THE BIBLE GOD’S LIVING WORD

Living Words All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NCV

Summary The bible is about how God created the world and man ( Adam & Eve ) who then fell from OUR God- given position via the temptation of satan. The whole of mankind became corrupt and God almost wiped out everyone through a flood in the days of Noah.

Summary - OT He then began a plan of redeeming the human race by choosing one nation Israel which began through a nomad called Abraham. This man began a dynasty which blazed a trail through history via people like Rahab, Ruth and David ending with Jesus the Christ. Book of Genesis - Matthew

Summary - OT There were many twists and turns in this lineage which stayed in ancient Egypt for about 400 years before being delivered through the leadership of Moses supported by Joshua. Israel settled within the Fertile Crescent called the Middle East and had many corrupt and good leaders.

Summary - OT The height of Israel’s prosperity came during the reign of David and his son Solomon. Israel still did not cooperate with God and then divided into two sub- nations Southern Judah and Northern Israel. Exodus – Deuteronomy. Joshua – 2 Chronicles. Psalms – Song of Solomon.

Summary - OT Despite many warnings from God’s special messengers called prophets, the nation did not heed the call of God and was ransacked, plundered and taken captive – Israel first because she was more rebellious and then Judah.

Summary - OT Reading the prophets is rough because they show how firm and tough God is, despite His great love. Many Churches find it difficult to take their members through these ‘hard’ parts of the bible. In fact most Christians have not read all the prophets before! Yet if you do they will teach you one thing: Fear God! Isaiah – Malachi

Summary - NT The nation is patched together after about 70years abroad through people like Ezra, Nehemiah and Haggai. And then Israel sits up and behaves somewhat for over 400 years until Christ is born. Jesus the Christ came fulfilling all the prophecies of the prophets. He lived to die for the whole human race; was crucified, buried and resurrected after 3 days in Jerusalem.

Summary - NT. He began the Kingdom of God and invited all to join by believing in Him. He commissioned His followers led by Simon Peter to tell the whole world what He had done through the power of God the Holy Spirit, in them. Matthew – John

Summary - NT They then went everywhere telling the world about this Good News called the Gospel. The world both received and rejected the message which resulted in many of the messengers being beaten, imprisoned or killed. One of the most outstanding followers called Paul then took the message to non- Jews using every transport means possible including writing many letters to the newly formed churches. These letters called epistles outline the spiritual and practical aspects of living the victorious Christian life. Acts of the Apostles - Hebrews

Summary - NT Other disciples of Jesus including His blood brother James also wrote epistles. Another outstanding follower was John who wrote much about Love and who had very vivid visions of the end-times and what would happen before the second coming of Christ. James - Revelation

Summary The Bible ends with the last chapter issuing a stark warning or challenge; behold I am coming quickly and My reward is with Me, to give to every man according to his work...Revelation 22:12

THE LIVING WORD For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb 4:12KJV

THE LIVING WORD For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. AMP