1. Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding. Proverbs 10:23Friday 18 February 2011

2. Doing wrong is like a An empty-head joke to a fool, thinks mischief is fun, but wisdom is but a mindful person pleasure to a man of relishes wisdom. understanding. Proverbs 10:23Friday 18 February 2011

3. The Word of God 1 session EBIFriday 18 February 2011

4. For some years now I have read through the Bible twice every year. If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word a little branch, I have shaken every one of these branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant. Martin LutherFriday 18 February 2011

5. Some people like to read so many [Bible] chapters every day. I would not dissuade them from the practice, but I would rather lay my soul asoak in half a dozen verses all day than rinse my hand in several chapters. Oh, to be bathed in a text of Scripture, and to let it be sucked up in your very soul, till it saturates your heart! Charles Haddon SpurgeonFriday 18 February 2011

6. What does the WOG play second ddle to in your life? We believe it is the inerrant way God communicates and accomplishes his will in the world throughout history. Job 23:12 - in the midst of trials and sufferings said, I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.Friday 18 February 2011

7. Hosea 4:6 ...my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. People (many Christians) do not like the idea of the authoritative WOG telling them how to live - they act as if it was something a cult does! God is not into suggestions - he is into commandments.Friday 18 February 2011

8. The Bible, and only the Hosea 4:6 Bible, is the absolute, ...my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. denitive, errorless, Because you have rejected knowledge, authoritative, priests; because I also reject you as my comprehensive and you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. eternal Word ofdo not like the People (many Christians) God. idea of the authoritative have two God does not WOG telling them how to live - they act as if it was or threecult does! - he has something a books one denitive revelation God is not into suggestions - he is into for mankind - the Bible commandments.Friday 18 February 2011

9. 1. Gods word is divine in origin Gods word came directly from God, 2 Tim 3:16-17 All Scripture is God- breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.Friday 18 February 2011

10. 1.a. Its inspired Inspired = theopneustos = God breathed It is the word breathed out by God - whether you acknowledge it as such or not Because of this fact it is unlike any other book you will ever read.Friday 18 February 2011

11. 1.b. Its consistent 1,600 years 40 authors - shermen, prophets, tax collectors, politicians, a doctor... 66 books - yet 1 book Containing a single consistent message 2 Peter 1:21 - For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.Friday 18 February 2011

12. 1.c. Its alive Heb 4:12-13 - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from Gods sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. It has the power to change your life. Peters testimony to the greatness of the WOG is found in 2 Peter 1:16-23Friday 18 February 2011

13. We werent, you know, just wishing on a star when we laid the facts out before you regarding the powerful return of our Master, Jesus Christ. We were there for the preview! We saw it with our own eyes: Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father as the voice of Majestic Glory spoke: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of all my delight." We were there on the holy mountain with him. We heard the voice out of heaven with our very own ears. We couldnt be more sure of what we saw and heardGods glory, Gods voice. The prophetic Word was conrmed to us. Youll do well to keep focusing on it. Its the one light you have in a dark time as you wait for daybreak and the rising of the Morning Star in your hearts. The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion. And why? Because its not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak Gods Word.Friday 18 February 2011

14. 1.d. It comes from God Many people say the Bible is the product of human beings - they even might like it, but still they argue it is a book written by sinful men and so has errors in it. This is where we go back to 1 Peter 1:20-21 Scripture was written by men - under the inuence of the Holy Spirit - they recorded the very thoughts of God.Friday 18 February 2011

15. "The word of God is like a lion; you dont have to defend it, you just turn it loose" Charles Haddon SpurgeonFriday 18 February 2011

16. Evans says that writing scripture is like light coming through a stained glass window - the light is the same through each panel, but we see a different colour because of the colour of the glass. John, James, Peter all had different writing styles but all recorded the mind of God. Evans makes the point that the WOG is imntricately tied to God - so much so that he simple allows a vehicle to transmit it - even a donkey - Num 22:28-30 - even animals know what to say when God is speakingFriday 18 February 2011

