Holy Scripture 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Holy Scripture Galatians 1:11-12 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

Holy Scripture 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

Holy Scripture 2 Peter 1:20-21 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Holy Scripture 66 Independent books fit perfectly together to make one Written over a period of 1500 years 40 different authors More evidence supporting the Bible’s authenticity

Mystery was revealed over time Acts 8:30-31 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

Revelation is complete 2 Peter 1:3-4 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, No authority but Christ and no guide but the Bible Do not look for a modern day revelation or guide. A preacher’s work is still important and valuable.

Pentateuch (books of law) Old Testament Leviticus Deuteronomy 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Nehemiah Genesis Numbers Judges 1 Kings 2 Kings Esther Joshua Ruth Ezra Exodus Pentateuch (books of law) Historical Books Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Jeremiah Lamentations Psalms Isaiah Daniel Job Ezekiel 39 Books Poetry and Wisdom Major Prophets Obadiah Habakkuk Zephaniah Zechariah Amos Jonah Micah Haggai Malachi Hosea Joel Nahum 15 Judges over a period of 300 to 400 years. Minor Prophets

Acts of the Apostles (History) New Testament Matthew Acts John Mark Luke 27 Books Gospels Acts of the Apostles (History) 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Philemon Romans Titus Pauline Epistles Hebrews 1 Peter 2 Peter Revelation 1 John 2 John 3 John James Jude Matthew--Presents Jesus as the Messiah.  Genealogy of Jesus through Joseph.  Fulfillment of O.T. prophecy. Mark--Presents Jesus as the Servant.  1/3 of the gospel deals with the last week of His life. Luke--Presents Jesus as the Son of Man to seek and save the lost.  Genealogy of Jesus through Mary.  Largest of the gospels. John--Presents Jesus as God in flesh, the Christ, so that you might believe. General Epistles Prophecy

Biases and preconceived ideas Overcome Acts 2:36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Most everyone comes to the table with some bias and preconceived ideas

Biases and preconceived ideas Overcome by Acts 7:52-53 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it." Most everyone comes to the table with some bias and preconceived ideas

Good and honest heart Luke 8:15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:12-15 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. (13) And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. (14) And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. (15) As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

Dull and dishonest heart Acts 28:27-28 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.' Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen." Acts 28:25-28 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: (26) "'Go to this people, and say, "You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive." (27) For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.' (28) Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen."

Ignorance due to the heart Ephesians 4:17-18 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. Ephesians 4:17-19 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. (18) They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. (19) They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

The Lord’s promise Luke 11:9-10 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

A growing process Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Do not necessarily have to read the whole Bible before responding. Do not have to understand the whole Bible before responding. Read and study relevant books.

Adjust and change 2 Corinthians 12:21 I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced. Will not know and understand everything at the moment of conversion.

Reading and perception Ephesians 3:3-4 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,

Personal effort 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.