Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Bible Study


We are in week four of 40 Days In The Word with Rick Warren, and looking at different  Bible Study Methods. The topic this week is HOW TO STUDY A BIBLE PASSAGE.

The key to Bible Study is asking good questions:
1. Observation: What does it say?
2. Interpretation: What does it mean?
3. Correlation: What other verses explain it?
4. Application: What will I do about it?

These questions can be applied to any Scripture. Try it today!

Be wise today and always – study the Word.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Word, the Life, and the Light


Jesus has many names, but these three mentioned in the first five verses of the Gospel of John are of the utmost importance.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. - John 1:1-5

Consider these questions:

Where is the Word placed in my life?

How is the life of Christ seen in me?

What evidence of Christ’s light is there in my life?

Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life came to this world to make a difference in all our lives.

Be wise today and always – let the Word change you.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Openness


We should begin everyday with open hands  – an openness to let go of the things that weigh us down, and receive all that God has in store for us.

We need to open our eyes, minds, and heart to what God has in store for us.

We see in Jesus’ life people had a hard time with this. Read John 7:20-24.

The people were unfamiliar with the personal ambitions of their leaders. It would be unthinkable to these people that their leaders would plot to kill a man. Therefore the only possible conclusion would be that Jesus was controlled by a demon or out of His mind.

Jesus reminded the crowd that circumcision regularly resulted in the breaking of Sabbath Laws (v.22). Law required it to be done on the eighth day regardless of what day that it fell on. The logic of Jesus’ argument was that if it is permissible to treat one part of the body on the Sabbath, then what was wrong with healing the whole body on the Sabbath? (v.23)
Jesus had done more than meet the physical need of this man. He had met his spiritual need as well. (vv. 5:8 & 14)

Closed eyes, minds, and hearts keep people from meeting the Savior.

Be open to all the Lord has in store for you through His Word.

Be wise today and always – be open and teachable.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Jesus Loves Me?


Recently someone asked me why we were spending so much time memorizing Scripture about the Bible. They thought we should focus more on verses about Jesus and God’s love.

It made me think of a song I learned as a kid, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so…”

We grow up loving Jesus and believing He loves us, but as adults we are confronted with a world that does not accept this. When they ask us for proof or why we feel that way, what do we say? I learned it in a song?

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO what it says!” - James 1:22

We must know the Word. Apply it to our lives, and be ready to explain it to the world. May the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, and open your eyes to see the wonderful things in God’s law. Amen?

Be wise today and always – memorize the Word.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Be Prepared


Today we continue looking at material from 40 Days in the Word. If we want to grow we must ask ourselves the question: HOW  CAN I PREPARE TO SEE WHAT GOD WANTS ME TO SEE? Or How Can I Open The Eyes of my Heart?

          1. BEGIN A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS - Until I trust him for my salvation, I’m spiritually blind.
          1 Corinthians 2:14The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”                          
          John 3:3 Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."    

          2. ASK GOD IN FAITH TO OPEN MY EYES
          Psalm 119:18 “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your Law!” - It’s a wonder-filled book. – I must ask      
JAMES 1:5-6 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt.”       

          3. COME WITH A HUMBLE ATTITUDE (Be teachable)
          Psalm 25:9 “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.”                                                                    
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart  and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”             

          4. CLEANSE MY HEART OF SIN & CONFLICT
          1 John 2:11Whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.”         

                   5. COMMIT IN ADVANCE TO DO WHAT GOD SAYS
                    It has to be an unqualified obedience.
Psalm 119:33-34 “Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.  Give me understanding, and I will keep your law  and obey it with all my heart.”                 
          Whatever you show me, in Your Word, I’m going to ACT on it!

Be wise today and always – be prepared in the Word.      

Friday, February 24, 2012

What Happens (Part 2)


WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GOD OPENS MY EYES? Continued

3. I SEE THE DEFENSE FOR WHAT’S ATTACKING ME
      This is the STORY of when the Arameans were at war with Israel, But every time they’d attack Israel – God would warn Elisha of the battle plans!

