What is the Bible?
- “Bible” comes from a word that just means “books.”
- Written by forty different writers over 1500 years (about 1400 BC – first century AD).
- II Timothy 3:16-17
- II Peter 1:20-21 – God inspired the words of the Bible.
What’s the deal with translations?
- Mark 5:38 – NASB vs. The Message
- Recommended translations: New American Standard 1995 (NASB-95), English Standard Version (ESV), New King James Version (NKJV), King James Version (KJV)
- Compare translations when you study!
How do I find my way around?
- Acts 17:11
- Book, chapter, and verse layout
What is the Bible about?
- The Bible is the story of God’s love for us. Specifically, it’s the story of Him saving us from our sins through His Son, Jesus Christ.
- Genesis 1:1 - Creation
- Genesis 12:1-3, 7 – God’s promises to Abraham
- Matthew 1:1, 21-23
- Matthew 20:17-19 – Jesus prophesied His own death and resurrection
- Matthew 22:25-40
- Matthew 27:22-26, 51-54 – Jesus’ crucifixion
- Hebrews 10:4; 9:22
- Acts 2:22-24, 32-39
- Important teaching in the Bible:
- The Old Covenant God had with Moses and the Israelites is no longer in effect since it was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14).
- Jesus is the head of one body (one church) (Ephesians 4:4; 1:22-23)
- He is the Savior of that one body (Ephesians 5:23)
- We must obey God in all aspects of our lives (II Corinthians 5:10)
- We don’t decide how to serve God. Rather, He tells us what to do, and we do it (Romans 10:2-3).
- At any moment, God is going to end the world in the twinkling of an eye (I Corinthians 15:52).
- At that time, each one of s will give an account of himself to God (Romans 14:12).
- Heaven awaits the obedient and Hell awaits the disobedient (Matthew 25:46).
- Matthew 7:21
What should I do now?
- Read Luke and Acts!