Important Questions

What Is the Bible?


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You have probably have gone on a road trip before. How did you know where to go? Most likely you used a map in order to determine which way to go in order to reach your destination. The Bible is a map for life and death. It gives guidance on everyday living and on death. Concerning death, the Bible says,

"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away (James 4:14)."

Our life is temporary. So how are we to make use of our life? How are we to prepare for death? These are questions the Bible answers. But first, let's take a look at what the Bible is.

  1. 1 Peter 1:24-25; Matthew 24:35; 5:17-18 What does this teach about the word of God?
  2. 2 Peter 1:3 What has God given to us?
  3. John 12:47-50 What will be the standard by which we will be judged in the end?
  4. 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 What is the origin of scripture?
  5. Reflection questions:
    1. Is it possible for the word of God to be destroyed or is it enduring and therefore reliable?
    2. If God has given everything we need for life and godliness, is it necessary to have additional information other than the Bible?
    3. How is God's word different from other ancient documents and literature?
    4. What is the guide and authority if you wish to follow God?
  6. 1 Corinthians 4:6 What must we not exceed?
  7. Jude 3 Are we still receiving new revelations about the faith, or has it already been delivered to us?
  8. Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; Matthew 15:9; Revelation 22:18-19 Is it okay to subtract, substitute, amend, or add to the word of God?
  9. Galatians 1:6-9
    1. Will there be any other Gospels other than what has already been given?
    2. What is the biblical assessment of those who claim to bring new revelations from God?
  10. 2 Peter 3:15-18
    1. What is the result of distorting the scriptures?
    2. Why should we be on guard?
  11. Genesis 3:3-4 How did the serpent's addition of the word "not" to God's word affect things?
  12. Reflection questions:
    1. Do we have everything we need in the Bible to serve God?
    2. Do we need to turn to other books, testaments, and revelations outside of the Bible?
    3. What warnings are there against other books and revelations that claim to be from God?
  13. Matthew 7:13-14
    1. What road are the majority on?
    2. Are the majority a reliable guide to God?
  14. Matthew 15:9 What causes worship to God to be in vain?
  15. Proverbs 16:25 What warning is there for us in this passage?
  16. Acts 17:10-11
    1. How were these people more noble or excellent?
    2. How did they evaluate things?
  17. Reflection questions:
    1. Why is the Bible important for worship to God?
    2. How would we determine whether something is right or wrong? Is it by reason, feelings, or something else?
    3. If the majority believe something is right, does that make it right? How do we determine if it is right?
  18. Ephesians 6:10-18 - What does the metaphor of the word as the "sword of the Spirit" convey in this passage?
  19. Hebrews 4:12
    1. How is God's word different from other written documents?
    2. What does the image of the word as “sharper” than a sword convey?
  20. 1 Peter 2:2 - What does the image of the word as "milk" say about the word?
  21. James 1:22-25 - How is God’s word like a mirror?
  22. How does the imagery of the Word of God being a sword, sharper than a sword, milk, and mirror instruct you on how God’s word is to function in your life?
  23. Final Reflection Questions:
    1. Why should we read the word of God?
    2. What are the dangers of not reading the word of God?
    3. What will be the standard that will evaluate our life?
    4. Why should we go to God's word for guidance rather than some other source?
    5. Are you ready to learn what it teaches you about God, our world, and your expectations?


Additional Information

Additional Scriptures

Jesus passed on God's word to the Apostles who then wrote scripture:

Fulfilled Prophecy also confirms the word. (sampling of prophecies): Interesting Bible Facts:

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Compiled by
John Telgren
Nebraska City Church of Christ,
1102 S 10th St, Nebraska City, NE 68410
(402) 873-7241 - www.ncncocorg - www.epreacher.org
June 7, 2016