      2 Kings 6:10-23 “This happened several times so the king of Aram became
very upset over this. He called in his officers and demanded, "Which of you is the traitor? Who has been informing the king of Israel of my plans?"
"It's not us, my lord," one of the officers replied. "Elisha, the prophet of Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!"  The king said "You go find where Elisha is, and we will send troops to seize him!" The report came back: "Elisha is at Dothan." So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When  Elisha’s servant got up early the next morning and went outside, he saw troops, horses, and chariots everywhere!  What will we do now?" he cried out to Elisha.  "Don't be afraid!" Elisha said. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!"

2 Kings 6:17 “ThenElisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the     Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha!”

    As the Aramean army advanced toward them, Elisha prayed, "O Lord, please make them blind." And the Lord did as Elisha asked. Then Elisha went out and told them, "You have come the wrong way! This isn't the right city! Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are looking for."  And he led them to Samaria! As soon as they had entered Samaria, Elisha prayed, "O Lord, now open their eyes and let them see." And the Lord did, and they discovered that they were in Samaria!       When Elijah’s king, the king of Israel saw the captive enemy army, he shouted to Elisha, "Should I kill them?"    "Of course not!" Elisha told him. "Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again." So the king of Israel made a great feast for Aramean army and then sent them home to their king. After that, the Aramean raiders stayed away from the land of Israel!
                       
          The best way to get rid of an enemy is to turn him into a friend!

      4. I SEE HOW GOD IS WALKING WITH ME!
Luke 24:15-29 is the Story of the day Jesus was resurrected. Two discouraged disciples were walking down the road to Emmaus talking about what had happened. Jesu joined them but they did not recognize Him as he spoke about what had happened and the Scriptures..

LK. 24:31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight”        
                       
         In their grief, Jesus had been right there with them! They just couldn’t see it!                         They needed illumination!

Be wise today and always allow God to Illuminate all your life through His Word.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

What Happens?


Today and Tomorrow we"ll look at : WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GOD OPENS MY EYES?

        1. I SEE THE SOLUTION TO MY PROBLEM
      Look in Genesis for the story of how Sarah got jealous of Hagar and threw her & her son out of the house.

Genesis 21:14-18Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the desert of Beersheba. When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she thought, "I cannot watch the boy die." And as she sat there nearby, she began to sob.  God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."

The look what happens in Genesis 21:19“Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.” The solution was right in front of her but she couldn’t see it!   

         2. I SEE THE BARRIER TO MY PROGRESS
        LET’S LOOK AT THE STORY A prophet of God named Balaam who agreed to help some bad guys.

Numbers 22:22-27 But God was furious that Balaam was going, so he sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the road to block his way… Balaam's donkey suddenly saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand and the donkey bolted off the road into a field, but Balaam beat it and turned it back onto the road. Then the angel of the Lord stood at a place where the road narrowed between two vineyard walls. When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing there, it tried to squeeze by and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall. So Balaam beat the donkey again. Then the angel of the Lord moved farther down the road and stood in a place so narrow that the donkey could not get by at all. This time when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down under Balaam. In a fit of rage Balaam beat it again with his staff.

NUMBERS 22:31 “Then the Lord opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.”
                       
When plans aren’t working out, you can get angry at others..OR let God show you what’s holding  you back!       

Be wise today and always – Open your eyes and see the truth.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Illumination


Before Jesus went back to heaven he explains the Holy Spirit’s role:

John 14:26  The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”                   
John 14:17He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.”
John 16:15 “the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you”                

In Ephesians Paul says 1:17I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God.”  
                  
The Bible is the only book where you can talk to the author while readingit!
You can ask “Now what did you mean here?” How does this work?

Look at Ephesians 1:18-19 “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

Enlightened -  “The light came on!” The A ha moment!  YES!  I got it!  I understand!   That’s Illumination! You’re spiritual eyes were opened!

