From the author of the bestselling "Complete Book of Bible Trivia" (over 700,000 copies sold) comes this instant reference guide to God's Word. This is the perfect foundational book for anyone who wants to learn about the Bible, its books, and the wonderful treasures within. Not everyone knows what the Bible is, why it was written, how chapter and verse numbers work, and why we even read it today. In this helpful guide, author Stephen J. Lang answers many key questions, including... What are the books in the Bible named for? Why are there two testaments? Why are there so many versions? What do the chapter and verse numbers mean? Is the Bible the only "holy" book? This is an ideal resource for anyone who has never used the Bible before, as well as for new believers. It will give them a running start on getting to know the God who loves them, and understanding the written Word He has given them.

I wrote this book to help people like myself, who may have tried to understand the Bible or have been intimidated by it. In the beginning of my study of the Bible, I spent hours trying to get the hang of it. I got lost reading long lists of names I couldnt even figure out how to pronounce. The book of Leviticus contained lists of rules and regulations.

A Friendly Overview of Every Book of the Bible Reading the Bible can be intimidating. Made up of sixty-six "books" ranging in subject matter from history to instruction, from poetry to prophecy, this all-time bestseller is frequently misunderstood, even by those who read it regularly. In this easy-to-read handbook, two respected Bible professors will help you make sense of the Bible, book-by-book. Using a conversational tone, they cut right to the heart of the matter, focusing on two main questions: "What does it say?" and "Why does it matter?" Whether you're a seasoned reader of Scripture or reading it for the first time, you're sure to come away with a better understanding of what the Bible is all about and why it is the most important book you'll ever read.

The Absolute Beginner's Guide to the Bible introduces you to the bestselling and most influential book ever published. The Bible is the core document of Western civilization, the pinnacle of world literature, and the backbone of three major world religions. To know the Bible is to know the world--and, many say, to know much more than the world. Yet those interested in learning more about this important work discover a surprising paradox: It is both widely discussed and widely ignored. The Bible is a formidable book, and many people love it from a comfortable distance but don't want to get too close. The Absolute Beginner's Guide to the Bible will help you close that distance and experience the Bible as it should be experienced, as a vibrant, living, and vital collection of texts that are just as inspiring and full of life today as they were thousands of years ago. Get ready to feel like an expert right away. Inside The Absolute Beginner's Guide to the Bible, you'll learn how to: Find a translation or study Bible that's perfect for you. Interpret difficult Bible passages, taking into account their literary features and historical context. Appreciate the Bible's breadth. As a literary work, it includes poetry, philosophy, folk tales, history, theology, religious law, and even erotica. Understand the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as the deeply Jewish document that it is--and learn the approaches that rabbis have traditionally used to interpret scripture. Recognize the courageous missionary spirit behind the New Testament, a collection of documents, secret and illegal at the time, that would later shape the faith of billions.

Before starting to read one of the 66 books in the Bible, it is helpful to have an overview of the book. A Beginner's Guide to the Books of the Bible provides accurate, concise, and easy-to-understand introductions to each of the 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament. Each description discusses the book's purpose, approximate date of composition, authorship, contents, and distinctive features. Also included are introductions to larger sections of the Bible, such as the major and minor prophets.

Are you new to the Bible and feeling overwhelmed? This comprehensive guide is your perfect companion to embark on a transformational journey through God's Word. Designed specifically for beginners, this book breaks down the Bible into manageable weekly sections, making it easy to understand and apply biblical principles to your life. Each week, you'll discover key themes, central characters, and practical insights from a different book of the Bible. With clear explanations and engaging writing, this guide will help you develop a deeper understanding of God's love, grace, and purpose for your life. Designed for beginners, it breaks down the complex world of Scripture into easy-to-understand weekly lessons. Discover the Bible one week at a time: Explore key themes, central characters, and practical applications from every book of the Bible. Build a strong foundation: Develop a deeper understanding of God's love, grace, and purpose for your life. Connect with God's Word daily: This user-friendly devotional will help you cultivate a consistent Bible reading habit. Whether you're studying alone or in a group, this user-friendly resource provides a solid foundation for your faith. Start your Bible study adventure today and experience the life-changing power of God's Word!

