What is the Bible?
"The Word of God is living and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible is the living Word of God, first spoken by God to man, then written by man through the Spirit, and finally manifested in flesh as God’s Son, Jesus Christ. The Word has the power to transform our lives and impart spiritual life.
“It is able to make us wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Timothy 3:15 -17).
“Profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:15 -17).
What men said about the Bible?
Abraham Lincoln said, “I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Saviour of the world is communicated to us through this book.” Daniel Webster said, “If there is anything in may thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity.”
Why we study the Bible?
Our purpose in the study of the Bible is singular and that is to know, love, live, and exemplify Jesus Christ in the earth. Our attitude toward the study of the Bible cannot be for knowledge alone but for obedience to its message. Being light in darkness and salt in the earth is our aim, as we herald “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2).
Bible Study Progression
HOW TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE
- Begin with prayer.
- 1 Corinthians 2:9-14; John 16:12-15; John 14:26 - Read the Bible.
- Nehemiah 8:1-3 - Study the Bible.
- Nehemiah 8:8 - Meditate upon the Bible.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Psalms 1 - Pass the Bible on to others.
- Hebrews 5:12; Romans 12:7; Acts 1:8
HOW TO STUDY EACH CHAPTER
- The theme/context (The title of the book may attribute to its theme: Genesis - beginnings; Exodus - Going out of/Exit).
- The most important verse (John 3:16 is the most important verse in John 3).
- The most prominent word (“Lost” is the most prominent word in Luke 15).
- The teaching about Christ “I am the way, the truth and the life...” (Jn. 14:6).
- The command to obey “...Love thy neighbor as thyself” (Mt. 22:39).
- The promise to claim “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).
- The new truth learned (Psalm 119:18).
- Truth to apply to my life.