The Introduction To Our Bible Study

The Bible is a book about real people and about the God who is real. Theologians and scholars have debated endlessly about the question of how a book written by so many people could possibly be the inspired word of God. But to enter this argument is like sitting down at dinner and arguing about the recipe instead of tasting the good food, enjoying it, and gaining nourishment from it. Like the saying, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, the proof of the Bible is in the reading with an open mind and heart. If a person reads the Bible with this attitude, then the Bible will be proven to be divinely inspired.

God’s Inspired Word

Entering in to God’s inspired word can sometimes be blinding to us. God’s divine word is so illuminating it can be like being in a dark room, walking out into the bright sunlight, It will take a little time for your eyes to adjust to the brightness, but you will begin to see clearly again. So it is with the inspired word of God. 

 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

  • Let’s see exactly what this scripture means.

It says all which means everything, wholly, whole.  Then it says all scripture is given by inspiration of God which means divinely breathed in.

And is profitable for doctrine which means instruction, learning, teaching.

  • For reproof which means conviction, evidence
  • For correction which means a straitening up reformation
  • For instruction which means chastening, chastisement, nurture
  • In righteousness which means equity of character or act, especially Christian.

Proverbs 30:5-6 (KJV)

5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6 Add thou not unto his words, Lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

  • I’m not the one you need to debate with.  It is with the almighty God you will have to argue with.
  • It is not my words or the bible scholar, teacher, preacher or anybody else.

Revelation 22:19 (KJV)
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

John 1:1-14 (KJV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light that all men through him might believe.

8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

9 That was the true Light, which lighted every man that cometh into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God?

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

 John 3:16-18 (KJV)
16 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.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Jesus is speaking

 John 7:37-39 (KJV)

37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, if any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Jesus is speaking

 John 5:39 (KJV)

39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

John 14:5-6 (KJV)

5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

Jesus speaking

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 John 10:1 (KJV)
1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

John 10:6-10 (KJV)
6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

 

John 12:44-48 (KJV)

Jesus speaking

44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

 

John 17:17-20 (KJV)

Jesus praying

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

 

John 3:1-5 (KJV)

1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Jesus speaking

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except or unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except or unless a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 14:15-20 (KJV)
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 14:26 (KJV)
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

  • We must believe on the Lord that is the first part of Salvation

 

2 Peter 1:19-21 (KJV)

19 We have also a more sure: or confirmed word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. This is for everyone it is not a separate book for just a certain group of people. Nothing new will ever be added to this inspired word of God.  This is the only book that will live forever.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

  • What is the Holy Ghost?

Jesus speaking

 Luke 24:47-49 (KJV)

47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Acts 1:3-5 (KJV)

3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Jesus speaking

 Acts 1:8 (KJV)

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 2:1-4 (KJV)

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

  • Is the Holy Ghost For YOU?
  • Who can have it?
  • Is it for everyone? Was it just for the Apostles?

Acts 5:27-32 (KJV)

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28 Saying, Did not we straightly command you that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, we ought to obey God rather than men.

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

 

Acts 2:36-39 (KJV)

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

 

  • Did they believe that Jesus Christ was their Lord and Savior?                  Yes or no

 

  • Were they sorry for their sins?                                                                     Yes or no

 

  •  Did they believe on the Lord?                                                                      Yes or no

 

Acts 8:4-19 (KJV)

4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

8 And there was great joy in that city.

9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, this man is the great power of God.

11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

12 But when they  heard Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the

Name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost 

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the.)name of the Lord.

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

 

  • Did they believe in Jesus Christ?                                     Yes or no

 

  • Were they baptized in his name?                                      Yes or no

 

  • Did they receive the Holy Ghost as a separate and distinct experience?   Yes or no

  

Acts 10:1-6 (KJV)

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.

3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, what is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

 

Acts 10:43-48 (KJV)

43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him

shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

 

  • Was Cornelius a religious man?           Yes or no

 

  • Did God have more for him to do?        Yes or no

 

  • Did they receive the Holy Ghost after the day of Pentecost?             Yes or no

 

  • Did they still have to be baptized?       Yes or no

 

Paul preaching

 Acts 19:1-6 (KJV)

1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollo’s was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

2 He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

3 And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

 

  • Were the disciples believers?                                                             Yes or no

 

  • Had they heard of or received the Holy Ghost?                                Yes or no

 

  • Those baptized by John, did they have to be baptized again in the name on Jesus? 

      Yes or no

 

  • Was receiving the Holy Ghost accompanied by the initial evidence of speaking with tongues?          

      Yes or no

 

  • Do you believe the word of God is true and will judge us?                      Yes or no

 

  • Do you believe Jesus Christ is both Lord and Savior?                              Yes or no

 

  • Do you believe it is necessary to repent by determine to turn from your sins and giving your life to God?             Yes or no

 

  • Do you believe water baptism in the name is the biblical way?               Yes or no

 

  • Do you believe baptism of the Holy Ghost is for you today and when you receive it you will speak in other tongues just as they did in the bible?                Yes or no

 

Hopefully you have answered every question with a yes.