The document discusses mastering the Bible. It covers the Bible's authorship by both divine and human authors over 1600 years across 3 continents and 3 languages. It asserts the Bible's authority comes from its divine authorship as God's revelation of himself. The Bible provides answers to life's biggest questions about identity, purpose, origins, and what happens after death, which science cannot fully address. Understanding the Bible is important to understanding God's instructions for his creation.

1. Rev Dr Ng Swee Ming | 13 Nov 2016
SSMC
SUNGAI WAY-SUBANG
METHODIST
C H U R C H
MASTER THE W0RD

2. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
Tony said, “There’s a colleague in my
office at present who is the proverbial
‘thorn in my flesh’ as the Bible says”
Is Tony …
 Right
 Wrong

3. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
Tony said, “There’s a colleague in my
office at present who is the proverbial
‘thorn in my flesh’ as the Bible says”
Is Tony …
 Right
 Wrong

4. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
The atheist argued, “Even in your own
Bible, it is said not once but twice that
‘There is no God’ - so how can you
believe in God.”
Is this phrase found twice in the Bible ?
 Yes
 No 1

5. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
The atheist argued, “Even in your own
Bible, it is said not once but twice that
‘There is no God’ - so how can you
believe in God.”
Is this phrase found twice in the Bible ?
 Yes
 No 1

6. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
At a gathering of old school-friends, a Christian
was told when he wanted to leave early because
the gathering was getting too rowdy for his liking
“‘Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry’ and I
am quoting from your Bible, my dear friend”
Q: Is the non-believing friend …
 Right
 Wrong
2

7. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
At a gathering of old school-friends, a Christian
was told when he wanted to leave early because
the gathering was getting too rowdy for his liking
“‘Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry’ and I
am quoting from your Bible, my dear friend”
Q: Is the non-believing friend …
 Right
 Wrong
2

8. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
The divorce lawyer said, “Do not give me any
nonsense by quoting ‘what God has joined
together, let man not separate’. Anyway that’s
not in the Bible, it’s made up by the Church.”
Q: Is the divorce lawyer ….
 Right
 Wrong
3

9. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
The divorce lawyer said, “Do not give me any
nonsense by quoting ‘what God has joined
together, let man not separate’. Anyway that’s
not in the Bible, it’s made up by the Church.”
Q: Is the divorce lawyer ….
 Right
 Wrong
3

10. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
The secret police shouted at the detained
pastor, “Where is your God now ? What’s
this about you being ‘the apple of his eye’,
God has forgotten about you.”
Is this phrase found in the Bible?
 Yes
 No
4

11. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
The secret police shouted at the detained
pastor, “Where is your God now ? What’s
this about you being ‘the apple of his eye’,
God has forgotten about you.”
Is this phrase found in the Bible?
 Yes
 No
4

12. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
Two teachers discussing about a very naughty boy in
school. One teacher said, “Even the Bible ask ‘Can a
leopard change its spots?’, and the obvious answer
is - No. Similarly, this boy cannot change, no hope for
him anymore. Don’t waste time with him.”
Is this phrase found in the Bible ?
 Yes
 No
5

13. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
Two teachers discussing about a very naughty boy in
school. One teacher said, “Even the Bible ask ‘Can a
leopard change its spots?’, and the obvious answer
is - No. Similarly, this boy cannot change, no hope for
him anymore. Don’t waste time with him.”
Is this phrase found in the Bible ?
 Yes
 No
5

14. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
A newly baptised church member, when asked to
continue to read his Bible daily, pray, attend Church
replied, “Why must I do all that. Didn’t the Bible say
‘once saved, always saved’. Now that I’m saved, I’m
free to do what I want with my life.”
Is he correct in his quotation of the Bible ?
 Yes
 No
6

15. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
A newly baptised church member, when asked to
continue to read his Bible daily, pray, attend Church
replied, “Why must I do all that. Didn’t the Bible say
‘once saved, always saved’. Now that I’m saved, I’m
free to do what I want with my life.”
Is he correct in his quotation of the Bible ?
 Yes
 No
6

16. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
The beggar asking for alms from a passer-
by said, “The Bible says, ‘Money is the
root of all evil’ – that’s why I am not
working. I do not want to become evil.”
Is the beggar correct in his quotation?
 Yes
 No
7

17. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
The beggar asking for alms from a passer-
by said, “The Bible says, ‘Money is the
root of all evil’ – that’s why I am not
working. I do not want to become evil.”
Is the beggar correct in his quotation?
 Yes
 No
7

18. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
One day a very calculative Christian worker
was being reprimanded by his boss for his
selfish attitude. He replied “The Bible says
‘God helps those who help themselves’ – so I
am only obeying what the Bible says.”
Is the worker ….
 Right
 Wrong
8

19. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
One day a very calculative Christian worker
was being reprimanded by his boss for his
selfish attitude. He replied “The Bible says
‘God helps those who help themselves’ – so I
am only obeying what the Bible says.”
Is the worker ….
 Right
 Wrong
8

20. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
A headmaster was counselling some very indulgent
Christian parents. He said, “It is not written in the
Bible, ‘Spare the rod, spoil the child’ That is why you
have to be willing to discipline your children, if not
you are spoiling them."
Is the headmaster’s quotation of the Bible ….
 Right
 Wrong 9

21. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
A headmaster was counselling some very indulgent
Christian parents. He said, “It is not written in the
Bible, ‘Spare the rod, spoil the child’ That is why you
have to be willing to discipline your children, if not
you are spoiling them."
Is the headmaster’s quotation of the Bible ….
 Right
 Wrong 9

22. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
At a non-Christian fun raising charity
dinner, the MC said, “ ‘It is more blessed to
give than to receive.’ So please give more so
that you can be blessed with more….”
Was the MC quoting from the Bible ?
 Yes
 No
10

23. How Well Do You Know Your Bible ?
At a non-Christian fun raising charity
dinner, the MC said, “ ‘It is more blessed to
give than to receive.’ So please give more so
that you can be blessed with more….”
Was the MC quoting from the Bible ?
 Yes
 No
10

24. How Well Do You Know Your BIBLE
What’s your score ?
These are the easy,
more common phrases and
questions.

25. The BIBLE
Part 1: Master the Word
Part 2: Be Mastered by the Word

26. The BIBLE :
 1st book to be printed
 All time best seller – est. about 5 billion sold
 Most translated book – in whole & part
 Book to kill for …
 Book to die for …
 Book to live for …
The BIBLE - Part 1:
Master the Word

27. The BIBLE :
 1st book to be printed
 All time best seller – est. about 5 billion sold
 Most translated book – in whole & part
 Book to kill for …
 Book to die for …
 Book to live for …
The BIBLE - Part 1:
Master the Word

28. The BIBLE - Part 1:
Master the Word
1.AUTHORSHIP
• 1600 yrs
• 3 continents

29. The BIBLE - Part 1:
Master the Word
1. AUTHORSHIP
• 40 ‘human’ authors
About 20 different
occupations
In 10 countries
Spanning 6000 mls
• In 3 languages …

30. The BIBLE - Part 1:
Master the Word
1. AUTHORSHIP
• 40 ‘human’ authors
About 20 different
occupations
In 10 countries
Spanning 6000 mls
• In 3 languages …
Prince /Shepherd
Scribe/Priest
Pharisee
Shepherd/King
Prophet
Prophet
Doctor
King
Fisherman
Prophet / Priest

31. The BIBLE - Part 1:
Master the Word
1. AUTHORSHIP
• 1600 yrs
• 3 continents
• 40 ‘human’
authors
• 3 languages
BUT ONLY ONE
‘DIVINE’ AUTHOR

32. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
1. AUTHORSHIP
The Bible states clearly in…
 2 Tim 3:16
 2 Peter 1:21
 2 Sam 23:2
“Thus say the Lord”…. About 3,000+ times
The BIBLE itself claims DIVINE AUTHORSHIP

33. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
1. AUTHORSHIP
2. AUTHORITY
 Because Of Divine Authorship
 it must have Divine Authority
 THE BIBLE - God Revealing Himself
 General Revelation
 Creation (Rom 1:20)
 Conscience (Rom 2:15)

34. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
2. AUTHORITY
• God’s Revelation of Himself
General Revelation
Special Revelation
 Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:1-2)
 Holy Spirit (John 16:13-15)
 Bible – only ONE STORY

35. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
2. AUTHORITY
Even the world knows

36. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
2. AUTHORITY
Even the world knows

37. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
2. AUTHORITY
Even the world knows

38. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
2. AUTHORITY
Even the world knows

39. Q: What is this invention ?
A. Food hammock
B. Foot massager
C. Food exerciser
D. Food aerator
1

40. Q: What is this invention ?
A. Food hammock
B. Foot massager
C. Food exerciser
D. Food aerator
1

41. What is this ‘watermelon’ contraption ?
A.Portable Cooker
B.Portable Fridge
C. Portable ‘Incubator’
D.Portable ‘Washer’.
2

42. What is this ‘watermelon’ contraption ?
A.Portable Cooker
B.Portable Fridge
C. Portable ‘Incubator’
D.Portable ‘Washer’.
2

43. What is this ?
A. Space age sink
B. A water saving sink that
recycles waste water
C. A space saving sink &
washing machine
D. A modern self-cleansing
sink
3

