All parts of this booklet may be copied to distribute or use privately, but no part may be sold or used to make profit.

Transcription

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2 All parts of this booklet may be copied to distribute or use privately, but no part may be sold or used to make profit.

3 What is the Bible and why should we read it? The Bible is a collection of historical books, letters, prophecies, poems and songs written by a variety of people. It was all written close to the time of the actual events by people who had all the information or were part of the events themselves. We also believe that all the writers were led by the Spirit of God to help them record everything in an accurate way. Through this, we are given a glimpse of how God has worked throughout history, what He would like to do in our lives, and what He has planned for the future. But what makes the Bible different from so many other books, is the fact that everything in the Bible is true. The Bible is essentially divided into two parts: The Old Testament & The New Testament. The word Testament means agreement, and it is referring to an agreement between God and humans. The Old Testament was that we had to live life perfectly, but we couldn t. This is why God gave us another way out. He did this by taking our punishment upon Himself when He came to Earth as Jesus and died on the cross. This is the foundation of the new and final testament/agreement. Meaning: If you want to be saved, all you need to do is truly accept that Jesus already died on our behalf for our sins. His sacrifice is then accepted as our sacrifice, and we are washed clean of all guilt. 1

4 The two parts of the Bible can be explained as follows: In the Old Testament we see God creating everything out of nothing and how He has worked throughout history to fulfill His plan to save all those who are willing to admit that they need saving. The Old Testament is filled with action, romance, comedy and wisdom. It gives us the history of the world up to about 2 thousand years ago. But packed along with all the history, are poems and songs that reveal more about who God really is. Also found in the old Testament are the prophetic books, that teach us more about history, while also revealing how the future will play out in harmony with God s perfect plan. In the New Testament we see the long awaited Saviour of the world appear about 400 years after the Old Testament ends. It starts with 4 different perspectives of the same story as they were written by 4 different people. These four books share with us how Jesus lived here on Earth and how He sacrificed Himself for us. After these four books we see how the first Christian churches started, and we get to read some of the letters that were written to some of those churches during that time. The New Testament ends with a book that focusses on how the end of the world will be with God s judgment, but at the same time reminds us that God has everything under control and has already saved us. Here follows a complete list of all the books in the Bible with a short summary/introduction of each book to give you an idea of where to look for what when you have some questions. 2

5 Genesis In Genesis we read how God made everything out of nothing and how the first people rebelled against God, making us all guilty before Him. But God loves us and promised that He would save us when the time was right. We read of how people grew more and more evil up to the point where God flooded the world completely, killing everything and everyone, except for Noah and his family on a big boat. God also saved selected animals along with them. After everything settled again, they started repopulating the world. Later on we read how God makes a promise to Abraham that through his family line, all the nations of the world would be blessed. The book ends with his family settling in Egypt as their new home. Exodus In Exodus, we read how Abraham's family, the Israelites, became slaves under a new Pharaoh (King) many years after moving to Egypt; but God used Moses and miracles to let the Israelites go free. In their escape, God parted the red sea so that they could walk through the sea on dry land, killing the Egyptian army that were chasing them when the wall of water closed behind the Israelites. We also read about how God gave the Israelites the 10 commandments as the first Testament and how the Israelites struggled to trust God, even though He has never let them down. 3

6 Leviticus Leviticus focusses on the ceremonies and feasts God wanted the Israelites to have. Here we read how and why these ceremonies were held. We also read how the family of Aaron, Moses brother, was chosen by God as Israel s formal priesthood. This meant that they would be in charge of all the ceremonies and should be seen as the religious leaders of the nation. 4 Numbers In this book we see how the Isrealites preparations continue as God lets them count everyone in the nation of Israel before going into the promised land, Canaan. We also see how the Israelites sent spies into Canaan as a way of preparing for the fight that was ahead, but because they didn't trust God, they could not enter Canaan till God allowed it. Deuteronomy Here we read how after 40 years in the desert, Moses reminded the Israelites of what God expects from them before He allows them to take over Canaan. We read how they start preparations again and Joshua is appointed as the new leader of Israel before the death of Moses. Joshua In this book we see how God allowed Joshua to start the military campaign to poses Canaan, starting with Jericho. In Jericho, Rahab a foreigner and prostitute was spared because she allowed the Israelite spies to hide with her during the assessment of the land. She was saved because from that moment on, she believed and trusted the God of the Israelites as her own. We also read about how the Israelites were able to conquer Canaan because they trusted God, and because of this God helped them in the

