The Bible is not an ordinary book. No matter what your belief about God and Jesus Christ, it is by far the most complex and decisive work ever written. No part of the Bible has ever been disproved. Many have tried to prove the Bible wrong or inconsistent – none have succeeded. In fact most people who really research the Bible to find faults, end up being convinced that it is the Word of God and that Jesus is the Messiah!
Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (B.I.B.L.E.)
The most important thing the Bible shows us is that God is Real and that we can have a meaningful and relevant relationship with Him, through His Son.
The Bible also shows how to live a happy and fulfilling life, how to overcome depression, break addictions, develop high self esteem, keep marriage alive and vibrant, develop strong leadership skills and how to be successful. It is not a get-rich-quick formulae or 'all my troubles will be gone' quick fix...
Although often used for religious purposes, the Bible presents a view of God that is not evident in any religions…
Most religions generally have a ‘earn your way to god’ foundation that is actually centred on the believer. Faith & different steps are needed & promote the follower towards god. This can be seen in Mormons, Jehovahs Witnesses, Catholics, Seventh Day adventists, Budhists, Hindus, Muslims, Wiccans etc etc The truth is that their 'god' doesn’t exist! We all try to make our own 'god' so we feel better about ourselves....
The God of the Bible however, revealed in Jesus Christ does exists - and states a different foundation for getting to know Him and 'going to Heaven':
The Bible states that we are sinful humans and that a Holy Creator will judge and condemn any of us that have sinned even once. No amount of trying to be good or performing the right tasks can help…we are all guilty! The place of punishment is called hell & is very real despite the fact many of us don't want to face it!
See if you are good enough to go to Heaven here.
But according to the Bible, in His love God sent Jesus to pay for your sins. That means we can’t earn it, and means our attention can be on the one who rescued us!
We can walk with Him while on this planet - and when we die we will go to be with Him forever...Simple eh?
The Bible is separated into Old Testament and New Testament, Books, Chapters and Verses. Chapters and verses do not occur in the original manuscripts, but were added to help us with referencing.
So John 3:16 (New Testament, Gospel of John, Chapter 3 and verse 16) reads – For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that anyone who believes in Him will not die, but have everlasting life.
Old Testament – The First ‘Half’ of The Bible (39 Books)
Gods’ chosen people before Jesus Christ. Many stories and examples of people who walked with God, and people who didn’t. It has many promises for those who submit to God, and describes many curses for those who continue to sin. It has huge symbolic, historic and theological meaning for today.
Includes prophetic books that give numerous for-telling of the coming Christ, as well as prophecies of what is happening around us at the moment (and that has happened throughout history).
There are poetic books of Prayer and Books of Wisdom that are much more effective than the many ‘self-help’ books out there.
New Testament – The Second ‘Half’ of The Bible (27 Books)
Explains in detail the life and times of Jesus Christ and proves (through fulfilment of prophecy and eye-witness accounts) He is the Son of God. Describes the events and ways of the first Churches and continues to show the power and glory of God.
The Healing and Salvation that comes through Jesus Christ is demonstrated repeatedly.
Each book has a theme and subject, a specific audience and language. All books confirm and expand the others. There is always a new insight and perspective to be gained through re-reading passages in the Bible.
How to Read the Bible
You can read the Bible in many different ways, and some general guidelines can help:
* Pray. This is a most important aspect. God will guide you to read the things He wants to talk to you about. Ask God to forgive you any sins and show you if Jesus really is who He said He is…
* Approach it with a respectful attitude. Many, many people have died for simply owning a Bible so it is amazing you have one! More than this – the Bible is God’s chosen way of revealing Himself to us. This is the God who Created you and everything in the Universe – so this is serious!
* Ask God to speak to you through the Bible and ask Him to guide you. Then read where you feel to. Listen for God & follow what you think He is saying – even write down what you think He says.
* Read Slowly. There is a lot of information to absorb. Read each verse a number of times to get the full impact. Don’t rush through it. Read it over & over. In the book of Joshua, the Lord tells him to “meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is in it.” Joshua 1:8. There is a big difference between reading something and really getting it into your being.
