1 Through the Bible in 40 Minutes Its Coherence, Content, Message and RelevanceThru the Bible in a Year Xavier Reyna, Director Ben Compere, Editor Wayman Lim, Choir Director Susan Turner, Prayer Leader Anthony Smith, Sergant at Arms January 1, 2017 “ Many people know the Bible characters and the principal events, but they are hopelessly lost when they are called upon to connect the stories in order.” H.C. Mears, “What the Bible Is All About” “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me…” John 5:39

2 Agenda Introduction Inspiration Canon Structure Chronology ContentMessage Relevance References “ The Bible is one book, and you cannot take it in texts and expect to comprehend the magnificence of divine revelation. You must see it in its completeness.” H.C. Mears, “What the Bible Is All About” “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me…” John 5:39

3 An Introduction to the Bible Provides Three Things:Information: general information about the Bible Insights: to enhance a more detailed study of the Bible Incentive: whets your appetite to pursue further study of the Bible “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me…” John 5:39

4 For Many People the Bible Looks Like a Collection of Unrelated VersesIntroduction For Many People the Bible Looks Like a Collection of Unrelated Verses Galatians 2:20 John 3:16 Exodus 20 1 Corinthians 13 Genesis 1:1 Psalm 23 Matthew 28:18-20 Romans 10:9,10 Deuteronomy 6:4 Acts 1:8 “It is not enough that we be familiar with the great texts, or great chapters: we should know the bible as a whole.” W. Graham Scroggie, “The Unfolding Drama of Remption”

5 To Others, A Collection of Short StoriesIntroduction To Others, A Collection of Short Stories Moses Parts the Red Sea Joshua & Jericho David & Goliath Adam & Eve Good Samaritan Jesus Turns Water to Wine Paul’s Conversion Mary & Martha “ Many people know the Bible characters and the principal events, but they are hopelessly lost when they are called upon to connect the stories in order.” H.C. Mears, “What the Bible Is All About”

6 Or As a Library of Independent BooksIntroduction Or As a Library of Independent Books “... here we help you try to read and understand – each of the Biblical books on its own but especially how each one fits with the others to form the great narrative of Scripture.” Fee and Stuart “How to Read the Bible Book by Book”

7 The Purpose of This Lesson Is To Show That the Bible:Introduction The Purpose of This Lesson Is To Show That the Bible: Is not a random collection of verses, chapters, stories and books. Has a coherent message throughout the diversity of its content. This message is as relevant today as when it was written. “Amid the wonderful diversity of the Scriptures there is even a more wonderful unity. The sixty-six books are not a collection of writings; they are one book – one in the progressiveness of the revelation which they collectively constitute...” v J. Sidlow Baxter, “Explore the Book”

8 Followers of Jesus Christ Believe That the Bible is Inspired by GodInspiration Followers of Jesus Christ Believe That the Bible is Inspired by God 2 Timothy 3:16 Theopneustos = breathed by God Genesis 2:7 “Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Timothy 3:16,17 NASB

9 The Inspiration of Scripture Is Considered To BeVerbal = extending to all the words Plenary = extending to all of the Bible Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 Yes, even the genealogies “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Timothy 3:16,17 NASB

10 Revelation, Inspiration and IlluminationHoly Spirit Inspiration Words of God; words of men. Illumination God’s word to us Revelation Words & events Jesus heals Peter’s mother- in-law Luke writing about the event Luke 4:38,39 Woman reading Luke 4:38.39 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Timothy 3:16,17 NASB

11 What is Canon or Canonicity?Canon is a word that comes from Greek and Hebrew words that means a measuring rod. Canon is the list of books considered authoritative and recognized as Holy Scripture Canonicity describes the standards books had to meet to be recognized as Holy Scripture. We consider the canon to be closed, i.e. no books may be added to or subtracted from it. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Timothy 3:16,17 NASB

12 Tests of Canonicity Is it authoritative (“Thus says the Lord”)?Is it prophetic ? Is it consistent with other revelation of truth? Does it demonstrate God’s life-changing power? Is it accepted and used by believers? Christians met at church councils in the first several centuries A.D. for the purpose of officially recognizing which books are inspired. But it’s important to remember that these councils did not determine which books were inspired. They simply recognized what God had already determined. “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me…” John 5:39

