Episode 2: How Do We Know the Bible is True?
Special Guest – Dr. Erik Thoennes
Trinity Broadcasting Network
How is the Bible Arranged?
Old Testament (Before Christ)
The Books of Moses: Genesis—Deuteronomy
The Books of Generals, Judges and Kings: Joshua—Esther
The Books of Poetry and Wisdom: Job—Song of Songs
The Books of the Prophets
- Major Prophets: Isaiah—Daniel
- Minor Prophets: Hosea—Malachi
New Testament (Christ and After)
The Gospels: Matthew—John
The Book of History: Acts
The Epistles: Romans—Jude
The Book of Prophecy: Revelation
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.
2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)
What the Bible Can Do For You
- Motivation. If you need motivation to read the Bible, here it is: All Scripture is inspired by God. The words of the Bible are the words of God. “Inspired” means “God-breathed.” Through the Holy Spirit, God gave His words to the various authors, and their writings are God’s message to you.
- Instruction. The Bible instructs you about the truths of God: and is useful to teach us what is true. Do you want to know more about God? Do you want to understand His plan for your life? What He requires of you? There are a lot of opinions floating around, but you can use the Bible as the standard for testing everything else that claims to be true.
- Detection. The Bible can serve as a warning device for your life, helping you detect the thoughts and actions that are harmful to you: and to make us realize what is wrong with our lives.
- Correction. When a ship gets off course, the captain needs to make a correction. When you life is out of whack, the Bible can give you the help to make the necessary corrections: It straightens us out.
- Direction. The Bible can give direction to your life. You won’t have to wonder about the every-changing moral compass of society. The Bible draws clear lines about what is right and wrong: and teaches us to do what is right.
- Preparation. God wants to prepare you to be capable and to meet all the demands of life: It is God’s way of preparing us in every way. His Word, the Bible, gives you the information and inspiration that are part of the preparation process. This doesn’t mean you will be sinless, but you will be mature and ready for whatever God wants to do through your life—and all that He allows to happen in your life.
- Realization. Most people are wandering around aimlessly in life, looking for purpose and meaning. If you read the Bible, you will realize God’s purpose for your life: fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. God wants to equip you so that you can minister to others and worship Him.
Recommended reading
- Knowing the Bible 101 by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz
- What the Bible Is All About by Henrietta Mears
- How to Read the Bible For All It’s Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart
Dr. Erik Thoennes is Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, California. Erik is popular with his students because he communicates his passion for Scripture in an engaging way. A frequent guest speaker at churches, conferences, and retreats, Erik’s areas of specialty include godly jealousy, the atonement, religious pluralism, and theology of culture. His wife, Donna, is a professor in the highly acclaimed Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University.
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