The Book of Books

Your Convictions About the Bible

https://www.intouch.org/watch/sermons/your-convictions-about-the-bible

Of all the books ever written, there is only one that is utterly infallible, timeless, and completely
trustworthy—the Bible. But is it merely a collection of ancient men’s words or is it the revelation of the
living God?
Your answer to that question is of the utmost importance. In this message, Dr. Stanley shares his personal
conviction that the Bible is the very Word of God—inerrant and wholly reliable.
Sermon Outline
Key Passage: Isaiah 66, The Worship God Demands
 Thus says the Lord:
1

Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool;

what is the house that you would build for me,
and what is my resting place?
All these things my hand has made,
2 

and so all these things are mine, says the Lord.

But this is the one to whom I will look,
to the humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at my word.
3 
Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who kills a human being;
    whoever sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog’s neck;
whoever presents a grain offering, like one who offers swine’s blood;
    whoever makes a memorial offering of frankincense, like one who blesses an idol.
These have chosen their own ways, and in their abominations they take delight;
I also will choose to mock them,
4 

    and bring upon them what they fear;

because, when I called, no one answered,
    when I spoke, they did not listen;
but they did what was evil in my sight,
    and chose what did not please me.
Supporting Scriptures:
 Psalm 119
104 
Through your precepts I get understanding;
    therefore I hate every false way.
105 
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
 Isaiah 40:8 
The grass withers, the flower fades;
8 

but the word of our God will stand forever.

 Ezekiel 18, Individual Retribution
1
 The word of the Lord came to me:
  2 What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, “The parents have eaten
sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge”?
 3 As I live, says the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel.
 4 Know that all lives are mine; the life of the parent as well as the life of the child is mine: it is only the
person who sins that shall die.
 Matthew 24, The Lesson of the Fig Tree
“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you
32 

know that summer is near.

 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
 34 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.
 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
John 3 
16 
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not
perish but may have eternal life.
 John 14, Jesus the Way to the Father
1
 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go
to prepare a place for you?
 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I
am, there you may be also.
 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.”
 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through
me.
 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
8 
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”
 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever
has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not
speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works.
 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because
of the works themselves.
 12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do
greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.
 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
 14 If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
  The Promise of the Holy Spirit
 15 
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.
 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.
You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
18 
“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you.
 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.
 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.
 21 They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will
be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”
 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the
world?”
 23 Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will
come to them and make our home with them.
 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from
the Father who sent me.
25 
“I have said these things to you while I am still with you.
 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything,
and remind you of all that I have said to you.
 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your
hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would
rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I.
 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe.
 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me;
 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let
us be on our way.
 Romans 6 
23 
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 Romans 14, Do Not Judge Another
1
 Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.
 2 Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables.
 3 Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on
those who eat; for God has welcomed them.
 4 Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall.
And they will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully
5 

convinced in their own minds.

  6 Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the
Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give
thanks to God.
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.
7 

 8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we
die, we are the Lord’s.
 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
10 
Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or
sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.
 11 For it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
    and every tongue shall give praise to God.”
12 
So then, each of us will be accountable to God.
  1 Corinthians 10 
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be
13 

tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able
to endure it.
 2 Corinthians 5 
8 
Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 
 Ephesians 1, Paul’s Prayer
15 
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason
 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and
revelation as you come to know him,
 18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called
you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,
 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of
his great power.
 20 God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right
hand in the heavenly places,
 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not
only in this age but also in the age to come.
 22 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church,
 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
 Ephesians 2, From Death to Life
1
 You were dead through the trespasses and sins
 2 in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air,
the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient.
  3 All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses,
and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else.
 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us
 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have
been saved—
 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
 7 so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in
Christ Jesus.
 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—
 9 not the result of works, so that no one may boast.
 10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared
beforehand to be our way of life.
 Colossians 3, The New Life in Christ
1
 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the
right hand of God.
 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,
 3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
 4 When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.
5 
Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed
(which is idolatry).
 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.
 7 These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life.
 8 But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from
your mouth.
 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices
 10 and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the
image of its creator.
 11 In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian,
slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
12 

meekness, and patience.

