The Bible in Brief

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

All the books in the Bible work together to give us a clearer picture of God and our place in His kingdom. The Old Testament gives us the foundation that will lead to Christ's coming, and the New Testament shows us how this plays out and how His followers carry on after His death, resurrection, and ascension. 

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold woundrous things out of thy law (Psalm 119:`18).

The first five books of the Old Testament give us the law stemming from the Old Covenant. The next books, Joshua through Esther, give us the history of the Hebrews. Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon give us wisdom and poetry. Then come the books of the prophets, layered with messages from God on different levels, but all eventually leading to Christ.

All scripture is given by inspriration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The themes of the Old Testament cover the creation, the call of God to Abraham that forms a new nation favored by God, the growth of the nation of Israel, the division to form both Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom), capture and exile, and the return from exile leading to the New Testament events.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).

The New Testament includes the four Gospels about the life and teachings of Jesus, the history of what we now call Christianity, the espistles giving instructions on godly living, and a glimpse into the last days. The themes here include: the life of Jesus, His teachings, the beginnings of the Church, how to live a Christian life, and our future hope in Christ.

He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

If you aren't reading and studying the Bible daily, even if for only a few minutes, you are missing out. It's not only a great way to get to know God and draw closer to Him, it will also strenghten you, increase your faith, and help you dodge Satan's arrows. You can't be the person God wants you to be without it.

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