17. Evans says that writing scripture is like light coming through a stained glass window - the light is the same through each panel, but we see a different colour because of the colour of the glass. John, James, Peter all had different writing styles but all recorded the mind of God. Evans makes the point that the WOG is imntricately tied to God - so much so that he simple allows a vehicle to transmit it - even a donkey - Num 22:28-30 - even animals know what to say when God is speakingFriday 18 February 2011

18. Evans says that writing scripture is like light coming through a stained glass window - the light is the same through each panel, but we see a different colour because of the colour of the glass. John, James, Peter all had different writing styles but all recorded the mind of God. Evans makes the point that the WOG is imntricately tied to God - so much so that he simple allows a vehicle to transmit it - even a donkey - Num 22:28-30 - even animals know what to say when God is speakingFriday 18 February 2011

19. 2. Gods word is absolute truth In this it simply reects God himself - he is truth so his word will be too. This is important as it makes God trustworthy - if he makes a mistake on one thing we can question him on everything.Friday 18 February 2011

20. 2.a. The whole truth We all have trusted people who have let us down - we dont need a God who lets us down too. John 17 - After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.Friday 18 February 2011

21. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by nishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.Friday 18 February 2011

22. So the process is, the word was: Given to Jesus by the Father. Jesus gave it to the disciples The disciples wrote it down (along with other authors) We know they got it right because Jesus promised; Jn 14:17 - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.Friday 18 February 2011

23. So the process is, the word was: Jn 16:13 - But Father. Given to Jesus by the when he, JesusSpirit ofthe disciples the gave it to truth, The disciples wrote it guide you comes, he will down (along with other authors) into all they got it right because We know the truth. He will not speak on his own; Jesus promised; Jn 14:17 speak only what he will - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because he hears, and he will him. it neither sees him nor knows tell you what is yet to lives with But you know him, for he come. you and will be in you.Friday 18 February 2011

24. 2.b. The God of truth The perfect God has overseen this process - and Jesus prays Jn 17:17 - Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. If God makes mistakes the Bible would be mistaken - and God would not be God - God does not lie, Titus 1:2 -in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, So, if we claim there is an error in the Bible it is like staring into Gods face and calling him a liar! You need to be able to trust what God says in the Bible - eternity depends on itFriday 18 February 2011

25. 2.c. The word of truth An argument used by people who say the Bible has errors: 1 Cor 10:8 says - We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them didand in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. Numbers 23:9 - but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000. Different numbers = contradiction. Answer:...one day...Friday 18 February 2011

26. Evans also suggests that different people call numbers in different ways: How many students were there in class today? rdc: 20 or so Student: 19 with 2 absent Did rdc lie - or give an approximation? Is the Bible allowed to use rounded off approximations?Friday 18 February 2011

27. Joshua 10:13 - So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. Did the sun stop - or did the writers use poetic language? We know the sun does not rise - the earth rotates - but still we use the expression. Is God simply communicating to us in a way we can / could understand?Friday 18 February 2011

28. This is important - we have to accept the Bible as authoritative absolute truth. If you accept it on this basis and walk according to it you will benet from its truth - if you dont, it is still true! The Bible is not a science book - but when it speaks scientically it speaks perfectly - it is not a history book, but when it speaks historically it speaks perfectly. The WOG is absolute truth. Make sure what you are living your life by is in the Bible - not just some old saying from your grandmother.Friday 18 February 2011

29. 2.d. An enduring standard 1 + 1 = 2, Or does it? What would happen if you decided that 1 + 1 = 5? Chaos! There would be no foundational truth that we agree upon to work it out. In the same way when we decide to worship anything we decide to call gods there is no foundational standard in what we call or worship as God So morals, ethics etc. have no standard to be measured by - our rebellion says we can make it what we wantFriday 18 February 2011

30. 2.d. An enduring standard 1 + 1 = 2, Or does it? What would believe they have the Christians happen if you decided that 1 + 1 = 5? foundational standard. Chaos! There would be no foundational The world does not agree - they truth that we agree upon to work it out. say we are fanatics. In the same way when we decide to In the words of Pilate, what call worship anything we decide to is truth? gods there is no foundational standard in what we call or worship as God Only if you have a foundational So morals,to measure this by can standard ethics etc. have no standard to be measured by - our you agree on an answer. rebellion says we can make it what we wantFriday 18 February 2011

