Why Study the Bible?

The Bible was written by 40 men during a period of 1,500 years. Most of these writers were not alive at the same time. They could not work together in any direct way. Yet the Bible has one continuing story flowing through it.

The Bible answers your need for Love.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."(John 3:16)

The Bible answers your need for guidance.

"You have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”(2 Timothy 3:15)

The Bible answers our world's need for peace.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”(John 14:27)

The Bible answers your need for Life.

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”(John 10:10)

Why Consider The Bible?

Consider the Bible as the Map for life. Its wisdom spans many thousands of years, yet millions today find its message as fresh and meaningful as ever. They find that its truths work in daily life—in every time of life. They discover purpose for living. That purpose gives them hope for now and for the future—even beyond this life. They believe in a home with God forever. In other words, they believe the Bible when it claims to speak for God.

In seeking a map for life, consider the Bible’s claims. Again and again, it assures us that it is the pure word from our Maker. Yes, the Map for life.

In over 2,000 places the messengers of the Bible say things like this:

The Lord said to me …
These are the words of the Lord …
This is what the Lord says …

Moses said that God’s laws, the Ten Commandments, were written “by the finger of God” on stone tablets (Exodus 31:18). He reported that God spoke with him “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (Exodus 33:11).

King David said,

“The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; His word is on my tongue” (2 Samuel 23:2).

The prophet Jeremiah wrote,

“Then the Lord put out His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, 'Behold, I have put my words in your mouth'” (Jeremiah 1:9).

We must seriously ask, “Did these prophets lie to us? Or were they telling the truth, and God really did speak through them?”

Jesus tells us that the Bible messengers, called prophets, spoke the truth.

• He used their reports of history (Matthew 12:40; 24:37-39).
• He trusted all their writings—also called Scriptures— and taught us the same trust (Matthew 5:17-19; Luke 16:17,29; 24:27,44; John 5:39-47).
• He based His teachings on the same words they used (Matthew 19:5-6; 22:32). He asked, “… have you not read what was said to you by God?” (Matthew 22:31-32).
• He reminded us, “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).

The apostles [Jesus’ spokesmen] Paul and Peter taught the same thing:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof [disapproval], for correction, and for training in righteousness [right living], that the man of God may be complete, equipped [ready] for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

For no prophecy [God's message] was ever produced by the will [decision] of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).