The Bible is the story of God’s redeeming work in human history.  The main focus is God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, designed to redeem us and all of creation. In fact, the life and teachings of Jesus are central to shaping our interpretation of passages that are difficult or not easily understood. So, biblical truth convicts us of sin, leads us to salvation, and teaches us how to follow Jesus in daily life.

We can explore biblical truth by understanding:

The Whole Bible is the Word of God.

It is helpful to allow the words of Jesus to guide our understanding of the rest of the story. In fact, the life and teachings of Jesus can shape our interpretation of passages that are difficult or not easily understood.  For instance, after the resurrection, two disciples were walking on the Road to Emmaus.  Jesus joined them and gave them a lesson on how to interpret His own death and resurrection.  He told them that the entire Old Testament had pointed to Him. Christ revealed that His teachings will help us interpret both the Old Testament and New Testament more accurately.

He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself”. – Luke 24:25-27

Here are some steps to follow as we attempt to interpret the Scriptures correctly through Christ:

One of the ways we can grow in our ability to interpret the Bible Is simple. Ask your self how did Jesus interpreted passages from the Old Testament?  You’ll find that many of His teachings are quotes from various Old Testament books.  Many of these are taken from the books of the Torah, the Psalms, and Isaiah.  Here are some good examples:

It is clear from the Book of Acts, that the apostles had a very high regard for God’s Word.  It was their conviction that if they preached the “Word of God” their message would be used by the Holy Spirit and it would have the power to convict and transform. This belief suggests that as the Word of God is preached, it extends the power and presence of the Kingdom of God.  In this way, the Gospel gains power in new regions of the world.  Note the following passages:

When we preach, it is possible for us to draw attention to ourselves rather than to the word of God? The goal of preaching is to testify about Jesus and for God to be glorified.

Does your preaching focus on Jesus, and does it allow the power of the Word of God to be released?

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The Bible is the story of God’s redeeming work in human history. The Bible is the Word of God which convicts us of sin, lead us to salvation, and teach us how to follow Jesus in daily life.

We can explore biblical truth by understanding:

The Word of God is powerful. And, our cooperation is essential for this power to be released within us.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples” (John 8:31).  In other words, obedience to His teachings will lead Jesus’ disciples to become more like Him.

Obedience opens up our hearts and minds to further truths in the Word of God.  Sin and disobedience prevent us from seeing what is most helpful in our time of need. Obedience allows the Holy Spirit to accomplish within us the transformation which develops Christ-like character.

When the Berean Jews heard the Word of God from Paul and Silas, they received the message with great eagerness . Crucially, they examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed (Acts 17:11). Hearing the word of God is one thing and studying it for life is another thing. It also requires discipline. The Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica.

The word of God is not an empty word. It has the power to transform life (Deuteronomy 32:47, John 6:63).

We must discipline ourselves to read it daily and study it to internalize it. Then we need to obey and teach others (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).

 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. – Matthew 7:24-27

When we study the Word of God it has the power to stir up our spiritual imagination.  We will begin to have great thoughts inspired by God.  Memorizing the Word of God can help to purify our thoughts and our motives.  Let the Word of God guide you, shape you, and teach you.

Studying the Word of God and internalizing it will allow the Holy Spirit to purify our thoughts.  This will lead to wise, life-giving words and actions.  You will learn to speak the truth in love. Jesus often spoke of the need to be cleansed within so that our words and our actions would accomplish what is best.  “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45).

Whether we curse others or speak a blessing, our words have power. They are never “just words.”  Speaking some of our thoughts helps to bring thoughts into reality, both good and bad.  There are many admonitions in the book of Proverbs that tell us to be careful about our speech for the words of our mouths can bring healing or harm to ourselves and to others.  Many people will be affected by what we say (James 3:3-5).

In Ephesians, followers of Jesus are told that “speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).

What prevents you from maintaining the discipline of daily bible study?

Prior to the invention of the printing press, the books of the Bible were copied by hand by scribes who would make sure that each copy was identical to the original. 

An initial translation of the Old Testament called the Septuagint, took place in approximately the second century before the life of Jesus.  This was reportedly done by seventy Jewish scribes who translated the entire Old Testament from Hebrew into Koine Greek, making it available to Jewish communities who were strongly influenced by Rome (especially in Alexandria, Egypt).

The initial New Testament manuscripts were already written in Greek (and some in Aramaic) since this had become the common language throughout the Roman Empire by the time Jesus was born.  The entire Bible was translated into Latin in the third century by St. Jerome.  This became the official translation of the Church which became very resistant to other translation efforts.

With the invention of the printing press, Christians were quick to realize its value in making the Bible more readily available to every person.  This technology was first developed in China in 1048 and was then more fully developed in Germany by Johannes Gutenberg in 1450; it was then used to print the Guttenberg Bible.  As the Bible became more readily available, it had a powerful effect on people and contributed significantly to the protestant reformation.

