Give Me The Bible
Sermon 12/27/98
INTRODUCTION
 Many believe that the Bible is outdated and Christianity passé because the it was written in and for another century of people.  The Bible is living and active today as was in the day it was first preached in the world.  To those who would look for something else, I say.....
 
  1. “Give Me the Bible!”
    1. Because it provides the perfect foundation for unity!
      Our plea for religious unity should be based upon the Bible. Someone once said, “In a divided religious world it is believed that the Bible is the only possible common denominator upon which most, if not all, of the God fearing people of the land can unite. Lets go back to the Bible. Let us speak where the Bible speak and to remain silent where the Bible is silent in all matters that pertain to religion. Let us maintain the standard that in everything religious there must be a "Thus saith the Lord" for all that is done. God desires religious unity of all believers in Christ. Jesus prayed for it.  Chistians, especially in the 1st Century died for it.”
    2. Because it is True!
      (John 17:17-21)  "Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. (18) "As Thou didst send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. (19) "And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. (20) "I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; (21) that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me.
    3. Because it is Inspired !
      1. (2 Timothy 3:16)  All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
      2. (2 Peter 1:19-21)  And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. (20) But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, (21) for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
    4. Because it is Lasting
      1. (Psalms 119:89)  Forever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven.
      2. (Isaiah 40:8)  The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.
      3. (Luke 21:33)  "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
    5. Because it is Pure, and Wonderful!
      1. (Psalms 19:8)  The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
      2. (Psalms 119:140)  Thy word is very pure, Therefore Thy servant loves it.
    6. Because  It Provides understanding!
      1. (Psalms 119:130)  The unfolding of Thy words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.
      2. (2 Peter 1:3)  seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
    7. Because in Listening to God I will not be Disappointed!
      1. (Romans 9:33)  just as it is written, "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."
      2. (Titus 1:1-2)  Paul, a bond-servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago,
      3. (Hebrews 6:18-19)  knowing that “....it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us.  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil,
    8. Because it leads me to know salvation!
      1. (2 Timothy 3:15)  and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
      2. (John 5:39-40)  "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me, that you may have life.
      3. (John 20:31)  but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.  (cf. also 2 Peter 1:4).
    9. Because it makes me an adequate Man of God!
      1. (2 Timothy 3:17)  that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
      2. (Psalms 119:9)  How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word.
      3. (2 Timothy 2:15)  Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.
    10. Because it Gives Me Hope for the future!
      1. (Romans 15:4)  For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
      2. (Philippians 3:12-14)  Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
INVITATION - Now, After All We Have Heard......Any Questions?
 (John 3:3)  Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."