Master the Bible: How to Get and Keep the Big Picture of the Bible's Story

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Mas ter the B i b l e : How to Get and Keep the B i g P i c ture of the B i b l e ’ s Stor y

b. All things (including spiritual formation and growth) are from God, through God, and to God, for his honor, Rom. 11.36.

c. The Father is glorified as we mature in Christ and bear fruit to his name, John 15.8 – By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

d. We do not seek to master the Bible for the Bible’s sake; the Scriptures testify of Christ, and we come to him through its message to bring honor to the Father through him, John 5.39-40 – You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, [40] yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.

B. Salvation and spiritual birth

1. We must be born again in order to enter the Kingdom of God, John 3.3; cf. John 3.5-6 – Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” 2. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah has been born from God, 1 John 5.1 – Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and every one who loves the Father loves whomever has been born of him.

3. We receive new birth through the Holy Spirit’s ministry, Titus 3.4-7 – But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to