Studying Bible Together

INTRO. END SERIES: As we come to the end of this book we end on what may be a very familiar message: The importance of studying God’s word. This is an important part of our faith tradition: The Bible, the whole Bible, nothing but the Bible. We believe this is essential, however, it is the last word in the title we have struggled with: Together. RADICAL PIETISM TRANS: Carried over in our own culture. Individualism is cherished. TRANS: So hopefully what I am saying is nothing new. At Northwest we recognize the need for community, and we believe in intentional community, and here’s why: TEXT When we THINK THROUGH the Bible together… 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. Colossians 4:15-16 HIGHLIGHT TEXT: Now two things the early church did: They gathered together in homes and read the scriptures together. Reason why was out of necessity and according to God’s plan. Necessity because the scripture were not readily available and literacy rates were low- 2-15% in city, 70% in. the rural areas. God’s plan-meant to be read together and studied together and here’s why: 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 HIGHLIGHT TEXT: All we need to know about God is contained in the Bible. 66 books-39 in OT, 27 in NT. This is the only book we study here at Northwest Community Church. It is essential in a believer’s life. Many people believed in the importance and the essential of scripture. Regardless of their vocation: TEDDY ROOSEVELT: A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. JOHN LOCKE: The Bible is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by God on the children of men. It has God for its author; salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture for its matter. It is all pure. TRANS: The Apostle Peter knew the importance of Scripture and of their message when he wrote the following: 19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:19-21 HIGHLIGHT TEXT: The Bible is not always easy to know or understand. We have to work for understanding. We have to wrestle with the scriptures. It is the best selling book but most likely the least read. Studying it is essential. And studying in together is also essential for many reasons but one is to make sure we are on the right track. UNHELPFUL WAYS TO STUDY THE BIBLE TRANS: Community helps us to stay on the right track. Many people have gone off into terrible heretical areas because they studied the scriptures on their own. Many false religions start this way: Joseph Smith-Mormons. Go off on erroneous beliefs such as the way to deal with doctors who perform abortions and the women who choose to have them is to kill them. Need to hold the Bible above anything else including our news and political affiliation. But when we are serious about studying the scriptures together, when we are willing to think through them by the power of the Holy Spirit, then…