The Word of God

We should read and study the Bible because it is totally reliable and without error. oThe Old Testament writers claimed many times they were speaking the word of God. Isaiah 1:2 “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: “Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. ” oThe New Testament writers confirmed the Old Testament was God speaking. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. oThroughout the Bible, God warns not to add, to take away from His Word. Rev. 22:18-19 “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, [19] and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. ” oJesus in His sayings confirmed the Old Testament as being without error.
Luke 24:44 “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. ” oThose involved in science say the Bible is not accurate, but every time science tries to disprove the Bible, it ends up proving it. The Bible has never changed over the thousands of years since it was written. The Bible is authoritative and can be trusted as such. No piece of literature even approaching its age comes close to having the supportive textual evidence indicating authenticity that the Bible has.
It is simply the most reliable text in existence. We should read and study the Bible because there is so much false teaching. The Bible gives us the measuring stick by which we can distinguish truth from error. Amos 7:8 “And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see? ” And I said, “A plumb line. ” Then the Lord said, “Behold, I am setting a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will never again pass by them;” All Christians should study the Bible each day. Psalm 119:15 “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. Psalm 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. [3] He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. ” The best time to study is in the morning because the Bible refers frequently to things being done early in the morning. Isaiah 50:4 “The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.

Morning by morning He awakens; He awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. ” It is highly recommended that two Bibles be used. One is the main Bible and the other is a study Bible with full notes. The Bible should not be read as a textbook but as the word of God. Before even opening the Bible to read, it is best to ask the LORD to reveal something fresh that will help in one’s daily walk. The different approaches to reading the Bible are: oHearing oReading oWriting oStudying oMeditating oMemorizing. oApplication The following study aids will also be necessary to help understand the Bible: oA concordance (Young’s, Strong or Cruden’s) A Bible dictionary oA commentary on the Bible oVines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words oA good English dictionary oA notebook to record impressions oA Bible marker to highlight certain passages that make a special impression The Bible can be read through from beginning to end or a daily program followed where both Old and New Testament portions are read each day until the whole Bible is read. But keep in mind that the goal is not to get through the Bible as quickly as possible but rather to absorb it as the word of God.
For centuries the Bible has been a fixed point of reference and no matter how far society and individuals have strayed, the Bible has served as a guide for human conduct, a moral framework producing a sense of right and wrong, a source of truth, an inspiration for the arts, music, literature and a beacon for personal behavior. Philip. 4:8-9 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9] What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” Bible meditation Meditation means pondering by talking to oneself, musing, thinking, or reflection. It involves allowing the mind to become saturated with God’s words. Meditation involves the heart; memorization involves the mind. Bible meditation contains the secret to happiness, fruitfulness, freshness, progress, prosperity, success and victory over enemies. 1 Tim. 4:15 “Practice these things; devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Some ways to meditate are: oMemorize a section of the Bible oQuote the section (verse) to the Lord as a personal prayer oRepeat the section several times each time, emphasize a different word oVisualize the significance of each word as far as you can oRepeat the section and ponder on the full meaning of each word oRest – let the words grow in your mind, will and emotions. oUse section to talk with God oPonder each word for personal application oExpect God to bring this section to your mind for decisions and show you ew insights from it. The Bible equips us to serve God. Ephesians 4:11-13 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” Memorizing Bible verses is important – more important than many people realize.
It is not to score well with God and others, but to help disciples become more equipped for ministry. John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. ” Jesus subdued the enemy at the temptation simply by quoting verses He had memorized from Deuteronomy. Jesus demonstrates both the importance and effectiveness of knowing and applying Scripture to combat temptation. (Matthew 4:1-7)