13 History of Canonicity Canon A. Old Testament Canon – Recognizing the correct OT books 1. Christ refers to Old Testament books as “scripture” 2. The Council of Jamnia (A.D. 90) officially recognized our 39 Old Testament books. 3. Josephus, the Jewish historian (A.D. 95), indicated that the 39 books were recognized as authoritative. B. New Testament Canon – Recognizing the correct NT books 1. The apostles claimed authority for their writings (Col 3:16; 1 Thess 5:27; 2 Thess 3:14). 2. The apostle’s writings were equated with Old Testament scriptures (2 Peter 3:1, 2, 15, 16). 3. The list of Athanasius (A.D. 367) and the Council of Carthage (A.D. 397) recognized the 27 books in our New Testament today as inspired. “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me…” John 5:39

14 The English Language Protestant Bible Is Organized as Shown BelowStructure The English Language Protestant Bible Is Organized as Shown Below The Hebrew Bible organizes the Old Testament in a different but relevant manner. The Roman Catholic Bible includes many of “apocryphal” books not recognized by Protestants.

15 The Old Testament Contains About 75% of the BibleStructure The Old Testament Contains About 75% of the Bible 75% 25% The four gospels comprise about ½ of the New Testament.

16 Chronology of Books of the Bible...1 David d 970 BC Pentateuch Elijah t 850 BC Abraham d 1991 BC Historical Books Moses d 1406 BC Most of the wisdom literature was written between 1010 and 930 BC The time span is the period of history that each book of the Bible covers – not date the book was written. Wisdom Books Isaiah p BC Major Prophets Minor Prophets Walton, Strauss and Cooper, “The Essential Bible Companion” Malachi p 430 BC

17 The Wisdom and Prophetic Books Were Written in the Context of HistoryChronology The Wisdom and Prophetic Books Were Written in the Context of History The time span is the period of history that each book of the Bible covers – not date the book was written. David d 970 BC Moses d 1406 BC Elijah t 850 BC Most of the wisdom literature was written between 1010 and 930 BC Abraham d 1991 BC Wisdom Books Pentateuch Historical Books Major and Minor Prophets Malachi p 430 BC Isaiah p BC Walton, Strauss and Cooper, “The Essential Bible Companion”

18 Periods of Biblical HistoryChronology Periods of Biblical History Period Biblical References Dates Patriarchal Genesis ???? – 1800 BC Egypt & the Exodus Ex 1:1 – Deut 34:12 1800 – 1406 BC Conquest & Settlement Josh 1:1 – I Sam 10:1 BC United Kingdom I Sam 10:1 – I King 12:15 1050 – 931 BC Divided Kingdom I King 12:15 – II King 25:6 931 – 586 BC Exile and Return II King 25:6 – Ezra, Nehemiah 586 – 430 BC Inter-Testament 430 – 4 BC New Testament Matthew - Revelation 4 BC – 90 AD “Christianity is essentially a historical religion. God’s revelation, which Christians cherish and seek to communicate, was not given in a vacuum but in an unfolding historical situation, through a nation called Israel and a person called Jesus Christ. It must never be divorced from its historical context; it can only be understood within it.” v John Stott, “Understanding the Bible”

19 Understanding Biblical History Is Critical To Understanding the BibleChronology Understanding Biblical History Is Critical To Understanding the Bible

20 An Approximate and Abbreviated Chronology

21 The Five Books: The PentateuchContent The Five Books: The Pentateuch The first 5 books of the Bible tell of the origns of the Jewish race and culture from the creation of the world to the entry into the promised land. People Events Adam/Eve Noah Abraham/Sarah Isaac/Rebekah Jacob/Rachel Joseph Moses Aaron Creation Fall Flood Tower of Babel Call of Abraham Descent into Egypt Exodus from Egypt Giving of the Law Passover Wilderness Wanderings The Pentateuch covers a time span of about 750 years from about 2200 to about 1450 BC. This excludes all dating before the call of Abraham.

22 Historical Books People Events Conquest and Settlement of CanaanContent The 12 historical books continue the story of the Israelites: the conquest and settlement of the promised land, the establishment of a monarchy, the division of the kingdom, the captivity of Israel and Judah and finally the return of the Judean exiles from Babylon. People Joshua Caleb 15 Judges Ruth Samuel Saul David Solomon 19 Kings of Israel 20 Kings of Judah Elijah Elisha Events Conquest and Settlement of Canaan Establishment of a Monarchy Davidic Covenant Division of Kingdom Assyrian Captivity Babylonian Captivity Return from Babylon The Pentateuch covers a time span of 1000 years from about 1450 to about 450 BC. This excludes all dating before the call of Abraham.

