What is the Bible? Why is it important to Christians?

Talk about it Do you have a Bible in your house? Do you own one yourself? Do you ever read it? Why might someone read the Bible?

Here’s what some well-known Christians think about the Bible…… England rugby player, Jason Robinson…. “No matter what I go through in life and what pressures are thrown at me, I always feel that if I look in my Bible it's always got the answer. I try to have a Bible with me wherever I go. “ TV presenter, Diane Louise Jordan…. “The Bible is the best book I’ve ever read! It’s packed with adventure, romance, wisdom, poetry, music, suspense, humour, action and much, much more. But most importantly, it gives meaning to all I do. It’s quite simply my lifeline!”

How many copies of the Bible are sold in the UK every year? Bible Quiz

1.25m 830, ,000

Over 1.25 million copies sold per year in the UK alone.

How many copies are printed and distributed worldwide each year?

980, million 7.2 million

30 million copies distributed worldwide every year

How many books are in the Bible?

1 book 66 books 2 books

66 books covering history from 950BC – 90AD

What language was it written in?

Latin Greek English Hebrew

Old Testament: Hebrew New Testament: Greek

How many languages is it printed in today?

2261

Did you know......the bible has been written in lots of different styles so that everyone can find one they can understand....

One Book.....Different Versions (Romans 12: 15-16) Old version (in a very posh voice!) Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. KJV New version: If someone’s got something to celebrate, be the life and soul of the party. If someone’s had someone die on them, be there with an arm and a fresh tissue. Get on with each other. Don’t get cocky. Mix more, especially with people you’d have thought were below you...Don’t act like Mr/Mrs Know-It-All.” Street Bible

Did you know......the Bible contains many different types of writing or genres....

Songs.. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. (Psalm 136) Sayings... Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall. Proverbs 16:18 Historical records... This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron…(Matthew 1) PLUS: stories, poems, laws, letters, instructions, accounts..... Tell the story: Calming the Storm

So what’s it all about? 66 books, 40 different authors over 1000 years..... Lots of different stories all tell.... ONE BIG STORY.... the story of God’s plan for His creation.

Quiz: Who am I? BOGOF! Old Testament The story of the God’s chosen people. The stories we read about their lives teach about God – how He treated them, how He taught them, rescued them, loved them and protected them. New Testament Matthew, Mark, Luke, John - the story of Jesus’ life Other books - story of first Christian churches

Christians use the Bible to help them in everyday life... Sheet: Match the Verses

When I’m anxious Peter 5: 7 “God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” When I’m worried about the future Jeremiah 29: 11 “I will bless you with a future filled with hope - a future of success, not of suffering.” When I’m wondering how I should live – what’s most important? Luke 10:27 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbour as yourself.” When I feel lonely Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself will go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will never leave you. He'll never desert you. So don't be afraid. Don't lose hope.”

So Christians read the Bible, but Where? Anywhere! at home on holiday in church at work in school at university When? Anytime! first thing in the morning last thing at night in small groups during church services during their lunch hour

Why? Because.... it tells the story of their faith it teaches them how to live it helps them when life is hard Q&A