Scripture Study with Bibi: A Beginning

"To get the full flavor of an herb, it must be pressed between the fingers, so it is the same with the Scriptures; the more familiar they become, the more they reveal their hidden treasures and yield their indescribable riches."  - John Chrysostom, A.D. 347-407   

As a semi-regular contributing writer here for many years, I am always pleased and thankful to be able to share my love for God and His Word with others!

To help celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry, I was given the privilege of presenting a series of Bible studies which I hope you will find informative and useful.

After much careful thought, I decided that these studies should not be so drawn-out that I risk giving the individual too much at one sitting, making them lose interest early on.

Many prefer to begin their Bible studies in the New Testament. I see nothing wrong with this as it is the most familiar for many. I, instead, would like to commence from a different place.

The Old Testament serves to provide the groundwork leading to, and connecting with, the New Testament. And it is in the Old Testament that we shall launch our studies here.

Let's begin our study with prayer: Dear LORD, as we meet together to learn, grow, and change in study, help us move into a deeper understanding of your truth. Amen

Here are some general features of Bible. We will find that there are many narratives among 39 books in the Old Testament, and 27 books in the New Testament for a total of sixty-six in the Bible.

There is a great variety in the nature and personalities of the writers, therein. Some lived in palaces, and others in prisons. Some were princes, philosophers, even scholars. Still, others were shepherds, fishermen, manual laborers and artisans.

The Bible is made up of writings covering a span of about 1400 years and includes some 40 writers. The earliest were probably written between 1400 and 1500 BCE, the latest about 96 CE.

As our studies unfold, I hope that the distinct objective of the Bible will become clear to you. That is, that the Holy Bible is a revelation of religious truth from God to man.

Assignments: 

1. The Books of the Bible are organized or divided by sections. These are:

(Old Testament) - Law, History, Poetry, Major Prophets and Minor Prophets
(New Testament) - Biographies, History, Epistles, Prophecy

See if you can classify the Books of the Bible into the above categories.

I hope you will join me next time when we shall examine Genesis, Chapters 1-8: (from Creation to the close of the Flood). Until then, have a blessed and safe weekend!

Scripture: Mark 13:31; Romans 15:4; Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Closing prayer: Dear LORD, strengthen me with the hope of my salvation and the many other blessings you provide with your continuous presence in my life. Amen

May you all be blessed!

Bibi