* Let the text speak for itself – don’t try to interpret from your own ideas.
* Use an accurate and relevant translation (The New Living Translation (NLT) is very good) – though God can use any. Avoid cult translations like the NWT or book of Mormon that are not accurate
* Get a Bible Dictionary, Cross Reference, Commentary etc to help you.
* Study with others so you can share together what you have found.
If you want hard hitting advice, read Proverbs
If you want the history of creation, read Genesis
If you want to see the prophesies about Jesus, read Isaiah
If you want to hear what Jesus said, read John
If you want to read about Jesus’ miracles, read Luke
If you want to know how to walk with God, read Romans
If you want to see how David praised and trusted God, read Psalms
These are just general ideas – If you pray, you may feel like just opening anywhere and reading a chapter or so. You feel lead to look up the topics in the back (or front) or use the cross references (down the bottom of most pages). These will tell you where to find confirmation of what you just read or where the prophecy comes from etc.
Get a Bible dictionary – this will explain a lot of the words you may not understand or give background or historical knowledge about a passage or word.
Ask someone who knows how to read the Bible. This is a last resort, as each person is different and it is best if you are led on your own way to find the truth BUT you need to be sure you are not MIS reading the Bible…
The Bible is just a book if you do not ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you. Ask God to guide you and lead you to the things he wants you to learn. God wants us to continually learn and grow in our knowledge of Himself, His Son and our own lives. He loves to give us the encouragement we so often need.
The more you read the Bible, the more you will learn and accelerate. Your thoughts and feelings will change as long as you put into practice what you read. Find people who have already found complete contentment through a relationship with God. Stay away from religion – this hinders your relationship with God. What things look like do not count to God – He reads our hearts, thoughts and motives.
Seek and You Will Find.
John 3:16, Romans 3:23-26, Ps 52, Isaiah 59, Romans 10:9-11, Romans 8:28-39
FACTS OF THE BIBLE
*
66 Books, 1189 Chapters, 30,442 Verses
*
Written by more than 30 people (Tax collector, a herdsman, a doctor, some fishermen, a philosopher, a preacher, some prophets, a statesman, a king, a rabbi and more!)
*
Written over a period of over 1500 years
*
There are 15,000 references to God – the best place to find out about Him.
*
The shortest man – Nehemiah – (Knee – High – Miah !!! Ha Ha Ha)
*
Shortest Chapter in the Bible – Ps 117
*
Longest Chapter in the Bible – Ps 119
*
Chapter that is in the centre of the Bible Ps118
*
There are 594 chapters before Psalm 118
*
There are 594 chapters after Psalm 118
*
Add these numbers and you get 1188
*
This is the centre verse of the Bible (Ps 118:8)
*
Does this say something significant about God’s perfect will for our lives? The centre of Gods will-
*
Ps 118:8 “It is better to trust the Lord than put confidence in man”
*
Isn’t it odd how this works out (Or was God at the centre of it?)
THE BIBLE - according to itself...
*
The Bible is the inspired (or ‘God Breathed) Word of God 2 Timothy 3:16
*
The Old Testament was inspired by God 2 Peter 1:20-21
*
Peters writings were inspired by God 2 Peter 3:1-2
*
Paul’s writing were inspired by God (Rom, 1&2 Cor, Gal, Eph, Phil, Col, 1&2 Thess, 2 Peter 3:15-16
*
Reading the Bible cleanses our morals, 1 Peter 1:22, our critical thoughts Psalms 1:2 and gives peace Joshua 1:8.
*
It will change our whole thought process if we allow it Philippians 4:8-9, 1 Peter 1:5-10.
*
The Bible can cleanse us Psalms 119:9 and change our language James 1:22-26, Psalms 119:172.
