BASIC BIBLE STUDIES
# 001
Getting Acquainted with the Bible
(Part 1)
To many, the Bible is a big book that somehow dropped down out of heaven, filled with various rules, maxims, nice principles for everyday living, and magical cures for the problems of life. To others, the Bible contains a secret code, which, if unlocked, the reader will be able to discover all sorts of amazing things that the average reader of the Bible will not be able to discover.
Those with the first above stated view of the Bible think they can just open it up anywhere, read a few verses (perhaps from the Psalms or the Prophets or the Gospels or the Book of Revelation), and discover what they ought to do in a given situation. When it does not turn out that way, they throw up their hands and decide the Bible is an impractical book that cannot be understood by the ordinary person, but only by the theologically educated "clergy" who must then tell others what it means.
Those with the second above stated view of the Bible look for "messages" beyond the actual words of the text and seek to find in it an encoded message predicting all sorts of modern inventions, scientific discoveries, and dealing with the bizarre and the paranormal. To them, the Bible is more of a mysterious "curiosity" than it is an intelligent communication of God's will to man regarding salvation from sin and the establishment of a meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
To benefit from the reading and study of the Bible it is necessary for a person to spend a little time getting acquainted with the Book itself.
The Bible is composed of two main divisions--the Old Testament and the New Testament. (A later study will be devoted to these two major divisions and why they are designated as the Old Testament and the New Testament). The Old Testament consists of 39 individual books; the New Testament consists of 27 individual books.
The 39 books of the Old Testament can be grouped as follows:
* The 5 books of Law (Genesis through Deuteronomy)
* The 12 books of Israelite History (Joshua through Esther)
* The 5 books of Wisdom Literature (Job through Song of Solomon)
* The 17 books of Prophecy (Isaiah through Malachi)
The 27 books of the New Testament can be grouped as follows:
* The 4 books of the Life of Christ (Matthew through John)
* The 1 book of Church History (Acts of Apostles)
* The 21 books of Instruction to Christians (Romans through Jude)
* The 1 book of Prophecy (Revelation)
Thus, depending upon what a person is wanting to know or interested in studying, one can turn to that part of the Bible dealing with that matter and begin an informative study of the subject.
(Later lessons will provide further information as to the contents of the various sections and books of the Bible, as well as some practical suggestions for reading the Bible more understandably).
Far from being dull and boring, the Bible is a truly marvelous book designed to set forth God's will for humanity. The person who will dedicate himself to a regular reading and study of it will be richly blessed.
Many years ago someone penned the following tribute to the Bible:
This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom
of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts binding, its histories true, and its decisions immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to supply you, and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the
Christian's charter.
Here paradise is restored, heaven is opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.
Christ is the grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and
a river of pleasure.
It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and remembered forever.
It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who
trifle with its holy contents.
If this essay has blessed you, feel free to forward it to others who may benefit from it.
Hugh Fulford