7 form of miracles such as making the sun stand still so that they could be victorious in battle. Unfortunately they did not listen to God completely. Because although the Israelites trusted God in conquering Canaan, they did not completely follow all of God s instructions in that they allowed some of the old inhabitants to stay alive with them. So because of this, they had to divide the land God had given them between themselves and the original inhabitants of the land, even though God had warned them that this would cause problems for them in the future. Judges In the book of Judges we read how Israel had no official leaders at that time and how everyone did what they thought was right. Throughout the book we see them in a cycle of losing focus of God, and then turning back to Him when they were in need. They kept worshipping other gods, which led to them losing God s protection and blessing. The result being that they kept getting oppressed by other nations. But because God loves His people, He kept raising leaders to rescue them out of trouble and turn them back to Him. Ruth This book tells the story of an outsider named Ruth who married an Israelite. It tells the story of how she stayed faithful to God and her family even when everything in her life went wrong. As a result God led her into a blessed and prosperous future. 5

8 1 Samuel This book continues the story from the book of Judges with two great men of God, Eli and Samuel, who both unfortunately had evil sons who abused their power. This caused the Israelites to ask for a King to rule over them despite God warning them that this was a bad decision. A man by the name of Saul become the first King of Israel. We also read about one of the future Kings of Israel, David, who stood up for God s name. As a teen boy, David defeated the enemy by killing their giant named Goliath because he insulted the one true God. David was able to do this because he trusted God and God was with him. This caused king Saul to hate David and out of jealousy even tried to kill David numerous times. 6 2 Samuel 2 Samuel carries on from 1 Samuel and we see how David was made the new King of Israel and how he led the Israelites victoriously to many great battles. We see how God promised David that his family line will reign forever. We also see how David committed adultery with a married woman named Bathsheba, and in trying to hide his own sin, had her husband killed. This resulted in David s family completely being split apart as the consequences of sin. On a good note, he later had a God fearing son named Solomon who gave Hope to the Israelite nation. 1 Kings Here we read about how king David named his son, Solomon, as the new King of Israel, and because Solomon put God first in his life, God gave him more wisdom, wealth and power than anyone who had ever lived. Solomon also built God s temple as God instructed him, but unfortunately Solomon lost focus of God near the end of his life. Moreover we read how Solomon s son, Rehoboam, took over as the new King and how during his

9 reign, the Jewish nation was split into 2 nations namely: Israel and Judah The nation of Judah s leadership continued from David s descends and stayed in the promise of God, while the nation of Israel removed themselves from this promise and appointed different Kings outside the promise of God. We also see how a Godly prophet (a man of God) name Elijah defeated 45o false prophets because he kept his faith in God. 2 Kings 2 Kings continues from 1 Kings and we see how Elijah was taken to Heaven without dying. We also see how, because of a lack of focus on God, Israel was defeated and taken into captivity by the Assyrians. Tragically we also see the nation of Judah defeated and the capital, Jerusalem, being destroyed while most of the people were taken into captivity by the Babylonians. On a positive note, the new Babylonian King showed kindness towards Jehoiachin, who was the King of Judah at the time. 1 Chronicles This book gives a historical summary of what God s people had gone through thus far, starting with Adam and ending with Solomon being made King and the death of his father, king David. 2 Chronicles This book continues from 1 Chronicles where Solomon was made King. We see how the Jewish nation was split into 2 nations: Israel and Judah. Then it continues to describe the different Kings of the nation of Judah up until it was destroyed by Babylon. The book ends with the Jewish people being allowed to rebuild God s temple 7

10 Ezra Here we read how the Persians defeated the Babylonians and allowed some Jewish (Israeli) captives to go back home to rebuild God s temple. Some time later a prophet/messenger of God named Ezra, also returned to Judah and taught the people what God expected from them. Nehemia Here we see how Nehemiah, who was actually still a captive in Persia, was allowed to go back home to Judah so that he could lead the reconstruction of Jerusalem s walls. The same wall that the rest of the people have been unable to complete for almost 100 years. Thanks to God s help and guidance, they completed it in 52 days even though they experienced a lot of resistance. Esther This book tells the story of how Esther became queen of Persia without anyone knowing she was actually Jewish (an Israelite). She then risked her life by asking the King to protect the Jewish nation against plans to kill them all. Job This book tells us how God allowed a man named Job to be tested by Satan, but Job never turned away from God. Not even when everyone encouraged him to do so. For staying faithful in times of testing, God blessed Job more than ever before. 8

