24:3-5. See also Psalm 15 and Isa. 33:14-17.
The Bible itself, therefore, sets the example of giving instruction and of imparting most valuable information by means of asking questions and answering them.
The readings in this book as originally prepared were contributed by a large number of Bible workers, whose experience in giving Bible readings had taught them the most effective methods of presenting the different subjects treated. Over one million two hundred and fifty thousand copies of the book as thus prepared have been sold.
The work has recently been thoroughly revised and rewritten, much enlarged, entirely reill.u.s.trated, with the readings cla.s.sified and carefully arranged according to topics, by a large committee of able critics and Bible students. So extensive has been the revision, and so much and valuable the new matter added, that the present work is practically a new book, although retaining the same name and the same general plan as the former work. Thus prepared, it is once more sent forth on its mission of light and blessing.
As a help in enabling the reader quickly to discover the words which most directly answer the question asked, they are generally printed in italic, unless the entire scripture quoted is required for the purpose.
"Bible Readings" will be found an excellent aid to private, family, and public study of the Word of G.o.d.
PART I. THE BIBLE; HOW TO STUDY AND UNDERSTAND IT
[Ill.u.s.tration.]
The Sermon On The Mount. "He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed." Matt. 5:2, 3.
[Ill.u.s.tration.]
Baruch Writing The Prophecies Of Jeremiah. "All scripture is given by inspiration of G.o.d." 2 Tim. 3:16.
The Scriptures
1. By what name are the sacred writings of the Bible commonly known?
"Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in _the Scriptures_, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?"
Matt. 21:42.
2. What other t.i.tle is given this revelation of G.o.d to man?
"And He answered and said unto them, My mother and My brethren are these which hear _the word of G.o.d_, and do it." Luke 8:21.
3. How were the Scriptures given?
"All scripture is given _by inspiration of G.o.d_." 2 Tim. 3:16.
4. By whom were the men directed who thus spoke for G.o.d?
"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of G.o.d spake as they were moved _by the Holy Ghost_." 2 Peter 1:21.
5. What specific instance is mentioned by Peter?
"Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, _which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas_, which was guide to them that took Jesus." Acts 1:16.
6. How does David express this same truth?
"_The Spirit of the Lord spake by me_, and His word was in my tongue." 2 Sam. 23:2.
7. Who, therefore, did the speaking through these men?
"_G.o.d_, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets." Heb. 1:1.
8. For what purpose were the Scriptures written?
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written _for our learning_, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Rom. 15:4.
9. For what is all scripture profitable?
"All scripture is given by inspiration of G.o.d, and is profitable _for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness_."
2 Tim. 3:16.
10. What was G.o.d"s design in thus giving the Scriptures?
"That the man of G.o.d may be _perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works_." Verse 17.
11. What estimate did Job place upon the words of G.o.d?
"Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; _I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food_." Job 23:12.
12. Upon what evidence did Jesus base His Messiahship?
"And beginning at Moses and all the _prophets_, He expounded unto them _in all the scriptures_ the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27.
13. What three general divisions did Jesus recognize as including all the writings of the Old Testament?
"And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written _in the law of Moses_, and in _the prophets_, and in _the Psalms_, concerning Me." Verse 44.
14. What does G.o.d"s character preclude Him from doing?
"In hope of eternal life, which G.o.d, _that cannot lie_, promised before the world began." t.i.tus 1:2.
15. What is G.o.d called in the Scriptures?
"He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: _a G.o.d of truth_ and without iniquity, just and right is He." Deut. 32:4.
16. What, therefore, must be the character of His word?
"Sanctify them through Thy truth: _Thy word is truth._" John 17:17.