Bible Basics

Monday: What is the Bible?

One unified book, 66 literary works separated into 2 covenants, with the sole purpose of making man wise for salvation. (2 Tim. 3:15)

So what are the functions of the Bible?

1. Conviction of sin - Romans 3:20, Gal. 3:22-25, Heb. 4:12-13
2. Correction & instruction - Josh. 1:8, Matt. 7:24-27, Eph. 4:11-12
3. Spiritual Fruitfulness - Mark 4:1-20, James 1:22-25
4. Perseverance - John 10:28-29, I Cor. 15:2, II Cor. 13:5
5. Joy and delight - Psalm 19:9-10
6. Ultimate authority in doctrine and deed - Luke 10:26, Luke 24:44-45, John 10:35

Tuesday: Who wrote the Bible?

The Bible was written as a dual authorship meaning that both God and man were writing. Need proof?

• Look up Psalm 95. The author here is an ancient Israelite leading other ancient Israelites in worship. “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord”
• Now look up Hebrews 3:7. This passage is referring back to Psalm 95. It begins with “The Holy Spirit says” . . . So, who said it? The Holy Spirit or an Israelite? 
  

The answer is BOTH!

T.C. Hammond compares inspiration and incarnation beautifully in the book In Understanding Be Men: An Introductory Handbook of Christian Doctrine.

He speaks about the virgin birth stating that Mary remained a human mother and would have appeared to others to be an ordinary human mother but was carrying the long-expected Redeemer of Israel. In the same manor, the writers of the biblical books remained human authors but had a message that was absolutely God breathed.

Wednesday: Look up the following verses - Matthew 1:22, Matthew 2:15

• How do these verses prove the dual-authorship of the Bible?
  

Discussion question: (taken from 40 Questions About Interpreting The Bible by Robert L. Plummer)

• In what ways are Jesus’ human and divine natures similar to and different from the divine-human authorship of Scripture?
  

Thursday: What the truth (and inerrancy) of the Bible means for us

• 2 Timothy 3:16 - Even though the Bible has human authors, all scripture is the inspiration of God.
• Number 23:19 - God is truthful so we can know that God’s communication to us is completely truthful.
• Hebrews 1:1-2 - If the Old Testament was complete truth, then we can have faith in what God reveals to us through Christ.
  

Friday: Family fun with Bible facts!

• What did God use to take the prophet Elijah into Heaven?  (2 Kings 2:1)
• Jesus and Peter once paid taxes using a coin found where? (Matt 17:24-27)
• What did Moses throw into the bitter water to make it sweet? (Exodus 15:24-25)
• What is the longest name in the Bible? (Isaiah 8:1)
• Can you pronounce it?