23 Books of Wisdom (Poetry)Content Almost 1/3 of the Old Testament was originally written in poetry. These books concentrate on questions about God, pain, life and love. People Events Job Eliphaz Bildad Zophar Elihu David Asaph Korah Solomon The Psalms mention many historical events such as the creation and exodus as well as specific events in David’s life such as his adultery with Bathsheeba. However, the poetical works are not primarlily history but a reflection upon it. The Wisdom literature basically covers the lives of David and Solomon approximately 1010 to 930 BC. No one really knows the time Job covers but it may be before Abraham’s time.

24 Major Prophets People EventsContent During the years when kings ruled Israel and Judah, God spoke through prophets. Though some prophets did predict the future events, their primary role was to call God’s people back to him. These 5 prophets are called “major” prophets because they contain more material than the “minor “prophets. Their message is no more or less important than that of the 12 “minor” prophets. People Isaiah Jeremiah Ezekiel Daniel Nebuchadnezzar Cyrus Events The two critical events in the lives of these prophets were the deportation of Israel to Assyria in 722 BC during Isaiah’s ministry and the exile of Judah into Bablyon in 586 BC under the ministry of Jeremiah. These men prophesied from 740 to 540 BC. Isaiah to Israel in the 8th century BC, Jeremiah to Judah in the 7th and 6th centuries BC and Ezekiel and Daniel to the exiles in the 6th century BC.

25 Minor Prophets People EventsContent During the years when kings ruled Israel and Judah, God spoke through prophets. Though some prophets did predict the future events, their primary role was to call God’s people back to him. These 12 prophets are called “minor” prophets because they contain less material than the “major “prophets. Their message is no more or less important than that of the 5 “major” prophets. People Events Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi The two critical events in the lives of these prohets were the deportation of Israel to Assyria in 722 BC during Isaiah’s ministry and the exile of Judah into Bablyon in 586 BC under the ministry of Jeremiah. These men prophesied from about 750 to 430 BC.

26 The Gospels People EventsContent The word gospel means good news. Almost ½ of the New Testament consists of four accounts of the life of Jesus and the good news he brought to earth. Each of these four books, or gospels, has a different focus and a different audience; taken together, they give a picture of Jesus’ life and teaching. About 1/3 of their pages are devoted to the events of his last week on earth, including the crucifixion and resurrection People Joseph Mary John the Baptist Jesus Peter James John Pilate Herod Events The life of Jesus is filled with events of redemptive importance. Here are some of the more well-known: his birth, his baptism, his temptation in the wilderness, Peter’s confession, the transfiguration, Jesus’ triumphal entry, his arrest, trial, cucifixion and resurrection. The gospels cover the 30 years of Jesus’ life: from 4 BC to 27 AD.

27 Acts Content Acts tells the story of how the gospel spread from Jeusalem into Judea and Samaria and then into all the Gentile world just as Jesus had foretold. People Jesus Peter Stephen Philip Paul Barnabus James Events Acts is packed with well-known and important events: Jesus’ ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the martyrdom of Stephen, Paul’s conversion, the advance of the gospel into the Gentile world, Paul’s three missionary trips and his imprisonment and trip to Rome. The Acts covers about 40 years from the ascension of Jesus to the imprisonment of Paul: from 27 to 67 AD.

28 Paul’s Epistles Events PeopleContent The young church was nourished by apostles who set down their beliefs and messages in a series of letters. The first 13 such letters were written by the apostle Paul who led the advance of the gospel to the Gentiles. Events People While Paul does refer to various historical events in his life in his epistles, their main thrust is dealing with problems and issues that have arisen in the churches he founded or ministers to. Paul does make frequent use of events from the Old Testament in his teaching. Paul Timothy Titus Barnabus Silas Luke Paul’s epistles cover about 20 years of his ministry from about 45 to 65 AD.

29 General Epistles People EventsContent The young church was nourished by apostles who set down their beliefs and messages in a series of letters. The next 8 letters were written by apostles, one of whom remains unknown. These epistles are referred to as “general” because their destination is or audience is not specific. People Events James Peter John Jude The historical events referred to in these writings are usually events from the Old Testament and are used to teach us lessons about God. The general epistles begin with James in about 50 AD and conclude the John’s letters around 90 AD – a span of 40 years.