44. What is this ?
A. Space age sink
B. A water saving sink that
recycles waste water
C. A space saving sink &
washing machine
D. A modern self-cleansing
sink
3

45. What’s This ?
A. Slippers left out too long in the open
B. Special Japaneses golfing slippers
C. Slippers to help ‘agrostophobia’ – fear of grass
D. Special slippers
for those who
love the feel
of grass
4

46. What’s This ?
A. Slippers left out too long in the open
B. Special Japaneses golfing slippers
C. Slippers to help ‘agrostophobia’ – fear of grass
D. Special slippers
for those who
love the feel
of grass
4

47. What shoes are this ?
A. Special dancing-aid shoes
B. GPS Shoes to help navigate
C. LED shoes for night waking
D. Special musical shoes
5

48. What shoes are this ?
A. Special dancing-aid shoes
B. GPS Shoes to help navigate
C. LED shoes for night waking
D. Special musical shoes
5

49. What is this invention ?
A. Pacer for a marathon
runner
B. Tomato dispenser on
the run
C. Tomato advertisement
D. Electronic gadget to
help runners.
6

50. What is this invention ?
A. Pacer for a marathon
runner
B. Tomato dispenser on
the run
C. Tomato advertisement
D. Electronic gadget to
help runners.
6

51. What is this invention ?
A. Non-skin contact
handshake device
B. Truth sensor device
C. Hand grip strength
measuring device
D. For people having
‘mysophobia’ – fear
of dirt, germs etc
7

52. What is this invention ?
A. Non-skin contact
handshake device
B. Truth sensor device
C. Hand grip strength
measuring device
D. For people having
‘mysophobia’ – fear
of dirt, germs etc
7

53. What is this invention ?
A. Edible food disinfectant
B. Edible food preserver
C. Edible food coloring
D. Food image enhancer
8

54. What is this invention ?
A. Edible food disinfectant
B. Edible food preserver
C. Edible food coloring
D. Food image enhancer
8

55. What is this invention called ?
A. Foodpicks
B. Foodclaws
C. Clends
D. Trongs
9

56. What is this invention called ?
A. J-sticks
B. Forksticks
C. Chorks
D. Foricks
10

57. What is this invention called ?
A. J-sticks
B. Forksticks
C. Chorks
D. Foricks
10

58. What’s your score ?
Question:
Why do we have so much problem
in deciding what an invention is
called OR what it is used for ?
Because ….

60. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
The Bible is
God’s Instruction Manual…
He made us …
He knows us …
He has the ANSWERS …
He has ALL the ANSWERS …

61. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
3. ANSWERS to GIVE:
Life’s BIG BIG Questions:
 WHO am I ?
 WHY am I here ?
 HOW did I get here ?
 WHAT happens after I die ?
 WHERE is God ?

62. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
3. ANSWERS to GIVE:
Different understanding of God …
 Agnostic : Don’t know if there is a God
 Atheist : Know there is no God
 Deist : God is there, but doesn't care
 Pantheist : All is God
 Theist : God is there and God Cares

63. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
3. ANSWERS to GIVE:
Life BIG Questions:
 WHO am I ?
 WHY am I here ?
 HOW did I get here ?
 WHAT happens after
I die ?
 WHERE is God ?

64. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
3. ANSWERS to GIVE:
Life BIG Questions:
 WHO am I ?
 WHY am I here ?
 HOW did I get here ?
 WHAT happens after
I die ?
 WHERE is God ?
Science can tell us
‘some’ WHAT,
WHERE & HOW
The Bible alone can
tell us
WHO & WHY

65. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
3. ANSWERS to GIVE:
The BIBLE is …
God’s Instruction Manual to
His Creation …
 Life’s Origin
 Life’s Purpose
 Life’s Plan
 Life’s Outcome
Q: Have you read your ‘Instruction Manual’ ?

66. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
1. AUTHORSHIP
2. AUTHORITY
3. ANSWERS TO GIVE
4. ABILITY TO TRANSFORM:
 Can the Bible bring about change ?
 Can the Bible bring about transformation ?

67. 1. How long have you been a Christian?
2. Describe your character and lifestyle before you
became a Christian?
3. What made your decide to become a Christian?
4. When you were advised to buy a bible and read it,
why did you do it and what effect did that have in
your life?
5. Are you still reading the bible everyday now? Do
you find it helpful to your everyday life and work?
6. What advise would you have for Christians
regarding the Bible.

68. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
CONCLUSION
Yet the BIBLE is an enigma:
Statistics for the US ….
 71% says they are Christians
 40% “says” they attend Church previous week
Actually only about 20% attends church -
from actual church attendance figures
 168,000 bibles sold dly …
 Nearly every-home have at least 1 bible
 The average American home have 4 bibles

69. <50% - name 4 gospels
40% name at least 5 Comm
50% YA - Sodom &
Gomorrah were a couple
12% adults : Joan of Arc -
Noah's wife
Many cannot name at least
2 of the 12 disciples
Many think Billy Graham
preached the Sermon on
the Mount
KnowledgeoftheBible

70. FrequencyofBibleReading
Never 27%
< once/yr 14%
1-2 x/yr 9%
3-4 x/yr```` 8%
Mthly 7%
Weekly 8%
4+ x/wk 14%
Daily 13%
Not Sure 2%
<50% - name 4 gospels
40% name at least 5 Comm
50% YA - Sodom &
Gomorrah were a couple
12% adults : Joan of Arc -
Noah's wife
Many cannot name at least
2 of the 12 disciples
Many think Billy Graham
preached the Sermon on
the Mount
KnowledgeoftheBible

71. FrequencyofBibleReading
Never 27%
< once/yr 14%
1-2 x/yr 9%
3-4 x/yr```` 8%
Mthly 7%
Weekly 8%
4+ x/wk 14%
Daily 13%
Not Sure 2%
• <50% - name 4 gospels
• 40% name at least 5 Comm
• 50% YA - Sodom & Gomorrah
were a couple
• 12% adults : Joan of Arc -
Noah's wife
• Many cannot name at least 2
of the 12 disciples
• Many think Billy Graham
preached the Sermon on the
Mount
KnowledgeoftheBible

72. FrequencyofBibleReading
Never 27%
< once/yr 14%
1-2 x/yr 9%
3-4 x/yr```` 8%
Mthly 7%
Weekly 8%
4+ x/wk 14%
Daily 13%
Not Sure 2%
• <50% - name 4 gospels
• 40% name at least 5 Comm
• 50% YA - Sodom & Gomorrah
were a couple
• 12% adults : Joan of Arc -
Noah's wife
• Many cannot name at least 2
of the 12 disciples
• Many think Billy Graham
preached the Sermon on the
Mount
KnowledgeoftheBible

73. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word Conclusion
The Bible is…
God’s Revealed Word / God’s Instruction Manual
“Being With Jesus” = spending time with Him
Spend time with Him = Reading His Word …
God’s way to speak to and guide His people…
When we READ, God will SPEAK & GUIDE
God SPEAKs & GUIDEs – We OBEY
In OBEYing – LIFE TRANSFORMED
TRANSFORMED LIFE – TRANSFORMS LIFEs

75. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
The BIBLE
Q: How many books in the Bible ?
A:
Q: Bible is DIVIDED into TWO Portions.
They are called ….
 Old Testament
 New Testament
66

76. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
The BIBLE
Q: How many books in the Old Testament ?
A:
Q: How many letters in the word “OLD” ?
A:
Q: How many letters in the word “TESTAMENT” ?
A:
39
3
9

77. Poetry (5)Pentateuch(5)OtherHistory
Books(12)
Major(5)Minor(12)
Structure
Of The
Old
Testament
39 books
History (17) Prophets (17)
GENESIS
EXODUS
LEVITICUS
NUMBERS
DEUTERONOMY
JOSHUS
JUDGES
RUTH
1 & 2 SAMUEL
1 & 2 KINGS
1 & 2
CHRONICLES
EZRA
NEHEMIAH
ESTHER
ISAIAH
JEREMIAH
LAMENTATIONS
EZEKIEL
DANIEL
HOSEA
JOEL
AMOS
OBADIAH
JONAH
MICAH
NAHUM
HABAKKUK
ZEPHANIAH
HAGGAI
ZECHARIAH
MALACHI
JOB
PSALMS
PROVERBS
ECCLESIASTES
SONGOFSOLOMON

78. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
The BIBLE
Q: How many books in the New Testament ?
A:
Q: How many letters in the word “NEW” ?
A:
Q: How many letters in the word “TESTAMENT” ?
A:
Now of books in the NT :
27
3
9
3 x 9 27=

79. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
Question:
 How many of you have read through the
entire New Testament ?
 How many of you would like to read through
the entire New Testament ?

80. Reading Thru the NT 2017
SSMC Church Family,
come 2017, we want everyone
to read a small portion of the
New Testament everyday …

81. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
Q: Do you have a Bible ?
• As an initial deposit ….
• As an initial investment …
• Electronic Bibles are great
& I do use them…
• Need to Re-discover –
Physical Bibles
Advantages of a
Physical Bible :
• No distraction
• Easier to make
notes, connections
& thoughts
• Recall factor…
• Remember factor…
• Reflection factor…
• Ever-ready

83. The BIBLE - Part 1: Master the Word
1. Authorship
2. Authority
3. Answers to Give
4. Ability to Transform
Next Sunday - Part 2
MASTERED by the WORD