Why should we read the Bible? It is essential that we have a strong Biblical foundation to our beliefs. In other words, make sure that what we believe and practice is Biblically sound. Otherwise we are susceptible to error and the possibility of 'going off the rails'. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work". (2_Timothy_3:16-17) "Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarrelling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2_Timothy_2:14-15) How to read the Bible: Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the Bible to you and bring it to life; Read with a willing spirit, gladly submitting to its teaching; Read it respectfully, expectantly, regularly, systematically; Read it with understanding about the types of expression the Bible uses, (history, parable, metaphor, poetry, simile, illustration etc.); Read it Intelligently, the normal rules of language apply; Avoid being subjective, we have to fit to what the Bible says - not it to us; Ask the right questions in the right order about Bible passages- What is the context? What does it mean? How does it apply?

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah_40:8)

THE BIBLE - a library of smaller books

Unit 2: Learning About Prayer and Worship [Next Section]

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Created on: 28 August 1997 Last updated: 28 August 1997