Be wise today and always – let your spiritual eyes be opened.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

SEEING WHAT GOD WANTS ME TO SEE


It is so exciting to be part of 40 Days In The Word! I pray that you have been enjoying your small group time and daily devotionals at www.40DITW.com .

If you have ever thought: “I never get anything out of the Bible when I read it” Then you are in for some good news this week. Starting today and through the week I’ll explain why you don’t, and how you can start seeing what God desires you to see.

First thing: the Bible IS s a difficult book to comprehend until you understand the principle of illumination Have you ever tried to read using lamps with wimpy light bulbs? They’re worthless! You need the brightness to see. Brightness = clarity.  The more light= more you can see!
                            
ILLUMINATION is letting the Holy Spirit show me the meaning of God’s Word and how it applies to my life. It is through the Holly Spirit that we can truly understand the Bible.

Be wise today and always – allow the Word to illuminate your understanding.

Monday, February 20, 2012

But God…


Are you in need of a personal recovery plan?

Romans 10:17 tells us that “Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.”

We can’t understand a lot of things in this world, but God knows it all!

Genesis 50:20 NIVYou intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Psalm 66:19 NIVbut God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.

Psalm 73:26 NIVMy flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Romans 5:8 NIVBut God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 Corinthians 1:27 NIVBut God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
1 Corinthians 2:10 NIVbut God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

We can’t do it but God can! Will we do it His way or our own way?

Be wise today and always – do it God’s way!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Benefits


How do I gain the benefits God wants me to through His Word?
Most of our troubles come from not knowing the Bible. The problem is our response.  The Bible tells us how to act in every situation.

Consider these three ways in order to benefit from the Bible: 

1. LEARN IT!
Mark 12:24, Jesus said "Your trouble is that you don't know the Scriptures ...”

2. ACCEPT IT AS MY AUTHORITY
1 tHESSELONIANS 2:13, “When you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the Word of God, which is at work in you who believe.’

3. ACT ON IT
John 13:17, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”                                 

PSALM 119:18, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law!”

Be wise today and always – benefit from God’s Word.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Changes Part Three


We continue our study this week in 40 Days In The Word.

How does God’s Word change me?  

5.      IT ILLUMINATES MY MIND
Psalm 119:130(CEV) “Understanding your Word brings light to the minds of ordinary people.”
Psalm 119:99 (NIV)  “I have more insight than all my teachers,for I meditate on your statutes.                       
Psalm 119:105 “Your Word is a lamp to my feet  and a light for my path.”                                      
Psalm119:18 “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law!”

6.      IT  ELEVATES MY MOOD
Whenever you get discouraged, you need a Word break.
Romans 15:4 “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Psalm119:114 (Message) ‘You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me.”                  

7.      IT  LIBERATES  MY POTENTIAL
Only God knows how to unlock your full potential
John 8:31-32 (NAS) "If you continue in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free!”
                                               
Would you like to have your Life recreated?  Guilt eradicated? Faith activated? Growth stimulated? Mind illuminated?  Mood elevated? And Potential liberated?  
It’s all in the WORD!

Be wise today and always – Be in the Word.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Changes Part Two


We continue our study this week in 40 Days In The Word.

How does God’s Word change me?  

3.  IT ACTIVATES MY FAITH
          Faith is Word-activated. The promises of God raise our expectations!

Rom. 10:17“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.”
                  
Ever heard the Word taught and felt courage well up inside you?

Don’t forget that sometimes it’s a pacing growth like in Exodus 23:29-30, I will not give you the whole land in a single year, because you wouldn’t be able to handle it. Instead, you will overtake it little by little until YOU have GROWN enough to take possession of it all! God will help us grow in our faith through obedience.           

4.  IT STIMULATES MY GROWTH
Inheritance equals getting all that rightly belongs to you as God’s child! The Bible and it’s instruction is part of a believer’s inheritance.

