The Bible
25 August 2011
- A big book!
The Bible is a big book but do not be discouraged by that. You will be surprised how quickly you get to know where things are. It is rather like going to a new town-you soon find out where the main roads are but as time goes by you learn more about the little streets and individual buildings... and you find your own favourite places.
- A library
The Bible is actually a library of books written by many different authors over a long time , but because the same Holy Spirit inspired these people, there are many common themes running through whole of it.
- God's wisdom
The Christian faith is not based on human ideas or wisdom but on God revealing himself to mankind. This means that we cannot make up what we believe- we must listen to what God says. The bible is a record of what God has said and done and is our final authority in matters of faith. Jesus and the early Christians frequently referred to the Scriptures by which they meant the Old testament writings.
The Bible is inspired by God (God-breathed)
The apostle Paul is writing to a younger man, Timothy, What can reading the bible do or you? (v 15)
All scripture is (v 16)
What is the bible useful for(v 16)
Reading the Bible will equip you to serving God, teach you the will of God and keep you in the truth and out of error.
Use the Bible to check Christian teaching
Paul was preaching to Jews in Thessalonica. Later, he wrote the two letters to the Thessalonians to those who became Christians in this place. Notice how Paul uses the scriptures.
What did Paul explain and prove from Old testament scriptures about the Christ (the Messiah expected by the Jews)?
The Christ would
The Christ would
Who did Paul say is the Christ?
Paul moved to Beroea and preached to the Jews there. These people checked the teaching of Paul carefully and they believed.
How often did they examine the scriptures?
Jesus is the key to understanding the Bible.
The Bible reveals the plan of God for the world and mankind. Jesus is central to that plan and he is the key to understanding the scriptures.
John 5:39-40 The bible can be lifeless without the key.
How can we have life?
John 5:45-47 Who wrote about Christ 1300 years before Christ?
Luke 24:44-46 Which parts of the Old Testament speak about Jesus?
These were the three main divisions of the scriptures and Jesus meant the whole of the Old Testament. God gave the early Christians a clear understanding of his purposes and enabled people to write more inspired scriptures whick became our New Testament.
In one breath, Peter the apostle talks about the words of the prophets (Old testament) and the teaching of Jesus as delivered by the apostles (New testament). He also includes the letters of Paul with the other scriptures.
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The Word of God The expression the Word of God is used in a number of ways in the bible. It is the activity and communication of God.God created the universe by his Word( Hebrew Ch 11: v3) The Old Testament laws and prophecies are the Word of God. The teachings of Jesus and the good news (gospel) of salvation are the Word of God. Jesus himself was the most vivid revelation of God to mankind and he is called the Word who became flesh ( John Ch 1: v 1-3, 14). Receive the Word of God The word of God can come to you in many ways- through your prayers, your conscience, through a conversation, through oreaching, through spiritual gifts and of course through reading the bible. As you read the Bible, expect to receive the word of God. |
The Word of God is like a sword
The word of God is
andThe Bible tells us much about the character of God and you will get to know him better as you read it. The Bible also gives clear guidelines as to how we should live and you will find that, like a sword, it divides between good and evil and exposes our actions, thoughts, attitudes and motives.
The word of God is like a mirror
Like a true mirror, the bible gives us a realistic picture of what we are like - and it is not pretty sight! We must be prepared to submit ourselves to what we read and allow ourselves to be changed by the power of God.
We must not be just hearers of the word, but
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Determine to have a submissive attitude to the Bible. Ask God to help you to understand it as you need it. Tell God that you want to obey his word and ask for his power to enable you to do it. |
The Bible encourages, comforts and guides
This is a song of praise to God for his commandments, his word, and his law. It is the longest Psalm!
Pick out the following verses:
- v 9 How can you keep your way pure?
- v 11 How can you avoid sinning?
There is great benefit in learning parts of the Bible so that the Word is in you and ready fot times of testing. When Jesus was tempted, he defended himself by quoting scripture which he had hidden in his heart (Matthew Ch 4: v 1-11) The word of God is the Sword of the Spirit, part of our armour (Ephesians Ch 6: v 17)!
- v 18 You could say this prayer before you read the Bible. Enjoy the wonderful things.
- v 50 How can we be comforted when we are in trouble?
The Bible is packed with the promises of God. Find the promises and believe them. God is faithful and true to his Word.
- v 105 We all need help and guidance in our lives. The word of God will help you to find your way through the difficult decisions of life.
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Get into the habit of reading the Bible regularly-everyday if possible. It is, after all, your maker's handbook! |
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