The Bible: Does God Speak To You?

What is the world's bestseller for several thousands of years, read aloud more than any other book, translated into many language more than any other book, and moved more people into a divine destiny more than any other book? The answer is simple: the Bible. But, have you ever paused to wonder what makes this collection of literature so amazing?

Also, have you ever thought about what is in this compilation of words that sustains reader's interest time and time again?

Well, first of all it's not just one book. Rather it's a library of 66 books in total, organized in 2 main sections called the Old Testament and (creatively!) the New Testament. The Old Testament includes 39 books, to the New Testament's 27. More than 40 authors contributed to this collection, writing over a period of at least 1500 years, and living in very different cultures. The most recent (the Gospel of John) being completed over 1900 years ago.

The Bible contains a wide variety of types of literature - narrative history, poetry, philosophy, prophecy, letters, and the Apocalypse. The Old Testament focuses on the history of the Nation of Israel, and God's dealings with them, while the New Testament tells of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the development of the early Christian church.

It's also remarkable in that the Bible makes huge claims about it's nature and significance - claims to be a revelation from God, to all people on this planet; claims to provides words of life and hope to a declining humanity.

The opening words "In the beginning, God created.." live on as a very touching glimpse into God's magnificence and glory. To mirror this message, John in the last Bible book written, starts off his gospel with "In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God..." This statement emphasizes that God's word is the source of all words and communication with God.

The Bible contains two unique features not found in other books: (1) Jesus Christ is presented as the resurrected Savior and alive today and (2) Prophecies in the Bible about our world end with an optimistic outcome rather than negative messages provided by contemporary predictions.

Some readers prefer to approach the Bible about what it has to say on different topics or themes. Even software tools are available to help you sort through this massive book and find text. The more common themes of the Bible deal with the nature of God, grace, forgiveness, sacrifice and worship.

If navigating through the story feels a bit overwhelming, check out Reading Plans online at http://www.heartlight.org/devotionals/reading_plans for more assistance.

There's plenty help available so you can navigate through the story line, or your chosen theme, without being shipwrecked en route. One source is Reading Plans

The greatest amazement about the Bible is without a doubt the word of God to humankind. The fact that he has spoken to us and wants us to hear what he has to say is a compelling enough reason to get to know him better by reading, listening to, and acting upon what he has generously said to us!
 
 
About the Author

Copyright 2006 Bobi Raymond. All rights reserved.
Bobi Raymond has developed Ray Bible Guide, as a useful source of information about the Bible, and how to get the best out of it. If you'd like more information, just go to his articles archive at: http://www.raybible.com/newsletters/

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