We are in a series we are calling “Sword Sharpening” and we are looking at how to make the most out of your time with the Bible. Today we are going to expound on the idea that the Bible is actually a library, not just a book.
Although the Bible often comes in print form as a single bound book, it is actually a collection of sixty-six books printed in one volume, a library of books.
This library of books was written in three different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek) over a 1,500-year period by a whole bunch of different people from different cultures. It was written by more than forty authors from very different vocations, including shepherds, farmers, tent-makers, fishermen, priests, prophets, kings and even a physician/historian. They had different life experiences and lived in different times with different worldviews and had different personalities which show up in their writing styles.
In this library of books that make up our Bible are books of law, history, poetry, personal letters, and prophecy. This library of sixty-six books is also united by a major theme. From beginning to end, the Bible reveals God’s special purpose which is summarized in the book of Ephesians:
Ephesians 1:9-11 (NIV)
9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment–to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
The mystery of God’s plan, which is revealed in and is the unifying theme of the Bible, is that Jesus Christ is the savior of all-mankind. Jesus explained how the Old Testament centered on Him:
Luke 24:44 (NIV)
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
With this introduction, Jesus then gives us the key for understanding . . .
Luke 24:45 (NIV)
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
What is the key Jesus gives us to understanding the Bible? The fact that its major theme is all pointing to Him:
Luke 24:46-48 (NIV)
46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
We will be digging into all of this as well as looking at a really cool story about Jesus this weekend at Keys Vineyard Church. You will want to be a part either in-person or online.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
