Getting Back To God’s Word | Jentezen Franklin
Sunday, October 26
Introduction
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” — Proverbs 25:11
Today we’ll explore the message by Pastor Jentezen Franklin, titled “Getting Back to God’s Word.”The message encouraged us to rediscover the transforming power of God’s Word—the “fitly spoken” word that brings light, direction, and healing in a world that’s losing its moral and spiritual foundation. Pastor Jentezen reminded us that when God’s Word is spoken in truth and season, it can turn darkness into light, restore families, rebuild faith, and ignite hope again.
Like Solomon’s image of “apples of gold in settings of silver,” a timely word from God brings clarity and beauty into confusion and despair. The right word at the right time—whether through Scripture, prayer, or encouragement—has the power to change everything.
· Have you ever experienced a moment when the right word—spoken in love or truth—changed your situation or perspective?
The Word Turns Darkness into Light
Pastor Franklin shows that God’s Word is the foundation of everything. In Genesis 1:3, God spoke, “Let there be light,”and there was light—His Word instantly brought order and life out of darkness and emptiness. That same creative power still works today.
He often teaches that our words carry weight through confession and praise, but they only matter because they reflect God’s original Word—the true standard for truth, reality, and change.
The Bible is the answer to personal and cultural darkness. When it’s ignored or twisted, ignorance, superstition, and moral collapse take over. But when God’s Word enters, it brings understanding and light. The printing press made Scripture available, and simple truths like 2 Thessalonians 3:10—“If anyone won’t work, he shouldn’t eat” (NKJV)—restored discipline and community.
Finally, the call is clear: stand firm on God's Word when everything else shakes. It’s the steady light and solid anchor in a world growing darker.
· Personal Void: Where in your life—career, health, relationships—feels empty and dark right now?
· Confession as Creation: What negative thing do you keep saying?
· Source of Illumination: When you’re confused, do you open the Bible first or last?
Protecting Childhood with the Light of God’s Word
In today’s message titled “Getting Back to God’s Word” Pastor Franklin spent a lot of time describing the sad decline of some of the world’s greatest civilizations, including the Roman Empire, that led to hundreds and hundreds of years of illiteracy, superstition, paganism, and debauchery. The years after the fall of the Roman Empire were characterized by complete spiritual darkness. This is the depressing situation that happens when God’s Word and education are removed from the family and from society.
Even worse, it was often the children that were affected the most as there were literally no physical or relational boundaries between adults and children. Pastor Franklin described how children disappeared in that culture and were just “small people”. Then he painfully pointed out how this is how life is in many large American cities today, without boundaries, without safety, without protection.
So, what is the solution? Psalm 119:130 says, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” (KJV)
The printing press was invented in the 1400’s and the first book ever printed was the Bible. Consequently, people began reading God’s Word, and when families read it together, the entrance of God’s Word brought light and society was rapidly transformed This is where change must begin, with families allowing God’s Word to enter their lives. Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (NIV)
It is our job as parents, educators, and leaders to take God’s word, bring God’s light and Word into our homes, and raise up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
· Are you reading and studying your Bible on a consistent basis? Are you reading your Bible and praying with your family?
· What is one specific thing that you can do to turn your family and world from darkness to light?
God’s Word as a Lamp Out of Darkness
Picture Europe in the Dark Ages—ignorant, violent, hopeless. Then Gutenberg’s press rolls out its first book: the Bible. Pastor Jentezen says, “At the entrance of the Word—there it is, the golden apples!” Light breaks in.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Suddenly people could read God’s truth in their own language. Illiteracy faded, civility returned, and superstition lost its grip.
“The gospel… is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). That printed Word didn’t just teach—it transformed lives, families, whole nations.
We’re in a dark moment again. But the fix is the same: open the Bible. Read it with your kids. Let it guide your steps. One verse at a time, it still turns night into day and despair into real hope.
· Where in your life—or in the world around you—feels like the “Dark Ages” right now, and how could one verse from the Bible start shining light there?
· When was the last time God’s Word guided a real decision for you like a lamp on a dark path? What happened?
· If the gospel truly is “the power of God for salvation,” what’s one practical way you can get it into someone’s hands (or heart) this week?
Conclusion
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword... it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12
As we reflect on this message, we’re reminded that God’s Word is not ancient history—it’s alive and working in us today. It cuts through confusion, calls us to repentance, and brings transformation where we’ve drifted from truth. The same Word that once pulled the world out of the Dark Ages still has power to bring light into our homes, our schools, and our hearts.
When we return to Scripture and allow it to shape our words, our discipline, and our decisions, we experience revival from the inside out. The decline of nations, families, and morals can be reversed when people return to the living Word of God.
· How can you make space this week for God’s Word to bring light and transformation into your daily life—whether in your thoughts, family, or conversations?
Closing Prayer
“Father, thank You for Your living Word—our lamp, our light, our hope. Open our eyes to see it, our hearts to receive it, and our homes to live it. Turn our darkness into dawn, protect our children, and revive us again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Resources
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