11 Psalms This book is a collection of poems, songs and prophecies written by various people from all walks of life. Some of the writers include king David, king Solomon, Moses, Asaph and many more. - A book of poems, songs and prophecies Proverbs This book is a collection of practical tips for living that covers almost every aspect of life and is still applicable today. It was written by the wisest and wealthiest man that ever lived - king Solomon. - Practical tips for living Ecclesiastes This book was written by king Solomon near the end of his life. After he tried everything and owned everything a man could. He realized that nothing in life can give us true complete fulfillment, except honouring God, as this gives and shows us true purpose in life. - A practical look at life with wisdom for living it Song of Solomon This book is an erotic love song written by king Solomon. It was written in a way that combines poetry with a story-like play. It can even symbolise God s selfless love towards us. - Poetry-like song 9

12 Isaiah This book focuses on the prophet (a man of God) named Isaiah who warned the nation of Judah that they should turn back to God or else He would allow them to be conquered by the Babylonians. We also read how even though they don t listen to God s warning, He still promised to restore His people, and set up His eternal Kingdom. Isaiah also has a lot of prophecies relating to the coming saviour who would bring salvation to the world. - Prophetic book with historical content Jeremiah Here we can read about how Jeremiah served as a last chance warning to the nation of Judah. They were warned to turn back to God or else He would allow them to be conquered. For trying to help his people, Jeremiah was beaten and imprisoned because they did not want to listen, but yet his words came true at the end of the book. - Prophetic book with historical content Lamentations This book is a sorrow-filled cry by Jeremiah as he saw everything happen that he warned the nation of Judah about. It ends with a prayer for mercy. - History revealed through poetry Ezekiel In this book we read about the prophet (a man of God) named Ezekiel reminding the nation of Judah of the sin that had caused them to be captives. Through this he also reminds them that through God there is always Hope for restoration. - Prophetic book with historical content 10

13 Daniel This book tells the story of Daniel and 3 companions. They were taken from Jerusalem to serve under the Babylonian King after the nation of Judah was conquered. We also read about how the Babylonian were then later conquered by the Persians. Their story shows how God protects those who have faith in Him. In this book we see many miracles, and even God using miracles to save them from life-threatening situations because they trusted Him fully. The book ends with prophetic visions of the future given to Daniel by God. These visions include visions of what can be expected of the end-times. that includes a lot of prophecy Hosea This book tells the story of a prophet (a man of God) called Hosea and how God sometimes works in mysterious ways. Hosea was told by God to marry an unfaithful prostitute and start a family with her. We see symbolism of God staying faithful to us, even though we are unfaithful to Him at times. It shows God s love for us even though we don t deserve it. Through this story we see Hosea warning Israel to return to God and stop living evil lives. We see how God never gives up on His people. 11 with prophetic content Joel This book tells the story of how a plague of locusts invaded the nation of Judah, and caused devastation everywhere. The prophet Joel warned them that there is coming a day when God will judge people for their sins and that that day will be much worse than they could ever imagine. With this call to turn back to God, also came a promise of restoration for those who do turn to Him. Joel also shared how God would send His Holy Spirit to empower His people. with prophetic content

14 Amos In this book we read how another prophet (a man of God), Amos warned the Israelites to stop worshipping fake gods, and turn back to the One True God. His message was that God was going to judge them because they were not living the way they should. The book however does end with a promise that God will restore everything perfectly when the time is right. 12 with prophetic content Obadiah This book reveals the message of judgement God gave to Obadiah to give to the nation of Edom. Through this book we learn that God will judge all evil, but for Gods people this judgement means deliverance from evil. with prophetic content Jonah This book tells the story of Jonah being sent to an evil nation to warn them that they should turn to God but Jonah, thinking they were too evil, got on a boat and went in the opposite direction. God then caused Jonah to be thrown overboard and get swallowed by a whale. After spending three days inside the whale, Jonah apologised to God and agreed to go. Unexpectedly to Jonah, they actually listened to him and changed their ways and as result, God spared them from destruction. Through this, God shows us that He truly does love all people and wants all people to be saved, no matter who they are or what they have done. Micah with prophetic content In this book we see how Micah warned God s people that He was going to punish them for being evil and worshipping other gods. But with this in mind, he also told them that God has a glorious future in mind for those who trust Him. with prophetic content

