The World's Most Amazing Book
by Mark A. Finley

The Bible is the world's best-selling book. In 2003, 432 million Bibles or Scripture portions were printed by Bible societies internationally. The Bible is now translated in more than 2,200 languages with new language editions. The Scripture has a universal appeal. Young and old are inspired by its hopeful words. The educated and the uneducated are changed by its message of salvation. Rich and poor alike are uplifted by its encouraging vision of new heavens and a new earth. It speaks to the hearts of men and women of all ethnic groups, all cultures, and all ages.

1. What power does God's Word have?
"Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever" (1 Peter 1:23)
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Ps. 119:11)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105)

State in your own words what God's Word can do for a person. Base your answer on the texts quoted above.

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2. How did the Bible come about?
"Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21)

The Bible is God's Word, not human thoughts about God.
What sort of people did God use to give His messages through the Bible? How did they know what to write?

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3. What does the Bible say about itself?
"All Scripture is given inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17)

In the Bible text above, find the words that describe how God gave the Bible to us.

4. Whom has God given to us to help us understand His word?
"When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13)

Jesus, whoe spoke these words, promised to send us the Holy Spirit. What did Jesus call the Holy Spirit?

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5. What is God's Word like?
"The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Heb. 4:12)

In the text above, find the words that describe God's Word.

6. The Bible uses various symbols to describe God's Word. Find four symbols in the texts given below.
A. "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God" (Luke 8:11)
B. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105)
C. "Is not My word like a fire?' says the Lord, 'And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?'" (Jer. 23:29)

Why is God's Word like each of the symbols listed above?

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7. What are the principles for studying the Bible?
A. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5)
B. "If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine" (John 7:17)
C. "The word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it" (Heb 4:2)

List the principles of Bible study in these passages.

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As you open God's Word, do so with a sense of excitement - God Himself is going to communicate with you. Believe that He will speak to you in His Word. As you prayerfully study God's Word, you will be richly rewarded. Your faith will increase. You will get to know Jesus better. And you will understand His will for your life more clearly. Best of all, you will experience the abundant and eternal life He so freely offers.

8. Why is God's Word so important to His people today?
State the answer in your own words, based on what you have learned in this study.

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