Along with making many copies of the Bible, Christians began to translate the Bible into many different languages.  Wycliffe, an organization that continues this translation work today, believes in making it possible for every person to read the Word of God in their “own heart language.”  Did you know the Bible has been made available in more than 1,300 languages?

Receiving the Word of God in your own language has a powerful effect. It communicates God’s love and acceptance of every race, language, and ethnic group.  It is possible because of the foundational Biblical truth that every person is made in the image of God. 

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature^] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:5-11

Lectio Divina is an ancient pattern of Bible reading which has enriched the lives of many.  It can be used in personal devotions and in community worship. This practice includes listening, reflecting, praying, and obeying. Here is the process:

Lectio—Listen: ask the Lord to speak, and then read the Bible with a listening spirit.  You may want to read a passage several times or have different people read to you using various translations.

Meditatio—Reflect:  spend time reflecting on what you are hearing from the Lord.  This could include discussion or silent meditation which may be shared with others.

Oratio—Pray: speak to the Lord in response to what you have heard.  Pray the thoughts and ideas which come from the passage, expressing them to the Lord.

Contemplio—Obey: let what you have heard penetrate your life and relationships by being obedient to what the Lord has made clear to you through His Word.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The Bible is the story of God’s redeeming work in human history.  The main focus is God’s plan of salvation found in Jesus Christ, designed to redeem us and all of creation.  The Bible is the Word of God which is used by the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin, lead us to salvation, and teach us how to follow Jesus in daily life.

We can explore biblical truth by understanding:

Biblical interpretation is simply understanding what a passage of the Bible says in order to live it well.  It is important for us to learn how to study the Bible and apply it to life.  The Apostle Paul says to Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

It is important to note that understanding the message of the Bible is not difficult.

Most of the Bible was essentially written in a “street language” which means that it is intended to be understood by anyone and everyone; great spiritual insight from God’s Word is not limited to those with extensive academic training—for the Word of God is meant to be read and understood by anyone.  However, it is important that we learn to correctly handle the word of truth.

All of these issues are significant and they do deserve our attention.  For example, it does require a careful reading of the biblical text in order to interpret a passage and apply it to our own cultural context in ways that are faithful to the intended meaning of the Bible.

However, the greatest challenge is that of human pride.

Due to our sin, we are reluctant to accept what God is telling us.  We will do anything to avoid the obvious truth of a biblical text when we are unwilling to submit in obedience to God, our Creator, and Redeemer.  As a result, we often argue or ignore what God’s Word is telling us.  This can lead to divisions in the Church and hostility between denominations.  Confession, humility, and obedience are the steps that bring us back to a place where we hear God’s message more clearly.

Is there a passage of Scripture that makes you uncomfortable because you are unwilling to do what God is asking you to do?

Is there a passage of Scripture that is used to divide Christians in your region into opposing groups?  Jesus prayed for unity among all believers—disunity will harm our witness.  Can you read/study that passage together with those who disagree and become unified?

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The Bible is the story of God’s redeeming work in human history.  The focus of the Bible is to outline God’s plan of salvation found in Jesus Christ. The Bible is the Word of God which leads us to salvation. And it teaches us how to follow Jesus in daily life.

We can explore biblical truth by understanding:

Genesis states that God created heaven and earth by speaking it into existence.  God said, “Let there be light, and there was light.”  In fact, the book of John explains it like this. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:1-3).

Throughout His ministry, Jesus revealed that there was power in His spoken word. Jesus who was asleep in a boat when the disciples woke Him up in the middle of a storm.  “‘He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.’  The disciples were astounded.   Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him” (Luke 8:22-25).

When we read the Bible we are reading powerful words, a message from God. It can impact our lives and the lives of others.  As you read the Bible, the Word of God to us, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
– Hebrews 4:12-13

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
– Isaiah 55:8-11

In the Garden of Eden, God walked and talked with Adam and Eve.  It was God’s desire from the beginning to have a close relationship with mankind, with those made in His image.  The initial stories in the Bible came to us from people who heard from God.  Led by the Spirit of the Lord, these people memorized and passed on these stories to the next generation.

The Bible was written by people who were inspired by God. Divine inspiration allowed each writer to be both humanly creative and obedient to the Spirit of the Lord.

The Bible is comprised of 66 Books written by more than 40 authors over 2,000 years.  The nation of Israel kept the Old Testament books in safety. They carefully made exact copies of the originals.  We know that the text Jesus read was essentially identical to the one we read today. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls helps us understand this.

