Change is constant.

We live in a fast-paced world where the speed of

technology continues to grow at an exponential rate.
In this world where convenience and speed seem to supersede substance,
how can a book that is over 3 millennia old still have relevance and
application?
Many will argue that the Holy Bible contains commandments that are
outmoded and outdated, a relic of a bygone era that that now has little or no
contemporary application. Society and civilization have evolved, they say,
and so have the definitions of what is considered right and moral.
But, others argue, truth is unchanging and constant. It is the same
yesterday, today, and forever.
REQUEST A FREE COPY OF THE BIBLE
Mormons believe in the Holy Bible. They revere it as the word of God. In its
pages you can find principles that have the power to change lives still today.
It has relevance in todays society and in your personal life. Consider these
three principles it teaches that can be applied in your life today:
1. The Holy Bible teaches that there is a God, and that God loves
everyone
God sent Jesus Christ to earth to provide a way to overcome our sins and
imperfections. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life." (John 3:16).
2. The Holy Bible teaches that you should act peaceably with and
serve one another
While Jesus Christ was on earth, a man asked him, "Which is the great
commandment in the law?" Jesus replied,
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second
is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:36-40).
Jesus Christ teaches us to focus on loving God and loving the people around
you. When you serve God by serving other people, you can feel the

happiness of connecting with them. In this way, God often allows you to be
the answer to someone elses prayers.
3. The Holy Bible teaches how you can find happiness in your life
Jesus Christ said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and
I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). As you turn to Him and follow
His commandments, you will feel His love. The closer you draw to Jesus
Christ, the more you know God is aware of you. God has a plan of
happiness for everyone. With Christs help, you can return to live with Him
again. This gives you a broader perspective and helps you face lifes
challenges.
Holy scripture will always have personal application, and will never become
irrelevant or outdated, because it addresses the universal needs of all people
how to come to know God, how to interact well with others, and how to
know how the Lord would have you live your life to be happy and content.
Change is the only constant in this world, and society will continue to evolve
and transform, but the eternal truths in the Holy Bible transcend earthly time
and circumstance, and when we live according to them we can find hope,
healing, happiness, and peace.

The Bible is an incredible book of history and facts that proves that
there is a God that created all things. Most important of all, the Bible
is the Word of God. It contains the mind of God and His will for each
one of our lives. That is why the Bible was given to us. Paul the
Apostle says in 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, that the man of God may
be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Why should
we study the Word of God? The following are a few scriptural
reasons that we should consider when answering this question.
First, the Word of God is infallible. There is no error in God's
Word. The law of the Lord is perfect concerning our soul. The
testimony of the Lord is not only infallible it is inerrant. Proverbs
30:5-6, "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put

their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and
you be found a liar." The purity of His words does not need anything
added to it. God warns us not to misrepresent His scripture.
Second, the Word of God is complete. The Bible does not need
any new chapters or verses. It is all given to us already. Many cults
add their own books or commentaries to the Bible. All you need is
God's Word because it is the holy Word of God. It is complete.
InRevelation 22:18-19, God gives us a warning, "For I testify to
everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If
anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that
are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of
the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the
Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written
in this book."
Third, the Word of God is totally authoritative. The book
of Psalms 119:89 says "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in
heaven." The Word of God is the only source for absolute divine
authority. This divine authority is for you and me as servants of
Jesus Christ. When some say, "I have a word from the Lord for you,"
write it down and as you study God's word see if the Lord speaks to
you through His Scriptures. Only then will you know if the Lord is
truly speaking to you.
Fourth, God's Word is totally sufficient for all of our needs. We
don't need anything else. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 it reads "All Scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man
of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

We Christians can be totally secure in the Lord by studying the Bible

because it is God's plan for our life.
And fifth, the Word of God will accomplish what it promises. If
God told you something will happen, and you wait, it will happen.
InIsaiah 55:11 it says, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My
mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I
please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." God sent
His word to accomplish His perfect will in our lives. If God makes a
promise to you He will fulfill it in His own time. There are so many
promises given to us in the Bible. These promises reassure us and
bring comfort to our lives in our times of trial. I challenge you to take
time to study the Word of God. The Lord will show you wonderful
things that will change your life.

