1. Welcome to “Learning and Living the God-centered life” Carmel Baptist Church October 19, 2008 www.learningandlivingtheword.com

2. . Dr. Ware currently serves as the Professor of Christian Theology at The Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to his current occupation, Bruce has held teaching positions at Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota; Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon; and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.

3. Top five thing that catalyzes spiritual growth 1. Reading and reflecting on the the Bible is the most powerful catalyst for personal spiritual growth. 2. Developing core Christian beliefs is crucial for those in the early stages of spiritual growth. * People must understand the doctrine of the Trinity early on. 3. Personal spiritual practice are the building blocks for a Christ-centered life 4. Serving is the most catalytic experience offered by churches 5. Spiritual community is vital and migrates from organized to organic

4. What people want from church 1. Help me understand the bible in greater depth 87% * survey results show that churches across the country are not doing this well. 2. Help me develop a personal relationship with Christ 86% 3. Provide strong programs for children 85% 4. Challenge me to grow and take my next steps 83% 5. Provide compelling worship services 80%

6. Principle #2 - The Bible has a unique structure in that the Old Testament and New Testament have a similar layout Old Testament History - 17 books ( what God did ) _________________ Experience - 5 books Prophecy - 17 books ( what God says ) New Testament History - 5 books ( what God did ) __________________ Experience - 21 books Prophecy - 1 book ( what God says )

11. The TRUTHFULNESS of the Bible Psalm 119:160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began Hebrews 6:18 So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

12. The PURITY of the Bible Psalm 12:6 The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. The POWER of the Bible Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and a discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 1 Peter 1:23 Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

13. The REVERENCE for the Bible Deuteronomy 28:58 “ If you are not careful to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God, Psalm 119:74 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. Isaiah 66:2 All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

14. The LOVE and JOY of the Bible Psalm 119:97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

15. The DAILY NOURISHMENT of the Bible Deuteronomy 32:46 He said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. Matthew 4:4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘ Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

16. Psalm 19:7-11 (NLT) 7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect , reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy , making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right , bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear , giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true ; each one is fair. 10 They are more desirable than gold , even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey , even honey dripping from the comb. 11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

17. A DEVOTION time in the Bible The REALITY of God’s word: 1. It's perfect 2. It's trustworthy 3. It's right 4. It's clear 5. It's true The RESULTS of God's word: 1. Revives the soul 2 Gives wisdom 3. Brings joy to the heart 4. Enlightens the eyes (NASB) 5. It's fair