Why Should You Study the Bible?

God wants us to understand the Bible. Would a loving God inspire a book that we could not understand?? Of course not. In fact, as we read and meditate on God's Word, He give us understanding. The Bible says, " I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation." Psalm 119:99.

Perhaps you're asking yourself, Why should you study the Bible? It's as simple as this. God loves you, and He wants to tell you how much. It's all in the Bible. Don't you like to feel loved and special? That gift is waiting for you.

Also, God wants you to know what's ahead. Bible prophecies were given to let us know the future. We don't have to wonder how this world will end. It's outlined in the Bible. You will discover amazing Bible prophecies that came to pass just as foretold.

God wants to answer your questions. He'll explain to you why He allows suffering. It will become very plain. You'll understand why you go through hard times. You'll understand about death.

You'll understand about why this world is going through crazy times. You'll be able to see clearly signs of what's ahead. It will take away your fear and apprehension of the future.

It will answer life's greatest questions: Where did I come from, why am I here, where am I going?

The Bible shows you how to experience freedom from depression, destructive habits and negative attitudes. It will help you improve your marriage and parenting skills. God's Word will show you how to get rid of stress, fear and loneliness. It will give you hope for your future, and fill you will happiness. The Bible will even show you how to live life at a higher quality level, and how to avoid disease and ill health!

The Holy Scriptures will show you God's plan for your life. In understanding truth from the Word of God, you will be protected from the deceptions that at common in the world around us.

God's Word will empower you to live a fulfilling, meaningful life. It will show you how you can be assured of your salvation and obtain eternal life!

WOW! There is no other book in the world that can do all that! This is the book you should be studying!!!!

So, how do you study?

God has promised to give us WISDOM as we study. The words of scripture are not like the words in other books. The are POWERFUL, LIFE-CHANGING words! They are living words.

You may be thinking, can't I just trust my pastor or priest to explain the Bible to me? It's too hard to study it myself.

The Bible itself tells us not to do that! We must find out for ourselves what the Bible says. Every religion can't be right. Which ones are teaching what the Bible really says? How are you going to know unless you study it out for yourself?

Is the majority always right? Perhaps you know the story of Noah and the flood. He preached for 120 years, warning the people about the flood. Only 8 went into the ark while the rest of the world's population was destroyed. It would have been dangerous to go along with the majority. And so it is today. The majority is usually wrong! Jesus himself said, " Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13, 14

Here's something to consider. God reveals His truth in a progressive way. In Proverbs 4: 18 we read, "But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day."

In every age, more truth is being revealed. Truth never contradicts truth; it builds on truth. But in every age, truth tends to become stymied in certain organizations. They may have a measure of truth, but because people don't continue on in that truth, it turns into darkness and confusion. As an example, the Church of Rome received the pure gospel, but soon it became mixed with tradition. That tradition soon overshadowed the truth. Then the reformers came along, and one by one revealed a new gem of biblical truth. But many times the next generation after the reformers didn't keep searching, but just clung to that one aspect of truth, ignoring others. Soon that truth became obscured by darkness. Unless truth is progressive, its luster dims and fades. Tradition and human philosophies are constantly creeping into religion. Satan wants to cause confusion. That's why we have so many denominations. The answer to this is to keep searching the Bible, and take the Bible only, not the philosophy or traditions of man. The Bible is its own interpreter. We must find out for ourselves what is truth.

That's the keynote teaching of any true Christian church. The Bible and the Bible only! Traditions must be tested with the Bible. If there is no biblical basis for the tradition, it must be discarded.

In order to gain the power from the study of the WORD, we must know the keys that will unlock the mysteries to us personally. Do you know these keys? Here are some pointers in studying the Bible:

• Always pray before you study the Bible. Be willing to accept truth no matter what the cost.
• Don't come to the Bible to prove your theories. Set aside your opinions as you study.
• Ask God for a teachable, humble attitude. Be willing to learn.
• If God says something plainly in the Bible, don't pray, asking Him to tell you something different because you don't like what you read.
• On any controversial subject - study out both sides. Take the weight of evidence from the whole Bible, not just obscure texts.
• When you come to a difficult text, don't make it say what you want it to say. Read other scriptures on the same topic. That's how the Bible interprets itself.
• Consider the context as you study. Read the whole passage.
• Use variety of versions and translations so you can make sure what the text is saying.
• Beware of notes in your Bible. They are not inspired, but were written by man. Test them against the Bible.
• Beware of commentaries and encyclopedias. They are sometimes good for reference, but again, they are not inspired. Don't mold your beliefs from commentaries.
• Don't settle for a final answer from any pastor, priest, denomination, church history, or tradition.
• In studying with others, insist on the Bible as the final authority; don't depend on human interpretation.
• Remember, the majority can be wrong. In fact, they often are!
• Don't waste time studying with argumentative, pushy people who try to prove their answers by raising their voices. Beware of deceptions and false doctrines.
• Probe deeply into the treasure house of truth. Ask deep questions and search diligently for the answers.
• As you discover truth, walk in the light so that it does not turn into darkness.
• Hide God's Word in your heart so you will not sin against Him.
• Whatever you believe should make you a more loving, devoted Christian.
• Study, study, study--not just for knowledge but for transforming power.
• Expect the Bible to change your attitudes and mold your beliefs.
• Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. If you are having trouble understanding the Bible, ask God for wisdom.
• Trust in God. He will teach you the truth. You can understand the Bible. God's was written for YOU! Study God's Word today!

Here is an important warning. Don't put off your search for truth. Salvation is at the door. God says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2