Christianity Is A Book Lesson 2 Series

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Christianity is book that records God’s revelation of Himself in successive ages. “God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. But now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son” (Heb. 1:1-2, NLT).

a. It came from God.

b. It is distinct from other religious books.

c. It is a completed whole.

2. The Bible has 66 books or letters written over 1600 years by approximately 40 writers of various occupations, spread out over 2200 miles in two continents and over a dozen countries, yet it is held together by a single unity and an undeniable purpose. “Men were under the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God” (2 Peter. 1:21, TEV).

a. It has dual authors, men and God.

b. It is inspired, God guided its writing.

c. It has one focus, Jesus Christ.

d. Its unity is “Thus saith the Lord.”

3. The title Bible: Webster. “The sacred scriptures of Christianity comprising the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books).”

a. Bible comes from ta biblia. “The book” was written on the cover when all 66 books were sewed into one spine.

b. Holy Bible means it is from God and dedicated to God’s use.

c. Scriptures from the act of producing, writing, i.e., scriptus.

d. The Word of God, the source and the content.

THE BIBLE IS OUR ROCK

Not experience without substance.

Not practice without principles.

Not emotions without objective reality.

Not worship without standards.

Not faith without unchanging truth.

4. The Bible is supernatural.

a. It is inspired, i.e., accurate and has life. “All scripture is given by inspiration” (2 Tim. 3:16). “Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68, KJV).

b. It is the authority of Christ. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God” (John 1:1). “The words that I speak . . . they are life” (John 6:13).

c. It can transform the reader. “Being born again . . . by the word” (I Peter 1:23).

B. THE MOST INFLUENTIAL BOOK IN HISTORY

1. Influenced civilization. Translated into every language in the civilized world, and when translated into the language of uncivilized tribes, they became civilized. (Civilization is characterized by private rights, civil laws, legally recognized remedies, cultural and technological development to benefit all, writing, cultural expressions of highest good, etc.).

2. Influenced secular culture. Music, literature, art, science, technology, philosophy, etc.

3. Influenced leaders. No book has been so minutely studied by its leaders.

4. Influenced religious culture. No book has produced more sacred music, paintings (art), devotional writing, speeches, sermons, etc.

5. Influenced nations. No book has influence more nations to become great by doing more good for more people in more areas of their life.

“The Bible is the source of highest

social and national aspiration.” ~ISBE

C. THE GREATNESS OF THE BIBLE

1. It is a self-revelation of God.

a. God’s work, nature, plans and purpose.

b. Man did not seek it.

c. In ideas and concepts that man could understand.

d. Was written in words (studied and passed on).

2. It is the revelation of a gospel, i.e., good news.

a. Man disobeyed God.

b. Sin traumatizes and is judged, and condemns.

c. Christ died for sin

d. God loves us and offers salvation.

3. The conviction, convincing, converting, power of the message of the Bible. Those influenced by the Bible recognize their sin. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief” (1 Tim. 7:15). Those who believe the Bible are transformed. Christ liveth in me” (Gal. 2:20). “I can do all things through Christ” (Phil. 14:13).

4. It is the revelation of Christ (Heb. 1:1-2).

5. It is the revelation of how man can rise above his sin and failure to live for Christ and do exploits for God.

6. It is a revelation of hope that Christ will return for us, that we will be resurrected and live with God for all eternity.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.