Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning and evening, Dec. 30, 2001, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ YOUR BIBLE THIS YEAR
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:33-46
Text: Matthew 21:42
Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Introduction: I want to encourage you to read the Bible through in 2002, from front to back, from Genesis to Revelation. You can do it. Most of you can read it through from cover to cover in 15 minutes a day. Some of you can read it through in 5 to 10 minutes a day. In addition to any studying you might do, let me encourage you to READ the Bible this year, ALL of it. Jesus asked the chief priest and elders if they had missed reading a passage in the word of God. You will, if you don’t read ALL of it.
At the invitation I am going to ask you to commit yourself to read the Bible through in the coming year. At the altar we will have printed helps to keep you on track for doing this.
Besides the fact that if you DON’T read the Bible through you will MISS some precious truths of God, let me give you some reasons why you should take the time to read the scriptures this year.
YOU SHOULD READ THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR BECAUSE
I. IT IS THE SECRET TO REAL PEACE
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
You can rest upon the promises of God!
A. About pardon
- 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
B. About provision of your needs
- Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
C. About protection in time of trouble
- Psalms 59:16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
| The Precious BibleThough the cover is worn And pages are torn, And though places bear traces of tears, Yet more precious than gold Is the Book, worn and old, That can shatter and scatter my fears. When I prayerfully look This Book is my guide, |
Read it through in 2002, and get real peace!
YOU SHOULD READ THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR BECAUSE
II. IT IS YOUR STRENGTH AND NOURISHMENT
Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
A. To make progress as a Christian
B. To perform works as a Christian
C. To practice godliness as a Christian
Read it through in 2002, and become a strong, growing Christian!
YOU SHOULD READ THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR BECAUSE
III. IT IS YOUR STERILIZER TO STAY PURE AND CLEAN
Psalms 119:9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
A. The Bible will clean your mind
B. The Bible will clean your mouth
C. The Bible will clean your morals
Read it through in 2002, and clean up your life!
YOU SHOULD READ THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR BECAUSE
IV. IT IS YOUR STRATEGY FOR LIVING
Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
This is GOD’S HANDBOOK for your life for:
A. Marriage and the home
B. Mental and physical health
C. Managing your money
D. Molding your future
Read it through in 2002, and find God’s way for your life!
YOU SHOULD READ THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR BECAUSE
V. IT IS YOUR SWORD AGAINST THE ENEMY
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
The devil will attack your
A. Family
B. Fruitfulness
C. Fellowship with God
Read it through in 2002, and use it to fight the devil!
YOU SHOULD READ THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR BECAUSE
VI. IT IS A SOURCE OF LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD
Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
The Bible shows the way through the darkness!
A. It shows the way of salvation
B. It shows the way of success
- Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
C. It shows the way of service
Read it through in 2002 and have a clear path through the darkness!
YOU SHOULD READ THE BIBLE THROUGH THIS YEAR BECAUSE
VII. IT IS THE STOREHOUSE FOR UNDERSTANDING
Psalms 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
It will give you understanding
A. Of doctrine
B. Of differences between truth and error
C. Of the dominant, primary issues of life and eternity
Read it through in 2002, and learn the wisdom of God!
You stay with this Book! Of all the books you want to read, READ THIS BOOK! Others will come and go, but THIS BOOK is the everlasting word of God!
| The AnvilLast eve I paused before a blacksmith’s door and heard the anvil ring the vesper chime. And looking in, I saw old hammers on the floor, Worn by the beating years of time. “How many anvils have you had,” said I, “To wear and batter all these hammers so?” “Just one,” said he, then with a twinkle in his eyes, “The anvil wears the hammers out you know.” And so I thought, the anvil of God’s word, For ages skeptic blows have beat upon. Yet though the noise of falling blows was heard The anvil is unharmed-the hammers gone! Source unknown |