1. The Holy Bible The entire Bible is the word of God, but not all of it is in form of commandments for us to obey today. (E.g.,“make yourself an ark”, Genesis 6:14). To properly understand the Bible, we must “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). We can do this best if we have an overall understanding of the Bible story.

2. Back to the Basics General Information About The Bible

3. General Structure Of The Bible The Bible’s supremacy. – The word “Bible” comes from the Greek word “Biblios” which means “a book”. – Because of its importance God’s Word has often been called “The Book of all books”. of all time – “Guinness World Records” informs that it is the world’s best-selling and most widely distributed book of all time!!

4. General Structure Of The Bible Composed of two major divisions. – Arrangement of 66 individual books; divided into two major sections. – The Old Testament contains 39 books originally written in Hebrew by about 32 men over a period dating from about 1500 B.C. to 400 B.C. – The New Testament contains 27 books originally written in Greek by 8 or 9 men over a period dating from about AD 55 to AD 96.

5. The New Testament It is called “new” because the first covenant was set aside when this was given. – “For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness” (Hebrews 7:18, NKJV) – “In that He says, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” (Hebrews 8:13, NKJV)

6. The Bible Is Inspired Of God! About 40 men wrote the Bible as God’s Spirit directed them. – “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:19-21, NKJV)

7. The Bible Is Inspired Of God! The men who wrote the Bible used the words given them by the Holy Spirit. – See 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 – “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13, NKJV)

8. The Bible Is Inspired Of God! The Bible is “God-breathed”… – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NKJV) – how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: Eph 3:3-5 (NKJV)

9. The Bible Is Inspired Of God! The unity of the Bible is proof of its inspiration! – The forty men who wrote the Bible… Lived over a span of 1600 years. Had no way to confer with each other. Came from diverse backgrounds. Came from different social levels. Wrote in different languages. Wrote without contradiction!!

10. Historical Periods Of the Bible. Three “dispensations” of time: – The Patriarchal Period Genesis 1 to Exodus 20. – The Mosaic Period Exodus 20 to Acts 2. We are no longer bound by it (See Galatians 3:19-29; Colossians 2:14-18; 2 Corinthians 3). – The Law of Christ in Effect From Acts 2 through Revelation. Began on first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus Christ and will last until the end of time. We live under this (Hebrews 1:1-2; 10:8-10).

11. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him”. (Hebrews 5:8-9) …"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16) And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' (Acts 22:16)