Vince's Bible Study

Why we Study

The Basis for Bible Study

  • Man was created with a language so God could communicate with him.
  • God communicates with us through His Word (the Bible)

“The Bible contains the Mind of God – The State of Man – The Way of Salvation – The Doom of Sinners – and, The Happiness of Believers.” Gideons Bible Quote

 God Speaks to us in 5 basic ways:

  1. His Written Word – Most sure method – Especially when a verse comes alive in an unusual way.
  2. Still small voice within – our Conscience, which can accuse or excuse us
  3. Outward circumstances – Can be misinterpreted
  4. Counsel of others – Can be misinterpreted
  5. Through Prayer – Sometimes His voice emerges through a sudden sense of peace, a clear thought, or even a conviction that aligns with His Word.

When all 5 agree you can be pretty sure it’s God’s will.

God may also Speak:

  1. Through Dreams or Visions – Can be your mind playing games.
  2. Through Signs and Wonders – While less common, God still manifests His presence through extraordinary events, coincidences, or seemingly miraculous interventions.
  3. Through Silence and Solitude – God’s voice is often heard most clearly in quietness.

Discernment is crucial to ensure these signs are consistent with His Word and purpose.

WHY WE TRUST the BIBLE

ALL Scripture is God Breathed (Inspired by GOD): 2Ti_3:16

  • The Bible claims to be the Word of God
  • If we believe there is a God, it stands to reason that he would use some method to communicate with us.
  • The Bible consists of 66 Books written by 40 men over a period of 1,600 years. All of which ultimately lead us to faith in Jesus.
  • The Old Testament tells us He is coming. The New Testament announces that He has arrived.
  • The sixty-six books of the Bible do not tell sixty-six stories. Together they tell one story.
  • Jesus fulfilled more than 200 specific Old Testament prophesies concerning His birth, life and death. Gen_3:15 Isa_7:14 Mic_5:2 Psa_41:9 Zec_11:12 Isa_53:5-7 Psa_22:18 Psa_34:20 Dan_9:24-27
  • Jesus often quoted scripture (Old Testament) during His earthly ministry.L uk_24:27 Mat_4:4 Mat_4:7 Mat_4:10 Joh_5:39
  • Early Believers believed it (Many had seen the resurrected Jesus). 1Th_2:13
  • Luke believed he was instructed to write. Luk_1:2-4
  • Jesus is the Word of God. Joh_1:1-14 Mat_7:24-28

 Three Translation Methods:

  • Word for Word – Best for in depth Bible Study
  • AMP – KJV/NKJV – ESV – MKJV – NASB
  • Thought for Thought – Easier to read for newcomers
  • NIV – CSB (Christian Standard) – NLT (New Living Translation)
  • Paraphrase – May add or take from original intent (what you really mean is)
  • NIRV (New International Readers Version)
  • KJV/NKJV – NIV – NASB are considered the most accurate

Three preferred methods of Study

By Book (verse by verse) – i.e John, Romans, Psalms, etc.

By Subject – i.e. Creation, End Times, Prophecy, Life of Jesus, etc.

By Character – i.e. Jesus, Moses, Daniel, etc.

Our God is omniscient (ALL Knowing or Knows everything):

  • He created all the mysteries of the universe many of which are still unknown to man – The field of Science was originated to discover these mysteries.
  • God’s message to you will prevail no matter which translation you use.
  • When we ask, He will make the words you read have the meaning He intends for you and your life.

I personally read the NKJV (New King James Version) and compare it to the ESV (English Standard Version), the NIV (New International Version), the KJV+ (King James Version with Strongs numbers), the NASB (New American Standard Bible) and the AMP (Amplified Version):

  • First, Read for content.
  • When needed, Compare to other versions for a deeper understanding.

Final thoughts:

The Bible is the only final word that you can trust

Denominational translations are altered to fit their beliefs. i.e Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witness. In spite of this, God’s true message still comes through.

Catholics added apocrypha books written by gnostics in the names of the apostles to give them legitimacy, but they were never accepted, even by the apostles of the early church. They recognized that they had many contradictions to rest of bible.