: archives 1 (Hebrews; Luke)

: archives 2
(Colossians;
Philippians;
Ephesians;
Galatians; 1 & 2 Thessalonians)

: archives 3 (Topical teaching; Church retreat 2007)

“…desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby…” I Peter 2:2
Good teaching from the Bible is essential for developing a healthy Christian life.  When some-one chooses to place their faith in Christ, they are born again, becoming a child of God.  As His children, He desires that we grow and mature as a Christian.  The spiritual “food” that He has given is the Bible.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” 2 Tim 3:16
What is the God’s Word? The Bible is accepted by Christians to be inspired by God and authoritative in the life of the believer.  The Bible contains sixty-six individual books, written on three continents, in three different languages, over a period of approximately 1500 years, by more that 40 authors (who came from many walks of life).  But the Bible remains one unified book from beginning to end, beginning with the creation and man’s fall into sin, ending with God’s intended restoration of all things, and describes in between His pursuit of a relationship with mankind by His love and grace.  The Bible is divided into two sections.  The Old Testament tells of the preparation that was made for the coming of Jesus Christ, and the New Testament tells of Christ’s coming, His life and ministry, and the growth of the early church.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Ps 119:105
Why do we study God’s Word? Many people believe the Bible is an ancient book that is difficult to understand, and is therefore left abandoned somewhere on the bookshelf.  But God has given us the Bible so that we might learn who He is and grow in our relationship with Him.  At Calvary Chapel we study the Bible book by book, chapter by chapter, and verse by verse, to insure that we understand and interpret the Scriptures in their intended meaning.  But in addition to seeking to have a proper theological understanding of the Word, we wish to let God speak to us through His Word so we might know how to practically apply it in our everyday lives.

“…man does not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.”  Deut. 8:3
What is the effect of God’s Word? As Christians study and understand God’s Word, they will grow in their faith and understanding of God and the relationship He desires to have with each individual.  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 (2 Tim 3:16,17). God’s Word can penetrate deep into people’s hearts to challenge and transform them.  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12).  God’s Word is also to be used as a powerful weapon of faith to battle the challenges and temptations of living for God in a fallen world.…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph 6:17).