the written word and the spoken word.
- Logos is the recorded Word of God (your Bible).
- Rhema is the spoken or revealed word, often quickened by the Holy Spirit during study or prayer.
The power is released when the logos becomes rhema—when you speak God’s Word out loud, with faith. This is how Jesus defeated Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4), using scripture as a weapon.
4. How does the Word of God affect our hearts and minds?
Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God pierces soul and spirit, discerns thoughts, and judges intentions. God’s Word acts like a divine scalpel—cutting through emotional wounds, false motives, secret sin, and spiritual confusion. It reveals the true condition of the heart and exposes what no human eye can see. Carl points out that no creature is hidden from God’s sight (Hebrews 4:13), and we will all give an account before the Word one day.
5. Why is it important to speak the Word of God out loud?
Because God’s Word is spirit and life (John 6:63), speaking it aloud is a spiritual act of authority. Carl teaches that we must speak to our circumstances—not just think scripture, but proclaim it boldly. Like a sword, the Word is most effective when wielded—not sheathed. When the Word is spoken in faith, it cuts through demonic strongholds, sickness, fear, and unbelief. Isaiah 55:11 promises that God’s Word will not return void but will accomplish its purpose.
6. What happens if I ignore or reject the Word of God?
To reject God’s Word is to reject God Himself. Hebrews 4 paints a serious picture: the Word will expose, judge, and ultimately hold every person accountable. Carl reminds us that everything hidden will be revealed (Matthew 10:26), and we will one day stand bare and honest before the Lord. But if we allow the Word to cut us now—like a surgeon heals with a scalpel—we will be cleansed, transformed, and ready for the day we stand before God.
Carl is an authority. He is a biblical scholar, minister, author, husband, father, and life coach. In his mid-twenties he had a powerful encounter with God and saw miraculous healings as a result. Carl is a unique researcher who investigates current affairs, societal trends, prophecy, technology, cults, and end time events, all through a biblical lens.
Carl holds a Doctorate in Theology (Th D). His Alma Mata includes: Salford University, Manchester, UK, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK, Rhema Bible Training College (Tulsa), and Southwestern Christian University (Oklahoma City).
Carl Joseph Ministries empowers believers in Christ to fulfill their God given potential. Join Carl every other Monday on the Lions Unchained Podcast, available on Spotify, iTunes and other mainstream platforms.
He currently resides in Colorado, with his lovely wife Amy, and their three children.
