The Bible

2 Timothy 3:10-17

Introduction

1.       There are many books that claim to show us the way to a happy and fulfilling life

2.       Most people seem to assume that any code of conduct is acceptable and that whichever one you choose will work out well for those who follow it

3.       There is one God, who has one Son, who established one church, who gave us one book, that holds out one hope for all eternity

4.       God compels none, but invites all  

Discussion – the need for the Bible

1.       The Bible is necessary in order that we might know God

a.       His power and divine nature are known from Creation – Rom 1:20  

b.       His character is known from revelation – Gen 1:1 and following through Revelation 22:21  

2.       The Bible is necessary in order that we might know righteousness

a.       Gen 4:8 – Did Cain know that what he had done was wrong?

b.       Gen 6:5 – Did these people know that what they did and thought was wrong?

c.       Rom 1:24 -27 – What is the “due penalty of their error” which they received?

d.       Is voting an adequate method for determining what is right? – in Salem they voted to put witches to death, in Germany it was Jews and gypsies among others

e.       Can the science of genetics be reliable in determining what is right? – “I can’t help it because God made me this way” (but who knows whether this is true until the genetic culprit is found)

f.        The Bible has been the choice of millions of people from the days of Moses  

3.       The Bible is necessary in order that we might know the way to God – just as the Bible tells us all the ways in which people may depart from God, it also shows us the only way back to God

a.       Contrast Mark 16:15 with the experience of the two news reporters who converted to Islam at gunpoint in Gaza – the talk show host who (wrongly) saw this as a corruption of the religion of Islam – this is how Islam began except they used swords instead of guns  

b.       The Bible way to salvation is through Jesus only – John 3:16 and 14:6 and Acts 4:12  

c.       Having narrowed the choices to one in specifying Jesus, has God allowed freedom of choice in how one chooses to become a follower of Jesus?  

Conclusion

1.       The writers of the Bible invite investigation, they have nothing to hide

2.       We believe we are right but are open to challenge from anyone concerning anything that we believe or practice

3.       Our only desire is to be right with God

4.       We pray that you will join us in the challenge to follow Jesus in all things