Episode 5 – Unlocking the Bible (BRIDGING GAPS IN UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE)

SIZE The Bible is a Big Book;66;39 OT, 27 NT (Library of books, Biblia) 7,000 words, 1500 pages.Left behind Tim Lahaye & Jerry Jenkins

We must read like a Library each book, and not eclectic; here and there

• THEMES The Bible books were written with a theme in mind. You must read with the theme in mind.Agatha Christie,

Some book overview, and  themes. Don’t be ecletic about it;read it book by book

• Genesis: Beginnings
  Describes the creation; gives the history of the old world, and of the steps taken by God toward the formation of theocracy.

The Book of Genesis answers many of the questions that have plagued philosophers throughout the ages. 1. What is the source of the universe? 2. Is there a God in heaven? 3. Where did the seven day week come from? 4. Where did men and woman come from? 5. What is the purpose of man’s existence? 6. What is the origin of marriage in humans? 7. What is the difference between animals and man? 8. How did sin enter the human race? 9. What is the source of all of the various languages in the world today? 10. Is there a real devil and how does he work? 11. What is the origin of the Hebrew race? 12. How did the children of Israel get into Egypt?

Nobody writes LETTERS without a reason

• GAPS
• Time: The books of the bible were written many centuries ago. For us to understand today what God was communicating then, there are several gaps that need to be bridged: Timely and Timeless word.

 

• The language gap, O.T. hEBREws/Aramaic (esther, neh,)  NT Greek Often, understanding the meaning of a word or phrase in the original languagecan be the key to correctly interpreting a passage of Scripture.Example Love (Phileo(friends), Eros(sexual), Sturge(family,parental), Agapao(unconditional) Peter Petra (Rock) Simon (reed)

Scripture must first be viewed in the context of the culture in which it was written. Without an understanding of  first–‐century Jewish culture, it is difficult to understand the gospels. E.g. who were the Romans, Jews, Herod, Pontus Pilate. Acts and  the epistles must be read in light of the Greek and Roman cultures. The culture gap can be tricky. Some people try to use cultural differences to explain away the more difficult biblical commands.

e.g. John 4-Samaritan vs Jew The good Samaritan

 

• Historical History will help us place the people and events in it in their proper historical perspective. The Bible was not arranged in Chronological order.We must also bridge the history gap. the Bible contains the records of actual historical persons and events.An understanding of Bible Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem (Capital), and in all Judaea (remote rural areas), and in Samaria (mixed race), and unto the uttermost part of the earth (totally different races)

• The geographical gap; A third gap that needs to be closed is the geography gap. Biblical geography makes the bible come alive. A good bible atlas is an invaluable reference tool that can help you comprehend the geography of the Holy Land.Trivia details, integrated data went down Matt 4v13 Naz Mat 4:13  And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:  (inward looking rural Jewish) vs Capernaum (outward looking intl mixed Jews Gentile). Pay attention to details, ask why? former rain, latter rain.A good bible dictionary or Bible encyclopedia is useful here, as are basic historical studies. Elijah vs widow Zarephath Jezebel sidon princess

1Ki 17:9  Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.

1Ki 16:30  And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. 1Ki 16:31  And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.

 

• Book chapters and verse, topicsLk 15 Prodigal son 1Co 12:1  Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 1Co 13:1  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

 

Conclusion

These gaps can be bridged by the use of Bible aids;Study Bible Atlas/Maps, book intros,commentaries I will send you some materials. Action point get a Study Bible

Commit to Reading the Bible by Book

• THEMES

The Bible books were written with a theme in mind. The following gives an overview of the  books and the Mnemonic for remembering themes.

• Genesis: God of Promise – Beginnings
  Describes the creation; gives the history of the old world, and of the steps taken by God toward the formation of theocracy.

The Book of Genesis answers many of the questions that have plagued philosophers throughout the ages.

1. What is the source of the universe? 2. Is there a God in heaven? 3. Where did the seven day week come from? 4. Where did men and woman come from? 5. What is the purpose of man’s existence? 6. What is the origin of marriage in humans? 7. What is the difference between animals and man? 8. How did sin enter the human race? 9. What is the source of all of the various languages in the world today? 10. Is there a real devil and how does he work? 11. What is the origin of the Hebrew race? 12. How did the children of Israel get into Egypt?

• Exodus: God of Power – Deliverance /Redemption
  The history of Israel’s departure from Egypt; the giving of the law; the tabernacle.

What is a simple outline of the Book of Exodus?

 

1. The Need for Redemption—The People Enslaved (Ex. 1-6) 2. The Strength of the Redeemer—The Plagues on Egypt (Ex. 7-12) 3. The Nature of Redemption—Purchased by Blood (Ex. 12-18) 4. The Relationship of the Redeemed—A Covenant of Obedience with the Lord (Ex. 19-24) 5. Provision Made for Man’s Failure—The Tabernacle of the Meeting (Ex. 25-40)
2. Leviticus: The word “Leviticus” means “pertaining to Levites.”God of Purity– Instruction
   The ceremonial law.

3. Numbers: God of Perseverance – Journeys
   The census of the people; the story of the wanderings in the wilderness.

. Matthew – Jesus As King

. Mark – Jesus The Servant

Luke – Jesus The Perfect Man

John – Jesus As God

 

The New is in the Old concealed; The Old is in the New revealed.

 

The New is in the Old contained; The Old is in the New explained.

 

The New is in the Old enfolded; The Old is in the New unfolded.

 

1. Study when you are physically alert. (Some in the early morning, others late at night).
2. Study when you are not interrupted.
3. Study when you can focus on the Scriptures.
4. Study a little each day (forget about spending all day in the Word, at least for now).
5. Study immediately before teaching (like taking an exam, study all semester, but

review before the exam).