2. We’re in an age of skepticism & religious division b/c people are not studying the Bible! Man says that the Bible cannot be understood. Man says that the Bible cannot be understood. But, God says His Word was/is intended for ALL and can be understood by the common man! (cf. Eph. 3:3-4) But, God says His Word was/is intended for ALL and can be understood by the common man! (cf. Eph. 3:3-4) – “…how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ).” The OT, Jesus & Paul all unvaryingly affirm that Scripture is understandable and is to be understood. The OT, Jesus & Paul all unvaryingly affirm that Scripture is understandable and is to be understood.

3. Can the Bible Be Understood Man says, “No!” Man says, “No!” – “You understand one way and I another. Who’s to say who’s right and who’s wrong? Neither of us should condemn the other.” – “Well, that’s your interpretation and I have mine. There’s no way to know who’s right. Perhaps we’re both right.” – “You and I are never going to see the Bible alike. So, let’s just agree to disagree.” – “We cannot all understand the Bible alike!”

4. Can the Bible Be Understood Man can understand many matters alike Man can understand many matters alike – Sales ad – store, day, time, items, price, etc. – Recipe – Prescriptions – Simple math – Road signs – Blueprints for homes & buildings – Final scores of games – Food order at restaurant

5. Can the Bible Be Understood Man can understand many matters alike Man can understand many matters alike Understanding the Bible is not only possible, Understanding the Bible is not only possible, understanding the Bible IS EXPECTED! If we understand the Bible at all, If we understand the Bible at all, WE’LL UNDERSTAND IT ALIKE! – That’s the only way to understand it. – There’s no such thing as understanding differently. – Man can misunderstand differently, but not understand differently. There’s only one way to understand it! – We don’t “understand math differently.” God created the world, us & the Bible! God created the world, us & the Bible!

6. Can the Bible Be Understood

7. If the Bible cannot be understood ALIKE, then… There can be no unity! There can be no unity! – The unity Jesus prayed for is impossible (Jn 17:20-21). – The unity that Paul commanded is only wishful thinking (1 Cor. 1:10). Either God’s will or His ability is lacking! Either God’s will or His ability is lacking! – Either God could have written a book that could be understood but He wouldn’t (not willing!)… – Or God would have written a book that could be understood but He couldn’t (not able!). – Yet He gave us a book & required us to understand it in order to be saved.

8. If the Bible cannot be understood ALIKE, then… There can be no unity! There can be no unity! Either God’s will or His ability is lacking! Either God’s will or His ability is lacking! The Bible is reduced to nonsense! The Bible is reduced to nonsense! – Matthew 4:4 – Luke 6:46 – John 8:31-32 – Romans 16:17 – Romans 12:16 – Philippians 2:2 – Philippians 3:16 – Ephesians 4:5 – Ephesians 5:17 – 1 Corinthians 14:33 – 2 Timothy 3:16-17