THE BIBLE Structure and Old Testament Review THINK

THE BIBLE Structure and Old Testament Review

THINK, PAIR, SHARE What is the Bible? What does the Bible mean?

The Bible is. . . � A collection of sacred books which Jewish people and Christians believe were written under God’s inspiration; it tells us who Jewish people and Christians believe God is � A partial record and a religious interpretation of the real history of the Israelites and of the effect of Jesus on those who experienced him � The Word of God � A good way to get to know Jesus � A springboard for prayer � Stories and events that can help us grow in wisdom and love of others and ourselves

What does the Bible contain? How can it be a model for us?

The Bible contains. . . �History �Word from God �Holy Scripture �Lessons �Guidelines for life from God �Our belief �The life of Jesus �Parables �Communication with God

The Bible can be a model for us by demonstrating. . . �How to treat others even when they mistreat us Joseph �How to be patient Job �How to be loyal Ruth �How to be faithful Abraham

Why should we study the Bible?

We should study the Bible because. . . �Scripture is meant to bring us closer to God � This is done by reading about the special love and relationship between God and his people �It provides religious truth � There are many different kinds of truth in the world (scientific, religious, historical, mathematical, etc. ) � One does not necessarily invalidate the other

THE STRUCTURE OF THE BIBLE What are the 2 main divisions in the Bible? How is the Old Testament divided?

The Bible is divided into. . . �The Old and New Testament �The Old Testament can be divided into 5 groups: � Law Books (the Torah or Pentateuch) �Stories of humanity’s origins, patriarchs, and Israel’s escape from slavery � History Books �Stories of Israel’s conquest of the promised land, growth, exile, and return � Poetry & Wisdom Books �Hymns of personal struggles, national pride, and lessons � Prophetic Books �Reveal God’s messages � Additional Books �God’s work through the lives of heroic individuals

Timeline of the Old Testament Who were the important people and major events that we should be familiar with?