Song Numbers 1

Why Know The Bible? (2) 2

VI. The Bible is the only book that is “alive” 3

Heb. 4:12 [12] For the word of God is quick, (living NKJV) and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 4

The Bible will “grow” inside you - - like a seed grows Luke 8:11 [11] Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 5

Js. 1:18 [18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. (NKJV) 6

The Bible is given for our transformation – Rom. 12:2 [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 7

The Holy Spirit uses the Word to prick man’s heart – Eph. 6:17 [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 8

“No sinner comes to Christ without the work of the Holy Spirit. The means by which he accomplishes this is the living Scripture…it is not a ‘direct operation’” Allen Webster 9

VII. The Bible is the only book that correctly tells us how to be saved 10

Rom. 6:23 [23] For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 11

All accountable people have sinned – Rom. 3:23 [23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 12

Sinners are lost without Christ – Rom. 6:23 [23] For the wages of sin is death… 13

The Bible teaches that in order for sinners to be saved, they initially must complete 5 simple steps: 14

1. A sinner must hear the Word of God – learn about Jesus Jn.6:44-45 [44] No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 15

[45] It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 16

Rom. 10:17 [17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 17

2. Sinners must believe in Jesus as God’s Son Jn. 8:24 [24] I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. 18

3. A sinner must repent of sins Luke 13:3 [3] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 19

Repentance is a change of mind that produces a change of behavior Give up a sinful life and start living a spiritual life Stop serving Satan and self and start serving God and other people 20

4. A sinner must confess faith in Christ We must speak with our mouth what we have come to believe in our hearts 21

Mt. 10:32-33 [32] Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. [33] But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 22

5. A sinner must be baptized in water for the forgiveness of sins Mk. 16:16 [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 23

Baptism is the final step in leaving Satan’s domain and becoming a part of the church, which is Christ’s kingdom 24

VIII. The Bible is the only book that tells us how to identify the one true church 25

Acts 2:47 [47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 26

Christ purchased the church – Acts 20:28 [28] Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 27

Christ is Head of the church He is the Savior of the body/the church Christ has only one body In the N.T., members of the Lord’s church were CHRISTIANS ONLY and the ONLY CHRISTIANS 28

IX. The Bible is the only book that helps us find the Christian way of life, worship and service 29

2 Pet. 1:3 [3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 30

X. The Bible points us to the highest goal - HEAVEN 31

Phil 3:14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 32

2 Tim. 4:7-8 [7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 33

Hear the word – learn of Christ Believe in Christ as God’s Son Repent of sins Confess faith in Christ Be baptized into Christ 34

References Dunn, Frank J. Know Your Bible. Temple, Texas: Frank and Yvonne Dunn Publications, Webster, Allen. Next Week’s Best Seller, tract published by the Jacksonville church of Christ, Jacksonville, Alabama. 35