Part 3 What is the Bible? We will conclude our “ What is the Bible” series. Yesterday, we did a brief summary on The Old Testament that ended with the Jews led by the Pharisees became increasing devoted in keeping the Old Testament law that they became legalistic in their interpretation instead of giving God the honor. Today, we will give a summary on the New Testament. THE NEW TESTAMENT For 400 years, nothing new was added to the Bible. The prophets fell silent. During this time, Middle Eastern empires rose and fell and the tiny nation of Israel suffered under the domination of greater powers like Greece and Rome. The New Testament opens about 400 years after Malachi with the birth of a baby. A baby unlike any who had ever came before. By introducing this baby who grew into the man Jesus, The Book of Matthew opens a whole new section of the Bible. The New Testament. He talks about the virgin birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, that He was the descendant promised to Abraham and David, the One to fulfill God’s plan to redeem mankind and restore creation. Jesus faithfully completed His work—He died for sin and rose from the dead. The death of Christ is the basis for a new covenant with the world. All who have faith in Jesus will be saved from sin and live eternally. One of the most memorized verse in the Bible, John 3:16 echoes the purpose of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, death, resurrection and ascension. For God so loved the world, that He GAVE His only begotten son. That whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but will have ETERNAL LIFE. After His resurrection, Jesus sent His disciples to spread the news everywhere of His life and His power to save. Jesus’ disciples went in every direction spreading the good news of Jesus and salvation. They traveled through Asia Minor, Greece, and all the Roman Empire. A big part of the New Testament talks about the travels, letters, persecution and ministry of perhaps the greatest missionary of the Christian World, the apostle Paul. The Gospels ( Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) describe Jesus’ life and death on earth from four different viewpoints. The Epistles ( Paul’s letters ) discuss the deep significance of the resurrected Christ and what he accomplished. But the last book of the New Testament, The Revelation shows Jesus Christ from a new perspective, as the mighty ruler of the cosmic forces of good and comes with a prediction of Jesus’ return to judge the unbelieving world and free creation from the curse of sin. A Quiz to reflect on our short series. ( can be discuss in your different groups) 1) What are the different categories of books that comprise the Bible? 2) There are around 40 human authors of the Bible, but who is the ultimate author of the Bible and why? 3) Why is Jesus the central character of the whole Bible? 4) Give a brief summary on the Old Testament and the New Testament. Join me again on next week as we take on another interesting topic, “What does it mean that the Bible is the inspired Word of God ?” Shalom ! C.B.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 23:40:14 +0000
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