1. How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth

2. Why is this topic important? 1 Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 2:2-3 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. Our Daily Bread!

3. History Book

4. The All-Powerful Word of God

5. Designer’s Manual to Life

6. Mystery Novel – Ancient Map to Untold Treasure

7. A Love Letter - from God to you

8. Right Heart Attitude Proverbs 2:1-6 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— 3 indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Instructors’ Manual

9. Right Heart Attitude Deut 4:5 - 6 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Instructors’ Manual

10. Right Heart Attitude Instructors’ Manual 5 Application Questions: Is there a: Sin to avoid? Promise to claim? Attribute of God to consider? Command to obey? Example to follow? or Error to avoid?

11. Right Heart Attitude A Love Letter - from God to you This “letter” is perfect, refreshing the soul. This “letter” is trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 This “letter” is right, giving joy to the heart. This “letter” is radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 This “letter” is pure, enduring forever. This “letter” is firm, and altogether righteous. 10 This “letter” is more precious than gold, than much pure gold; it is sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb Psalm 19: 7-10

12. Right Heart Attitude Ancient Map to Untold Treasure Luke 24 25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

13. Right Mental Attitude History of God’s Dealings with Mankind Set Your Heart to Study.. Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. 2 Tim 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

14. Rightly Handling the Word of Truth A Little Self-Check List Do you know the order of the New Testament books “off by heart”? Do you know the order of the Old Testament books “off by heart”? Can you draw out a “time line” of the history of Israel and do you know “where and when” the different books and prophets fit in? Have a Plan / Goal Aim to read the whole Bible in a Year! Commit to a good reading calendar (don’t wait till January 1 st ) There are excellent resources available… e.g. Henrietta Mears

15. Synthetic Reading Approach Suffering brought on by Satan’s Attacks Suffering brought on by well-meaning friends / counsellors Silence in response to the voice of an all- powerful sovereign God God’s Restoration The Dilemma of Job The Debates of Job (3 Cycles) The Deliverance of Job

16. Ultimate Right Motivation Sword of the Spirit Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Tim 3: 16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

17. Mad, Sad or Glad? Nehemiah 8:9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, said to them all, “This day is holy to the L ORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah 8:12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

18. How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth