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How to Understand the Bible - “Standing on the Promises”

4/27/2015

Memory Verse: "So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter." 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Scripture Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:11-15

1. What makes up the Bible?

The Hebrew Bible/Old Testament: 39 books
The New Testament: 27 books

2. Why these books? Verse 15

Apostolic: written by or tied closely to an apostle (an authorized eyewitness of Jesus).
Catholic: widely, if not universally, recognized by the churches. (Just a reminder: the term “catholic” means “universal” so our use here should not be confused with the way it’s used to identify various strains of Christianity (e.g. The Roman Catholic Church).
Orthodox: not in contradiction to any recognized apostolic book or doctrine

3. How is the Bible to be passed on to others? Verse 15,

Through Teaching and Preaching
Teaching can be oral or written.
With fidelity to the past! 1 Corinthians 15:3
With Priority! 1 Corinthians 15:3
In order for teaching to occur, learning must also occur.

4. How is the Bible to be received?

Eagerly, hungrily: Luke 4:4 NIV - "Jesus answered, 'It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
As God’s word: 2 Timothy 3:16
Firmly held: 1 Corinthians 15:2 NIV - "By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain."

5. Why should the Bible be received? Verse 13

Belief in the word of the gospel is the means of salvation! 1 Corinthians 15:2
Belief in the Truth is part of God’s sanctification of the saved!
Rejection of the Truth is connected to delighting in wickedness. The result of those twin sins is God’s sending of a delusion that enables the belief in a lie and condemnation.

“Points for Trying?” - 2 Timothy 3:14-17

SO WHAT?

Reject “Other books of Scripture”: There are no other Authoritative books! Not the Koran, Book of Mormon, writings of Ellen White, no Lost Books!
Renew your efforts at study! Read, memorize, reflect, research
Repent of laxness in Teaching!

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How to Understand the Bible - “Points for Trying?”

4/20/2015

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Memory Verse: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17(NIV)

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

1. The Bible is from God!

God breathed!
God’s Authority is the only authority! Ultimate Authority in Doctrine and Deed. (Luke 10:26; 24:44-45; John 10:35; 2 Tim.3:16; 4:1-4; 2 Peter 3:16). As John Stott notes, “Scripture is the royal scepter by which King Jesus governs his church.”

2. The Bible is useful!

Wisdom for Salvation: 2 Tim 3:15 NIV - and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Teaching - imparting vital content/doctrine
Rebuking - illuminating error
Correcting - illustrating the improved life
Training in Righteousness - holistic discipline of the righteous of God
Conviction of Sin - (Rom.3:20; Gal.3:22-25; Heb.4:12-13).
Spiritual Fruitfulness - As the Word of God takes deep root in true believers, it produces a harvest of righteousness - a genuine manifestation of love for God and love for others (Mark 4:1-20; James 1:22-25).
Perseverance - Empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers hold fast to the saving message of the Scriptures through the trials and temptations of life. (John 10:28-29; 1 Cor.15:2; 2 Cor.13:5; Gal.3:1-5; Phil.1:6; Col.1:23; 1 Tim.3:13; 1 John 2:14)
Joy and Delight - To those who know God, the Bible is a source of unending joy and delight. Psalm 19:9-10

3. The Bible thoroughly equips!

The servant of God
Every good work!

SO WHAT?

Do you confess that the Bible is authoritative?
Commit to read the Bible daily this week.
Confess to God an area of need for equipping and search for help in the Bible.

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Lost and Found

4/13/2015

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Memory Verse: "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" Romans 10:14

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:1-10

Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and can’t tell where to find them. Leave them alone, and they’ll come home, wagging their tails behind them.

1. Realization of loss! Verses 2, 4, 8

Only happens when people are valued!
Those God values are at risk!

2. Search for the lost! Verses 4-6

Go after them where they are to bring them to where he is, with the other found things!
Go after them until they are found!
Go after them with wise and careful searching! Verse 8

3. Restore and celebrate what’s found! Verses 6-7, 9-10

God in heaven celebrates!
We should celebrate as well!
Fireworks in Heaven!

How does the lost sheep view the Shepherd? A lost coin has no thought of its owner! But what about the sinner who has come to God?

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! Romans 10:15

So What?

Who in your life is lost?
What will you do about it?
If you are lost, will you come to God through Jesus Christ today?

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Jesus Has Risen, He Is Alive!

4/6/2015

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Memory Verse:
"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:1-12

Jesus Christ has risen and is alive today to give you fellowship with God through His victory over sin, death, and hell! You have victory in Jesus!

1. Jesus has risen!

To show the power of God to vindicate Jesus’ life and death!
To continue the plan of God to save mankind!
To share the privilege of fellowship with God with whosoever will believe!

2. To give you victory over: 1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Sin: spiritual decay and depravity: Romans 3:22-25
Death: Physical decay and mortality: 2 Samuel 22:4-6 , Revelation 1:17-18
Hell: Relational separation and punishment: 1 Corinthians 15:54-57

3. Help you Stand firm in faith: 1 Corinthians 15:58

Let nothing move you
Give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord
Your labor in the Lord is not in vain

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How to Understand the Bible - “Standing on the Promises”

How to Understand the Bible - “Points for Trying?”

Lost and Found

Jesus Has Risen, He Is Alive!

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How to Understand the Bible - “Standing on the Promises”

How to Understand the Bible - “Points for Trying?”

Lost and Found

Jesus Has Risen, He Is Alive!

Author

Categories

Archives

​Weekly Schedule

Weekly Schedule