Let's face it. Just the word exegesis puts some of us on edge. We are excited about learning to interpret the Bible, but the thought of exegetical method evokes a chill. Some textbooks on exegesis do nothing to overcome these apprehensions. The language is dense. The concepts are hard. And the expectations are way too high. However, the skills that we need to learn are ones that a minister of the gospel will use every week. Exegesis provides the process for listening, for hearing the biblical text as if you were an ordinary intelligent person listening to a letter from Paul or a Gospel of Mark in first-century Corinth or Ephesus or Antioch. This book by Richard Erickson will help you learn this skill. Thoroughly accessible to students, it clearly introduces the essential methods of interpreting the New Testament, giving students a solid grasp of basic skills while encouraging practice and holding out manageable goals and expectations. Numerous helps and illustrations clarify, summarize and illuminate the principles. And a wealth of exercises tied to each chapter are available on the web. This is a book distinguished not so much by what it covers as by how: it removes the "fear factor" of exegesis. There are many guides to New Testament exegesis, but this one is the most accessible--and fun!

In a world teeming with different Bible translations and interpretations, how do scholars determine the original text of the New Testament? Enter the Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (CBGM), an innovative approach that is redefining the field of New Testament Textual Criticism. If you've ever wondered how the Bible you hold in your hands came to be, or if you're curious about how technology and scholarship are transforming our understanding of Scripture, this book is for you. "Unlocking the Bible: A Beginner's Guide to the Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (CBGM)" is an essential read for anyone interested in delving deep into the composition of the New Testament. This book will guide you through the complexities of Textual Criticism and the groundbreaking influence of CBGM, all while making these intricate topics accessible for readers of all levels. Beginning with the basics of New Testament Textual Criticism, we'll lay down the foundation by explaining the nature of textual variants, the principles behind evaluating them, and why this study is vital for a fuller understanding of the Bible. From there, you'll get acquainted with different types of manuscripts and their significance in shaping the New Testament. Once the stage is set, the book introduces you to the revolutionary Coherence-Based Genealogical Method. Learn how CBGM works, its key terminology, and how it stands apart from traditional methods of Textual Criticism. Through real-life case studies, like the account of the Woman Caught in Adultery and the Ending of Mark's Gospel, you'll see CBGM in action. But like any other method, CBGM has its critics. This book offers a balanced view, presenting both the strengths and criticisms of this innovative approach. By the end, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how CBGM affects your reading of the Bible and why this method is significant in the ever-evolving field of Textual Criticism. For those looking to take their understanding to the next level, the book includes appendices that delve into the strengths, criticisms, and limitations of CBGM, along with a discussion on the significance of documentary evidence in Textual Criticism. Whether you're a student of theology, a layperson, or someone simply interested in understanding the origins of the New Testament, "Unlocking the Bible: A Beginner's Guide to the Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (CBGM)" provides the keys to understanding this pivotal area of study. Join us on this exciting journey to unlock the rich tapestry of the New Testament, backed by cutting-edge scholarship and a passion for the living Word of God.

In this new series - BIBLE THREADS, Keys to Understanding the Bible - Arlington McRae offers us a fresh new 21st century paradigm for how we approach the Bible and understand its essential message. The Bible presents us with a series of stories and related events. The question becomes, "How are these stories and events connected? And what are we to do with them?" The answer is found in understanding "Bible Threads". A Bible thread is the link or bridge that connects the stories and books. A Bible thread is what each story and/or book has in common with other books or stories from Genesis to Revelation. This series addresses the indispensable threads to prepare you to read your Bible enthusiastically with great understanding; and to allow you the joy of discovering other threads for yourself through your own daily Bible study. This volume offers a power packed, Jesus inspired, potentially life-changing resource as it presents the Bible to us in its simplest form. Starting at the beginning, the author walks us through a new "perspective" and a new "context" for how we understand and interpret what we read. It is designed for (a) those of us new to the Bible, and (b) those who never received a comprehensive overview of the Bible that makes sense to them. In this volume, the author lays out the structure and the over all story - the big picture - of the Bible. This presentation is designed to broaden the context for how we interpret and unify the various books and stories. At the completion of this volume, you will be encouraged to read your Bible and to study it more intelligently with much more confidence and with a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

Explore each book of the Bible with a comprehensive Bible study guide for beginners Studying Scripture can help you see God's love for all creation and apply God's wisdom to your life. This Bible study guide for adults simplifies the process of learning the Bible with clear breakdowns of each of its 66 books, from Genesis to Revelations. Tools for Bible study—Discover synopses, important themes, and key verses to help you understand the context and essence of each book of the Bible. Reflection questions—Use this book alone or as part of a Bible study group, with thought-provoking questions to guide further study and group discussion. Inclusive guidance—Written by a woman pastor who is proud of her leadership in the United Church of Christ, this study guide welcomes all Christians who want to connect with God's Word. Learn the Bible and deepen your understanding and your faith with this Bible study book for beginners.