Introduction to the Bible

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.

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!

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- The Old Covenant God had with Moses and the Israelites is no longer in effect since it was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14).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