 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the
Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be
thankful.
 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with
gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
  17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God the Father through him.
  Hebrews 4 
12 
Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides
soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
 13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom
we must render an account.
 Hebrews 9, Christ’s Sacrifice Takes Away Sin
23 
Thus it was necessary for the sketches of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the
heavenly things themselves need better sacrifices than these.
 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he
entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.
 25 Nor was it to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place year after year with
blood that is not his own;
 26 for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he
has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself.
 27 And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment,
 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with
sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
 2 Peter 2, False Prophets and Their Punishment
1
 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will
secretly bring in destructive opinions. They will even deny the Master who bought them—bringing swift
destruction on themselves.
 2 Even so, many will follow their licentious ways, and because of these teachers the way of truth will be
maligned.
 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with deceptive words. Their condemnation, pronounced against
them long ago, has not been idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
 1 John 1, The Word of Life
1
 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes,
what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—
 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was
with the Father and was revealed to us—
 3 we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly
our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
 4 We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
God Is Light
5 
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is
no darkness at all.
 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what
is true;
 7 but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the
blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Summary
What we believe about the Bible is absolutely crucial.
Whether we’ve never read it or read it every day, each of us must make up our own mind regarding this
amazing book. Some people think that it was written by many different, imperfect men and must,
therefore, contain errors.
Others believe it’s outdated and irrelevant for today because it was written so long ago.
However, many Christians are convinced that the Bible is God’s Word, which He has protected from
error throughout the ages.
Sermon Points
When we are fully assured that the Lord has given us a book without errors, we have a strong conviction
that guides our lives.
A conviction is something we are so thoroughly convinced is true that we’ll take a stand for it regardless
of the consequences;
A preference is a belief that could change under certain conditions.
Isaiah 66:2, we must determine whether we live by convictions or preferences. 2 All these things my hand
has made, and so all these things are mine, says the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look, to the
humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at my word.
 Psalm 119
104 
Through your precepts I get understanding;
    therefore I hate every false way.
105 
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
 Isaiah 40:8 
The grass withers, the flower fades;
8 

but the word of our God will stand forever.

The Bible has a four-fold purpose:
 To reveal the one true God.
 To explain how to be saved.
 To teach us how to live a godly life.
 To equip us to serve the Lord.
 Reasons we can trust that the Bible is the absolute Word of God:
 It’s timeless. The truths of God are never outdated and are applicable to every generation.
 It’s infallible. Because the Lord inspired the authors, the Bible is without error. However, because
people don’t like the conviction God’s Word brings, many throughout history have not believed its
truth.
 The Word is the revelation of the one true God. In this book the Lord has revealed who He is and has
provided answers and help for all our problems.
 The Bible exposes man’s sinful, hopeless condition. God’s Word tells us that we have all sinned:
 Romans 6 
23 
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 14
12 
So then, each of us will be accountable to God.
 Scripture is a trustworthy guide for daily life. It contains the answers to every problem, situation, or
concern we experience. However, to benefit from God’s guidance, we must be faithful to read His
Word each day.
 It shows us the consequences of sin. From the very beginning, the Lord warned Adam and Eve of the
consequences of disobedience. He always tells us the truth, even when it’s painful, and today He still
provides warnings for us if we will listen and heed them.
 God’s Word reveals His unconditional love for us. His love isn’t based on anything we do or don’t do.
Just as parents love their children regardless of their behavior, so the Lord continually loves His
children.
 The Bible explains how we can be saved from our sins. God summed up His message of salvation in
one verse:
John 3:16,
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not
perish, but have eternal life.
 The Word declares who Jesus is and why He came. He is the Son of God who came to earth for the
purpose of dying on a cross to pay mankind’s sin debt in full so those who believe in Him may be
forgiven.
 The Scriptures explain why Jesus was born of a virgin. Without the virgin birth, Jesus would have
been a normal, sinful man and could not have paid for our sins and become our Savior. Jesus had to
be pure and sinless, and the virgin birth was the only way to accomplish this. Because He was God in
human flesh, He alone was qualified to die in our place.
 God’s Word explains how Jesus died on a cross. All the Old Testament animal sacrifices symbolized
the supreme sacrifice of the Son of God who laid down His life on the cross to pay the ultimate penalty
for our sins.
 The Bible describes Jesus’ resurrection. Although He died and was buried, Christ overcame death
through His resurrection and is now seated at His Father’s right hand in heaven making intercession
for us.
 Colossians 3, The New Life in Christ
 1
 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the
right hand of God.
 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,
 3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
 Scripture tells us how to handle temptation. 
  1 Corinthians 10 
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be
13 

tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able
to endure it.
 The Word identifies the person of the Holy Spirit. He is the third member of the Trinity who indwells
and seals believers as members of God’s family, and continually works in our lives helping us
understand His Word and enabling us to live a godly life.
John 14, The Promise of the Holy Spirit
15 
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.
 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.
You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
18 
“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you.
 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.
 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me and I in you
26 
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything,
and remind you of all that I have said to you.
 The Bible teaches us how to face trials and difficulties. The apostle Paul was greatly used by God, yet
he suffered tremendously. While in prison, he wrote some of the New Testament Epistles that even
today help us know how to handle our troubles.
 Scripture is a fountain of encouragement. Believing God’s Word brings blessed assurance and
promises of peace and forgiveness.
John 14
 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything,
and remind you of all that I have said to you.
 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your
hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
 1 John 1
9 
If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.
 It explains what happens at death. The Bible is our only reliable source regarding what awaits us after
death. If we’re believers in Christ, we know that we’ll immediately be present with the Lord when we
die.
 2 Corinthians 5,
8 
Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
 God’s Word assures us of Christ’s return and our future reward. Jesus has promised to return for us
one day and take us to the place He has prepared for us in His Father’s house.
 John 14, Jesus the Way to the Father
1
 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go
to prepare a place for you?
 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I
am, there you may be also.
 The Bible also warns us of coming judgment. 
Hebrews 9
27
It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.
Those who have rejected Christ will be judged according to their sins, but those who have received Him
as Savior will be judged for the purpose of rewards.
 Scripture reveals future events. In the book of Revelation and other biblical prophecies, God tells us
everything we need to know, though not everything we’d like to know.
 The Bible is the indestructible Word of the living God. Throughout history, people have mocked and
scoffed, and even tried to destroy the Bible, but God has preserved His Word, which will stand
forever. It is to be believed, valued, and obeyed.
 Isaiah 40:8 
The grass withers, the flower fades;
8 

but the word of our God will stand forever.

Response
 Are you thoroughly convinced that the Bible is the infallible Word of God?
 If so, how is it impacting and transforming your life?
 If not, what areas do you struggle to believe and why?
 How much do you value God’s Word?
 Do your thoughts and actions validate your answer?
 What can you do to make it your most precious and most often used possession?
The Holy Scriptures
The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and
the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.
 It is the traveler's map, the pilgram's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the
Christian's charter.
Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.
CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of
pleasure.
It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever.
It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with
its sacred contents.
Owned it is riches, studied it is wisdom; trusted it is salvation; loved it is character; and obeyed it is
power.”
(Anonymous)
 God´s great purpose, May 6/19
https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/in-touch/listen/gods-great-purpose-part-1-738458.html

Behind everything God does there is a divine purpose. Sometimes it is clear and sometimes it is
mysterious. But one thing is certain: He has made His purpose very clear in giving us the Bible. Discover
what it is in this powerful message.
2 Timothy 2, Paul’s Charge to Timothy
10 
Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my
steadfastness,
 11 my persecutions, and my suffering the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra.
What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.
 12 Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
 13 But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived.
 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you
learned it,
 15 and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation
through faith in Christ Jesus.
 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training
in righteousness,
 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
Luke 11, True Blessedness
27 
While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb
that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!”
 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”
I must read it, trust it and try with all my heart to obey it!
Why did God give us the scripture?
 Lead us into salvation. God wants to save us.

 Lead us into a Godly life. He predestined us to be conformed to the likeness of His son. A surrender
life!
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training
16 

in righteousness,
I must know God,
I must live in the truth,
I must accept the conviction of the Holy Spirit and yield to it,
 Hebrews 4,
Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides
12 

soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
 13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom
we must render an account.
The bible is like mirror, revealing the truth, it is the mind of God printed.
I must accept the correction given to me by the scriptures and the Holy Spirit:
Psalm 119,
105 
Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.
Proverbs 3, Admonition to Trust and Honor God
 My child, do not forget my teaching,
1

    but let your heart keep my commandments;

for length of days and years of life
2 

    and abundant welfare they will give you.

Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you;
3 

    bind them around your neck,

    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 
So you will find favor and good repute
    in the sight of God and of people.
5 
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
6 

and he will make straight your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
7 

    fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

It will be a healing for your flesh
8 

    and a refreshment for your body.

I must draw principles to liove by from the bible!
Ephesians 3, Prayer for the Readers
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
14 

 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name.
 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your
inner being with power through his Spirit,
 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.
 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length
and height and depth,
 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness
of God.
20 
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we
can ask or imagine,
 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
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