The Need for God's Word

by Bill Bright

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Step 5: The Bible

1. The Book of Books

2. The Central Person of the Bible
3. Authority of the Old Testament
4. Authority of the New Testament
5. The Power of God's Word
6. The Need for God's Word
7. Private Bible Study Methods
8. Recap
Before I became a believer in Jesus Christ, God's Word
didn't make any sense to me. I tried to read it
occasionally during my high school and college days, but
found it boring. Finally, I concluded that no really
intelligent person could believe the Bible.
But when I becamse a Christian, my life was
transformed, and my attitudes concerning the Scriptures

changed. I realized that the Bible was truly the holy,

inspired Word of God. For almost fifty years it has been
more important to me than the thousands of books in
my library combined.
Why is the Bible so important to the Christian? Let me
share five basic reasons. First, the Word of God is
divinely inspired. The Apostle Paul wrote, "All scripture
is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the
man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good
work." (II Timothy 3:16)
Second, Scripture is the basis of our belief. As the
divinely-inspired Word, the Bible gives us God's
perspective on how we should live. If offers His pardon
for our sins, reveals His purpose for our lives, shows us
how to live peacefully in a world of turmoil, and
commands us to appropriate His power so we can be
fruitful witnesses for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Many years ago, while I was a student at Fuller
Theological Seminary, two gifted young evangelists
came to speak during our chapel program. Both believed
and preached the Word of God without questioning its
authority. Later, however, they began to doubt that the
Bible was truly inspired in every word.

One of these men finally rejected the integrity of the

Scripture altogether. As a result, he had no moorings on
which to base his life and ministry. He is now a skeptic
and an outspoken opponent of the Christian faith.
The other young evangelist chose to believe that the
Bible is truly the authoritative, inspired Word of God,
and what he could not understand he entrusted to God
and believed by faith.
Few remember the name of the first man. But the
second is Billy Graham, whom God has used to touch the
lives of millions around the world.
Third, the Bible is God's love letter to man. From
Genesis to Revelation, it tells of God's great compassion
for us and of His desire to have fellowship with us. John
3:16, perhaps the most beloved passage in the Bible,
summarizes the depth of God's love for us:
"God so loved the world, that He gave His One and Only
Son, so that whosoever would believe in Him, might not
perish, but have everlasting life."
Fourth, the Bible reveals God's attributes. It tells us
that He is holy, sovereign, righteous, and just; that He is
loving, merciful, and kind; that He is gracious, patient,
and faithful. We have no trouble trusting Him if we
really understand who He is and how holy, loving, and
wonderful His purposes are for us.

Fifth, God's Word teaches us how to live holy lives and

to be fruitful witnesses for our Lord. The more we read
and meditate on His precious Word -- and let His Holy
Spirit control our lives -- the more fruitful we become.
Are you spending time meditating on God's Word daily?
If not, let me encourage you to begin today. As you
study this lesson, ask God to reveal Himself to you in a
fresh, new way, and let Him speak to your heart of His
will for you. I encourage you to depend on God's Word
for your daily Christian living.
What We Should Know About the Bible

Read Psalm 119. What does the psalmist call God's Word
in verses 1-7, 43, 72, 105, 123?

What does this tell you about the importance of knowing

God's Word?

When does God discipline His children and what value

does His word have for us? (Psalm 119:72, 126)

What is necessary in order to learn the Word? (Psalm

119:73)

How God's Word Affects Our Feelings

According to Psalm 119:7-9, what does the psalmist

recognize is accomplished by respecting and learning
God's Word?

From Psalm 119:10-16, list at least three attitudes of

the psalmist that show his love for the World of God.

Why is adversity sometimes good for us? (Psalm

119:67,71)

From Psalm 119:136, 158 what is the reaction of those

who love Christ when His Word is not kept?

How can we have great peace? (Psalm 119:165)

Results of Appropriating God's Word

Read these verses in Psalm 119:98-100, 105, 130 and

write down what affect the Word has on us when we do
the following:
Know and memorize the Word. (V. 98)
Meditate on it. (V. 99)
Obey it. (V. 100)

Follow it. (V. 105)

What does the Word give us? (V. 130)

According to Psalm 119:11,32,63,74,157,176 , what

should we do as a result of appropriating the Word?

Life Application

What impresses you most about Psalm 119?

List three ways in which you recognize your personal

need for God's Word today?
_________
The Bible is the single most important book ever written. It is an eyewitness account of
historical events of such magnitude that they have literally shaped the world in which we live.
Without this book the Western world and a good deal of the Eastern world would be completely
different today than if the events of this book had never occurred.
It is not too much to say that the events recorded in this book are claimed by a significant
percentage of people who have ever lived on this earth to be the most important events ever
recorded in the history of the world. This book is foundational to just about everything mankind
will ever know or accomplish. It has directly led to massive undertakings of good will and charity.
Because of this book, great projects have been undertaken, hospitals have been built,
multitudes fed and clothed and orphanages founded.
Here are five primary reasons why you need to read the Bible. This article was written by Dan
Buttafuoco, president of the Historical Bible Society.

