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WHY DO WE STUDY THE BIBLE? “Because it’s Character is Divine”

The Bible stands like a rock undaunted midst the raging storms of time; Its pages burn with the eternal, And they glow with a light sublime.

The Bible stands though the hills may tumble, It will firmly stand when the earth shall crumble; I will plant my feet on its firm foundation, For the Bible stands.

The Bible stands ever y test we give it For its Author is divine; By grace alone I expect to live it And to prove it and make it mine. -Haldor Lillenas (1885-1959)

Tonight, may I impress upon your heart that the book you hold in your hands is unlike any other in the Universe? And with that truth deeply upon our hearts, in the days ahead, shouldn’t we treat it differently, read it diligently, wait before it expectantly and from it learn to live triumphantly?

There are three reasons why I believe we need to immerse ourselves in the Bible like no other book anywhere: • Because The Bible is Unique • Because The Bible is Powerful • Because The Bible is Divine

Tonight we are going to examine these three components of the Bible’s Character, that make the Bible so precious.
The Bible is Unique

I. There is no other book like the Bible: II. There was no other book written like the Bible. III. UNIQUE IN ITS CONTINUITY1 Here is a book:
The Bible is Powerful, so there are Seven Reasons to Study God’s Word. They are because it is the:  — It discovers and convicts us of sin in our lives John 16:7-10  — Through it God’s Spirit cleanses us from sin Hebrews 9:14, 10:22  — It imparts strength to our spiritual man Jeremiah 15:16  — It instructs us in going God’s way Romans 15:4  — It provides us a sword for victory over sin and temptations Ephesians 6:17  — It shapes us into a life that glorifies Him 1 Peter 1:7

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 — It drives us to prayerful dependence Psalm 119:25 ; John 15:7-8
The Bible is Divine

There are many Books in the Bible that reveal truths about our beautiful Lord Jesus. But there is only one that has as its theme and central purpose to unveil and reveal JESUS CHRIST THE LORD. Note Revelation 19:10, John 5:39 and Luke 24:27. Because the Bible is Divine, and speaks of Christ in every book, He is our Source of:
I. SANCTIFYING TRUTH: John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (KJV) II. PERSONAL HAPPINESS: Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. (KJV) III. SPIRITUAL GROWTH: 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: (KJV) IV. DIVINE POWER: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged 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. (KJV) V. SUPERNATURAL GUIDANCE: Psalm 119:105 Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (KJV) VI. ABSOLUTE COMFORT: Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (KJV) VII. BIBLICAL MATURITY (Completeness): 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV) VIII. DAILY VICTORY: Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (KJV) With Paul the expression “in Christ” is found 164 times, as justified in Christ ” (Gal. 2:17), ” God’s righteousness in him ” (2 Cor 5: 21). Of this blessed, life-penetrating secret all his letters speak, each in its particular and prominent aspect. Thus: In Romans -justification in Christ; In Corinthians -sanctification in Christ; In Galatians -freedom in Christ; In Ephesians-oneness in Christ; In Philippians-joy in Christ; In Colossians-fullness in Christ; In Thessalonians – glorification in Christ.

 SALVATION: To be in Christ.  SANCTIFICATION: To work through Christ.  DEDICATION: To live for Christ.  CONSECRATION: To surrender to Christ.  GLORIFICATION: To be with Christ.

So when we are exposed to Christ’s power, and by faith enter into His salvation we are transformed! Five magnificent events take place, His:
Page 3B JUSTIFICATION A Sinner stands before God as accused and is declared righteous by His imputed righteousness. REDEMPTION A Sinner stands before God as a slave and is granted freedom by His ransom. FORGIVENESS A Sinner stands before God as a debtor and is forgotten by His payment. RECONCILIATION A Sinner stands before God as an enemy and is made a friend by His peace. ADOPTION A Sinner stands before God as a stranger and is called a Son by His choice.