31. 3. Gods word accomplishes his sovereign willIsa 55:10-11As the rain and the snow come downfrom heaven, and do not return to itwithout watering the earth andmaking it bud and ourish, so that ityields seed for the sower and breadfor the eater, so is my word that goesout from my mouth: It will not returnto me empty, but will accomplishwhat I desire and achieve thepurpose for which I sent itGods word is accompanied byGods powerFriday 18 February 2011

32. 3.a. Gods willGen 1:3 - And God said, Let therebe light, and there was light.No vote or decision making process.God spoke and it happened.Ps 147:15-18 - He sends hiscommand to the earth; his word runsswiftly. He spreads the snow like wooland scatters the frost like ashes. Hehurls down his hail like pebbles. Whocan withstand his icy blast? He sendshis word and melts them; he stirs uphis breezes, and the waters ow.God commands the weather!Friday 18 February 2011

33. 3.a. Gods willGen 1:3 - And God said, Let therebe light, and there was light.Jeremiahdecision See, today INo vote or 1:10 - making process.appoint you over nations andGod spoke and it happened.kingdoms to uproot andhisPs 147:15-18 - He sends teardown, to destroy andhis word runscommand to the earth; overthrow,to build and to plant.swiftly. He spreads the snow like wooland scatters the frost like ashes. HePower over nationshurls down his hail like pebbles. WhoMark 5:1-20 his icy blast? He sendscan withstandhis word overmelts them; he stirs upPower and demonshis breezes, and the waters ow.God commands the weather!Friday 18 February 2011

34. 3.a. Gods willGen 1:3 - And God said, Let therebe light, and there was light.Jeremiahdecision See, today INo vote or 1:10 - making process.appoint you over nations andGod spoke and it happened.kingdoms to uproot andhisPs 147:15-18 - He sends teardown, to destroy andhis word runscommand to the earth; overthrow,to build and to plant.swiftly. He spreads the snow like wooland scatters the frost like ashes. HePower over nationshurls down his hail like pebbles. WhoMark 5:1-20 his icy blast? He sendscan withstandhis word overmelts them; he stirs upPower and demonshis breezes, and the waters ow.God commands the weather!Friday 18 February 2011

35. 3.b. Gods swordEph 6:17 - Take the helmet ofsalvation and the sword of theSpirit, which is the word of God.It can cut through and deal withthe spiritual root of anyproblems - physical, spiritual,emotional etc.Jesus defeated satan with theWOG - Luke 4 - it has powerthat your words, thoughts orideas will never have Excalibur King Arthurs sword, givenActs 19:1-6 -Sons of Sceva - to him by the Lady of the Lake; theproblem, they had no power, no sword itself as well as the scabbardword! were magical.Friday 18 February 2011

36. 4. Gods word sufcient for every spiritual need Life is complex - Gods word is sufcient to address every spiritual need. No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; John Donne 1630Friday 18 February 2011

37. 4.a. Everything we needPsalm 19 - things the WOG can do for you:The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshingthe soul.The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,making wise the simple.The precepts of the LORD are right, givingjoy to the heart.The commands of the LORD are radiant,giving light to the eyes. (the right path)The fear of the LORD is pure, enduringforever.The decrees of the LORD are rm, and all ofthem are righteous.Friday 18 February 2011

38. 4.a. Everything we needPsalm 19 - things the WOG can do for you:The law of theESV is perfect, refreshingPsalm 19 - LORDthe soul.The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,the testimony of simple.making wise the the LORD is sure, making wise thesimple;The precepts of the LORD are right, givingjoy to the heart. the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;the precepts ofThe commandment of the are radiant,the commands of the LORD LORD is pure, enlighteninggiving light to the eyes. (the right path)the eyes;The fear of the LORD is pure, enduringthe fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;forever.the rules of of the LORDare true, and all ofThe decrees the LORD are rm, and righteous altogether.them are righteous.Friday 18 February 2011

