1. Through the Bible in 40 Minutes Its Coherence, Content, Message and Relevance Thru the Bible in a Year Xavier Reyna, Director Ben Compere, Editor Wayman Lim, Choir Director Susan Turner, Prayer Leader January 3, 2016 “ 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 Agenda Content Message 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: 1.Information: general information about the Bible 2.Insights: to enhance a more detailed study of the Bible 3.Incentive: whets your appetite to pursue further study of the Bible Introduction “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 Verses John 3:16 1 Corinthians 13 Psalm 23 Romans 10:9,10 Genesis 1:1 Matthew 28:18-20 Exodus 20 Deuteronomy 6:4 Acts 1:8 Galatians 2:20 “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” Introduction

5. To Others, A Collection of Short Stories Introduction Adam & Eve Moses Parts the Red Sea Joshua & Jericho David & Goliath Jesus Turns Water to Wine Good Samaritan 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 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” Introduction

7. The Purpose of This Lesson Is To Show That the Bible: 1.Is not a random collection of verses, chapters, stories and books. 2.Has a coherent message throughout the diversity of its content. 3.This message is as relevant today as when it was written. Introduction “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 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.” Inspiration “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.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17 NASB

9. The Inspiration of Scripture Is Considered To Be Verbal = extending to all the words Plenary = extending to all of the Bible –Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 –Yes, even the genealogies Inspiration “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.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17 NASB

10. Revelation, Inspiration and Illumination Inspiration “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.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17 NASB Revelation Words & events Jesus heals Peter’s mother- in-law Inspiration Words of God; words of men. Luke writing about the event Luke 4:38,39 Illumination God’s word to us Woman reading Luke 4:38.39 Holy Spirit

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. Canon “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.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17 NASB

12. Tests of Canonicity 1.Is it authoritative (“Thus says the Lord”)? 2.Is it prophetic ? 3.Is it consistent with other revelation of truth? 4.Does it demonstrate God’s life-changing power? 5.Is it accepted and used by believers? Canon 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 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).Col 3:161 Thess 5:272 Thess 3:14 2. The apostle’s writings were equated with Old Testament scriptures (2 Peter 3:1, 2, 15, 16).2 Peter 3:1, 2, 15, 16 3. The Council of Athenasius (A.D. 367) and the Council of Carthage (A.D. 397) recognized the 27 books in our New Testament today as inspired. Canon “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 Below Structure 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 Bible The four gospels comprise about ½ of the New Testament. Structure 75% 25%

16. Chronology of Books of the Bible...1 Chronology 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Pentateuch Historical Books Wisdom Books Most of the wisdom literature was written between 1010 and 930 BC Major Prophets Minor Prophets Walton, Strauss and Cooper, “The Essential Bible Companion” Abraham d 1991 BC Moses d 1406 BC David d 970 BC Elijah t 850 BC Isaiah p 740-700 BC Malachi p 430 BC The time span is the period of history that each book of the Bible covers – not date the book was written.

17. The Wisdom and Prophetic Books Were Written in the Context of History Chronology 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 PentateuchHistorical Books Wisdom Books Major and Minor Prophets Walton, Strauss and Cooper, “The Essential Bible Companion” Abraham d 1991 BC David d 970 BC Moses d 1406 BC Isaiah p 740- 700 BC Malachi p 430 BC Most of the wisdom literature was written between 1010 and 930 BC Elijah t 850 BC The time span is the period of history that each book of the Bible covers – not date the book was written.

18. Periods of Biblical History Chronology PeriodBiblical ReferencesDates PatriarchalGenesis???? – 1800 BC Egypt & the ExodusEx 1:1 – Deut 34:121800 – 1406 BC Conquest & SettlementJosh 1:1 – I Sam 10:11406 - 1050 BC United KingdomI Sam 10:1 – I King 12:151050 – 931 BC Divided KingdomI King 12:15 – II King 25:6931 – 586 BC Exile and ReturnII King 25:6 – Ezra, Nehemiah 586 – 430 BC Inter-Testament430 – 4 BC New TestamentMatthew - Revelation4 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 Bible Chronology

20. An Approximate and Abbreviated Chronology Chronology

21. 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. 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 People Events 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. Content

22. Historical Books Content 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. Joshua Caleb 15 Judges Ruth Samuel Saul David Solomon 19 Kings of Israel 20 Kings of Judah Elijah Elisha People Conquest and Settlement of Canaan Establishment of a Monarchy Davidic Covenant Division of Kingdom Assyrian Captivity Babylonian Captivity Return from Babylon Events 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. Job Eliphaz Bildad Zophar Elihu David Asaph Korah Solomon People 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. Events 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.