Jesus expressed confidence that the Old Testament was, and is, God’s word to us (Luke 24:25-27, Luke 24:44-45).  His reference to “the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms” reflects the traditional threefold division of the Hebrew canon. In other words, the entire Old Testament as we have it today.  The early Church was quick to affirm this by practice and through various church councils.

After His death and resurrection, they were instrumental in the formation of the four gospels. And they contributed a number of the letters which form the New Testament canon. In fact, many of these books were written by the Apostle Paul. 

The early Church was required to make some clear decisions when a false teaching called Gnosticism appeared.  Around the year 140, the Roman church received a visit from Marcion, a native of Asia Minor.  Marcion rejected the Old Testament entirely and had selectively chosen and edited some of the apostolic material, purging them of anything that did not align with his views.

This challenge seems to have propelled the early Church to define more clearly the content and the boundaries of the books and letters which came to be known as the “New Testament.” Then, In a series of church councils beginning with the Council of Nicaea in 325, the Church was able to confirm the collection we know today as the New Testament.

Thus, within the first three centuries AD, the early Church adopted the Old Testament as the Word of God, later adding the collection of gospels and letters which form the New Testament that we have today.  The selection process was careful and prayerful.  We now have many early copies of these texts, and they confirm that the New Testament that we read today reflects the original intent of each writer as they communicate God’s word to us.

The Old Testament books are generally grouped into four main sections:

These first five books of the Bible are called the Books of Moses.  They form the foundation for the Bible.  God spoke to Moses on the top of Mount Sinai.  The Lord met with Moses every morning at the Tent of Meeting where He “would speak to Moses … as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:7-11).  The Torah was God’s greatest revelation of Himself prior to the life of Jesus. 

It includes the Creation story, the call of Abraham and the early formation of the Nation of Israel, the release of Israel from captivity in Egypt, the Ten Commandments given at Mount Sinai, and the arrival of the Israelite nation to the Promised Land.  Because God’s message to Moses was so clear and comprehensive, the Torah became the measure of all other messages from God.  From then on, every prophet’s teachings, every word that anyone claimed to come from God, was evaluated by comparing it to the Torah.

These 12 books illustrate God’s patient work with the people of Israel, preparing the way for the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  During this time, Israel entered the Promised Land and was initially guided by Judges until God established Israel as a kingdom. Jerusalem was the capital city and it was here where Solomon, the son of David, built the temple.  After only seventy years as a unified kingdom, the nation divided into two kingdoms—Israel and Judah—in 930 BC.  Both kingdoms were conquered and taken into exile—Israel to Samaria in 722 BC and Judah to Babylon in 586 BC.  In 515 BC, God allowed His people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

These five books are treasures for worship and meditation, providing deep understanding of how to experience intimacy with God.  They also address some of the most troubling questions of faith and obedience.  For this reason, they can be very helpful as devotional readings in all seasons of life.

The 17 books of the Prophets were written during the time of the Historical Books.   Like Moses, each prophet was called to speak to the nation of Israel with a message they had received from God.  “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). They frequently spoke words of judgment addressing the sins of the nation and their failure to remain faithful and obedient to the Lord. Sometimes their visions were about the future, giving hope to the people about a coming Messiah and the ultimate reign of God.

God’s clearest revelation comes to us in Jesus Christ.Colossians 1:15 says, “We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen” (The Message).  The four Gospels allow us to get to know Jesus, but they also teach us how to understand the God portrayed in the Old Testament and help us to fall in love with the God whom Jesus knows.  The Gospels, together with all of the books of the New Testament, are essential tools in understanding and interpreting the Old Testament.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ² but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. ³ The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
– Hebrews 1:1-3

The New Testament books are generally grouped into four main sections:

These are four different, first-hand accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus.  Three were written by disciples who had been with Jesus—Matthew, Mark, and John. These books provide us with a clear picture of Jesus—His birth, life, death, and resurrection.  In all four Gospels, Jesus began His public ministry by announcing the Good News of the Kingdom of God, then dying on the cross and rising again so as to gain victory over sin and death and accomplish our salvation.

Jesus disciple, Luke wrote the book of acts as a record of how the early Church formed and how it grew.  It portrays the early mission efforts—starting in Jerusalem, then spreading throughout much of the known world by the ministry of the Apostle Paul.  Since it is clear that Luke went along on some of the missionary journeys, this book is a collection of firsthand observations as well as other interviews and research.

These 21 books provide a fascinating look at the early Church. They provide deep insights into how to actively live the Christian faith in community.

The Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation. It begins with a vision of the living Christ, enthroned in heaven, who gives John an evaluation of the various regional churches.  The vision then moves through a series of battles that culminate in the final victory over sin and death. The book ends with a vision of all followers of Jesus living in God’s presence in a new heaven and a new earth.

Are there any parts of the Bible you tend to neglect or ignore?

What is God currently teaching you about through His Word?

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!