15 Nahum A book that focuses on the evil city Jonah had been to and had warned some time before. When Jonah warned them that God was going to punish them, they listened and turned their lives towards God and as a result, God spared them. Unfortunately they turned back to their old ways some time later. This time Nahum warned them, but they didn t listen and were destroyed. with prophetic content Habakkuk This book tells the story of how Habakkuk asked God why He was not correcting the nation of Judah for being so evil. We read how God expressed that Judah s punishment was about to happen by the hand of an even more evil nation. God then also explained how He is using this other nation to accomplish His purpose for now, but that in time they will also be punished for their own sins. Ultimately Habakkuk realises that he has no right to question Almighty God because God is at work in all of our lives and working towards a larger plan. with prophetic content Zephaniah In this book we read how the prophet Zephaniah warned the nation of Judah of the coming day when God will judge every person for what they have done. This serves as a warning to us all to change our ways, and to be patient until the time when there will be no more pain or suffering. A time when all will be restored. with prophetic content 13

16 Haggai After the people of Judah were released from the Persion Empire, Haggai spoke to them about their selfish focus in rebuilding their destroyed ancestral city. Instead of rebuilding the temple of God, like they should have, they focused on building and upgrading their own homes. Haggai told the people that they should focus on God instead of themselves, as this is the only way they would be able to stop the drought that had been plaguing the land for so many years. We see here once again that when we put God first, He puts us first. with prophetic content Zechariah Like Haggai, Zechariah also urged the people to complete the temple of God, but thankfully, we actually see it being completed in this book. Along with this, there is also a promise of the coming saviour and King who would bring peace and unity to the people of God. with prophetic content Malachi In Malachi we read how he spoke to the people after they had rebuilt the temple of God. He criticised them for living so badly and thinking they could serve God with half-hearted efforts. He informed them that God would punish those who don t change their ways, but assured them that God blesses those who live rightly and honour Him. with prophetic content 14

17 Matthew This book tells us about the life of Jesus, and how He is the realization of what was promised to us throughout the Old Testament books. All people are evil and deserve punishment, but this book shows us how Jesus took the punishment for us. It tells us how Jesus did super natural things and how He healed the sick. It shares with us why and how Jesus did what He did. It explains that anyone can now avoid the eternal punishment that we so rightly deserve, and all we have to do is admit that we deserve punishment and that only God can save us. It is through this that we accept what Jesus had already done on our behalf. In addition to this, we also get to live eternity with Him in the Kingdom of God. The book closes with Jesus telling His believers what the purpose of life is while they are still on Earth. & fulfillment of prophecy Mark This book tells us about the life of Jesus and how He came to save us. It focusses on Jesus (being God in human form) who deserves to be worshipped and served, came and died in our place. While on Earth Jesus also lived as the perfect example for us. The book shows how Jesus had all God s power and authority even while He was in Human form. After all, He came to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Throughout this book we see how to be humble, how to love and how to set other s needs above our own. It also shows how, because He loves us, He died in our place for our sins. He was then raised from the dead three days later, and is now waiting for the right time to return to end all things and save all those who accepted His offer. & fulfillment of prophecy 15

18 Luke This book shares with us the life of Jesus and focusses on His attitude towards people. It shows his compassion for people that were hurt, sick and alone. Jesus gives Hope to everyone, but especially to those not cared for by the world. Throughout this book we see what a perfect life Jesus truly lived, and because of this, He was able to die for our sins, so that we don t have to. & fulfillment of prophecy John Throughout this book we get to see how Jesus truly is the physical presence of God All Mighty. We see how God became a human so that we could escape eternal punishment, but only if we accept His offer. We also see how He willingly gave His life so that we might have life for all eternity. Through this book we see the true power Jesus had, but also the love He has for us that we simply do not understand. & fulfillment of prophecy Acts This letter shares with us what Jesus s final instructions were to all His believers, and also how He returned to Heaven. We read how the first Christians received the Holy Spirit as well as how the Christian church was started. We read of men and woman actually fulfilling their purpose and living with the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. We also read that everyone who believes has access to this same Spirit of God, and what we can accomplish when we keep our focus on God. & fulfillment of prophecy 16

