The Scriptures are inspired by God, giving us hope, exposing our hearts, providing direction for our daily lives, and leading to everlasting life—when faithfully followed.

The Old Testament 

39 books—the first five books disclose the old covenant received by Moses and made available to the Israelites (Overviewed in Deuteronomy 4-5)

1. Provides Divine Guidance
   (Read Deuteronomy 4:9,32-40)
   • The Scriptures record the voice of God in written form and His achievements
   • The story includes observations, His commands and eternal benefits of obedience
   • Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17: The Bible is God-breathed (inspired) and is useful for all who read and apply it
     How are the Scriptures "full of use" in our lives?
   • It gives guidance for salvation and conducting our lives
     Is it possible to have supreme confidence in your salvation?
2. Gives Us Prophecies of Hope
   (Read Isaiah 9:6-7, 53:3-7)
   • There is a continuity in Scriptures between predicted and fulfilled events
   • Many Old Testament prophecies have a direct relationship to the coming of Jesus Christ, predicted hundreds of years before His arrival on earth

The New Testament

27 books — the first five books reveal the new covenant of Jesus Christ, made available to all mankind (Overviewed in Acts 2)

1. Reveals Our True Self
   (Read James 1:21-25)
   • Saves us and exposes truths about us, like a mirror
   • The proper way to respond to the Word is to immediately act upon what is revealed
     What are some things that we want to hide or forget?
     Why would it be helpful to make these hidden things known?
2. Provides Discernment/Judgment
   (Read Acts 17:10-11)
   • Enables us to compare what religious leaders teach to God’s actual words
   • Helps us to discern between right and wrong
     How can you personally be certain of your own beliefs?
3. Contains the Path to Rebirth
   (Read 1 Peter 1:22-25)
   • Shows us the truth about how to be saved
   • Shows us how to be born again through the seed of God’s Word and our response
     Do you believe that the Bible is God’s Word?
     Are you willing to commit your life to His Word?
     Are you willing to let the Bible guide you daily?

• John 12:47-48—Judges us
• Matthew 15:1- 9—Is above tradition
• 1 Timothy 4:16—Defines life/doctrine
• Romans 10:17—Gives us faith
• 1 Corinthians 10:1-13—Provides us with warning