THE BIBLE IS RELEVANT

INTRODUCTION:

1. The bible is said by many to be 'outdated' - hence not relevant to our needs.

2. While is the #1 best seller, is also the most 'unread' -

3. "Believers' - by their non-reading / study/ practice have taken their side with the unbelievers - making the bible of no relevance in their lives!

4. 2 Pet. 1:1-4, all things pertaining to LIFE and GODLINESS.

THE RELEVANCE TO GREAT SOCIAL NEEDS

A. Racism - Mark 16:15; Col. 3:11; Gal. 3:26ff,

B. "Rights' - the golden rule would indeed answer the major problems of our society!, Mtt. 7:12; 22:39; Rom. 13:10

C. Civil security - afforded by the state, Rom. 13:1-4

D. Morals - 1 cor. 6:18-20; 1 Cor. 3:16-17; 1 Thess. 4:3-7

E. Crime - Rom. 13:3-4; Eccl. 8:11; Gen. 9:6 -

1. purpose - the punishment of evil doers!

F. Labor and management - Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:22 - 4:1; 1 Tim. 6:1-2

G. Broken Homes - Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Cor. 7:10-11, Mtt. 19:5-9

H. Alcoholism (drug addiction or substance abuse) -

Eph. 5:18; Rom. 14:21; 1 Thess. 5:22

I. Social security - a security in society afforded by the home from the cradle to the grave -

1. Children - Eph. 6:1-4

2. "oldsters' - 1 Tim. 5:4,8,16

3. wives - Eph. 5:25, 28,33

J. Mental health - from freedom of 'guilt' to knowledge that we have a purpose to knowing that we are loved - Phil. 4:6-7

K. Spiritual security - in Christ, Eph. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:12

RELEVANCE TO SPIRITUAL NEEDS

A. Reveals our real purpose - Rev. 4:11

B. Provides for our forgiveness - Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16

C. Clears our conscience - 1 Pet. 3:21

D. Provides food to grow on - 1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18

E. Stabilized our life and faith -

F. Gives joy of living - 1 Pet. 1:8-9

G. Gives us comfort in sorrow - 1 Thess. 4:18; 2 Cor. 1:3-4

H. Gives us hope in death - Titus 1:2

conclusion:

1. Man has a physical life & and spiritual life. Through God's word we are furnished with everything that is necessary to our whole life. It is not relevant ONLY when we want to cut our moorings and drift with ungodliness!