19 Romans The letter to the church in Rome is very clear and easy to read. It explains many of the Christian core beliefs, such as why we need to be saved, how we are saved, and what our responsibilities are now Letter to a church 1 Corinthians This letter was written to a church that had lost its way. They had many problems in the church, ranging from leadership issues, church members taking each other to court, and even some bad sexual behaviour. It was written to encourage and guide this group of believers to become a healthy church again. - Letter to a church 2 Corinthians In this letter we can see that many of the problems this church had faced during the time of the first letter (1 Corinthians), had been solved. We also see a glimpse of everything the writer Paul had gone through so that other people might hear the good news of Jesus. He also encourages us all to test whether we truly believe with our whole being or not. - Letter to a church Galatians This letter written to the churches in the Galatia region serves as a reminder that we are all saved because we have faith in what Jesus did on our behalf, and not because we live rightly. We should live according to how God wants us to live, but we should never think that we can save ourselves. Through this we are reminded that we are all equal before God, and that no one should esteem himself higher than another simply because of unimportant matters such as deeds, nationality, race or gender. - Letter to a church

20 Ephesians Through this letter, Paul was explaining to the Church in Ephesus how we are connected to Jesus and what this all means. He also explained that there should be no division in the church because of nationality, culture or gender. Because through Jesus, we are all equal and should be united Letter to a church Philippians Even though Paul wrote this letter while in prison for being a Christian, he still wrote to encourage and remind the church in Philippi to always be happy. We are saved because God loves us and now His Spirit lives in us. As result we should live lives that bring glory to God in all we do. Because by living this way, we show God s love to the world and this could lead to someone actually accepting this love and be saved. - Letter to a church Colossians This letter to the church of Colosse was written because they had started adding false teachings to the Christian faith that were not from God and not necessary. It serves as a reminder that we should be careful not to add human elements to what God has already done perfectly. If we focus on God then everything else will fall into place. - Letter to a church 1 Thessalonians In this letter, Paul answered some questions this church had been having about when Jesus would come again. He explained to them that the exact time no one knows, and this is why we all need to live in such a way that we are always ready. So with this truth in mind, we should use the time we have left to help save others. - Letter to a church

21 2 Thessalonians This letter served as reassurance to the Thessalonian church that Jesus had not returned yet. Unfortunately this church had been receiving false teachings about Jesus, and about when He would return. They even believed that Jesus already returned again and as result stopped working. So this letter was written to help them understand more clearly. Paul reassured them with the truth, and reminded them to keep working hard in all that they do till our Saviour actually returns. - Letter to a church 1 Timothy In this letter Paul gave guidance to young Timothy, a close friend and fellow Christian. Timothy had taken some sort of leadership position at the church of Ephesus and Paul was giving them advice on how to help move the church forward. This letter covers many areas of church responsibility, as well as what is required of a person for them to be in a leadership position. - Letter to an individual, but applicable to everyone 2 Timothy This final letter that Paul wrote to Timothy shows Paul s passion and emotion. This letter was written as a possible final farewell, but focusses on Paul urging Timothy to stand strong against persecution. Paul reminds him that the life of a Christian is a hard one and that the world is against us, simply because the world doesn t know the truth. They are simply too blinded by their selfish ways. Christians should be different and live godly lives. They should hold on to the truth that we are saved through what Jesus did on our behalf, and not be confused by false teachings or teachers. - Letter to an individual, but applicable to everyone 19

22 Titus This letter was written to Titus as a way of guiding him with forming a very young church. Paul instructed him on how to appoint leaders in the church, how to deal with false teachers and how to live a godly life. - Letter to an individual, but applicable to everyone Philemon This is one of Paul s letters that is the most personal in nature. He wrote it to a close friend to ask him to forgive and receive back a runaway slave who had become a Christian. Remembering that cultural rules were very different when it was written, helps make this letter more understandable and helps us use the same principles today. - Letter to an individual, but helpful to everyone Hebrews This letter was written to Christians who were once Jewish (the Israelite people). It serves as a reminder that Christianity is the completion of the old Jewish religion and that temporary sacrifices are no longer needed. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and it is through faith in Him, and what He did on our behalf that we are saved. It serves as a reminder that we are saved through faith and not by good deeds. - Letter to a group of believers James This letter by James was written with the practical side of life in mind. James reminds us that even though good deeds do not save us, it should come naturally now that we are saved. He even goes so far as to say that faith without good deeds is worth nothing because deeds are evidence of faith. - Letter written to a group of believers 20

