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More about the Bible
As we did for the Old Testament in the previous thread, so we look now briefly at the New Testament. As well as the on-screen bible passages, it will be very helpful to have a bible beside you. |
This thread (More about the Bible):
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GospelsMatthew; Mark; Luke; John.These tell the story of Jesus. Why do you think there are four?
Each gospel account gives us the truth about Jesus from a slightly different viewpoint. The writers:
The first three Gospels are referred to as 'Synoptic', because they are very similar in many ways. John is different. (Read, for example, John 14:1-7 and then Mark 12:41-44. These are not the same event, but try to feel the difference of style and emphasis). John's Gospel was written later, was designed to fill the gaps, and was the product of Spirit-led, mature reflection on the events.
The early ChurchLuke 1:1-4 -1Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. and Acts 1:2 - 1In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. What do we discover from this?
Luke not only wrote his Gospel but Acts as well. They are 2 parts of one work. Acts tells the story of the early church.
The lettersThe letters were to specific churches (or individuals) at a particular time, but were so full of important things that they continue to be God's word to us today.Look at the first verses of 1 Corinthians chapters 7, 8, 12, and 16 :-
There had clearly been previous correspondence and conversations, on a number of issues, and Paul picks up the threads. The letters are full of relationship issues and advice.
Authorship of the lettersWho wrote the letters? Look in a bible at the opening lines of each letter to find out. Hebrews was by an anonymous author.
RevelationThis is a difficult book. It is apocalyptic in style, using images and symbols e.g. look at Revelation 17:1-5:1One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. 2With her the kings of the earth committed adultery and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries." 3Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. 4The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. 5This title was written on her forehead: MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Hardly obvious stuff!
Any questions?If you have any queries, or comments, then e-mail us and we'll get back to you
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Bible referencesJohn 14:1-71"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going." 5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
Mark 12:41-44
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