Today we begin our journey through the New Testament Plans are as follows: February- How We Got the Bible March-Mark: the Story of Jesus April-Acts: the Story of the Church May-James: the First Epistle June-Galatians: the First Regional Epistle July-1-2Thessalonians: Guiding the Church in Macedonia August-1-2Corinthians: Guiding the Church in Achaia September-Romans: Guiding the Church in Italy October-1Timothy-Titus: the Preacher Epistles November-1-2Peter: Preparations for Persecution December-Hebrews: a Plea to Israel Jan.‘06-1John-Jude: the Concluding Epistles Feb.‘06-Revelation: the Time is Near

Let’s begin with a few small steps... Most people we try to teach have some basic knowledge of the Bible. Ever tried to teach some who didn’t? If so, you understand the value of an introductory lesson to the Bible itself. Imagine picking up a 17 th novel English novel of some 1000 pages on which you begin reading on about page 756 concerning a people who’s custom & ways you were completely unfamiliar. How much would you get out of it? This is exactly what happens when someone unacquainted with the Bible starts reading in Matthew.

So let’s talk first about its Origin.  It is Inspired. -Theopnustos means literally God-breathed. 2Timothy 3:16 and Eph.3:3-5 -This inspiration was accomplished by a Divine part of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit, John 16:13. -The process of this inspiration was through the agency of men through whom the Spirit spoke the words of God, 2Peter 2: The Bible was written (not authored ) by about 40 men over a period of some 1600 years- yet contains no contradictions. -These men used words given/guarded by God through the Holy Spirit, 1Cor.2:10-12.

What is its Purpose ?  The Salvation of Mankind from Sin and its Consequences. -It’s not a Science book, though it revealed truth about such well before man figured it out. -It’s not some sort of prophetic calendar to reveal world events unrelated to eternal destiny. Instead, it seeks to: -Prevent Sin, Psalm 119:11 -Provide Guidance, Psalm 119:105 -Enlighten/Instruct us, 2Timothy 3: Purify us, 2Peter 1:22 -Free & Save us, John 8:32 / James 1:21

What are some of its Characteristics?  It is Complete. -It contains “all truth” John 16:13. -It contains “all things pertaining to life and godliness” 2Peter 1:3. -It is “the whole purpose of God” Acts 20:27  It is, by the promise of God, Indestructible. -It has and will last forever, 1Peter 1:25.

What are some of its Contents?  The Mind of God, 1Corinthians 2:9-13.  The State of Man, Romans 3:23 & 6:23.  The Way of Salvation, John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 17:30-31  The Triumph of Believers, Romans 8:35-39  The Doom of Unbelievers, Romans 11:20-23.

Does it contain any Warnings ?  Don’t add to it or subtract from it, Proverbs 30:5-6 and Revelation 22:  Don’t substitute human ideas for it, Mark 7:6-9.  Believe no other gospel than it, Galatians 1:6-8.  Realize that it is His Word which will finally judge us, John 12:48.

Finally, The Bible answers the 3 most important questions man has:  The Question of Origin: From where did I come? Genesis 1:26-27  The Question of Purpose: Why am I here? Genesis 1:28 & Ephesians 5:10,17  The Question of Destiny: Where am I going? Hebrews 9:27 & Ecclesiastes 12:7