39. 4.b. Better than goldPsalm 19:10 - of the WOG:They are more precious thangold, than much pure gold;What do you value more - theBible or your money?David was a man after Godsown heart - because his primaryvalue was in the WOG.The WOG needs to be yoursufciency - not your moneyFriday 18 February 2011

40. 4.c. Purifying agentPs 119:11 - I have hidden your word inmy heart that I might not sin againstyou.Ps 19:13 - Keep your servant also fromwillful sins; may they not rule over me.Gods word puries us and keeps usfrom addictions and bad habits.The WOG searches our hearts andminds - it reveals sin, enabling us toconfess and come cleanPs 119:9 - How can a young man keephis way pure? By guarding it accordingto your word.Friday 18 February 2011

41. 5. Gods word is benecial to those who obeyJoshua 1:5-8No one will be able to stand against you all the days of yourlife. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leaveyou nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because youwill lead these people to inherit the land I swore to theirancestors to give them.Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the lawmy servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right orto the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keepthis Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it dayand night, so that you may be careful to do everything writtenin it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.Friday 18 February 2011

42. 5.a. Success Know, meditate upon and do the WOG - then you will be successful - easy! The WOG becomes the ltering process through which all thoughts come Success in God means simply being obedient - this is what you should aim for at the end of your life. Paul said -2 Tim 4:7 I have fought the good ght, I have nished the race, I have kept the faith.Friday 18 February 2011

43. 5.b. Freedom Jn 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. The Bible offers the line for judging if you are freeFriday 18 February 2011

44. 5.c. Spiritual Vitality The Bible gives us: 1. Life Php 2:16 2. Makes us righteous - 1 Cor 15:1-2 3. Produces growth - 1 Pet 2:2 4. Sancties us - Jn 17:17 5. Gives us wisdom - Ps 119:98 In effect the Bible is like a daily does of vitamins for our spirits. People need the Bible - the WOG, today.Friday 18 February 2011

45. 5.c. Spiritual Vitality The Bible gives us: 2 Tim 4:2 1. Life Php 2:16 Preach the word;Cor 2. Makes us righteous - 1 be prepared in season 15:1-2 3. Produces growth - 1 Pet 2:2 and out us - season; 4. Sancties of Jn 17:17 correct,wisdom - Ps and 5. Gives us rebuke 119:98 encouragewith In effect the Bible is like a daily does of vitamins for our spirits. great patience and People need the Bible - the WOG, careful instruction. today.Friday 18 February 2011

46. Responding to the WOG"A Bible thats falling apart3. Set yourself totarget ofusually belongs a someonememorising Bible verses -who isnt." Charles Spurgeone.g. 1/day, or 2-3/week1. Work on thinking about and4. Memorise Isaiah 55:1 -soresearching the contradictionsis my word that goes outpeople might speak aboutfrom my mouth: It will notwithin the bIble. Get andanswerto me empty, but willreturn thought out.accomplish what Iin obedience2. Are you walking desire andachieve the-purposeinto the Bible are you forwhich I againstrebellionsent it. somecommandments?Friday 18 February 2011

47. Friday 18 February 2011

48. The Bible: The Word of God The Bible: Inspired of God The Bible: Its Subject and Purpose The Bible: As a Divine RevelationFriday 18 February 2011

49. Study chapters 1-2 in Our God Is Awesome. Study chapters 1-4 in Major Bible Themes.Friday 18 February 2011

50. Go over this Syllabus and the Portfolio. Grade and discuss Portfolio quiz questions. Discuss and complete Portfolio journal reections. Group Activity: Create a visual summary of the doctrine of the Bible. Demonstrate examples of the following: Panorama of Theology and Worship Summary of Bible Doctrines Related to Worship How to Apply Theology to WorshipFriday 18 February 2011

51. Type answers to the Portfolio quiz and journal in preparation for the class discussion and group activity. Read the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy http://www.namb.net/site/pp.asp?c=9qKI LUOzEpH&b=238325 Read the Baptist Faith and Message http://www.sbc.net/printfriendly.asp Subscribe to the free online Preaching Connection Newsletter http://www.christianitytoday.com/lyris/sub scribe/ptcom.htmlFriday 18 February 2011