‌The Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus. It is a collection of writings spanning centuries and written by various authors. It tells one coherent narrative about God’s relationship with humanity.

‌Human and Divine Literature

The Bible is a collaboration between humans and God’s Spirit. It reflects both divine and human elements. By exploring its human aspects, we uncover its sacred truths. Confessing its divine inspiration transforms our humanity.

Why Read It? Engaging with the Bible lets us experience a divine-human interaction, offering profound insights and personal transformation.

‌Ancient Literature

The Bible was written in a vastly different time and culture. Honoring its historical context helps us better understand its messages. The Bible’s cultural and historical settings provide depth and richness to its teachings.

Why Read It? To truly grasp the Bible’s teachings, we need to appreciate its historical and cultural background, which enhances our understanding and application of its principles.

‌Unified Literature

Despite its many authors, literary styles, and themes, the Bible tells one overarching story about God’s creation, humanity’s fall, and God’s plan to rescue and restore humanity to partner with Him in overseeing the world.

Why Read It? The Bible’s unified story helps us see the bigger picture of God’s plan and our place within it, fostering a more profound sense of purpose and identity.

‌Messianic Literature

The Bible story and its main themes find fulfillment in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Jesus is the central figure who fulfills the Bible’s promises and prophecies.

Why Read It? Understanding the Bible’s focus on Jesus enriches our faith. It highlights the central role of Christ in God’s plan for humanity.

‌Wisdom Literature

The Bible invites us on a journey of character transformation that leads to wise living. It’s not just about learning new ideas but about becoming a person of wisdom, reflecting God’s character in our daily lives.

Why Read It? The wisdom in the Bible guides us toward a life of virtue, helping us navigate complex moral and ethical decisions with godly insight.

‌Meditation Literature

As ancient Jewish literature, the Bible is designed to be read and reread, revealing its deeper meanings over a lifetime of reflection. Its rich, layered writing encourages ongoing study and contemplation.

Why Read It? Regular meditation on the Bible fosters spiritual growth and continuous discovery of God’s truths, leading to a more profound and sustained relationship with Him.

‌Communal Literature

The Bible was meant to be read and studied within a community. Engaging with Scripture helps us learn to live out its story as a faith community, supporting and encouraging one another in our spiritual journeys.

Why Read It? Studying the Bible within a community enriches our understanding and application of its teachings, providing mutual support and accountability.

‌Understanding the Hebrew Bible

We must understand the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) to comprehend the Bible thoroughly. It lays the foundation for understanding the nature of God the Father, the Spirit, the Son, and the New Testament.

Why Read It? The Hebrew Bible provides essential context and background that enriches our understanding of the New Testament and biblical narrative.

Understanding the Christian Bible

The Christian Bible consists of the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament sets the stage with the story of God’s creation, humanity’s fall, and God’s covenant with Israel. The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ, detailing His life, teachings, death, and resurrection and the spread of the early Christian church.

Why Read It? Understanding the Christian Bible helps us see the fulfillment of God’s plan through Jesus and the foundation of Christian faith and practice. It connects the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament with the life and mission of Jesus in the New Testament.

‌Reasons to Engage with the Bible

• Spiritual Growth: The Bible is a divine guide for personal and spiritual growth, transforming our lives by aligning us with God’s will.
• Cultural Literacy: Understanding the Bible helps us appreciate its profound influence on history, culture, art, and morality‌
• Moral Guidance: The Bible offers timeless wisdom and ethical guidance, helping us navigate life’s challenges with integrity and faith.
• Community Building: Studying the Bible together strengthens our faith communities, fostering unity and collective spiritual growth.
• Deeper Faith: Engaging with the Bible deepens our faith, providing a solid foundation for our beliefs and practices.

By reading the Bible, we embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and transformation, connecting us with God and His grand narrative for humanity.

~PW 🌮🛶

‌Want to know more?

• The Bible Project. The Bible Project.
• Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2014). How to read the Bible for all its worth (4th ed.). Zondervan.
• Longman III, T. (1997). Reading the Bible with heart & mind. NavPress.
• Wright, N. T. (1992). The New Testament and the people of God. Fortress Press.