People who know very little about the Bible Often have a misguided view of it: Can’t understand it It is of little value to read – only satisfies curiosity Not relevant to today – outdated Hardly read it if own one May not even have a copy

The Bible Was written to be read (Eph. 3:3-5) Intended to be studied (Neh. 8:8)

Why I Need To Read & Study The Bible I. It Tells of My Origin

I. It Tells of My Origin Divine Creator Gen. 1:1; 26-27 Gen. 2:7; 18-24 Col. 1:16-17 Acts 17:24-26

I. It Tells of My Origin Divine Creator Instantaneous Creation – Not Evolve Psa. 33:6-9 – spoke it & it was done Matt. 19:4-6 Made male & female

I. It Tells of My Origin Divine Creator Instantaneous Creation – Not Evolve Made in the image of God Gen. 1:26-27 – Thus has a Spirit 1 Thess. 5:23 – higher than animals

Why I Need To Read & Study The Bible I. It Tells of My Origin II. It Tells Me of Evidence of God

II. It Tells Me of Evidence of God Creation Says There Is A Creator Psa. 19:1 – handiwork declares God Rom. 1:20 – no excuse Builder Intelligent Maker Creator

II. It Tells Me of Evidence of God Creation Says There Is A Creator Prophecy Fulfilled – Must Be From God Man cannot foreknow the future Only God can foreknow the future Thus when prophets foretold future – must have spoken by God

300 + Prophecy of the Christ 400-700 Years Before Born of a Virgin (Isa. 7:14) Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) Of the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10) Would be rejected by brethren (Psa. 69:8) Forsaken by disciples (Zech. 13:7) Would be sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zech. 11:12) Would be a king and priest at same time (Zech. 6:11-12) Hands and feet pierced (Psa. 22:16) Died for the sins of others (Isa. 53) Buried in the tomb of the rich (Isa. 53:9) Would be scourged (Isa. 50:6) Soldiers would casts lots for garments (Psa. 22:18) 400-700 Years Before

II. It Tells Me of Evidence of God Creation Says There Is A Creator Prophecy Fulfilled – Must Be From God Resurrection – Empty Tomb Tomb is empty (Matt. 28:6) How did it become empty? Proves Jesus is God (Rom. 1:4)

Why I Need To Read & Study The Bible I. It Tells of My Origin II. It Tells Me of Evidence of God III. It Tells Me My Purpose in Life

III. It Tells Me My Purpose in Life Many wonder why they are here Live holds no meaning or purpose Thus – trying to “find themselves”

III. It Tells Me My Purpose in Life Many wonder why they are here Some live for empty reasons Knowledge / wisdom (Ecc. 1:13) Pleasure (Ecc. 2:1) Money / things (Ecc. 2:7)

III. It Tells Me My Purpose in Life Many wonder why they are here Some live for empty reasons Purpose is to serve God Remember creator in youth (Ecc. 12:1-8) Conclusion of matter (Ecc. 12:13) Created to seek Lord (Acts 17:27)

Why I Need To Read & Study The Bible I. It Tells of My Origin II. It Tells Me of Evidence of God III. It Tells Me My Purpose in Life IV. It Tells Me Right From Wrong Without the Bible how would I know?

IV. It Tells Me Right From Wrong Is a law – by which we are to live 1 John 3:4 2 Tim. 3:16-17 – Word tell us: Doctrine Reproof Correction Instruction Right Not Right Get Right Stay Right

IV. It Tells Me Right From Wrong Is a law – by which we are to live Knowing the law – able to determine good from evil Heb. 5:14

IV. It Tells Me Right From Wrong Is a law – by which we are to live Knowing the law – able to determine good from evil Tells me what is wrong Gal. 5:19-21 1 Cor. 6:9-11

IV. It Tells Me Right From Wrong Is a law – by which we are to live Knowing the law – able to determine good from evil Tells me what is wrong Tells me what is right Capital punishment (Gen. 9:6) Killing animals (Gen. 1:28) Spanking child (Prov. 22:15)

Why I Need To Read & Study The Bible I. It Tells of My Origin II. It Tells Me of Evidence of God III. It Tells Me My Purpose in Life IV. It Tells Me Right From Wrong V. It Tells Me How To Be Happy

V. It Tells Me How To Be Happy Man has misunderstandings about happiness Freedom – no rules! Do as I please – anytime I want

V. It Tells Me How To Be Happy Man has misunderstandings about happiness Sin brings misery Prov. 6:27,33 – wounds - dishonor Psa. 51:3 – sin every before me Heb. 11:25 – pleasure only for a season

V. It Tells Me How To Be Happy Man has misunderstandings about happiness Sin brings misery True happiness – doing right Prov. 16:20 Prov. 28:14 Prov. 29:18

Why I Need To Read & Study The Bible I. It Tells of My Origin II. It Tells Me of Evidence of God III. It Tells Me My Purpose in Life IV. It Tells Me Right From Wrong V. It Tells Me How To Be Happy VI. It Tells of My Destiny

VI. It Tells of My Destiny There is life beyond the grave Luke 16:19-31 John 5:28-29

VI. It Tells of My Destiny There is life beyond the grave Alternatives Heaven Eternal life (Rom. 6:23) No pain (Rev. 21:4) Hell Eternal Death (Rom. 6:23) Suffer Fire (Rev. 21:8)

VI. It Tells of My Destiny There is life beyond the grave Alternatives What I can do about it

Rom 2:6-11 6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds": 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.

Why I Need To Read & Study The Bible I. It Tells of My Origin II. It Tells Me of Evidence of God III. It Tells Me My Purpose in Life IV. It Tells Me Right From Wrong V. It Tells Me How To Be Happy VI. It Tells of My Destiny