Acts 20:32, I commit you to God and to the Word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “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.”

TEACHING shows you the path to walk on - REBUKING  shows how you got off the path - CORRECTING –shows you how to get back on and stay on the right path. That’s a great inheritance.

Be wise today and always – let the Word change you.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Changes


We continue our study this week in 40 Days In The Word.

How does God’s Word change me?  

1.      IT RECREATES  MY LIFE
          James 1:18, “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth…” Without God’s word – the good news – couldn’t be saved!
Paul told Timothy “the holy Scriptures, are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”  2 Tim. 3:15 The Bible is often compared to a seed. We need to allow God’s Word to be planted and grow in us.
          1 Peter 1:23, “You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God.”
          James 1:21 “Humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you”                                                                            
2.      IT ERADICATES MY GUILT
Many of us feel like we have been so bad that God could never forgive or use us.  See what God says in…
          1 John 1:9 -    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
          Romans 8:1 -  Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

God’s word is like soap. It disinfects us. Ephesians 5:25-26,  “…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word.” Jesus told his disciples in John 15:3, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”

Be wise today and always – let the Word grow in and cleanse you.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Living Word


We continue our study this week in 40 Days In The Word

In John 6:63 Jesus said: “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life!” God’s word is not mere words. It’s ALIVE! We see in Hebrews 4:12, The word of God is LIVING 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.”                  

Like a highly skilled surgeon, the Word of god can cut right to the point. That is exactly what we need in order to live the way God intended us too.

D. L. Moody said, “The bible was not created to increase our knowledge but to change us.”

The Word of God can only change us if we allow it to live in us. Make the Bible part of who you are – consume it every day.

Be wise today and always – love, learn, and live the Word.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

HOW THE BIBLE CHANGES US


We continue our study this week in 40 Days In The Word

The Bible is unlike any other book because it is “Holy” It has supernatural power to change things. Why? Because it truly is the Word of God! We must accept it as truth from the beginning to the end. Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”

You see, Christians have the truth about the Big Bang Theory. Everything in the universe was spoken into existence by God - Bang!

Psalm 33:6,  The Lord merely spoke and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born!”

Now that’s power! God’s power is available to you though his Word!

Believe it and receive it church. Great things will happen.

Be wise today and always – let the Word change you.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Goals


Yesterday we learned of the five crowns promised in the Bible:
The Incorruptible Crown
Crown of Rejoicing
Crown of Life
Crown of Righteousness
Crown of Glory

What should be our goal?

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. - Philippians 3:10-11

Sounds like our goals should be to accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, be in an intimate relation with Him, and be about His business. The crowns are nice, but in the end we lay them at His feet in worship.

Be wise today and always – set good goals.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Crowns


There are 5 Crowns Promised in the Bible.

The Incorruptible Crown – for those who overcome selfish and sinful desires of the flesh 1 Cor. 9:25-27,  “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Crown of Rejoicing – for those who witness to and lead souls to Christ
1 Thes. 2:19-20, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”

Crown of Life – for those who overcome in times of trials, temptation, and suffering Rev. 2:10- “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Crown of Righteousness – for those who look and long for the time Jesus Christ’s calls for His own 2 Tim. 4:8- “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Crown of Glory – for those faithful preachers and teachers who feed the people of God  1 Peter 5:2-4- “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

Be wise today and always – live for Jesus.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Real Life


I’ve heard it said before that real life only happens in small groups! That’s why at many churches they are called Life Groups. What is a small group? Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:20, For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” That’s the nucleus for a small group! Many people think that small groups have to some elaborate time consuming commitment. It shouldn’t be. In fact the simpler you keep them the better!

Our memory verse this week in 40 Days in the word is Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly from Colossians 3:16. To truly allow God’s Word to dwell in us we must apply to every part of our lives. We were not created to live in a vacuum. We were created to have fellowship with God and other believers. We have no problem going to work, school, shopping, concerts, and ball games with total strangers. Why do we have such an aversion to spending time with other Christians? We’re going to spend eternity with each other, so why not get to know each other now?

