Week 2 - "What is the Significance of the Bible in My Life?"

What separates Christianity from any "religion" in the world is its claim to an absolute authority from God. Having the Word of God is essential to a Christian's growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. The standards by which we as Christians are to govern the details of our individual lives are found in the pages of the Word of God.

The purpose of this lesson is to acquaint you with the basics of the Bible and how it relates to everyday life. This should lead to an understanding of how its principles are to guide every facet of your personal walk with Jesus Christ.

I. The Word of God is infallible and therefore, absolutely reliable.

 A. The very words of God are inspired.
      II Timothy 3:16-17; Proverbs 30:5-6

 B. The very words of God are preserved.
     Psalm 12:6-7, 119:160; Matthew 5:17-18, 24:35; Isaiah 40:8; Proverbs 22:20-21; John 10:35

 C. The very words of God are not to be changed by man.
      Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19; Deuteronomy 4:2; John 12:48; I Timothy 6:3-5

 D. The very words of God are more sure than the audible voice of God. This is a very critical point. It must be understood that all "experiences" are to be judged by an infallible standard which is greater than any experience. Peter said the Word of God was MORE SURE than the physical appearance and audible voice of God.

     See II Peter 1:16-21 compared with Matthew 17:1-9.
     Refers to Old Testament
   
     Therefore, which translation of the Bible you use is critically important. While many modern translations and paraphrases attempt to make the Bible more readable, they sacrifice the integrity of the very words of God.

II. The Word of God is active in salvation.

 A. I Peter 1:23 says we are born again "by the word of God." The Word of God is the agent which brings about the new birth.

 B. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith;..." Romans 10:17 says "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

 C. Speaking to the brethren, James 1:21 says the Word of God is "...able to save your soul."

 D. Paul's summary of the gospel contains three parts, all ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES.

      I Corinthians 15:1-4

     1. Jesus Christ died for our sins.

     2. Jesus Christ was buried.

     3. Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

 E. You must believe what the Bible says about sin, your condition, and God's plan of salvation in order to be saved.

III. The Word of God is spiritually discerned.

 A. The Bible is learned by comparing scripture with scripture, relying on God's Spirit to teach you and not your own natural intellect. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God."
      I Corinthians 2:9-16

 B. The Holy Spirit of God will guide you into all truth. He offers other instruments to aid in teaching such as books, tapes, and preachers. Remember, truth is always revealed by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, any believer indwelt by the Holy Spirit can learn the Bible.
     John 14:26, 16:13-15

IV. The Word of God has a unique history.

 A. The Bible has a total of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.

 B. The Bible was written through more than 40 men.

 C. The Bible fits together perfectly as if written by one man because the author of all 66 books is the Holy Spirit.
      II Peter 1:21


 D. The Bible was written over a time span of about 2,000 years.

 E. The Bible is totally accurate in matters of history, of prophecy and of every issue of life. There are no contradictions in the Bible.

V. The Word of God has had a profound impact on human history.

 A. "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 pilgrim'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 its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.
      Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you in life, will be open at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents."
      - Anonymous

 B. "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without the Bible." - George Washington

 C. "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given man." - Abraham Lincoln

VI. The Word of God is your absolute, infallible guide for life.

 A. Every major purchase (car, appliance, etc.) is accompanied by an owner's manual which tells you how to operate it. If you don't go by the book, it won't work.

 B. The Bible is God's "owner's manual" for your life. God would not save you and call you to service without clear, exact directions. You must go "by the book". .
      Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:5-6

 VII. The Word of God accomplishes many purposes in the life of a Christian.

  A. The Word of God equips you for service. "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good words." 
       II Timothy 3:16-17; Ephesians 6:10-18

  B. The Word of God sustains you. It is often associated with different foods. See Job 23:12 and Jeremiah 15:16. It is a complete and balanced diet.

       1. Milk I Peter 2:2
       2. Honey Psalm 119:103; Proverbs 16:24
       3. Apples Proverbs 7:2, 25:11
       4. Bread Luke 4:4
       5. Water Isaiah 55:10-11; Ephesians 5:26
       6. Meat Hebrews 5:12-14; I Corinthians 3:1-2
       7. Vegetables Psalm 78:24

  C. The Word of God keeps you clean to please God.
       Psalm 119:9-11; John 15:3

VIII. Basic questions

  A. Where should I start reading?
       As a young Christian, focus on the primary places which deal with your new relationship with your Heavenly Father. The Gospel of John, the Epistle of I John and Psalm 119 are excellent places to begin.

       1. The Gospel of John is written that you might believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. John 20:3
       2. The Epistle of I John is written that you might have complete assurance of salvation. I John 5:13
       3. Psalm 119 is written to establish your love for the Word of God.

  B. What if I find something I don't understand?

       1. You will find many things you do not understand. Don't get frustrated. Wait for God to reveal it in His time. John 16:12
       2. The most important thing is to live what you do understand. God will not give you more than you are capable of handling. As you put into practice the things you are learning, God will entrust you with more.

Questions to come....check back soon! :)

YouTube Find

I would like to share these videos with you. 

They are pretty funny! Enjoy! :)

Messy Mondays

"The Three Types of Churches"

What Christian's Believe

Right now I'm going through a Discipleship course that helps ground Christian's better in the Word of God. I'd like to share it with you...but if you do it please remember not to rush through it! Take your time and truly study...you will learn a lot more that way.

So...Week 1 - Daily in the Word

"Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart."

You will need - 1 notebook
                        1 Bible

*These steps are to be completed daily.
*Please designate a page for each day in your notebook.
*Leave a page blank if a day is missed.
*Have a specific passage to study (i.e. 1 John, John, Psalms 119)
*Read until the Holy Spirit speaks to you through a passage.

Step #1 - Write the day and date at the top of a page in your notebook.
Step #2 - Write out the verse or verses that speak to you.
Step #3 - Answer one or more of the following questions as they apply to the verse or verses you've written in your notebook.
      

• What sin should I keep away from?
• What promise can I call my own?
• What command can I enjoy?
• What blessing can I learn from?
• What failure can I learn from?
• What victory can I win?
• What thought about God, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit can I learn?
• What attitude can I adopt?
• What do I need to be faithful to?

Step #4 - Write out a prayer that reveals your response to the things the Lord has taught you.

    A. What can I praise God for?
    B. What does God want me to do?
    C. How should this passage change the way I think or live?
    D. How does this passage change my attitude?

Example:

Day and Date:     Thursday, January 6, 2011

Special Verse(s): Psalms 119:2, "Blessed are they that keep his testimonies and that seek him with the whole heart."

Question:            What do I need to be faithful to?

                            The Lord is offering me in this verse, an opportunity to be blessed. In order to be blessed, I am to be faithful to 2 things. #1. I am to faithfully keep the Lord's testimonies...and #2. I am to faithfully seek the Lord with my whole heart. I can do these 2 things each day as I read and study God's word and as I talk to the Lord in prayer.

Prayer:               Lord, I know the joy of being blessed by You, as I read Your Word and talk to You in prayer. Please help me each day to seek You with my whole heart and to faithfully keep Your words. Please show me someone today that I can share with, the joy of a relationship with You.

In Jesus name, Amen.

 

WELCOME

Hello there! The main intention of this blog is to help each other grow as Christians....sort of an online Bible study. So please share your thoughts and ideas...and if you aren't registered, please post your name or something so I know who you are....now lets have some fun!  :)


"Living the Christian life is not a 'religion' of rules but rather a relationship with Jesus Christ. The strength of this relationship will dictate the degree to which we are willing to pursue a life that is pleasing to God."