THE BIBLE

Unique among the books of the world is the BIBLE. The perennial best seller, the Bible is to the believer the Holy Scriptures, the Word of God- and the wayfaring man, though he be fool, can by reading it find the way of Salvation.

The Bible is the best-seller of all times. Part of it has been translated into more than 2400 languages and every year30 to 40 more translations are added. Worldwide 200 to 300 million Bibles or Bible parts are distributed year. This is amazing and the question is, ‘Why does the Bible find such a wide circulation?’- This question can be answered by the testimony of millions of people who say that the Bible has been a real help in various situations in Life.

Let us see what the Bible says about itself, ‘All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16)

LIVE THE WORD

It is extreme important that in reading the Bible we focus on living the Word. To obey God’s word, to practice it, to apply it to all areas of your life is the evidence that you love God and you live for Him (1 John 5:3). Applying God’s Word is the MOST IMPORTANT part of the Bible reading. The words of the Bible itself cry out to us, ‘Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourself. Do what it says’ (James 1:22)

APPLYING THE WORD

Successfully putting God’s Word into practice is a result of your disciplined obedience to God’s commands and the empowering of the Holy Spirit to carry out your obedience. You have a significant role to play in the process of application.

How to use the Bible

Every real Church accepts the Bible as the Word of God and endeavors to be govern by it. Christians have no discipline or Book of rules given by some council or other human authority, but believe the Bible to be sufficient rule of conduct for both the individual Christian and the local Church.

1.     Treat the Bible as the Word of God.

Accept it as such-there are three witnesses;

a.    Itself-it claims to be, for over 2,000 times the phrase of its equivalent occurs ‘Thus saith the Lord’

b.    Its writers – Luke 1:70, 2 Timothy 3:16

c.     The Lord Jesus-Mark 12:36

2.     Study the Bible as the Text –Book of Christian Doctrine- 2 Timothy 2:15

3.     Beware of Private Interpretation-Ephesians 4:14

4.     Read the Bible as the guide book of the Christian-Psalm 119:11

Conclusion: The best way to learn to use the Bible is to use it. Take this rule for your attitude toward the Bible: Believe it fully; study it reverently; trust it implicitly; read it regularly and use it confidently.

PERILOUS TIMES

We are in the last days, as a Christian you don’t need a Pastor or Preacher to emphasize this truth to you. The details in the news and the recent development are enough to keep us alert and watchful of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Word ‘Perilous’ can be simply be define as ‘To reduce the strength of an intended purpose’.

The Bible makes it clear in the Book of 2 Timothy 3:1-9

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

REALITY

Today’s generation wants everything except the Word of God. This generation spent billions on sports, sex, worldly activities that have no external value. This generation is working 100% for the devil and little for the Man who died on the cross to save their souls. It is just unfortunate that this generation seeks the things of the flesh and engages in lustful activities yet wants to go to Heaven.

Brethren, the Word of God is the Mind of God, do not think that God is just another subject. God is all we need, that is why He gave us His ONLY begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us.

The Word of God was written more than 2,000 years ago yet it is relevant like it was written this morning. People are seeking high education for promotion, fame, sex, money, contracts, business, and properties and have abandoned their faith. Indeed, the Word of God said in the last days even Christians (Chosen ones) will backslide .In all that you do, do not fulfill a negative prophecy.

Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; on account of persecution from without, still more on account of corruptions within. Men love to gratify their own lusts, more than to please God and do their duty.

When every man is eager for what he can get, and anxious to keep what he has, this makes men dangerous to one another. When men do not fear God, they will not regard man. When children are disobedient to their parents, that makes the times perilous.

Men are unholy and without the fear of God, because unthankful for the mercies of God. We abuse God's gifts, if we make them the food and fuel of our lusts. Times are perilous also, when parents are without natural affection to children. And when men have no rule over their own spirits, but despise that which is good and to be honoured. God is to be loved above all; but a carnal mind, full of enmity against him, prefers any thing before him, especially carnal pleasure.

A form of godliness is very different from the power; from such as are found to be hypocrites, real Christians must withdraw. Such persons have been found within the outward church, in every place, and at all times. There ever have been artful men, who, by pretences and flatteries, creep into the favour and confidence of those who are too easy of belief, ignorant, and fanciful. All must be ever learning to know the Lord; but these follow every new notion, yet never seek the truth as it is in Jesus. Like the Egyptian magicians, these were men of corrupt minds, prejudiced against the truth, and found to be quite without faith. Yet though the spirit of error may be let loose for a time, Satan can deceive the nations and the churches no further, and no longer, than God will permit.