you can see God’s Hand has moved in the affairs of humankind throughout the ages. This is an abbreviated chronology and timeline of Biblical Historical events. You will not only see how God has moved and interacted with His creation but you can see His Master Plan, Purpose, Methods and Ways from before creation through the End of the Age and into the creation of a new heavens, a new earth and a new Jerusalem. Those who have overcome, are with God eternally – which includes you and me – and, we will know that God’s Plan for Perfection is being completed. Michael J. Young, pastor, Bible teacher
What is the Bible? What is its source and how and why should I read it? According to various sources, “The Bible is a collection of religious texts central to Christianity and Judaism, consisting of 66 books divided into the Old Testament and New Testament. It is considered God's Word, intended to guide believers in their faith and understanding of spiritual truths, and reading it can provide insights into moral teachings, history, and the nature of God.” The Bible is a collection of religious texts central to Christianity and Judaism. It consists of 66 books divided into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament contains 39 books, primarily written in Hebrew, while the New Testament has 27 books, mostly written in Greek. The texts include various genres such as history, poetry, prophecy, and teachings. What is its Source? The Bible is considered to be divinely inspired, meaning it is believed to be the word of God. It was written by approximately 40 different authors over a span of about 1,400 years. The Old Testament reflects the history and laws of the Jewish people, while the New Testament focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church. How and Why Should I Read It? How to Read the Bible • Start with a Plan: Choose a reading plan that suits your schedule. • Use a Study Bible: A study Bible provides helpful notes and context.
Take Notes: Write down thoughts, questions, and insights as you read. • Join a Group: Discussing with others can enhance understanding. Why Read the Bible • Spiritual Growth: It offers guidance and wisdom for daily life. • Understanding Faith: Reading helps deepen your understanding of Christian beliefs. • Cultural Influence: The Bible has significantly shaped Western culture and values. Engaging with the Bible can provide personal insight and a deeper connection to faith. csbible.com 1517.org All of this is very interesting and helpful for those who are asking these questions. But just as interesting is that Bible Reading Statistics tell us that only around • 41% of American adults read the Bible outside of church at least three times a year. • Frequency of Reading: o 10% read the Bible daily. o 4% read it 4-6 times a week. o 7% read it 2-3 times a week. o 5% read it once a week. o 7% read it once a month. o 7% read it 3-4 times a year. o 60% read it twice a year or less.
• Millennials: There has been a 29% increase in Bible use among Millennials from 2024 to 2025. • Gender Gap: Bible reading among men has increased by 19%, closing the gap with women. Reading Habits • Full Bible Readings: About 20% of Americans have read the entire Bible at least once. • Partial Readings: o 29% have read several passages or stories. o 18% have read at least half of the Bible. o 12% have read almost all of it. These statistics indicate a significant portion of the population engages with the Bible, though many do not read it frequently or in its entirety. goodfaithmedia.org religionunplugged.com
WHAT POSSIBLE GOOD IS THE BIBLE And WHAT CAN IT DO FOR ME? Let’s see if I have this right. A world that is in constant chaos and depravity, which is searching for answers to its spiritually, emotionally and physically destructive behavior, looks within itself, for answers, the very source and fountainhead of its problems. While a nation which was founded on the principals found in the Bible has been, until recently, a shining example of the principles of the Bible put into action. (I say recently because America has fallen away from her founding principles and is now in a serious decline). To Wit: Only 10% of Americans read their Bible daily and 60% of those, read it only twice a year or less. And for those who do read the Bible, including theologians, pastors and Bible teachers - are they being Myopic? (Pertaining to, or affected with, or characterized by, myopia; nearsighted; nearsighted; a condition in which the eye is affected with myopia in one meridian only; Nearsighted; unable to see distant objects unaided.) A staggering majority of those who read and most sadly, those who teach the Bible, have little to no idea of the Long View of the Message of the Bible. I.e., the “Why” of the Bible. (For example, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”, Genesis 1:1. Why? For what reason and to what end? There are those who will say it was for His own pleasure or for His glory. Okay. But that seems and sound random and, well, myopic.
