Getting to Know your bible

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Getting to Know Your Bible

The Bible contains sixty-six books, written by forty authors, covering a period of approximately sixteen hundred years, 1500 B.C. to 100 A.D. The authors were kings and princes, poets, philosophers, prophets and statesmen. Some were learned in all the arts of the times and others were unschooled fishermen.  Other books soon are out of date, but the Bible spans the centuries. It is God’s written revelation of His will to men.  Its central theme is salvation through Jesus Christ.  

The word Bible comes from the Greek word Biblos which means “books.”  The two major divisions of the Bible are the Old Testament and the New Testament.  The word Testament means “covenant” or “agreement”.”  The Old Testament is the covenant God made with man about his salvation before Christ came.  The New Testament is the agreement God made with man about his salvation after Christ came.

In the Old Testament we find the covenant of law.  In the New Testament we find the covenant of grace, which came through Jesus Christ.  One led to the other (Galatians 3:17-25.  The word “grace” means, unmerited favor, unearned and undeserved.  My life commences what the New completes.  The Old gathers around Mr. Sinai - the New around Mt. Calvary.  The Old is associated with Moses - the New with CHrist (John 1:17).  The Old Testament begins with God (Genesis 1:1.  The New Testament begins with Christ (Matthew 1:1).  From Adam to Abraham we have the history of the human race.  From Abraham to Christ we have the history of the chosen race. From Christ on we have the history of the church.  

The Bible is the Inspired work of God.  The Bible says so and I know so.  The reason I know this the Bible is inspired is because it inspires me

2 Timothy 3:16  “All scriptures is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof. For correction, for instruction in righteousness.” KJV  

2 Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” KJV

Throughout the centuries many translations have been made of the Holy Scriptures into languages common to the people of the world.  The first of these was the septuagint Version, made by about seventy scholars at Alexadria, Egypt around 250 B.C. The translation was into Greek, the common language of the countries around the Mediterranean Sea. 

!n 1611 A.D. The King James Version of the Bible was released.  It was the work of about fifty scholars appointed by King Janes 1.  It is also known as the Authorized Version, The King James Version is noted for its beautiful cadence and its prose harmonies.

While this study is keyed to the King James Version, it is suggested and highly recommended that you also use other translations in your studies.  The New International Version (NIV) completed in 1973 is a very popular and good translation. 

How to Read the Bible

GOD’S DIRECT WILL AND INSTRUCTION FOR ME IS IN HIS WORD, THE BIBLE.

1. As a plane in flight needs a chart and instruction from the tower, I need to know God’s Word for instruction and direction for my life.  Romans 15:4 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through Patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.’
2. To keep my direction clear and stay on the Christian course, I must know God’s Word.  Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
3. The Bible is the light for my way. Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a lamp unto my path.”
4. God has given His Word in a supernatural way. 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God

2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

BIBLE READING PROVIDES FOOD FOR MY NEW SPIRITUAL NATURE

As a newborn spiritual babe I should “desire the sincere milk of the word.” 1 Peter 2:2

I need to feed my spiritual nature and partake of God’s Word as much as possible in order to grow.

Matthew 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

Jeremiah 15:16 “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart;...”

2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

BIBLE READING PROVIDES MY STRENGTH 

Reading and knowing the scripture is the key to overcoming sin and living a victorious Christian life. Ephesians 6:17 admonishes me to “Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The Bible is my most effective tool to use in my Christian walk and warfare against the devil.  Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Methods and Suggestions

Read the Bible Regularly for:

1. My spiritual food and strength.
2. Learning more of God and His Plan for mankind.
3. Please and blessing I receive in my new found life In Christ.
4. Discovering God’s promises and deeper truths.
5. Read it slowly with a prayerful attitude and open mind.
6. Read it where you can concentrate.
7. Enjoy what you do understand and leave portions you do not until you are more fully acquainted with the Bible and more spiritually mature.

Book of the Bible

WHEN TO READ WHAT

When in Sorrow, John 14

When men fail you, Psalm 27

When you have sinned, Psalm 51

When you worry, Matthew 6:19-34

When you are in danger, Psalm 91

When you are have the blues, Psalm 34

When God seems far away, Psalm 139

When you are discouraged, Isaiah 40

If you want to be fruitful, John 15

When doubts come upon you, John 7:17

When you are lonely or fearful, Psalm 23

When you forget your blessings, Psalm 103

For Jesus' idea of a Christian, Matthew 5

For James' idea of religion, James 1:19-27

When your faith needs stirring, Hebrews 11

When you feel down and out, Romans 8:31-39

When the world seems bigger than God, Psalm 90

When you want rest and peace, Matthew 11:25-30

When you want Christian assurance, Romans 8:1-30

For Paul's secret of happiness, Colossians 3:21-17

When you grow bitter and critical, 1 Corinthians 13

For Paul's idea of Christianity, 2 Corinthians 5:15-19

For Paul's rules on how to get along with men, Romans 12