REASON #1:
THE BIBLE HAS TRANSFORMED THE WORLD

It would be impossible to claim to be an educated person in

today's world without having at least some familiarity with the events contained in this book.
Actually, all of the events contained in this book should be known by everyone.

A good number of people around the world read portions of this book every day. It is one
of the most published and printed books in the history of the world. It has been printed in
just about every known language (including braille) and each year, since it was first
written, it has been the world's greatest bestseller year after year. As time marches on it
is continually printed in yet more languages. Collectors of rare books treasure it in every
form.

The Bible was the first book ever put to the printing press. The man who first printed it,
Johannes Gutenberg, was recently voted the most important man to have ever lived
within the past 1000 years!

A good number of museums exist today which are dedicated solely to this very book and
the events contained therein.

The Bible is available in every corner of the globe, even where it is illegal to own or read
this book. It is available in electronic format and on CD as well. You can find it on the
internet for free. Famous actors and personages regularly quote it. It was quoted by
William Shakespeare many times in his writings.

Worldwide organizations and associations have been formed because of this book and
its message, many of them existing for centuries. Together they represent multiple
hundreds of millions of members.

REASON #2:
PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO DIE FOR THIS BOOK

People have died torturous deaths simply to gain access to

this book. You may, even now, be in a country where this book is discouraged or even banned
outright. In many countries it is a crime to distribute or even possess this book.

This book has been praised, cursed, restricted, banned, desecrated, burned and fought
over. People swear on it and at it.

Some have tried to eliminate it. All who have tried have failed. People have suffered
exquisite tortures and loss of freedom and even their lives for printing it. This has
occurred recently and over many centuries past, as well. It is, in fact, a regular
occurrence in this world.

This book is simultaneously hated and loved. Once read it would be impossible to be
indifferent to it; for its claims are monumental and beyond exaggerating. It provokes a
strong response in either a positive or negative direction; you will either love it or hate it.
It was meant to be so by design. It is so controversial that wars have been fought over
its interpretation. Governments have toppled on account of it and kings have been
deposed because of it. Most importantly, lives have been dramatically changed for good
because of this book.

REASON #3:
ITS THE MOST ACCURATE BOOK OF ANTIQUITY

The Bible is the most copied book of antiquity. Written over a time
period of some 1,500 years, it was completed approximately 2,000 years ago. Yet, in all the
centuries that have passed, none of its contents have ever been found inaccurate.

It has been translated into its present form directly from the original languages from a
vast supply of ancient manuscripts sifted by the best minds and most competent

scholars of our day and of many prior generations. It has been translated into every
known existing language.

It is surpassingly accurate to the smallest details. Its contents, as translated, are as

close to the original words of the authors as humanly possible. Only a few words of the
entire book (a tiny, insignificant percentage) are in any doubt as to the original words and
none of the disputed text affects the message of the book. Additionally, new discoveries
of previously unknown ancient manuscripts continue to provide ever greater accuracy to
the contents of this book.

It has been sifted, studied, commentated upon and dissected more than any book in
history. Volumes of books have been written about it and if they were stacked on top of
one another they would reach to the sky.

Where this book can be verified by external events such as archeology, geography,
custom, politics, culture, known world history and writings in other ancient texts it has
been so verified as to be accurate in all respects. New discoveries always support it,
never vice versa. It has never once been proven faulty on single detail or fact, although
many have mightily tried and failed.

REASON #4:
IT CONTAINS A LIFE-CHANGING MESSAGE OF FREEDOM

The Bible has liberated many from oppression by its clear

teachings. It raises the dignity and rights of every human being ever born. It is truly an amazing
and remarkable piece of writing. It contains clear teaching on the value and worth of every
individual. It will astonish and surprise you and likely move you to tears.

It has freed minds and hearts throughout history. The events recorded in this book have
generated more great works of art (and some not-so-great ones, as well) than any other
subject matter in the history of the world. All the museums in the world, added together,
could not possibly contain all of the artwork inspired by the events of this book.

This book itself represents true freedom. It has never been in the custody and control of
a single group of people, unlike other important books. It belongs to everyone and it has
been possessed by everyone, every culture and every tribe and race of people. Reading
it will strike you directly in your heart. It has the "ring of truth" to all who love the same.

This book contains a message at its very core. It is a message to all people everywhere,
in every time period, relevant to their everyday lives. It claims to be the very words of
God... an audacious claim, for sure. It is for you to decide whether to believe the
message of this book and apply it to your own life.

