The Importance of the Bible & the Christian Life Sunday, September 11, 2016

Quotes from a church pastor “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so … This Is where our trouble begins.” 

Quote from a church Pastor “I would ask preachers and pastors and student pastors in their communications to get the spotlight off the Bible…

Quote from a church Pastor “It is next to impossible to defend the entire Bible.” 

A. T. Robertson “The vast array of manuscripts has enabled textual scholars to accurately reconstruct the original text with more than 99.9 percent accuracy.”  

From this opening statement, Pastor X goes on to weave a detailed story about what ought not be a Christian emphasis on Scripture, noting that such things as the fall of Jericho, Noah’s flood, and the exodus of Israel from Egypt cannot be verified, have not been confirmed by archaeology, and are spurious examples of stories in the Bible that conflict with what “everyone knows,” a knowledge acquired, of course, from secular education. He goes on to confirm the prevalent scientific “fact” that “everybody knows the earth is 4 or 4.55 billion years old … the universe 14.5 billion years old.”

“Get rid of all moral filth and humbly accept the Word” James 1:21

“Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!” James 1:22

“Whoever . . . does not simply listen and then forget it, but puts it into practice, that person will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:25 (GN)

“We must pay more careful attention to what we’ve heard, so that we do not drift away!” Hebrews 2:1

“Happy is the one who reads this book. and obeys what is written in it “Happy is the one who reads this book . . . and obeys what is written in it!” Revelation 1:3 (GN)

How often should I read God’s Word? “(The Scriptures) shall be his constant companion. He must read from it every day of his life so that he will learn to respect the Lord his God by obeying all of His commands.” Deuteronomy 17:19 (LB) “. . . they accepted the message eagerly and studied the Scriptures everyday . . . “ Acts 17:11 (Ph)

“Be a good workman. Know what His Word says and means “Be a good workman . . . Know what His Word says and means.” II Timothy 2:15

“Guard my words as your most precious possession “Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart.” Proverbs 7:2-3 (LB)

BENEFITS OF SCRIPTURE It helps me to not sin. “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

BENEFITS OF SCRIPTURE It helps me through life. “Your Word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.” Ps. 119:105

BENEFITS OF SCRIPTURE It strengthens me when I am under stress. “. . . Your promises to me are my hope. They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me!” Psalm 119:49-50 (LB)

BENEFITS OF SCRIPTURE It sustains me when I am sad. “Your words are what sustain me . . . They bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me.” Jeremiah 15:16 (LB)   “You will be glad if you remember them and can quote them.” Prov. 22:18 (GN)

BENEFITS OF SCRIPTURE It helps me give hope to others. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” I Peter 3:15

SOMETHING TO THANK GOD FOR? SIN TO CONFESS? PROMISE TO CLAIM? ATTITUDE TO CHANGE? COMMAND TO OBEY? EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW? PRAYER TO PRAY? ERROR TO AVOID? TRUTH TO PROCLAIM? SOMETHING TO THANK GOD FOR?