It Is a Holy Book

It Makes Some Unique Claims

• Originated with God. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17• Men recorded God’s message. 1 Peter 1:10-

12; Haggai 1:1-3, 13• Paul: commandments of the Lord. 1 Cor.

14:37; 1 Thes. 2:13• Reliable. Luke 1:1-4• Eyewitnesses. 2 Peter 1:16; 1 John 1:1-3• Jesus had confidence. Matthew 4:4, 7, 10

Can Claims Be Substantiated?

• Wrote of real people in real places. Luke 3:1, 2• Archaeology.• Scientific compatibility.• Unity.• Morality.• The Good it can do.– Rom. 13:8-10; Heb. 13:4; Matt. 19:6, 9; Acts 10:28;

7:12; James 1:27

Can Claims Be Substantiated?

• Wrote of real people in real places. Luke 3:1, 2• Archaeology.• Scientific Compatibility.• Unity.• Morality.• The Good it can do.• Fulfilled Prophecy.

Composition of the Book

• One message.– Sixty-six books written over about 1,500 years by

around forty authors in three languages, yet one key message.

– God wants man to end up where he started.• Two main parts.– The Old Testament is largely the story of Israel.

Gen. 12:1-3

Composition of the Book

• Two main parts.– The Old Testament is largely the story of Israel.

Gen. 12:1-3– Its laws were a covenant made with Israel. Exodus

19:3-6– God has made a new covenant. Hebrews 8:8-13– The New Testament is to be our holy guide.

Composition of the Book• The New Testament.– Twenty-seven books that tell the story of One who

came to save. Luke 19:10; Romans 1:16– Four books tell of His life and death.– The fifth book tells of His message being taken to

the world. • Where we learn how to be converted. Acts 2:38; 3:19;

8:12, 35-39; 22:16

– Twenty-one letters written to Christians.– The final book is a letter of encouragement to

persecuted saints. Revelation 14:13; 21:3-7; 22:1-5

Our Response? Study

• Imitate the Bereans. Acts 17:10, 11• Have the attitude of David. Psalm 19:7-11• The unknown psalmist. Psalm 119:18, 103-

105, 127, 130, 131, 148• Hunger for it. 1 Peter 1:22—2:3• If you need it, get help. Acts 8:27-31

Our Response? Live It

• This holy book should change us. James 1:21-25

• It contains the message of salvation that must be obeyed. Romans 1:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8

Conclusion

• The Bible is a holy book, but what will we do with it?

• Will you make it your guide?