1-- Pfhl 103-- Importance Of The Bible

Preparation for Heavenly Living Correspondence School http://www.geocities.com/bibleloverbill PFHL Course 103-- Importance of the Bible (7 pgs.) (special compilation of verses by Bill Stevenson) Testimony: I was raised in a beautiful-looking church, but the Bible was not emphasized or taught at all. I loved doing a lot of free time book reading (my favorites were Science Fiction and Landmark History books), but, except for a thorough study for writing a 55-page paper on the Gospel of John, I didn’t read or study the Bible at all until starting in October 1974. And I was a top Sunday school student! -But only “God’s Word does not come back void.” 1 Thessalonians 3:15-17 says: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man (or woman) of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” So I had to do some catch-work after I was unjustly fired from my first Christian school teaching job in 1974. The Holy Spirit had me study straight through Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and the Epistles of Paul, underlining and making 3 x 5 cards to make some Bible study tools later. I traded the secular books reading time for time of Bible study and intercessory prayer. I did also read some Christian books, but never became addicted to do such. Now I have 59 Bible study tools which I share with others. On June 25, 2004, I shocked my German wife when I told her that I don’t read and study the Bible everyday for my new ministry of Preparation for Heavenly Living Correspondence School. Later during the sermon on Romans 5:1-5, eight ways of relating to the Bible came to my mind. So the ways one should relate to the Bible are 1.) Read, 2.) Study, 3.) Meditate, 4.) Memorize, 5.) Discuss it, 6.) Counsel with it, 7.) Prepare a Bible study tool or teach it. Frequently living it should be done everyday by Christians, but at least one of the others should be done too, preferable several. Reading and study of the Bible should never be done when an individual is not thinking as Proverbs 3:5-8 says. In other words, reading just to read or just because someone else says so will usually not have lasting results. To me a key is thinking as Proverbs 3:5-8 commands, and then an individual can become sensitive to the Holy Spirit, Who Jesus said in John 14-16 would be a believer’s convictor, comforter, teacher, and guide. The following is my translation and logical formatting of those important verses: Trust in the Lord with all my heart, and lean not on my own understanding or past experiences. In all my ways acknowledge (be thankful for) Him, and He (via the Holy Spirit) shall direct my thinking and doing. Do not be wise in my own eyes; fear the Lord (have awesome respect for) and depart from evil. It will be health to my flesh, and strength to my bones. But along with the much misusing of Scripture in sermons and publications, there is a lot of false teaching about how a Christian should relate the Bible: • I disagree with those saying that Christians should study the Bible every day and should read all of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. No where in the Bible is this commanded. The Holy Spirit will guide each God’s truth seeker in a personal way. Most of my Bible study tools were interrupted in the development for good reasons and preparation for the rest. So I did not read and study the Bible every day even when I was focusing on thinking about them. But, every day I try to do at least 3 of the first seven ways to relate to Scripture.

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Those who brag about reading the Bible one time or more times through who I have met, did not manifest the fruit of the Spirit in compassion for others. Also, I am turned-off by those who are proud of their memorizing of Scripture and try to get everyone else in church to do likewise. None of them manifested the fruit of the Spirit in compassion for others either. I knew a pastor who had a photographic memory but he never bragged about how much Scripture he knew; he was a humble verse-by-verse Bible teacher. I pray for the just indicated people because they are misleading others from truly personally relating to the Bible. To me, living it means doing what it says to do in thinking and acting in relation with others and also confessing and repenting of bad habits. I enjoy doing either of those. For over 30 years, the Bible has been the most important (by far) book in my life. I am amazed how I learn new understandings from even my favorite passages. I never had a dull minute with it. Below are more reasons why the Bible is so important to me and definitely is Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth: Bible Study Suggestions: A. First in responding to any Bible verse or Scripture passage you are orally given or assigned, skim the verse or passage and then check the verses before and after to make sure I have included all of the context. I could be wrong and not have included important context verses. B. For each verse, think: “Does it just tell me something I believe already or does it indicate something I should change in my life to be more Christ-like?” If it is the latter, copy it onto a 3 x 5 card and state it in your own words in a commitment form. C. When copying Scripture, be very careful, and double and triple check what you have written. Capitalize the first letter of (a) a deity pronoun, (b) any title of God the Father and of Jesus Christ, (c) Earth and Heaven respectively meaning the planet we live on and where true Christians hope to go for the time before the New Earth (d) the words Bible, Scripture, and Christian, (e) the word Law when the context indicates either the Ten Commandments or God’s Law [not the ordinances, religious rules, and procedures spoken/written by Moses for only the Israelites in the Old Testament times], and (f) any other proper nouns. Directions:

The following Holy Scripture references, quotes, and paraphrases can be used as “springboards” for good reasoning and important discussions. If you really believe most of the quotes in this paper, please note which ones and indicate any questions or doubts you might have about the ones you don’t. Otherwise, you could write an essay as if you had the opportunity to try to persuade an individual to become a true Christian.

1. 2 Timothy 2:8-10-“The Word of God is not bound” and testifies to the only way of resurrection and Salvation. 2. Romans 10-the righteousness of God is of faith in Jesus Christ, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (vs. 3, 6a, & 17) 3. John 6:63-Jesus said to His disciples, “It is the Spirit Who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” 4. Psalm 19:7-8-“The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

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5. Psalm 33-“For the Word of the Lord is right, and all His works are done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice.... The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.” (vs. 4-5a & 11) 6. Matthew 24:35-- Jesus said, “Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away.” 7. 1 John 5:4-15-“He [or she] who believes on the Son of God has the witness in himself [or herself]. He [or she] who believes not God has made Him a liar, because he [or she] believes not the record that God gave of His Son. And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” (vs. 10-11) 8. Hebrews 10:7-a prophesy of David (Psalm 40) about the Messiah which states that a volume of a book is about Him 9. John 17:8-- The words of God through Jesus should be proof enough that God sent Him. 10. John 20:30-31-“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through His name.” 11. Luke 24:25-48-“And Jesus said unto His eleven disciples, ‘These are the words which I spoke unto you while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Me.’ Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures” before preaching repentance and remission of sins among all nations. (vs. 44-48) 12. 1 Thessalonians 2:13-“When you received the Word of God which you heard of us, you received it, not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually works also in you who believe.” 13. John 1:8-10-“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.… If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” (vs. 8 & 10) 14. Matthew 22:29-Jesus said, “You do err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.”

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15. Romans 1:16-17-“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto Salvation to everyone who believes. For in it is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, the just shall live by faith.” 16. Hebrews 4:12-“For the Word of God is living, 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.” 17. Romans 16:25-27-“Now to Him Who is of power to establish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith; to God, only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever.” 18. Ephesians 6:10-17-Believers are supposed to be strong in the Lord wearing the whole armor of God which includes our “loins girded about with truth”, our “feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel” and holding “the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God”. Also from the Bible, we are instructed on how we can recognize spiritual wickedness against which we must wrestle (not just protect ourselves from) and how we can maintain living in increasing righteousness (the breastplate) and faith (the shield). Finally, the Bible makes us confident of our Salvation (the helmet). 19. 1 John 2:14b-If the Word of God abides in a person, he or she has strength to overcome the devil. 20. Matthew 4:1-11 or Luke 4:1-13-Jesus used quotes from the Scriptures, not His own words, to refute the devil’s temptations. 21. Acts 4:31-being filled with the Holy Spirit allows us to speak the Word of God with boldness. 22. 2 Timothy 1:7-10-a) We should not fear or lack a sound mind when we are afflicted due to our belief in the Gospel, b) God is made manifest by Jesus Christ Who has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.