If you now know nothing about God, you will know a great deal about God after reading
this book. If you believe you know much about God, you will know even more about him
after you read this book. You may even decide to re-evaluate your knowledge of God
after reading it.

REASON #5:
IT CONNECTS YOU TO HISTORYS MOST IMPORTANT FIGURE

You may have heard of the "godman," Jesus of Nazareth,

also called the "Christ" (i.e."Anointed One"). You may even think you know him. But if you have
not read the account offered firsthand throughout this book, you will, in effect, know nothing
definite about him. The entire Old Testament points to his coming, and the entire New
Testament testifies to his teachings and actions.

His name has been used to bless people and it has been used as a curse word by those
who despise him. People have been healed and set free in his name. One thing is for
sure: when you meet Jesus in the pages of this book and understand who he claims to
be it is impossible for you to remain indifferent to him.

This story is either the biggest fraud ever perpetrated on mankind or it describes Jesus
as exactly who he claims to be: the Supreme Lord and Ruler over all of mankind and the
very creator God of the Universe. Logically speaking, this is either a nice poetic story
created from a fantasy with an intent to deceive you or a clear and accurate picture of
God, who is our judge ( both mine and yours). You decide. If you think you know about
God already, consider the source of that "knowledge" and examine if this book may, in
fact, be a better source for true knowledge about the one true Creator God that made
you and everything else, both known an unknown in this Universe.

People are free to reject this book and what it says. God made us "free moral agents" to
choose as we desire. Yet, people violate the teachings and wisdom of this book at their
own peril.

Because of the main person in this book, Jesus of Nazareth, time has been split into two
main epochs (B.C. "before Christ" and A.D. "anno Domini" for "year of our Lord").

Each year, over a billion people celebrate his birth, his death and his bodily resurrection
from the dead.

Jesus is the only religious leader ever to make the claim that he has risen from the dead.
All others are dead and buried. Abraham is dead. Moses is dead. Mohammed has died
and remains dead, Buddha is dead, Gandhi is dead. Only Jesus claims to be alive. Even
Muslims revere Jesus as a holy man and a great prophet. All told, about half of the world
today accepts that this Jesus was a great and remarkable personage.

CONCLUSION
Keep turning the pages of this remarkable book. Read it with an open mind and open heart. It
contains pure truth about God, about life, the nature of mankind and our own hearts as human
beings. The Gospel of John is a wonderful place to start, but read the whole thing Old and
New Testaments. You'll be amazed what you discover about God, and about yourself.
If this God is indeed your judge, before whom you will someday give an account of your life, it
truly behooves you to be aware of who he is and the simple thing he asks of us before that
solemn time comes. In essence, this book will help you to deal with that very event for which we
are all destined. Be warned: you will not be the same after you read this book.

Learn more about the Historical Bible Society

Order Gospels of John

Donate so that people can share God's Word with the lost

Content 2013 Daniel P. Buttafuoco, used with express permission of author.

The Bible is considered the most important book in the world. Simply because it is God's word. When you
read the Bible, you read a message from God Himself. When the Bible speaks, God speaks. Because the
Bible is God's Word, it does more than just pass on information. It makes a promise, a promise of life.
Everyone who receives the Bible's message in faith, is promised the rich gift of eternal life in the Lord
Jesus Christ, God's Son. The Bible came from God Himself. God chose several people to write down
what He wanted them to. Through God's inspiration the Bible was written down by people who did not
make up these words themselves. The Holy Spirit drove them to speak on behalf of God.
We need the Bible because no one can live fully without knowing God's true Word. True life consists of
obeying God's every command. We can trust the Bible, because God's Word is true and all promises will
certainly be fulfilled. The Bible is not too ancient to carry meaning for us today. It is a living book that
speaks to people's hearts in every time and place. God's word is full of strength and life. It is sharper than
the sharpest sword; it penetrates immediately to our deepest thoughts and desires and shows us clearly
who and what we truly are.
The Bible is unutterably useful in your daily life, because it teaches you how to lead a life full of use and

sense that is pleasing to God. The bible teaches you the truth and demonstrates any lack in your life and
faith. It brings order to your life and shows you what is right and good. The greatest joy you will receive
thanks to reading the Bible is that it leads you to the Lord Jesus Christ. It shows you how you can be
saved, namely through faith in Jesus Christ through whom you may receive eternal life.