understatement! But okay. Why? Isn’t God and the Bible more than an “instruction book”? Some will say it is a book of stories with characters, doctrines, lessons on morality and ethical conduct. We know the ‘main characters’, a few of the doctrines, but we are mainly familiar with the ‘stories’, the moral lessons and ethical standards presented. But God could have created humankind with all those things ‘built in’ their nature and mind. Ask that question and you will get either a blank stare or the “heaven or hell” answer. Most people, including the theologians, seminary trained professors, pastors and teachers, are so academically trained and fixated, that fail the practicality test: “They talk a good albeit complicated game, but can you walk your talk?” In other words, what do you do with what you know?” Then on the other end of the scale are those Christians who only occasionally read or address the Bible. Perhaps you fit that description? The problem with reading the Bible occasionally or ‘piecemeal’, such as a daily devotional or topically, is that you never come to the conclusion that God has a Plan, a Purpose and a Method and that it includes you. The Bible offers a complete chronological description about God’s Master Plan, His Purpose in His Plan, His Methods and His Ways. It gives us the “Why” and “So What” answers of His plan. And guess what? It is about Him and His concern for your welfare. The Bible tells us that God’s Plan is to prosper you. It is His plan for your welfare - not for evil to harm you. (And it’s is not a ‘name-it-and-claim-it plan for material wealth
29:11). What God is saying is that even though you may encounter difficult times in your life, as a Christian, it is the hand of God bringing you into alignment with His Plan and Purpose by way of His corrective measures. God’s corrective measures may feel like evil or harm but they, in reality, are for your welfare. (1), the Bible is transformative, (2), and the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. That means that the message of the gospel has the divine ability to save everyone who believes in it, offering salvation first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles (see Romans 1:16). This concept emphasizes the transformative and redemptive nature of the gospel in bringing people into a right relationship with God. And (3), It is prophetic at its very core. It tells the truth, past, present and future to you, and when you take it into your heart, mind and soul, it will tell the truth in and through you! Here is an example of “what is the Bible” from GotQuestions.Org, a highly respected conservative Bible source: Essentially, the Bible is about God’s plans and purposes for fellowship with people on the earth. God created everything, including people who are made in His image and made for the express purpose of having fellowship with Him. The Bible is a saga that spans all of human history. The story of the Bible is that our fellowship with God, which was lost in the beginning, is being restored through the ministry of Christ. This fellowship will be experienced perfectly in the re-created heavens and earth, but through the Holy Spirit, those who put their faith in Christ can enjoy a measure of that fellowship here and now. The best way to get to know the Bible is to read it. If you are just getting started, you can get the “storyline” of the Bible by reading.
highly respected and comprehensive Bible study site: What is the Bible? An Introduction to the Theology of Scripture. A God who speaks. Imagine a world in which God is silent, and the grand questions of life go unanswered. Why are we here? Is there any design or meaning to this world? Does my life have purpose? How do I make sense of a world that is filled with so much beauty yet so much horror? How can I begin to deal with the guilt and shame of my failures and broken relationships? How do I navigate unseen spiritual forces so that life can go well for me? When something good happens to me, whom do I thank? When I really need a change of fortune or deliverance from my troubles, to whom do I pray? What will happen when I die? Is there any hope for me after my life is but a distant memory? Silence. But praise God – he is not silent, and he has not left us alone. He has revealed himself throughout history to His people and has graciously made Himself known to us. Finally, from Christianity.Com, a self-described a leading online destination for believers and seekers who want to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith, engage with biblically rooted content, and explore how God’s Word speaks into every aspect of life. As a trusted source for Christian resources, Bible study, and faith-based articles, we aim to inspire, equip, and strengthen your walk with God. For over 20 years, we’ve been committed to creating a welcoming space where users can find clarity, encouragement, and theological insight. As one of the most comprehensive platforms for biblical truth, we serve millions of users who want to find answers to life’s most challenging questions. Whether you're a lifelong Christian, a new believer, or just beginning to ask spiritual questions, our goal is to be a trusted resource for your spiritual journey.
How to find answers to life? I guess you could call the Bible these things. But let’s try this: The Bible is the Word and Breath of God. It is complete, without any error, is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The Bible has proven, over thousands of years and by the transformation of millions of lives, to be a portal, a Spiritual vortex, into the Mind and Spirit of God, into His Kingdom, by His Grace and through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. (This phrase from Hebrews 4:12 means that the Word of God is very intimate to the believer. It is powerful and can deeply penetrate a person's inner being, distinguishing between the spiritual and physical aspects of life. It emphasizes that God's Word can reveal and judge our innermost thoughts and intentions.) Here is the point: God’s Plan was complete before the beginning of time. So, when reading and studying the Bible and hearing and understanding God’s Word, we must come to know the “Why” from the beginning to the End.
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