1. HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

2. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

3. OBSTACLES TO EFFECTIVE BIBLE STUDY Time Time is an obstacle in many areas of life. For some reason, we always seem to be short of it, especially when it comes to Bible study Desire While a lack of time can be an obstacle to effective Bible study, a lack of desire can be an even greater one. Pride Pride can be another obstacle to Bible study. Pride robs one of an open and teachable spirit. The proud feel as if there is nothing more they need to learn. Prejudice Prejudice becomes an obstacle to effective Bible study when we approach the scriptures to prove what we already believe.

4. Skills Not having proper study skills can be an obstacle to one’s personal investigation of the inspired scriptures. Effective Bible study requires more than just a casual reading of the text.

5. Questions: 1.Why is an ability to properly study the Bible so important? 2. What possible dangers are faced when one lacks the ability to study the scriptures? 3. Why do many Christians seem to have so little time to properly study the Bible? 4. How can we increase our desire to study the scriptures? 5. How are pride and prejudice obstacles to profitable Bible study?

6. BIBLE STUDY TOOLS

11. THE INSPIRATION AND INERRANCY OF THE SCRIPTURES

13. Prophetic Accuracy Prophecy is another area where the Bible demonstrates Divine inspiration. The prophets spoke of events hundreds of years prior to their occurrence with amazing accuracy. How could these men have known so precisely, what would occur unless they were told by God? Consider these many prophecies concerning Jesus Christ, all spoken hundreds of years prior, yet ALL were fulfilled to the letter. Born of the seed of woman (Gen. 3:15), Fulfilled (Matt. 1:20). Born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14), Fulfilled (Matt. 1:24-25). Would be the Son of God (Ps. 2:7), Fulfilled (Matt. 3:17). Son of Abraham (Gen. 22:18), Fulfilled (Matt. 1:1). Son of David (Jer. 23:5), Fulfilled (Matt. 1:1). Born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2), Fulfilled (Matt. 2:1). Will be a Prophet (Dt. 18:18), Fulfilled (Matt. 21:11). Will be a Priest (Ps. 110:4), Fulfilled (Heb. 3:1). Will be a King (Ps. 2:6), Fulfilled (Jn. 18:33-37). Would enter the city on a donkey (Zech. 9:9), Fulfilled (Matt. 21:4ff). Will be betrayed by friend (Ps. 41:9), Fulfilled (Matt. 26:15). Sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zec. 11:12), Fulfilled (Matt. 26:15). Silent before accusers (Isa. 53:7), Fulfilled (Matt. 27:12). Hands and feet pierced (Ps. 22:16), Fulfilled (Lk. 23:33). Would cast lots for His garments (Ps. 22:18), Fulfilled (Jn. 19:24 Crucified with criminals (Isa. 53:12), Fulfilled (Matt. 27:38). Forsaken (Ps. 22:1), Fulfilled (Matt. 27:46). Not a bone would be broken (Ps. 34:20), Fulfilled (Jn. 19:36). Side pierced (Zech. 12:10), Fulfilled (Jn. 19:36-37). Buried in rich man’s tomb (Isa. 53:9), Fulfilled (Matt. 27:57-60). Will rise from the dead (Ps. 16:10), Fulfilled (Acts 2:31).

14. Historical Accuracy The Bible contains remarkable accuracy in regards to historical events. Through the years, some have questioned the Bible’s mention of various peoples and places. However, as archeologists continue digging in the sand, they keep uncovering proof of the Bible’s accuracy in regards to these people and places.

15. Scientific Foreknowledge This is an area where there are some remarkable insights contained in the Scriptures perhaps some that have still yet to be discovered. Too many of us have the idea that science is an enemy of our faith. The truth is, science (whether it intends to or not) keeps proving our faith! They make (what they believe are) “new” discoveries. Yet, the Bible speaks of many of these scientific truths long before man discovered them.