The Bible
There can be little doubt that that the Bible is the greatest book ever written. However, what is the Bible and why should we pay it any attention in the 21st century? While some pay no attention to this amazing book, many others wonder what the answers are to these questions.
A Few Facts About The Bible
There can be little doubt that the Bible is the greatest book that has ever been written. The facts about this book are remarkable and unlike that of any other book.
The Bible was written by approximately 40 men over a period of hundreds of years, all of whom were inspired by God. There are two halves to the Bible; the Old Testament which was written primarily in the Hebrew language before the birth of Christ; and the New Testament which was written primarily in English after the birth of Christ.
The complete Bible is divided into 66 books. Of these, 39 are found in the Old Testament, and 27 in the New Testament. The Gutenberg Bible, named after its printer, Johannes Gutenberg, has the honor of being the first complete book printed using movable type in 1454.
Since then, the book has demonstrated lasting worldwide appeal and has been translated, either partially or totally, into more than 1200 languages and dialects. It is estimated that 100 million Bibles are printed each year.
Impact of the Bible
The Bible has become beloved by millions around the world throughout history, and continues to have a huge impact today.
Christians cherish the Bible and see it as the only book that satisfactorily provides an explanation for the origin of the universe; the origin of mankind; the purpose of life; the redemption of mankind; and the consummation of all things.
This book has worldwide mass appeal as it is relevant and meaningful for all nations, ethnic groups and cultures. It is truly a book for everyone, and for all times.
Jesus said:
“But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
John 4:14 (NLT)
Themes of the Bible
The Bible is principally a book about the relationship between God and man. What was originally a deep, intimate friendship was broken when man sinned. However, the Bible demonstrates to us that God has a plan of redemption, and that plan is progressively revealed to us throughout its chapters.
Some of the great themes covered relate to God, His nature, His character, His eternal existence, His omnipotence, His omniscience, His love and promises, His covenants; His righteousness and more.
We also read about man’s creation, his sinfulness and fall, his perversion, and his separation from God. We learn about judgement, salvation, forgiveness, redemption, restoration, new life, grace and faith.
At the heart of the book, is the story of “good news” or gospel about Jesus Christ, His pre-existence, virgin birth, perfect life, sacrificial death, His resurrection and ascension, the promise of His second coming and establishment of His kingdom and His pre-eminence in all things.
There is a lifetime of learning in this book, and to pray and study the Bible brings great joy and benefits to the followers of Jesus.
Why We Should Read the Bible
There are many reasons that we should read the Bible. Perhaps chief among these is that it is a message from our Creator that brings meaning and understanding to us in a troubled world.
The scriptures make it possible for us to learn about God and understand who He is and what He requires of us. The pages of this book are full of stories of how God has interacted with mankind and continues to do so. Surely if this book reveals to us the heart of God and His love for mankind, that alone makes it worth reading.
We find that the Bible is relevant for understanding why the world is the way it is. It provides us deep insight knowledge of the past, the present and the future. God’s plan for history is gradually revealed to us, helping us to know what our place is in the world, and what role He has for us.
Christians find many life lessons for daily life in the book. We read about people who make foolish decisions and wise decisions. We discover passages that bring us joy and others that bring us great comfort in time of trouble. We learn about our need for Jesus as our Saviour, Shepherd and Guide.
There are stories of great faith that inspire us to greater heights in our journey through life. We encounter stories of real men and women who are obedient to God despite facing the same kinds of difficulties and trials that we face today.
Some Bible Greats
Some of the great people of the Bible have become familiar to those who have never read the book. These include: Adam & Eve; Noah; Job; Abraham; Isaac; Jacob; Ruth; King David; Queen Esther; Elijah; Isaiah; Mary, the Mother of Jesus; John the Baptist; Peter; James & John; Judas Iscariot; Mary Magdalene; and the Apostle Paul. Reading about their life adventures, encounters with God and successes and familiars ring true to us even thousands of years later.
Finally, there are many well known and perhaps lesser known individuals who have shared what the Bible has meant to them.
“Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.” -Charles Spurgeon
“The Word of God I think of as a straight edge, which shows up our own crookedness. We can’t really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture.” -Elisabeth Elliot
“The Holy Scriptures are our letters from home.” -Augustine of Hippo
“I want to know one thing, the way to heaven: how to land safe on that happy shore. God himself has condescended to teach the way; for this very end he came from heaven. He has written it down in a book! Oh, give me that book! At any price, give me the book of God! I have it: here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be: “A man of one book.” – John Wesley
“I’ve read the last page of the Bible, it’s all going to turn out alright.” -Billy Graham
If you have never read the Bible and would like to get started, or if you have any questions about what you have read in it, please contact us.
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Explore the Selection of Recent Podcasts Below:
Resources
Enjoy our growing selection of resources about the Bible. Some cover specific books, others touch on themes.
A Selection of Blogs About the Bible
A Woman of Faith – Great Women of the Bible
Don’t Miss the Point – Understanding the Bible
Invisible Idols – What Does the Bible Say About Idols?
What Does the Bible Say About Light and Darkness?
Did Jesus Laugh? Learning What the Bible says About Laughter
Can God Heal us Today? What the Bible Teaches About Healing in Jesus’ Name
Treasured Peace – What Does the Bible Say About Finding Peace?
Treasured Tunes – What Does the Bible Say About Music?
Promise – The Bible Definition
The Story of Sarah in the Bible – The Woman Who Laughed
The Tables Have Turned – Bible Lessons on Esther
A Bible Reading Plan – The Most Important Reading Plan
What is Forgiveness According to the Bible?
A Selection of Podcasts
Truths From Ruth – Ron Hughes and Viji Roberts
Exploring Proverbs – Ron Hughes
Proverbs – Wisdom for Fools by Shane Johnson
Haggai – Direction in Life by Don Salmans
Malachi – The Last Word by Ron Hughes
Excerpts from Matthew – The Greatest Sermon Ever Preached – Nathan Diaz
Matthew – Hunting Treasure by Steph Nickel
Mark – Ron Hughes; Deborah Piggott (Faith By Hearing)
Dr. Luke’s Diaries – Stephen Baker
The Gospel of John – If You Love Me by Steph Nickel
Acts – The Spirit Acts by Nathan Diaz
Romans – A Lawyer’s Case for Christianity by Stephen Baker
Corinthians – Love Is (Faith By Hearing)
Ephesians – Ron Hughes of Faith By Hearing
Ephesians – Practicing Our Position by Mike Dilione
Thessalonians – A Letter to Friends by Ian Leitch
Thessalonians – Preparing for the Lord’s Return
Thessalonians – The Model Church by Gary McBride
Thessalonians – What in the World is God up to? by Gary McBride
Titus – Ron Hughes (Faith by Hearing)
James – Ron Hughes; Deborah Piggott (Faith By Hearing)
Journey Through James – Gary McBride
Epistles of Peter – Faith Under Fire by Ron Hughes