2. Why the Bible?

3. What does Jesus Say? But Jesus answered [the Sadducees], "You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God." (Mat 22:29) “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

5. Trustworthiness of the Bible Accuracy of the text (Just the NT, for example) - 5,000 Greek manuscripts - 8,000 Latin - 1,000 others Ancient works of similar authors like Plato, Aristotle, Tacitus range from only 1 to 20 Historical events (Testable!) can be lined up with history... 2,000 of 2,500 prophecies fulfilled

6. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

7. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

8. The primary purpose of the Word of God is to personally hear from God.

9. 10 Tips for reading and studying the Bible alone or with a group that will personally enrich your spiritual journey...

10. 1 If you've never read the Bible before or if it's been a long time, it is helpful to start in the Gospel of John. (Bible within the Bible)

11. 2 Pray The Holy Spirit helps -Some things are spiritually discerned (1 Cor 2:12-14) -the Spirit guides us in "all truth" (John 16:13)

12. 3 Context is king

13. 4 “It doesn't mean what it says, it means what it means.”

14. 5 It can never mean what it never meant.

15. 6 Different genres.

16. 7 Watch out for "What it means to me"

17. 8 Pick a time and a place - where are you going to be in God's word tomorrow?

18. 9 Apply it personally

19. 10 If you have trouble understanding something: - pray - seek help / research - move on