Bridging the Gap Presents…
Resources for New Believers

God's Word - the Holy Bible

Some Christians have described God’s Word-The Holy Bible as the “Believer’s Instructions before Leaving Earth” or “The Christian’s Survival Guide”.  It certainly is both!  Living in today’s world is a challenge; but God gives us His Word to enable us to continue to mature as Christians and to know the right way to live.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The Bible consists of 66 books - 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.

The Old Testament, from Genesis to Malachi, contains the history of mankind, the choosing of a nation to be God’s people (Israel), the Law directing their lives, and the prophetic words regarding the Messiah (Jesus) who was to come.  It was written before Jesus was born and its writings are directed toward the Jewish nation of Israel. 

The New Testament writings begin with the birth of Jesus (the Messiah).   The four gospels, written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, apostles of Jesus Christ, reveal Him as Messiah (Savior).  It tells us about the life and teachings of Jesus.  It talks about His death and resurrection.  Throughout the gospels, Jesus reveals that He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.  Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were eyewitnesses to the life of Jesus.  They lived and worked with Him during His life on earth and gave us their accounts in each of these gospels. 

Following these first four books is the Book of Acts which is the beginning of the church age. This book was written by Luke, the apostle.  The next 22 books from Romans to Revelation were written by other apostles and Disciples of Christ.  These books are called Epistles (letters) and were written by Paul, James, Peter, John, and Jude.  These writers share with us everything necessary to live as a believer.  The teachings will not only inspire us, but will challenge us to go beyond our comfort zone, to become all that God wants us to become, and to share the “Good News” with those around us.

Growing as a Christian will require daily reading in the Bible, memorizing Scripture verses, and living out what is learned.  Attending a balanced church that teaches from God’s Word is fundamental. Joining a Bible study group will help you dig deeper into the truth of God’s Word and enable you to meet life’s challenges with a new perspective.

Once you see the transformation God’s Word brings when applied to your life, your faith and love for the Lord will increase by leaps and bounds!  Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.”

by Karen Geisen

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