The primary reason for studying the Bible is because it is a command from God (2 Timothy 2:15). The following are additional reasons as to why we should study the Bible: That we may live spiritually by being born anew by God’s word (cf. Luke 8:11; 1 Peter 1:23). Unless one is born anew, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (John 3:1-5). That we may grow spiritually (1 Peter 2:1-2; 2 Peter 3:18). That we may be able to resist the darts and arrows of Satan as our Lo... more

One of the most prevalent causes of misunderstanding the Bible is that the student fails to approach the Bible with the “right attitude.” In this way, God’s method of teaching him the truth is thwarted from the very beginning. This is the very problem Jesus faced as He began His ministry among men. After His famous parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9), the disciples asked why He had used this method (Matthew 13:10). The reply of Jesus indicated that the parable method was use... more

Humanity is broken. Few would deny the biblical affirmation: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). All people stand in need of redemption and are incapable of currying God's favor by their own imperfect efforts (Ephesians 2:3-9; Galatians 3:22). Even for those who “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7) personal sin remains a reality (1 John 1:10-2:1). The question, “Are Christians sinners who are forgiven or saints who sin?,” bespeaks t... more

When asked by their advertising executive to describe a name brand soap for an ad campaign, members of an advertising agency wrote: “The alkaline elements and vegetable fat in this product are blended in such a way as to secure the highest quality of saponification along with a specific gravity that keeps it on top of the water, relieving the bather of the trouble and annoyance of fishing around for it in the bottom of the bathtub during his ablution.“ After reading it, the adv... more

In the long-ago biblical ages, there were occasions when God spoke personally to men (Gen. 3:9; 12:1ff; cf. Heb. 1:1). That method of communication is not operative today. Eventually, the Lord had his will committed to written documents (collectively known a the Bible). These literary narratives can be investigated and verified, thus establishing their claims of divine origin. There is a sense in which written revelation transcends miraculous communication (see 1 Cor. 13:9-12). There are three ... more

When one opens the New Testament, he is introduced to four narratives which are concerned with the activity and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. These records are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Why are there four accounts that cover so much of the same material? Are the records harmonious or do they conflict? When Jesus was crucified, a superscription was placed above his head proclaiming, “This is Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” It was written in three tongues—Hebrew, La... more

Generation follows generation — yet the Bible lives. Nations rise and fall — yet the Bible lives. Kings, dictators, presidents come and go — and yet the Bible lives. Hated, despised, cursed — yet the Bible lives. Condemned by atheists — yet the Bible lives. Scoffed by scorners — yet the Bible lives. Exaggerated by fanatics — yet the Bible lives. Misconstrued and misstated — yet the Bible lives. Its inspiration denied — yet the Bible l... more