24. Major Prophets Content 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. Isaiah Jeremiah Ezekiel Daniel Nebuchadnezzar Cyrus People These men prophesied from 740 to 540 BC. Isaiah to Israel in the 8 th century BC, Jeremiah to Judah in the 7 th and 6 th centuries BC and Ezekiel and Daniel to the exiles in the 6 th century BC. 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.

25. Minor Prophets Content 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. Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah People These men prophesied from about 750 to 430 BC. Events 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. Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

26. The Gospels Content 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 Joseph Mary John the Baptist Jesus Peter James John Pilate Herod People The gospels cover the 30 years of Jesus’ life: from 4 BC to 27 AD. 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.

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. Jesus Peter Stephen Philip Paul Barnabus James People The Acts covers about 40 years from the ascension of Jesus to the imprisonment of Paul: from 27 to 67 AD. 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.

28. Content Paul’s Epistles 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. Paul Timothy Titus Barnabus Silas Luke People Paul’s epistles cover about 20 years of his ministry from about 45 to 65 AD. Events 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.

29. Content General Epistles 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. James Peter John Jude People The general epistles begin with James in about 50 AD and conclude the John’s letters around 90 AD – a spead of 40 years. Events The historical events referred to in these writings are usually events from the Old Testament and are used to teach us lessons about God.

30. 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. John Jesus 7 Churches AntiChrist People The Revelation was written about 90 AD but its material covers a time span which extends until the consummation of the ages. 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.

31. Content The Old and New Testaments Are Intimately Related 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. New Testament Authors “ 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. Content Jesus Christ Connects the Old and New Testaments 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” ”I believe that the whole Bible constitutes a compelling witness to Jesus Christ.” Donald G. Bloesch, ” Holy Scripture” The New is in the Old Concealed. The Old is in the New Revealed.

33. The Story of the Bible Table of Contents Message ChapterTitleReference 1CreationGenesis 1 2CorruptionGenesis 2 -11 3CovenantGenesis 12 - Jude 4ConsummationRevelation “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 1 Message 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 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 “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”

35. Chapter 2 – Corruption Genesis 2-11 Message 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. “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 - 11 Creation – Genesis 1 Good and very good Adam & Eve– Genesis 3 Cain Murders Abel – Genesis 4 Lamech’s Murders – Genesis 4 “And he died” – Genesis 5 All people corrupt – Genesis 6 Noah and Ham – Genesis 9 Tower of Babel - Genesis 11 “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” Theme: Blessing threatened by sin but preserved by divine mercy. Blessing: “As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.” Genesis 9:7 Message

37. Chapter 3 - Covenant Message 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 “... 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” 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.

38. Chapter 3 – Covenant ( The Promise to Abraham) Message 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. and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you 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 “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” Blessed to be a blessing

39. Chapter 3 – Covenant ( The Great Commission) All authority All nations All commands All the time Message 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 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). See also: Mark 16:15,16 Luke 24:46-49 John 20 21-23 Acts 1:8

40. Chapter 4 – Consummation Revelation 21-22 Message “At its heart the Bible is the story of humanity’s fall and restoration.” Walton, Strauss and Cooper, “The Essential Bible Companion” “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)

41. A Good Question Relevance 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 (1694-1778)

42. 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” Relevance

43. The Bible is Timelessly Relevant Due to Its: 1. Subject Matter Nature of God Nature of humans 3. Content Relationship between God and humans Government and business ethics Sex. Marriage & Children Socal justice Relevance 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: a.General information about the book b.Insight to enhance a more detailed study of the book c.Incentive to pursue further study of the book d.None of the above e.All of the above (i.e. a., b. and c.) Test

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

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

47. From Abraham to Jesus Christ was a period of about: a.2000 years b.1841 years c.1500 years d.586 years e.722 years Test

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

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

50. The Purpose of This Lesson Was To Show That the Bible: 1.Is not a random collection of verses, chapters, stories and books. 2.Has a coherent message throughout the diversity of its content. 3.This message is as relevant today as when it was written. Introduction “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”