PURPOSE

Establish the scriptures as the standard for our lives

SOME FACTS ABOUT THE BIBLE

  • Greatest selling book in history
  • 66 books (39 in Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament)
  • Written over a period of about 1500 years
  • Written by 40+ authors with various backgrounds (shepherd, fisherman, king, doctor, theologian, tax collector, etc.)
  • Contains dozens of prophecies that have been fulfilled
  • Historically accurate

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17

  • Wise for salvation – The Bible teaches us how to find salvation.
  • God-breathed – The Bible is from God himself, communicated through chosen men (Paul, John, Luke, etc.).
  • Equipped for every good work – Scripture should be used to teach, correct, rebuke, and train us in every aspect of our life: marriage, parenting, righteousness, decision-making, relationships, etc.

HEBREWS 4:12-13

  • Alive and active – The Bible applies to our lives today as it did when written.
  • It judges – The Word reveals our hearts, our motivations, and our attitudes.
  • Uncovered and laid bare – God can see everything in our hearts.

MATTHEW 15:1-9

  • Rules taught by men – Many grow up learning and practicing religious traditions, some of which contradict scripture (they are “in vain”).
  • Scripture first – Following scripture is more important than honouring tradition.
  • Hearts are far from me – God wants our hearts, not just lip service. Insisting on following traditions that break God’s commands shows that our hearts are far from him.

JOHN 8:31-32

  • Hold to Jesus’ teachings – We are expected to “abide” in Jesus’ teachings.
  • The truth will set you free – Jesus’ teachings are a source of truth and freedom.

JOHN 12:47-50

  • I did not come to judge the world – Jesus came to bring hope, grace, and God’s word to a lost world.
  • There is a judge for the one who does not accept my words – We are allowed to make our decisions now. Judgment will come at the last day. Jesus’ words will be the standard.
  • The Father commanded me to say – Jesus’ words are God’s words. They speak in unison.
  • His command leads to eternal life – The hope in following God’s word is salvation.

ACTS 17:10-11

  • Q: What qualities listed here made the Bereans noble?
  • Eagerness – They were eager to hear God’s word.
  • Examined daily – they looked thoroughly at scripture daily.
  • Pursuit of truth – They did not just accept what the religious leaders were saying; they checked the scriptures themselves.

TAKE THE “BEREAN CHALLENGE” AND IMITATE THESE THREE CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Be eager to learn
  • Examine God’s Word daily
  • Search for Truth

ARE YOU WILLING TO:

  • Q: Accept the Bible as the standard for your life?
  • Q: Humbly let the Bible expose your heart and make necessary changes.
  • Q: Eagerly study God’s word every day?

CHALLENGE

  • Start reading the gospel of Mark.

FURTHER STUDY (TO LOOK OVER)

VIDEO: “Can you Trust the Bible? A look at Messianic Prophecies (DT Video)

VIDEO: “Can you Trust the Bible? 3 Reasons to Consider (DT Video)