The Bible The Most Important Book in the World Church of Christ at Medina June 2014

Its Author 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 competent, equipped for every good work.” The Bible is obviously divine in origin. – Good men could not have devised it. – Evil men would not have devised it.

Its Author The Bible then must be what it claims to be – the inspired message of God. – 2 Peter 1:16-21 – “…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.” – 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 – Galatians 1:11-12 – John 16:13 – “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

Its Author Being divine in origin, the word of God cannot be overthrown or destroyed. – Matthew 24:35 – It will continue to stand and will be used to judge men on the last day. John 5:22 John 12: Timothy 4:1 Acts 17:31

Its Message The Bible reveals the important fact that man is lost in sin. – Isaiah 59:1-2 – All men are lost in sin (Romans 3:23) and without God we have no hope. (Ephesians 2:12) – The Bible reveals the ugly truth of our destiny, without God. (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10)

Its Message The Bible reveals that God is concerned with man’s destiny. – God desires all men to be saved. (1 Timothy 2:3-4) – Therefore, He calls all men to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9, Acts 17:30) – It is an invitation for all men. (Matthew 11:28, Revelation 22:17)

Its Message The Bible reveals God’s actions to save men. – The Bible, above all else, is a story of love – God’s love for man. This love caused God to act for us. – God’s plan was enacted throughout thousands of years. – Its climax was the sacrifice of God’s Son and then His resurrection.

Its Message The Bible reveals God’s requirements for men. – Belief (John 8:24) – Repentance (Acts 2:38) – Confession (Romans 10:10) – Baptism (Mark 16:15-16) – Life of Faithfulness (1 Peter 2:21)

Its Usefulness The Bible must be studied to be useful for us. We cannot guide ourselves. (Jeremiah 10:23, Proverbs 14:12) The Scriptures give us direction and understanding. The Scriptures also give us hope. (Romans 15:4) The Scriptures help to protect us from the wiles of the devil. (1 John 4:1, 2 Corinthians 11:14-15) The words of God are food to soul, but only when they are taken. (Matt. 4:4, 1 Peter 2:2, Heb. 5:11-14)

Conclusion Psalm 119:11 – “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” We should meditate on God’s word daily (Psalm 1:2 – “…but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”) because it relates to the past (1 Corinthians 10:1), the present (Ephesians 5:17) and the future (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We must obey the truth for it to purify our souls (1 Peter 1:22-23), to set us apart (John 17:17) and for it to cleanse us from all sin (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

References Sermon Notes, Woods, G.E., McQuiddy Press, Nashville, 1954.