30 The Apocalypse (Revelation)Content The Apocalypse (Revelation) A prophetic book of visions and symbols, it completes the story begun in Genesis of the cosmic battle between good and evil being waged on earth. Events After dealing briefly with John and his Patmos experience and the 7 churches of Asia Minor, the Revelation concentrates on future events in a symbolic and often diffcult to comprehend manner. People John Jesus 7 Churches AntiChrist The Revelation was written about 90 AD but its material covers a time span which extends until the consummation of the ages.

31 The Old and New Testaments Are Intimately RelatedContent The Old and New Testaments Are Intimately Related New Testament Authors Quote the OT 348 times Allude to the OT over 2300 times Mention prominent OT people 250 times Use numerous OT events as teaching examples Consider OT prophecies fulfilled in NT events The New is in the Old Concealed. The Old is in the New Revealed. “It is impossible to fully understand God’s purpose of the Old Testament without reading the ‘rest of the story’ in the New. In the same way, it is impossible to understand the New Testament story without the foundation laid by the Old. All of the central themes of the New Testament have their background and context in the Old.” Walton, Strauss and Cooper, “The Essential Bible Companion”

32 Jesus Christ Connects the Old and New TestamentsContent The New is in the Old Concealed. The Old is in the New Revealed. Jesus Christ Connects the Old and New Testaments  ”I believe that the whole Bible constitutes a compelling witness to Jesus Christ.” Donald G. Bloesch, ” Holy Scripture” Seven different NT authors use the word “fulfilled” 28 times to describe the application of an OT prophecy to a NT event – these events center around Jesus Jesus considered Old Testament prophecies to be fulfilled in him (Luke 24:44; John 5:39,40)  ”There is one central theme which, like a golden thread, runs through all the stories of the Old Testament. That theme is the coming of Christ. As long as one does not see this, the Old Testament remains a closed book.” B f William Hendriksen,” Survey of the Bible”

33 The Story of the Bible Table of ContentsMessage The Story of the Bible Table of Contents Chapter Title Reference 1 Creation Genesis 1 2 Corruption Genesis 2 -11 3 Covenant Genesis 12 - Jude 4 Consummation Revelation “The Bible at its core a story. Creation is accounted for in story. Israel, the nation’s ancestors, history, judges, kings and prophets is chronicled in story. And Jesus Christ appears not so much in systematic propositions as in a moving narrative.” Walter Wanegrin, “Zondervan Handbook of the Bible”

34 Chapter 1 – Creation Genesis 1Message Chapter 1 – Creation Genesis 1 God is the Creator of all things The creation is good Humanity is the crown of creation: very good Created in God’s image Participated in God’s vision: dominion Enjoyed God’s fellowship “It (Gen. 1:1-2:3) introduces the two main subjects of Holy Scripture, God the creator and man his creature, and sets the scene for the long tale of their relationship.” G.J. Wenham, “Genesis 1-15” “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

35 Chapter 2 – Corruption Genesis 2-11Message Chapter 2 – Corruption Genesis 2-11 Humanity rebelled against its Creator and thereby lost its: Vision of God Fellowship with God Purity of God’s image “So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. ” Genesis 3:23,24

36 Corruption Presented in Genesis 3 - 11Message Corruption Presented in Genesis Blessing: “As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.” Genesis 9:7 Creation – Genesis 1 Good and very good Adam & Eve– Genesis 3 Cain Murders Abel – Genesis 4 Lamech’s Murders – Genesis 4 “In, chapters 4-11 events build in a great crescendo of sin to illustrate the utter desperation of the human condition.” Arnold and Beyer, “Encountering the Old Testament” “And he died” – Genesis 5 All people corrupt – Genesis 6 Noah and Ham – Genesis 9 Tower of Babel - Genesis 11 Theme: Blessing threatened by sin but preserved by divine mercy.

37 Chapter 3 - Covenant Promise to Abram (Gen 12:1-3) Exodus from EgyptMessage Chapter 3 - Covenant Promise to Abram (Gen 12:1-3) Exodus from Egypt Law Conquest & Settlement of Canaan Judges Monarchy (The Assyrian & Babylonian Exiles) Return from Exile and Restoration Prophets Jesus Christ Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29 The redemption of the world was to come through Israel and finally through Jesus Christ. “... it’s the longest chapter, a chapter that tells us how God set about redeeming and restoring these fallen creatures of his so that he might restore us to the lost vision of God, renew us in the divine image and reestablish our fellowship with him.” G.D. Fee and D. Stuart “How to Read the Bible Book by Book”

