Pastor Tony Ashmore teaches on "10 Reasons NOT to Read the Bible" in this Wednesday evening celebration.10 Reasons NOT to Read the Bible
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
www.mylifegatechurch.com
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Sermon Notes:
2 Timothy 3:17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (note Ephesians 2:10—our destiny—our “pre-destiny”—and therefore our fulfillment in this life is to do the good works planned for us. The Scripture empowers that. The trick of the enemy is simply keep us out of the Word and we never achieve our destiny. Result is disillusioned, disappointed, disabled Christians.)
(NKJV) “All Scripture is given by 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.”
(KJV) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
10 Reasons NOT to Read Your Bible This Year
1. It might change your character. You may be inspired to treat people differently, to act on the behalf of those who are mistreated, downtrodden, or hated. You may act differently not because you are trying to be a better person, but because you encounter a God that loves you just the way you are. Psalm 105:19 “Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph’s character.” Connection between dreams and character.
2. It may change your actions. You may begin to think differently, and, therefore, act differently. People around you may see a difference in you as you begin to act in ways that are contrary to what the world holds as important. Philippians 1:9-10 “…understand what really matters…”
3. It might change what you think about God. Currently, you may assume God is angry and disappointed in you, perhaps like someone in your own life. If you engage with the Scriptures, you may notice that this isn’t true about Him at all. James 1:17 “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
4. Might discover that you’ve mistaken religion with relationship. You may realize the bad religion that you’ve experienced in the past is in fact very different from the Jesus in the Scriptures. Or you may find out that you have substituted doing religious duties for developing a real relationship with Jesus. You may actually encounter the Jesus in the Scriptures. John 5:39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!”
5. You may lose the “I’m not perfect” excuse. As you see the redemption in the Bible for countless misfits and heathens, idol worshippers and killers, frauds and failures, you may learn of the restoration in store for your life too. You may be surprised at all the jacked up people in the Bible that were used by God. Ephesians 3:8 “Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.”
6. It may affect your relationships. You may begin to see people not for how they can benefit you, but instead how you can impact them. As you begin to apply what you learn in the Scriptures, you may see your relationships with others go to a whole new level of influence. Psalm 112:9 “They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.”
7. You may become unsettled. As you read stories of boldness and sacrifice through the lives of imperfect people, you may lose yourself in the stories. You may find yourself in the middle of a conversation from long ago. You may become unsettled with the life you currently live. Luke 1:29-30 “Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. ‘Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!’”
8. You may realize that people are still the same. Even though the world today is very different than in biblical times, you may find that people are very much the same as they’ve always been. You encounter people who are selfish, broken, and confused, but end up being selfless, healed, and filled with purpose in life. You may end up believing there is hope for the hopeless and that everybody can be changed by the power of the Gospel. Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
9. You may find out you need help. The Bible was written over thousands of years by dozens of different authors, all inspired by God. Its unique formation can make it pretty intimidating to understand at times. As you engage with the Scriptures, you may be compelled to bring in friends, family, or others to join you in your new quest. Ecclesiastes 4:12 “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
10. It may challenge every desire and plan you have in your life. You may be compelled to give your life to a greater cause, one that extends far beyond your pleasures or comforts. When you read the Bible, it's all about a life that has purpose and meaning and therefore promotes legacy for your generation and the ones to follow in your footsteps. Psalm 22:30 “Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.”
Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Challenge: Begin to memorize Scripture each week.
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