Why is it important for me to study the Bible?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 QA168

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You've asked a good question that deserves a straightforward answer: The

Bible, the only source of absolute divine authority, will inform you of God's
mind and will for your life (2 Timothy 3:16-17). That is surely reason enough to
study God's Word.
The Qualities of God's Word
You can do a quick, informative study of the Bible right now. Just match the
following statements about God's Word with the verses listed below.
The Bible is infallible in its totality
The Bible is inerrant in its parts
The Bible is complete
The Bible is authoritative and final
The Bible is totally sufficient for your needs

 The Bible accomplishes what it promises

The Bible provides assurance of salvation
Revelation 22:18-19
John 8:47; 20:31
Psalm 119:89
Psalm 19:7
Isaiah 55:11
Proverbs 30:5-6
If any of the above words are new to you, here are a few definitions you might
find helpful:
Inerrancy: The Bible is free from error in all it affirms.
Infallibility: The Bible is unfailing in its purpose.
Sufficiency: The Bible contains all needed information for Christian
living.
Authority: The Bible carries the right to prescribe beliefs and actions.

The Benefit of Knowing God's Word

The Bible remains the only source of divine revelation and power that can
sustain you as a Christian in your walk with God. Note these significant
promises in the Scripture.
The Bible is the source of:
Truth: "Sanctify them by Your truth; Your word is truth" (John 17:17).

 God's blessing: "But He said, 'More than that, blessed are those who
hear the word of God and keep it'" (Luke 11:28).
Victory: "...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph. 6:17).
Growth: "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you
may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2).
Power: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power
of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also
for the Greek" (Rom. 1:16).
Guidance: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps.
119:105).
Why Is Reading the Bible So Important?

Share:

The best way to learn about the past is to read the eyewitness account of
someone who was there. God gave us such a record of creation. Ken Ham
explains in this clip fromAlways Ready, part of the Foundations DVD series.

Many Christians begin each new year with a plan to read

through the entire Bible over the course of that year. Some
reach that goal, but most dont. Then there are others who
dont even bother to read Gods Word at all. Is this issue
really a big deal? Why is it so important to read Scripture on a
regular basis?

Knowing God
First and foremost, the Bible is essential for knowing God and
His will for our lives. The book of Romans tells us there are
certain things we can know about God from general
revelation. Without Scripture people can know about Gods
power and divine nature by examining creation (Romans
1:20). They also know Gods law because it is written on their
hearts (Romans 2:1415).

Get the entire DVD series.

However, there is a vast difference between knowing

about God and personally knowing God. Everyone knows
about God, which is why you are without excuse if you reject
Him, but only a fraction personally knows Him. The Bible is
the foundational truth that teaches the history of the
universe, the origin of sin, the reason for death, morality, and
so on. Apart from Gods Word, mankind would never learn the
all-important message of salvation through our Lord Jesus
Christ.

Knowing Gods Will

The message of eternal salvation is a vital and dominant
theme in Scripture, but the Bible reveals much more
including how God would have us live. Through the recorded

examples of biblical figures we can learn what pleases God

and what does not. His Word also gives direct instruction to
believers on how we should act in every circumstance.
Gods inspired and inerrant Word was given for many
reasons: to teach us, rebuke us, correct us, and instruct us in
righteousness; it was also given so that we may be complete
and equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:1617). By
reading the Bible on a consistent basis, you can find direction
for your life and learn how to best serve the Lord who gave
His life for you.

Knowing Gods Word

Reading through the entire Bible provides an opportunity to
better understand Scriptures big picture. At the same time,
we must be careful not to read the Bible just for the sake of
doing it.

READING THROUGH THE ENTIRE BIBLE

PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO BETTER
UNDERSTAND SCRIPTURES BIG PICTURE.
How can we present ourselves approved before God? We need to diligently
study His Word so that we acquire an accurate understanding of it and then
faithfully act upon the truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Studying the Bible requires careful and prayerful attention to

the text and the correct application ofbiblical principles of
interpretation. By studying Gods Word, you can not only
more fully enjoy the wisdom God gives, but also bless your
family and friends by sharing the fruit of your labor.
Making Gods Word your authority in every area is vital for
defending against the many spiritual attacks facing

Christians. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and

always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you
a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear
(1 Peter 3:15).
We encourage you to read the whole Bible if you never have
before. If you have already read through the Bible, then we
would urge you to consider studying Scripture in more detail
by concentrating on one passage per day. Continue thinking
about that passage throughout the day and try to think of
ways to apply what you have learned.
Dont forget to spend time in prayer. Thank God for giving
you eternal life and His Word. Ask Him to teach and guide you
so that you will become even more faithful in following Him.
Commit to read and study Gods Word regularly in order to
better know God, His Son, and His will.