*
The Word corrects us Psalm 17:4, 119:65,67 It is a mirror James 1:23-25 A lamp Psalm 119:105
*
It teaches us to do right and makes us realise what is wrong in our lives 1 Timothy 3:16
*
Hearing the Word of God helps sinners Acts 2:36-41 and produces faith
*
The words of God are like food Hebrews 5:12-14 They prepare us in every way and equip us 1 Timothy 3:17
*
The words in the Bible were given by God and will never leave you Isaiah 59:21
*
Even the letters of the words were chosen by God Matthew 5:18, Matthew 4:4
*
Every word proves true Proverbs 30:5
*
The Bible is spiritual food that is essential for us to live Matthew4:4
*
Can help correct believers Acts 18:24-26, 19:1-7
*
Gods’ word illuminates our path Proverbs 6:23
*
The Holy Spirit Illuminates what God is saying to us 1 Cor 2:10, 2 Cor 4:6
*
The Word of God is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword Hebrews 4:12
*
The Word of God is a weapon of attack Ephesians 6:17
*
It is a discerner of spirit Hebrews 4:12
*
The Word of God makes food Holy 1 Timothy 4:3
*
Blessing comes from putting what you read into practice Luke 11:28
*
The Word of God cannot be chained 2 Timothy 2:9
*
Eternal life comes from the Word of God 1 Peter 1:23
*
The title of Jesus Revelation 19:13
*
We can know God’s will for our lives through the Bible. (The first step is belief in Jesus Christ John 6:40 + Matt 7:21, 12:50 If we do we will live forever 1 John 2:17)
*
God’s will for every Christian includes – Sanctification 1 Thessalonians 4:3 Giving thanks to God 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Suffering for doing the right thing 1 Peter 3:17
*
Then the Bible must be applied to our lives Deut 29:29 and Should be regarded with delightful desire Psalm 40:8 (God takes great joy in those who cheerfully do His will)
*
When the Bible does not answer our specific needs we must have a relationship with the Lord to be able to determine God’s will for our lives 1 John 1:6-7 seek principles form the Word 1 Corinthians 10:6 obtain advice from Godly counsellors Proverbs 11:14, 15:22, 24:6 and use common sense because God uses our own thoughts to do His will Philippians 2:13
*
If none of these make it clear – we may have to just do what we think is right and know that God will shut the door if it is not His will. Paul demonstrates this in Romans 15:22-32
The Bible as a whole is a book about people’s relationships with God. It gives examples of people who get it right and people who get it wrong. We are meant to have our own experiences with God but can learn from other people’s mistakes and victories from the Bible.
READ IT OR WEEP!
TEST IT AND SEE!
LIVE IT AND LEARN!
Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (B.I.B.L.E.)
The most important thing the Bible shows us is that God is Real and that we can have a meaningful and relevant relationship with Him, through His Son.
The Bible also shows how to live a happy and fulfilling life, how to overcome depression, break addictions, develop high self esteem, keep marriage alive and vibrant, develop strong leadership skills and how to be successful. It is not a get-rich-quick formulae or 'all my troubles will be gone' quick fix...
Although often used for religious purposes, the Bible presents a view of God that is not evident in any religions…
Most religions generally have a ‘earn your way to god’ foundation that is actually centred on the believer. Faith & different steps are needed & promote the follower towards god. This can be seen in Mormons, Jehovahs Witnesses, Catholics, Seventh Day adventists, Budhists, Hindus, Muslims, Wiccans etc etc The truth is that their 'god' doesn’t exist! We all try to make our own 'god' so we feel better about ourselves....
The God of the Bible however, revealed in Jesus Christ does exists - and states a different foundation for getting to know Him and 'going to Heaven':
The Bible states that we are sinful humans and that a Holy Creator will judge and condemn any of us that have sinned even once. No amount of trying to be good or performing the right tasks can help…we are all guilty! The place of punishment is called hell & is very real despite the fact many of us don't want to face it!
See if you are good enough to go to Heaven here.
But according to the Bible, in His love God sent Jesus to pay for your sins. That means we can’t earn it, and means our attention can be on the one who rescued us!
We can walk with Him while on this planet - and when we die we will go to be with Him forever...Simple eh?
The Bible is separated into Old Testament and New Testament, Books, Chapters and Verses. Chapters and verses do not occur in the original manuscripts, but were added to help us with referencing.
So John 3:16 (New Testament, Gospel of John, Chapter 3 and verse 16) reads – For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that anyone who believes in Him will not die, but have everlasting life.