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23. Romans 15:4-“For whatever things were written in earlier times were written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope.” 24. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21-The Bible is the way to understand Christian rebirth and the righteousness of God. “To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (vs. 17, 21b, & 19) 25. 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, so that the man [or woman] of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (See also Ephesians 2:10.) 26. Colossians 3:16-“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” 27. 1 John 5:19-20-The Bible should be our source of a) understanding the human condition of wickedness and b) knowing Jesus Christ Whom we should be in because He is true. 28. 1 Corinthians 10:1-15-Examples in the Bible were written for our admonition so that we would not lust after evil things or put Christ to the test. “Wherefore, let him [or her] who think he [or she] stands take heed lest he [or she] fall.” (vs. 11, 6, 9a, & 12) 29. Romans 2:7-10a-- warning against not obeying the truth. 30. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12-“in flaming fire taking vengeance on them who know not God, and who obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (v. 8) 31. Psalm 119-describes the beauty and excellence of the written Word of God in a way found nowhere else in the Bible. It especially states how Scriptures should work on one who seeks truth and purpose. 32. Hebrews 6:1-2-We believers must progress from the principals of the doctrine of Christ towards perfection in Him by obeying the advice in the Scriptures. 33. James 1:18-27-“Of His own will begot He us with the Word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.…

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Therefore, put away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (vs. 18 & 21-22) The Bible includes “the perfect law of liberty” which guides one to do deeds that shall be blessed. 1 Peter 1:22-25-We can purify our souls by obeying the truth. We were born again “not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which lives and abides forever.” All things of the flesh will pass away, “but the Word of God will endures forever.” 1 Peter 2:1-3-New born-again Christians must lay aside all malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and evil speakings before they can really desire of and grow by the pure milk of the Word. John 15:3-- cleaning power of the Word Hebrews 13:22a-- Believers should bear with the word of exhortation. Philippians 2:13-16-Believers are to obey God, become blameless and harmless children of God without rebuke, and hold forth the Word of life. Luke 11:28-Jesus said, “Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it.” 1 John 2:5-6-“But whosoever keeps His word, in him [or her] verily is the love of God perfected. By this know we that we are in Him. He [or she] who says he [or she] abides in Him ought himself [or herself] also to walk, even as He walked.” 2 Peter 3:9 & 13-18-We should read the Bible to learn and be reminded of all of God’s promises for those who believe, especially about the things to come. We also must remember that our Lord would like all to repent and that He is coming back for those who are at peace of Him without a spot and blameless. We should be steadfast in our Salvation and in the things mentioned in Paul’s Epistles constantly growing in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 1:13-The Apostle Paul said, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”

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43. John 8-“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, ‘If you continue in my Word, then are you My disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’” (vs. 31-32) 44. 2 Timothy 3:13-15-We must continue in the things which we have learned from or have been assured by the holy Scriptures, so that we will not be deceived as evil men and seducers become worse and worse. 45. Deuteronomy 30:10-20-The Word of life is not hidden, “but the word is very near unto you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it.” We must obey and cleave to God’s Word or else be drawn away and end-up serving other gods. (vs. 11-14, 20, & 17) 46. 2 Timothy 2:15-“Study to show yourself approved unto God a workman who needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” 47. 1 Timothy 1:3-11-- The Bible helps us to determine sound doctrine or truth. 48. 2 Timothy 2:22-26-The Bible should be used a) to avoid foolish or unlearned faith-testing questions which breed strifes and b) to guide those who oppose God or the truth in anyway towards seeking God’s repentance to the acknowledging of the truth (so that they may recover or escape out of the snare of the devil). 49. Colossians 4:5-6-The Bible helps us to learn a) to walk in wisdom toward those who are without and b) to keep our speech with grace so that we may know how we ought to answer every man [or woman]. 50. Titus 1:7-11, 13b-14-Christian leaders must purify themselves according to the Scriptures, hold fast to the faithful Word which will enable them by sound doctrine to exhort and to convince the opposers, and to rebuke those who turn or backslide from the Truth.

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