I encourage you join or create a small group to have the fellowship, guidance, and learning experience that can change you forever. Jesus promises us He’ll be there.  
Will you?

Be wise today and always – be part of a Life group.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Staying Ahead


Kodak is an iconic American company just like Kleenex and Coke. For nearly 100 years it was synonymous with photography. In 1975 Kodak invented digital photography, but they decided that the old technology of using film cameras was good enough. They were making lots of money. Why change? Recently the Eastman Kodak company filed for bankruptcy. They let their competition take their idea and they never caught up.

This is a great lesson in that we sometimes we must stop something while it is successful. In order change to something new and more successful before the old model declines and dies. We can begin what God wants us to do before something stops working.

Wisdom from Proverbs 19:21 tells us, Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

I (or we’ve) never done it that way before are the dying words of many people and churches. God is always doing a new thing! Are you following His plan?

Be wise today and always – be about God’s purposes.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Work Out


When it comes to our salvation through Jesus Christ we must know it comes through faith and not through works. That doesn’t get the believer off the hook as far as doing anything. Because we are saved we are compelled to do what God wants us to do!

James 2:17
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Rick Warren puts it this way, “ Works are the fruit of Grace not the roots of grace”. It is the process of “working out” what God has put in to us. As we serve we strengthen the spiritual muscles God has given to all believers.

James 2:26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Next time you look in a mirror look a little deeper. How does your spirit look? Maybe it’s time to start working out.

Be wise today and always – work out your faith.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

I CAN TRUST THE BIBLE (Part 3)


We learned this week in our 40 Days in the Word study reasons we can trust the Bible. Let’s look at our last two today.

I CAN TRUST THE BIBLE BECAUSE…

1. IT HAS SURVIVED ALL ATTACKS The most despised, derided, denied, disputed, dissected, disputed, debated, outlawed & destroyed book ever! YET STILL THE BEST SELLING, MOST READ Source of more great ART, MUSIC & ARCHITECTURE

Mt. 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Voltaire said, “Within 100 yrs the Bible will be forgotten” Today his home is headquarters for French Bible Society                          

1 Pet. 1:24-25 “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."

2. IT HAS TRANSFORMING POWER Nothing can change lives like the Bible!  Your life has been changed by it and history has been changed by it!

Be wise today and always – trust the Word.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

I CAN TRUST THE BIBLE (Part 2)…


We learned this week in our 40 Days in the Word study reasons we can trust the Bible. Let’s look at three more today.

I CAN TRUST THE BIBLE BECAUSE…

1. IT IS PROPHETICALLY  ACCURATE The Bible has predicted 1000s of events that happened just as God said! Over 300 about Messiah. It says in 2 Peter 1:21 “No prophecy ever originated from humans. Instead, it was given by the Holy Spirit as humans spoke under God's direction.”

Matthew 26:56 “But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures."

Revelation 22:6 “The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true.  The Lord …sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place."

2. IT IS THEMATICALLY  UNIFIED One unified message!  The Bible is one book made up of 66 books. Written by over 40 different authors  -  over a period of 1,600 years, in over a dozen countries, on 3 different continents, and in at least 3 different languages. Written by people from all walks of life! Farmers & kings, soldiers & shepherds, princes & priests, historians, fisherman, tax collectors,  scholars, businessmen, MDs, in caves, ships, palaces, prisons, and deserts with no contradictions.      

Luke 24:27 “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to
them what was said in ALL the Scriptures concerning himself.”The theme of the entire Bible is God’s plan of redemption! The star of the story is Jesus.  You can see him in every book!          He tells us in John 5:39 "You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!”

3. IT IS CONFIRMED BY JESUS In Matthew 5:18 Jesus  said, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter  not the least stroke of a pen  will  disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished!”
                                                                               
Be wise today and always – trust the Word.