Old Testament – The First ‘Half’ of The Bible (39 Books)
Gods’ chosen people before Jesus Christ. Many stories and examples of people who walked with God, and people who didn’t. It has many promises for those who submit to God, and describes many curses for those who continue to sin. It has huge symbolic, historic and theological meaning for today.
Includes prophetic books that give numerous for-telling of the coming Christ, as well as prophecies of what is happening around us at the moment (and that has happened throughout history).
There are poetic books of Prayer and Books of Wisdom that are much more effective than the many ‘self-help’ books out there.
New Testament – The Second ‘Half’ of The Bible (27 Books)
Explains in detail the life and times of Jesus Christ and proves (through fulfilment of prophecy and eye-witness accounts) He is the Son of God. Describes the events and ways of the first Churches and continues to show the power and glory of God.
The Healing and Salvation that comes through Jesus Christ is demonstrated repeatedly.
Each book has a theme and subject, a specific audience and language. All books confirm and expand the others. There is always a new insight and perspective to be gained through re-reading passages in the Bible.
How to Read the Bible
You can read the Bible in many different ways, and some general guidelines can help:
* Pray. This is a most important aspect. God will guide you to read the things He wants to talk to you about. Ask God to forgive you any sins and show you if Jesus really is who He said He is…
* Approach it with a respectful attitude. Many, many people have died for simply owning a Bible so it is amazing you have one! More than this – the Bible is God’s chosen way of revealing Himself to us. This is the God who Created you and everything in the Universe – so this is serious!
* Ask God to speak to you through the Bible and ask Him to guide you. Then read where you feel to. Listen for God & follow what you think He is saying – even write down what you think He says.
* Read Slowly. There is a lot of information to absorb. Read each verse a number of times to get the full impact. Don’t rush through it. Read it over & over. In the book of Joshua, the Lord tells him to “meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is in it.” Joshua 1:8. There is a big difference between reading something and really getting it into your being.
* Let the text speak for itself – don’t try to interpret from your own ideas.
* Use an accurate and relevant translation (The New Living Translation (NLT) is very good) – though God can use any. Avoid cult translations like the NWT or book of Mormon that are not accurate
* Get a Bible Dictionary, Cross Reference, Commentary etc to help you.
* Study with others so you can share together what you have found.
If you want hard hitting advice, read Proverbs
If you want the history of creation, read Genesis
If you want to see the prophesies about Jesus, read Isaiah
If you want to hear what Jesus said, read John
If you want to read about Jesus’ miracles, read Luke
If you want to know how to walk with God, read Romans
If you want to see how David praised and trusted God, read Psalms
These are just general ideas – If you pray, you may feel like just opening anywhere and reading a chapter or so. You feel lead to look up the topics in the back (or front) or use the cross references (down the bottom of most pages). These will tell you where to find confirmation of what you just read or where the prophecy comes from etc.
Get a Bible dictionary – this will explain a lot of the words you may not understand or give background or historical knowledge about a passage or word.
Ask someone who knows how to read the Bible. This is a last resort, as each person is different and it is best if you are led on your own way to find the truth BUT you need to be sure you are not MIS reading the Bible…
The Bible is just a book if you do not ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you. Ask God to guide you and lead you to the things he wants you to learn. God wants us to continually learn and grow in our knowledge of Himself, His Son and our own lives. He loves to give us the encouragement we so often need.
The more you read the Bible, the more you will learn and accelerate. Your thoughts and feelings will change as long as you put into practice what you read. Find people who have already found complete contentment through a relationship with God. Stay away from religion – this hinders your relationship with God. What things look like do not count to God – He reads our hearts, thoughts and motives.
Seek and You Will Find.
John 3:16, Romans 3:23-26, Ps 52, Isaiah 59, Romans 10:9-11, Romans 8:28-39
FACTS OF THE BIBLE
*
66 Books, 1189 Chapters, 30,442 Verses
*
Written by more than 30 people (Tax collector, a herdsman, a doctor, some fishermen, a philosopher, a preacher, some prophets, a statesman, a king, a rabbi and more!)
*
Written over a period of over 1500 years
*
There are 15,000 references to God – the best place to find out about Him.
