The Bible is a book of history, science, poetry, and human behavior. Most importantly, it is a love story that reveals the heart of God through the person of His Son, Jesus Christ.
THE BIBLE IS UNIQUE
The Bible was written over a period of 1,500 years by more than 40 authors in three languages, on three continents. Rather than contradicting one another, the writers maintained 100 percent historical, moral, prophetical, and theological accuracy, writing with harmony and continuity from Genesis to Revelation.
THE BIBLE WAS INSPIRED BY GOD
The Bible was written by men (2 Peter 1:20-21) under the inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16). God exerted His supernatural influence on the writers of the Bible. In other words, God was the author and men were His writing instruments.
THE BIBLE IS TO BE READ AND STUDIED
Studying the Bible is an absolute must for Christians. The Bible instructs, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God..." (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). The systematic preaching of the Bible is impossible without the systematic study of the Bible. We are not to skim a few verses in our daily Bible reading, nor are we to study a passage only when we're about to share it. We need to immerse ourselves daily in God's Word, like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).
THE BIBLE TEACHES US
To build a model airplane, we need to follow a set of instructions. Only then will the final product look like its counterpart on the box. In the same way, we need to follow God's instruction manual for life, the Bible. Only then, will our lives reflect Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
THE BIBLE GIVES US HOPE
The Bible was "written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). We find hope through learning about God, His ways, and His plans for our lives. When we discover the promises of God, we recognize there is more to life than merely existing. We discover there is life beyond this life. Through the Bible, we obtain hope, encouragement, comfort, strength, wisdom, and much more. Best of all, we gain understanding of how to know God personally and how to live for Him righteously.
THE BIBLE GIVES DISCRETION
To find our way through the dark, we need a flashlight. Only then can we see clearly and avoid stumbling. The psalmist described God's Word as "a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). As we allow the Bible to direct our lives, we'll keep from stumbling and falling.
Tips for Using the Bible
1. Pray for understanding before and while you read the Bible.
2. Use the Table of Contents to find the various books of the Bible.
3. Use the markings at the top of each page to keep track of which book and chapter you are in as you look for a passage.
4. Think about what you read, especially the things that strike you. God uses His Word to speak to you in this way.
5. Ask yourself questions. Is there: a promise to claim? An action to take? A truth to learn? An example to follow? Something to avoid? Something I should pray about now?
6. Underline important passages so that you can find them again easily.
7. Believe and obey what God says!
If you want to be wise, STUDY THE BIBLE. If you want to be safe, BELIEVE THE BIBLE. If you want to be right, LIVE THE BIBLE.