38 Chapter 3 – Covenant (The Promise to Abraham)Message Chapter 3 – Covenant (The Promise to Abraham) 1 The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:1-3 NIV The promise of land, nation and blessing: Gen 12:1-3 The covenant confirming the promise: Gen 15: 1-21; Gen 17:1-27; Gen 22:15-18 The covenant passed on to Isaac: Gen 17:19; Gen 21:12; Gen 26:1-6, 23,24 Jacob: Gen 28:10-15; Gen 35:11-13 Blessed to be a blessing “It was in Haran that the Lord called Abraham in words whose importance reverberate through the canon.” Dillard and Longman, “An Introduction to the Old Testament”

39 Chapter 3 – Covenant (The Great Commission)Message Chapter 3 – Covenant (The Great Commission) 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV All authority All nations All commands All the time See also: Mark 16:15,16 Luke 24:46-49 John Acts 1:8 Although the command was initially given directly only to Christ's apostles, evangelicals have typically interpreted the commission as a directive to all Christians of every time and place, particularly because it seems to be a restatement of the last part of God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3).

40 Chapter 4 – Consummation Revelation 21-22Message Chapter 4 – Consummation Revelation 21-22 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away...” Revelation 21:1 God triumphs God restores his Creation (Gen 1&2) as a new heaven and a new earth (Rev 21&22) “At its heart the Bible is the story of humanity’s fall and restoration.” Walton, Strauss and Cooper, “The Essential Bible Companion”

41 A Good Question How can a document writtenRelevance A Good Question How can a document written between 2,000 and 3,500 years ago by 40 different authors in languages we no longer speak amidst cultures that no longer exist be relevant in today’s progressive and technologically sophisticated world? “Another century and there will not be a Bible on earth.” Voltaire ( )

42 A Good Answer? Believers contend that the Bible is inspired by GodRelevance A Good Answer? Believers contend that the Bible is inspired by God its truth transcends time, authorship, language and culture its main subjects are God and humanity whose natures never change its topics are timelessly relevant for all humanity it answers life’s ultimate questions Non-believers must acknowledge the relevance of the Bible due to its past and present influence as well as for its potential for future influence “The Bible has been and still is one of the most influential books ever published. Its influence is seen in literature, art, music , culture, public policy and public debate.” Schippe and Stetson, “The Bible and Is Influence”

43 The Bible is Timelessly Relevant Due to Its:Relevance The Bible is Timelessly Relevant Due to Its: 3. Content 1. Subject Matter Relationship between God and humans Government and business ethics Sex. Marriage & Children Socal justice Nature of God Nature of humans 2. Historical Influence On governments On education On medicine On language, literature music and art On the lives of people 4. Current Effect In Asia, Latin America and the Middle East Most widely published book in history

44 An introduction the Bible should provide the reader with:Test An introduction the Bible should provide the reader with: General information about the book Insight to enhance a more detailed study of the book Incentive to pursue further study of the book None of the above All of the above (i.e. a., b. and c.)

45 The purpose of today’s lesson is to show you that the Bible:Test The purpose of today’s lesson is to show you that the Bible: Is not a random collection of verses, chapters, stories and books. Has a coherent message throughout the diversity of its content. Has a message as relevant today as when it was written. None of the above All of the above (i.e. a., b. and c.)

46 The books we find in our Bibles were determined by:Test The books we find in our Bibles were determined by: An edict of the Roman Emperor Constantine in 313 AD The translators of the King James Version in 1611 By church councils in 90, 367 and 397 AD a, b and c None of the above

47 From Abraham to Jesus Christ was a period of about:Test From Abraham to Jesus Christ was a period of about: 2000 years 1841 years 1500 years 586 years 722 years

48 The Old and New Testaments:Are diametrically opposed in what they teach about God and salvation Are intimately connected in what they teach about God and salvation Bear a compelling witness to Jesus Christ Show two different Gods Were translated from Egyptian into Hebrew and Greek

49 The message of the Bible may be described by the following four words:Test The message of the Bible may be described by the following four words: Conception, Chaos, Commission, Completion Creation, Catastrophe, Conquest, Church Creation, Corruption, Covenant, Consummation Creation, Confusion, Community, Christ None of the above

50 The Purpose of This Lesson Was To Show That the Bible:Is not a random collection of verses, chapters, stories and books. Has a coherent message throughout the diversity of its content. This message is as relevant today as when it was written. “Amid the wonderful diversity of the Scriptures there is even a more wonderful unity. The sixty-six books are not a collection of writings; they are one book – one in the progressiveness of the revelation which they collectively constitute...” v J. Sidlow Baxter, “Explore the Book”