*
The shortest man – Nehemiah – (Knee – High – Miah !!! Ha Ha Ha)
*
Shortest Chapter in the Bible – Ps 117
*
Longest Chapter in the Bible – Ps 119
*
Chapter that is in the centre of the Bible Ps118
*
There are 594 chapters before Psalm 118
*
There are 594 chapters after Psalm 118
*
Add these numbers and you get 1188
*
This is the centre verse of the Bible (Ps 118:8)
*
Does this say something significant about God’s perfect will for our lives? The centre of Gods will-
*
Ps 118:8 “It is better to trust the Lord than put confidence in man”
*
Isn’t it odd how this works out (Or was God at the centre of it?)
THE BIBLE - according to itself...
*
The Bible is the inspired (or ‘God Breathed) Word of God 2 Timothy 3:16
*
The Old Testament was inspired by God 2 Peter 1:20-21
*
Peters writings were inspired by God 2 Peter 3:1-2
*
Paul’s writing were inspired by God (Rom, 1&2 Cor, Gal, Eph, Phil, Col, 1&2 Thess, 2 Peter 3:15-16
*
Reading the Bible cleanses our morals, 1 Peter 1:22, our critical thoughts Psalms 1:2 and gives peace Joshua 1:8.
*
It will change our whole thought process if we allow it Philippians 4:8-9, 1 Peter 1:5-10.
*
The Bible can cleanse us Psalms 119:9 and change our language James 1:22-26, Psalms 119:172.
*
The Word corrects us Psalm 17:4, 119:65,67 It is a mirror James 1:23-25 A lamp Psalm 119:105
*
It teaches us to do right and makes us realise what is wrong in our lives 1 Timothy 3:16
*
Hearing the Word of God helps sinners Acts 2:36-41 and produces faith
*
The words of God are like food Hebrews 5:12-14 They prepare us in every way and equip us 1 Timothy 3:17
*
The words in the Bible were given by God and will never leave you Isaiah 59:21
*
Even the letters of the words were chosen by God Matthew 5:18, Matthew 4:4
*
Every word proves true Proverbs 30:5
*
The Bible is spiritual food that is essential for us to live Matthew4:4
*
Can help correct believers Acts 18:24-26, 19:1-7
*
Gods’ word illuminates our path Proverbs 6:23
*
The Holy Spirit Illuminates what God is saying to us 1 Cor 2:10, 2 Cor 4:6
*
The Word of God is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword Hebrews 4:12
*
The Word of God is a weapon of attack Ephesians 6:17
*
It is a discerner of spirit Hebrews 4:12
*
The Word of God makes food Holy 1 Timothy 4:3
*
Blessing comes from putting what you read into practice Luke 11:28
*
The Word of God cannot be chained 2 Timothy 2:9
*
Eternal life comes from the Word of God 1 Peter 1:23
*
The title of Jesus Revelation 19:13
*
We can know God’s will for our lives through the Bible. (The first step is belief in Jesus Christ John 6:40 + Matt 7:21, 12:50 If we do we will live forever 1 John 2:17)
*
God’s will for every Christian includes – Sanctification 1 Thessalonians 4:3 Giving thanks to God 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Suffering for doing the right thing 1 Peter 3:17
*
Then the Bible must be applied to our lives Deut 29:29 and Should be regarded with delightful desire Psalm 40:8 (God takes great joy in those who cheerfully do His will)
*
When the Bible does not answer our specific needs we must have a relationship with the Lord to be able to determine God’s will for our lives 1 John 1:6-7 seek principles form the Word 1 Corinthians 10:6 obtain advice from Godly counsellors Proverbs 11:14, 15:22, 24:6 and use common sense because God uses our own thoughts to do His will Philippians 2:13
*
If none of these make it clear – we may have to just do what we think is right and know that God will shut the door if it is not His will. Paul demonstrates this in Romans 15:22-32
The Bible as a whole is a book about people’s relationships with God. It gives examples of people who get it right and people who get it wrong. We are meant to have our own experiences with God but can learn from other people’s mistakes and victories from the Bible.
READ IT OR WEEP!
TEST IT AND SEE!
LIVE IT AND LEARN!