23 1 Peter During the time of the early church, Christians experienced extreme persecution, even so that they were killed simply for being Christian. Peter wrote this letter to remind them that Jesus was also persecuted. He wrote that they should see these persecutions as tests for greater rewards in Heaven, as tough as it might be. Even though it might be terrible, they should remember that God is in control and allows everything to happen for a greater purpose, even when it might be tough to understand Letter to a group of believers 2 Peter Peter wrote this letter to remind us that the more a Christian grows in understanding and faith, the stronger we will be against false teachings and persecution. It also focuses on the fact that Jesus will return to start the final salvation and judgement. - Letter to a group of believers 1 John John wrote this letter to confirm that Jesus truly was God in human form and not just a spirit. He also explains that knowledge leads to faith, and faith leads to living a godly life. Which means that people can only be saved if we share the good news with them, and that our lives will always reflect what we truly believe. In this letter, John also reminds us that we serve the one and only God. A God that forgives us for being sinful when we draw close to Him and confess our sins. - Letter to a group of believers 2 John This letter was written to remind us to stay away from all forms of false teachings and to encourage us for the times that lie ahead. - Letter to a group of believers

24 3 John This was a personal letter from John to Gaius to encourage him to continue his good work and Godly life. It also serves as a reminder to us all that we should not follow the bad examples of the world around us. - Personal letter all can learn from Jude Jude wrote to a group of believers to remind them that God s love and forgiveness is not a reason to continue sinning. He urged them to stop doing bad things, and rather help those that are sinning, to stop and live better. - Letter to a group of believers Revelation This book is unlike any other book in the Bible because it focusses almost completely only on the end-times. It was originally a prophecy that Jesus gave to John through an angel. The prophecy is about the end times and what will happen before God judges everything and everyone. It explains everything that will happen in a very dream like manner, so some things are not as clear as other parts of the Bible. One thing we can however hold onto is that Jesus is coming to save those that have accepted His offer to be saved. This offer meaning: Jesus having taken our punishment on Himself so that we wouldn t have to be punished and as result have eternal life. Unfortunately, the rest of the people, as terrible as it might be, will go to hell with Satan and his evil angels for ever and ever. Please accept this offer before its too late. - Prophecy of the end-times 22

25 Book Name Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings Short Summary The creation of the world followed by the history of the Israelite nation. The Israelites were the nation God chose through whom He would bless all the nations of the world. It ends right before they enter into the land God promised them. The Israelites conquer and inhabit the land of Canaan. Cycle of the Israelites only seeking God when they need Him, and forgetting about Him when all is well. Ruth showing loyalty to God and her family. The Jewish people ( the Israelites) become a kingdom. The Jewish kingdom splits into two kingdoms: Judah and Israel. 2 Kings Story of both kingdoms: Judah and Israel. 1 Chronicles Partial recap of history. Ends with Judah being captives and some of their people 2 Chronicles being set free. Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Reminder of what God expects from His people. The rebuilding of the walls of their capital, Jerusalem. Ester becomes queen and saves God s people. Story of a man called Job and a reminder that sometimes God gives and sometimes he takes away. Songs & poems about life and God. 23

26 Book Name Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Short Summary Valuable wisdom for life. Thinking about life and what is truly important. Prophetic love song. A message of warning to God s people, but also a promise of Hope for the future. Shows us the consequences for not listening to God. Poem about God s warning coming true. Reminder of what God expected from His people. The story of Daniel and his companions in captivity. Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah These books all have so much depth to them, but in essence share the same core concept. The concept being: God sending a prophet to warn His people that they should turn to Him because all other roads lead to death. Some listen and some don t, but through this we see how God only wants the best for us. These books are also filled with history and prophecies of the coming saviour, Jesus. Haggai Zechariah Malachi 24

27 Book Name Matthew Mark Luke Short Summary These books tell the same basic story, but each from a different perspective. The story of how God saved us through Jesus that took our punishment upon Himself. John Acts The history of how the first Christian churches started. Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy These letters give advice and guidance to churches and specific people about living Christian lives. Through them we learn more about the Christian faith and how we can live lives filled with Hope and purpose, just as God intended. 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 25

28 Book Name Short Summary 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John These letters give advice and guidance to churches and specific people about living Christian lives. Through them we learn more about the Christian faith and how we can live lives filled with Hope and purpose, just as God intended. Jude Revelation A message of warning and hope, written to remind us that even though all will end well, there is coming a time when God will judge the world. It is written in a dream-like manner because it s a prophecy of things we don t yet fully understand. It serves as a reminder that we should be saved, and that we should tell the world there is still Hope. 26

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30 If you have read this booklet and would like to know more Please contact us: To receive a free Bible To ask any questions Or to find out more about the Hope God gives Our details are as follows: Telephone in South Africa: Telephone outside South Africa: johan@myinnerhope.com Website: If you would like to receive a free Finding The Only Hope booklet Please contact us or download your free copy from our website:

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