~ A place to find answers to gnawing spiritual questions ~
Question: Why is the Bible important to Christians?Answer: The Bible is the inspired Word of God. Every word written was spoken by God and revealed to various patriarchs, prophets, teachers, evangelists, soldiers, kings, tax collectors, physians, fishermen, and other men of God. These men were chosen, not because of their great acts or deeds, but for their faith, obedience, and reverence for God alone. The Bible has a very organized pattern in that it is broken down into several categories; that of the:
I. OLD TESTAMENT
A. Pentateuch (5 books)
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and DeuteronomyB. Historical (12 books)
Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles,
Ezra, Nehemiah, EstherC. Poetical (5 books)
Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon.D. Major Prophets (5 books)
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, DanielE. Minor Prophets (12 books)
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk,
Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, MalachiII. NEW TESTAMENT
A. Biographical (4 books)
Matthew, Mark, Luke, JohnB. Historical (1 book)
ActsC. Pauline Epistles (14 books)
Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians,
1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, HebrewsD. General Epistles (7 books)
James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1,2 and 3 John, JudeE. Prophetical (1 book)
RevelationThere are 66 books in the Bible. This is God's love letter to us. In it we find the very typical situations that exist in the world in which we live today, even though this book was written thousands of years ago. Love/hate, triumph/tragedy, honesty/guilt, power/weakness, success/failure, pride/humility, wealth/poverty, health/affliction, sin/righteousness, saint/sinner, believe/unbelief, heaven/hell, etc.
All throughout history we observe a never ending cycle. From generation to generation people do the same things and commit the same acts, but perhaps by different methods. Even as the world seems to worsen day by day, God's grace does much more abound.
Not only does God's Word offer hope to the lost by it's Salvation message weaved throughout; it is a guide and roadmap to the believer leading him/her all the way HOME (Heaven). Many character sketches are drawn from each book proving to us that by living a Victorious Christian life, we can overcome any obstacle that our arch enemy (Satan/Devil) may throw our way. There are guidelines and rules set forth that God has placed for our good, benefit and protection; such as the well-known TEN COMMANDMENTS. To the unbeliever, this law that was given by Moses would seem to be a bondage or dictated lifestyle in the rules it sets forth of thou shalt and shalt nots. On the otherhand, the believers view it as boundaries that God has set forth for our freedom and liberty to live a good, godly lifestyle that is beneficial to all, with no regrets.
The Bible teaches us how to conduct ourselves in a personal manner as well as in family matters, church matters, and government affairs. He didn't leave anything out. He is a very organized God. From the sacredness of the union of marriage (typical of the body of Christ) to obeying the laws of the land, those in authority over us (rendering unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's.) He set up guidelines and requirements for church leadership and the conduct of such a lifestyle that would set the example for the CHURCH. He encourages us to "walk in the Spirit" and not in the flesh for it only reaps corruption: to think pure thoughts and to allow the fruit of the Spirit to take precedence in our lives: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
We must "put on the whole armor of God..." which consist of salvation, prayer, righteous living, Bible reading, and faith so that we can overcome the fiery darts of the enemy. God's way has ALWAYS been the best way. Satan's goal since the beginning has been to kill, steal and destroy by any methods or means that he so chooses. He has no mercy and he will not be satisfied until he deceives the whole entire human race. That's why we MUST seek God's face through His word and by prayer and allow Him to lead us in every avenue of our lives. He said that He would never leave nor forsake us and He will NOT allow more than we can bare. We have to place our trust and confidence in Him. It's all a matter of FAITH.
The issue has always been good vs. evil and in the end the Bible tells us which one will prevail, as is so vividly pointed out in the Book of Revelation. God sent His only son to be born of a Virgin (Mary) and He lived on this earth teaching, preaching, healing the sick, raising the dead, providing for needs, working miracles and glorifying God by His death by crucifixion, burial in a sealed tomb and resurrection from the dead three days later, and then ascending to His Father in Heaven, giving the promise of the Holy Spirit that would comfort , guide and give us courage to live a Holy life.
That's why I have chosen to believe the Bible. As a believer in Christ, I KNOW it will be worth it all. Read it for yourself, you will be amazed!
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This page was last updated December 16, 2008.
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