TITLE: THE BASICS – THE BIBLE: PART 1


INTRODUCTION

How many Bibles are in your home? Why would you swear on a Bible in court? Why do the Gideons place Bibles in hotel rooms and other public places?

I could go on with many more questions. But the main question I have for you is, “What does the Bible mean to you?”

For the next couple of devotionals, I will focus on a few of the fundamental aspects of what Christians believe about the Bible.


SCRIPTURE

Focus Verse: Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.

Additional Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Mark 13:31, Hebrews 13:8


DISCUSSION

Simply stated, Christians believe that the Bible is the Word of God. It was written by men as they were moved (inspired) by the Holy Spirit. The Bible reveals to us what God wants us to know (“the thoughts of His heart to all generations”). As the Word of God, we believe the Bible contains no mistakes or contradictions. We also believe the Bible has been preserved by God and the meaning and intent of God’s word does not change over time.

The Bible was written over the course of about 1600 years (from approximately 1500 BC to AD 100) by more than 40 kings, prophets, leaders and followers of Jesus Christ. In summary, the Old Testament tells the story of the creation of the universe, the creation of a nation (the Jews) through which the world will be blessed and prophesy of the coming Messiah – the Son of God. The New Testament tells the story of Jesus Christ (the Messiah – God in flesh, who came to earth by a virgin birth to die for the sins of the world), the spread of the Christian Church and prophesy about the rapture of the church, the final judgment of God, the punishment of Satan and his demons along with those that have not accepted Christ as their Savior, and creation of a new heaven and earth where Christians will live for eternity praising God.

You may hear the Bible referred to as the Living Word of God. This is because as a Christian, you have a loving relationship with God and He will speak to you through His Word as you study and draw closer to Him. Also, as you grow in your faith and Christian maturity, you will continue to learn more and see the deeper meaning of scripture as the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of God’s Word to you.


PRAYER

Father in Heaven, You are worthy of so much more praise than I am able to give. But I lift my praise to You in song and in spirit and pray that it is pleasing to You. I thank You for Your Word. I pray Father that as I read Your Word daily You will sanctify me, that I will submit fully to your sovereignty and that I allow Your Holy Spirit to create in me a clean heart. Please speak to someone through this devotional and bring them closer to You. Thank You for all the precious gifts and blessings You provide in my life. Amen.