Bible Basics for Everyone
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About this ebook
Getting the most out of Bible reading time just got easier. This handy guide is small in size but big on information. Author Terry Glaspey addresses the top questions people have about the Bible, presents a 90–day reading plan, and eases the intimidation factor as he shares
- verses for comfort, peace, and grace
- 7 ways Scripture helps us know God
- a 5–minute synopsis of the entire Bible
- 8 tools to get the most out of each reading
- 66 one–page summaries of each book of the Bible
For avid Bible readers or those curious about the bestselling book of all time, this portable resource opens up the wonder, power, and message of the Bible in new ways.
Terry Glaspey
Terry Glaspey, PhD, has degrees in history and pastoral ministry and is the author of several books, including 75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know and Not a Tame Lion: The Spiritual Legacy of C.S. Lewis.
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Bible Basics for Everyone - Terry Glaspey
Bible
BEFORE WE GET STARTED…
The Bible. It’s the book that everyone quotes from, most people say they respect as the Word of God, and few people actually read. It’s the source of much of our law, our art, and, of course, our faith. It isn’t always an easy book to read and understand, but it is a book worth reading.
Sure, it’s long. And much of it seems foreign to us. Some of it is kind of confusing. Some of it is hard to understand. Some of it frankly seems a little weird to the modern reader. The events recorded in it took place a long time ago, and it was originally written in languages that few speak or write today. But it is a book worth reading.
Countless people through many generations have found it to be a life-giving book, filled with hope, help, and strength for dark times. I know that I have! In its pages we glimpse the majestic glory and tender heart of its main character—God. And in its pages we are offered the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ, His Son. So, yes, it is a book worth reading.
But maybe you need a little help getting started. Well, the book you hold in your hand is intended as a guide to help you get more out of the Bible by 1) understanding how it all fits together, 2) discovering how you can get more out of reading and studying it, and 3) exploring how it can change your perspective on life’s struggles. All these features are put together in sections that can be read in one minute or less. Think of it as a compact tourist guidebook for seeking out the treasures of the most amazing volume ever penned, or as CliffsNotes for the Scriptures.
I’ve tried to keep it simple, straightforward, and practical. My prayer is that you’ll find within these pages the background you need to have to read the Bible with greater understanding. I also pray that it will deepen your appreciation for the miracle that is God’s Word. Hopefully it will be fun too. So join me for this journey through the world’s greatest book, one definitely worth reading.
SEVEN WAYS THE BIBLE HELPS US KNOW AND LOVE GOD
1. The Scriptures give us spiritual insight. (Psalm 119:30; James 1:2)
2. The Scriptures give us guidance. (Psalm 119:105)
3. The Scriptures produce faith in us. (Romans 10:17)
4. The Scriptures help us face temptation. (Psalm 119:11)
5. The Scriptures teach us wisdom and equip us for life. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
6. The Scriptures are a mirror to our soul. (Hebrews 4:12)
7. The Scriptures nourish us. (1 Peter 2:1-2)
Part One
Reading the Bible for Yourself
FIVE REASONS YOU SHOULD READ THE BIBLE
1. It contains a unique message from God—no other book can claim to be the Word of God.
It is an inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17) account of God dealing with His people and the written record of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who was Himself the eternal Word of God (John 1:1). If it’s God’s book, isn’t it worth your time to explore?
2. It is filled with practical wisdom about how human beings should live their lives. In its pages you’ll find advice on how to build a stronger relationship with God and with others, as well as the ethical rules necessary for living a more healthy and successful life. It shows us the best way to live.
3. It teaches us the truth about God, about ourselves, and about the world we live in. The Bible is a wonderful mirror in which to see our own limitations as human beings and learn to depend on God. It is a book that transforms lives!
4. It is the single greatest fountainhead of Western thought and culture. You can’t really understand the history of philosophy, law and politics, the meaning of much of our great art and literature, or even the significance of countless common English expressions without some knowledge of the Bible.
5. It makes for a fascinating read! Really! Whoever told you that the Bible was boring and irrelevant evidently hadn’t read very much of it…or maybe they just read those tedious bits in Leviticus and the genealogies. The Bible is full of amazing stories, challenging teachings, and intriguing ideas. Give it a chance, and you’ll see what I mean!
FIVE WAYS TO APPROACH READING THE BIBLE
1. Reading at Random. This is how many people read the Bible. They simply pick up their Bible, let it fall open to a random page, and then start reading. The problem with this is you’ll often miss the all-important context of the passage and overlook many of the