Spirit of God (water) Word of God (soil) People of God (light) Essentials: Chapters 8-10 How can we experience VICTORY in the Christian life? God has give His children… Spirit of God (water) Word of God (soil) People of God (light)

So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3) A 2

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Big Idea… To grow into the “oaks of righteousness” that God desires for each believer, we must sink our roots down deeply into the fertile soil of God’s Word.

Victory through the word WHAT is the Bible? It is… God speaking

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:20-21

“God is forever seeking to speak Himself out to His creation “God is forever seeking to speak Himself out to His creation. Not God spoke, but God is speaking. He is, by His nature, continuously articulate. He fills the world with His speaking voice.” The Pursuit of God, p. 73 A.W. Tozer

“I think a new world will arise out of the religious mists when we approach our Bible with the idea that it is not only a book which was once spoken, but it is a book which is now speaking.” The Pursuit of God, p. 82 A.W. Tozer

Victory through the word WHAT is the Bible? It is… God speaking Eternal

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

Victory through the word WHAT is the Bible? It is… God speaking Eternal Prophetic Isaiah 53 fulfilled in life of Christ Micah 5:2 fulfilled in Matt. 2:1-6

Victory through the word WHAT is the Bible? It is… God speaking Eternal Prophetic Trustworthy

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, Making wise the simple. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Psalm 19:7, 10

Victory through the word WHAT is the Bible? It is… God speaking Eternal Prophetic Trustworthy Powerful

Finally, be strong in the LORD and in the strength of His might Finally, be strong in the LORD and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-11; 17

So will the words that come out of my mouth will not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them. The Message Isaiah 55:11

Victory through the word WHAT is the Bible? It is… God speaking Eternal Prophetic Trustworthy Powerful Life Changing

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intention of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Blessed be the LORD, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Psalm 68:19

The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. Ecclesiastes 11:13

Grace BIBLE Church Constitution The Scriptures… We believe the Bible to be the verbally inspired Word of God and the supreme and final authority in doctrine and practice (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Peter 1:21; John 17:17).

The Scriptures… Though Scriptural truth is spiritually discerned (I Cor. 2:13, 14), it is not subjective or a matter of personal opinion (II Peter 1:20). Ultimately, its reliability rests on the promises of God that it is powerful, will endure, and will accomplish what God pleases (Isaiah 40:8, 55:11; Matthew 5:18; Hebrews 4:12).

“A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” Theodore Roosevelt

Victory through the word WHAT is the Bible? WHY should I believe it? Internal Evidence Manuscript Evidence

Manuscript Evidence Plato 427-347 BC 900 AD 1200 Years 7 Aristotle WORK DATE WRITTEN EARLIEST COPY TIME SPAN # OF COPIES Plato 427-347 BC 900 AD 1200 Years 7 Aristotle 384-322 BC 1100 AD 1400 Years 49 Sophocles 496-406 BC 1000 AD 193 New Testament 40-100 AD 125 AD 25 Years over 24,000

Victory through the word WHAT is the Bible? WHY should I believe it? Internal Evidence Manuscript Evidence Historical & Archeological Evidence

The Bible- Written… Over 1500 year span Over 40 generations Over 40 authors from all walks of life In variety of places During different moods On three continents In three languages In a wide variety of literary styles Josh McDowell in Evidence That Demands a Verdict

The Bible “In spite of its diversity, the Bible presents a single unfolding story: God’s redemption of human beings.” “…most importantly, among all the people described in the Bible, the leading character throughout is the one, true, living God made known through Jesus Christ.” Josh McDowell in Evidence That Demands a Verdict

“The Bible is not such a book a man would write if he could, or could write if he would.” Lewis S. Chafer

Victory through the word WHAT is the Bible? WHY should I believe it? WHY should I read it? (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Victory through the word WHAT is the Bible? WHY should I believe it? WHY should I read it? It… Is inspired Is profitable Makes us proficient Completely outfits us

“The Bible is the Word of God in such a way that WHEN THE BIBLE SPEAKS, GOD SPEAKS.” B.B. Warfield

Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation… 1 Peter 2:2

How can a young man keep his way pure How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought you; do not let me wander from your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:9-11

Victory through the word WHAT is the Bible? WHY should I believe it? WHY should I read it? HOW can I get the most out of it? Read it Memorize it Study it

So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3) A 2

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Big Idea… To grow into the “oaks of righteousness” that God desires for each believer, we must sink our roots down deeply into the fertile soil of God’s Word.

When and where will I do it? What is my plan? Applications Is knowing God through His Word a priority in my life? When and where will I do it? What is my plan? Who will hold me accountable?

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Scripture Memory- Essentials Bible Study- get connected on 8/28! Resources Baby Bible Storybook Toddlers Bible Beginners Bible Child Story Bible Family Reading Bible Bible Reading Plan Scripture Memory- Essentials Bible Study- get connected on 8/28!

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Bible Reading Plans www.navpress.com YouVersion Bible App Net Bible- www.bible.org

Scripture Memory- Essentials Bible Study- get connected on 8/28! Resources Baby Bible Storybook Toddlers Bible Beginners Bible Child Story Bible Family Reading Bible Bible Reading Plan Scripture Memory- Essentials Bible Study- get connected on 8/28!