Jesus: from Genesis to Revelation

Understand the main message of Scripture, threaded from Genesis to Revelation, is God’s plan of redemption through His Son Jesus Christ. Every time you sit down with the Word, this is the lens of context we need to see through (I.e. ‘box-top of a puzzle’). Jesus pointed out this very thing to some strangers along Emmaus Road: And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. — Luke 24:27, 44 

The Bible makes much better sense when you understand this foundational truth. 

Do a study on these passages:

• The Rock in the wilderness was Christ —1 Cor. 10:4, Exod. 17:5-6, Num. 20:7-13; 

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The Bible is not like any other book

“To say the Bible is just another book is like saying there’s no difference between the sun and the flame from a match.”

ESV and NASB: my two current favorite Bible translations

http://www.esvbible.org/

Bible study: ACCURATELY INTERPRETING THE SCRIPTURES

Helpful basic steps:
• Read the text
• Look up definitions/meanings of key words from original language tools
• Determine context of the passage
• Cross-reference: let Scripture interpret Scripture
• Determine if word/passage is figurative or literal

Exercises:

1. According to the Bible, should we hate people?

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Inductive Bible Study method: the basics

1. OBSERVE IT
• Read and re-read the entire book you are studying — chapter by chapter, verse by verse
• Read the introduction to the book to understand more about the book’s author, recipients, historical context & date, etc.
• Outline the structure of the book: identifying overarching themes and ideas; note general divisions and sections without relying on the man-made chapter divisions too much; answer the question: How is the book organized?
• Find, note and mark repeated words and phrases

2. DETERMINE ORIGINAL MEANING

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Bird’s eye view of the Bible

Main purpose of the Bible: for God to reveal Himself , His glory, and His redemptive plan to mankind.

List 4 major events of the Bible

1. CREATION

2. THE FALL

3. CHRIST’S DEATH, BURRIAL & RESURRECTION & subsequent REDEMPTION of mankind

4. THE RE-CREATION OF THE HEAVENS & EARTH

List 5 Key verses/passages:
1. Genesis 3:15 – Declares that the Messiah will come!

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Birds-eye view: Bible summaries

Getting a birds-eye view of the Bible helps us to see the major themes, ideas, etc. that connect from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible is ONE story in 66 books!

In a word: Jesus

In a thought: God’s amazing love-relationship with mankind through Jesus Christ (The greatest love-story ever told!)

In a complete sentence:
God loved mankind so much that he began working out a plan of redemption (Genesis through John), culminating in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, to bring them (us) back into a love-relationship with Himself.

In several sentences:
God created Adam & Eve (and mankind) to be in relationship with Him. But they disobeyed God and sin & death came into the world corrupting everything. But God loved mankind and…

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