QUESTION...
What is the Bible and how
can I read it all?
ANSWER...
The Bible, a library containing 66 books, was
written by over 40 human authors in a time
period over 1500 years. The Old Testament (Old Covenant) contains 39 books
and was
written in Hebrew with small portions in Aramaic. The New Testament (New
Covenant) is
made up of 27 books. It was written in Koine Greek (common Greek).
Although written by
men, the scriptures were inspired by and preserved by the Holy Spirit. The word
"canon" comes from a Greek word (kanon), literally meaning
"reed" and thus "straightedge",
"ruler", or "rod". The term became a reference to a
"standard". As applied to
scripture, the canon is the list of books which are accepted by the church
as conforming to
the standard of divine inspiration and authority and, therefore, as
forming a "rule" of faith
and practice for every believer. The Old Testament scriptures were first
canonized in Alexandria,
Egypt. A large Jewish population in Alexandria had lost the use of Hebrew
and had
become Greek speaking. Seventy Hebrew scholars translated the scriptures
(already generally
accepted) into Greek between the years 250 BC and 100 BC. This translation
is called
The Septuagint (70). In 90 AD in a reaction to the Christian movement,
Jewish Rabbis gathered
at Jamnia to canonize the Hebrew scriptures. The same 39 books were agreed
on although
arranged in a different order. In 397 AD, the Synod of Carthage affirmed
the 27 books
of the New Testament. Though the term "canon" is often
associated with the decisions of
the church councils, they really only affirmed what was already the
consensus of the churches.
As to reading the scriptures this year, you may
read - beginning to end - Genesis to Revelation- or you may use a
suggested reading guide such as the one provided by The Gideon's.
Basically, to
read through, you will have to read about four chapters every day (1189
chapters in 365 days).
You
might want to consider some options. All the history in the Old Testament
is contained in
approximately 335 chapters. The chronological order is Genesis, Exodus,
Numbers (27-36), Deuteronomy,
Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, Esther,
Ezra, Nehemiah,
and three post-exilic prophets - Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. One
chapter each day
will get you through the OT history in a year or less.
There
are 150 Psalms and 31 Proverbs. Reading one Psalm or Proverb each day will
complete these
two poetic books. There are 260 chapters in the New Testament. By reading
2 or 3 chapters each day, you can read through the New Testament twice
this year.
Whatever
you decide to do, do something. Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word
of Christ dwell in
you richly in all wisdom: teaching and admonishing one another in psalms,
and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." II Timothy
3:16-17 says, "All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished
unto all good works."
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QUESTION...
What is the appropriate
Biblical attitude toward government and governing authorities?
ANSWER...
Jesus said that we are to
render unto God what is God's and unto Caesar what is Caesar's when he
was asked if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar in Luke 20:22-25.
Paul gives us a more detailed description of a proper attitude in Romans
13:1-7.
"Everyone must submit himself to the
governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God
has established. The authorities that exist have been established
by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is
rebelling against what God has instituted...Therefore, it is necessary
to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment
but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes,
for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to
governing...."
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QUESTION...
Who killed Jesus?
ANSWER...
Some people claim the Jews
killed Jesus and use that as an excuse for their own prejudice
and/or hatred. The Bible clearly states that a small group
of Jewish religious leaders were involved. But the Jews, as a people
group, are not to blame.
Some people claim
the Romans killed Jesus. However, it was only a small group of
Roman government and military leaders who were involved. Pontius
Pilate reluctantly made the decision and ordered his soldiers to carry
out the writ of execution.
The truth
is...Jesus willingly gave His life. In John chapter 10 Jesus said,
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the
sheep. Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life
that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it
down of Myself. I have power to lay it down and I have power to
take it again." (John 10:11,17,18)
In a sense...we are all guilty of the death of Jesus because
He died for the sins of all people at all times and all places.
Since the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) Jesus became a human
being, paid the debt, and offers eternal life through faith and trust in
Him.
The
scripture says (2 Corinthians 5:21), "For He (God the Father) made Him
(Jesus, the Son) who knew no sin, to become sin for us, that we might
become the righteousness (in a right standing with) God in Him."
No
wonder the scripture says that God loved us so much that He gave the Son
so that we would not perish but have eternal life.
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