Preaching:
All about the Messenger, Message, & Ministry.

Mark Hollingsworth here. This is just one of a short series of tests for "The Preaching Ezine" newsletter for Preachology.com.

I hope I can get the bugs worked out and you benefit and enjoy your subscription.

It may be a test but there's no reason why I can't share a sermon outline with you while I'm here.

THE BIBLE AND THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

TEXT: Psa. 1:1-3 and 19:7-14 Key verse II Tim. 3:16-17

INTRODUCTION: In other sermons we have seen that it was through the Bible we received the life of God; I.e., were saved. The present sermon is to show that this divine life is nurtured and maintained by the same Word.

I. THE BIBLE ESTABLISHES US: IT IS THE BASIS OF OUR ASSURANCE.

I John 5:13 "These . . . written . . . that ye may KNOW." The blood of Christ made us safe; the Word of God makes us sure. Assurance of salvation does not depend on our feelings but on the Word of God. We rest on the promises of God; such as John 5:24, John 6:37, John 10:28.

II. THE BIBLE DEVELOPS US: IT IS THE SOURCE OF OUR STRENGTH.

ACTS 20:32 "Word . . . able to build you up." Matt. 4:4 "not live by bread alone . . . but every WORD . . . GOD." Psa. 1:1-3 "delight in law . . . like a tree . . . bring forth fruit."

III. THE BIBLE TEACHES US: IT IS THE FOUNT OF ALL KNOWLEDGE.

II Tim. 3:16 "Scriptures . . . profitable for doctrine." Prov. 2:6 "out of His mouth cometh knowledge . . . " Psa. 19:7 "testimony of the Lord . . . making wise the simple."

IV. THE BIBLE REPROVES US: IT IS THE STANDARD OF CONDUCT

II Tim. 3:16 "Scriptures . . . profitable for reproof . . . correction." Heb. 4:12 "Word of God . . . discerner of the thoughts etc."

V. THE BIBLE COMFORTS US: IT IS THE WORD OF CONSOLATION.

Rom. 15:4 "written . . . that . . . comfort of the scripture . . . hope." Psa. ll9:52 and 81 (Comfort and hope from the Word of God.) In trouble: Jno. l6:1-4 (He gave Word to sustain us.) In death: I Thess. 4:18 "Comfort . . . with these words."

VI. THE BIBLE CLEANSES US: IT IS THE MEANS OF sanctification.

John 15:3, John l7: l7, Eph. 5:26. The Word cleanses. Psalm ll9:9 and Psalm ll9:105. Christ overcame temptation by the Word. Matt. 4:4,7,10.

VII. THE BIBLE FURNISHES US: IT IS OUR EQUIPMENT FOR SERVICE.

II Tim. 2:15 "Study . . . workman . . . rightly dividing the Word." Eph. 6:17 It is the one weapon we are to use. II Cor. 10:4,10. II Tim. 4:2 "PREACH THE WORD."