If you are new to the Bible or believe that the Bible an outdated, pre-scientific relic of by-gone eras or if you are skeptical or confused, then this book is for you. Let's face it, the Bible is unread, underappreciated, with an unlikely plot. We may say that the Bible is an important book, but few really understand how it came to be or what really it says, and some of us just think it is complete nonsense. Many of the stories seem archaic and out of touch with modern culture. Yet if we look closely, the Bible contains timeless wisdom and principles that are very much applicable. This book offers an easy-to-understand explanation of the origins and purposes of the Bible. It will give modern perspectives on how we might read and understand scripture today in light of all that we know (and don't know) about the world. Importantly, it addresses how the Bible can be understood in light how we think today.

A road map that will help you better comprehend the Bible as a whole. Sharpen your understanding and admiration for the most important book ever written--the most monumental story ever recorded. Esteemed theologian R.C. Sproul and best-selling author Robert Wolgemuth collaborated to highlight the essence of God's voice, activity, and purpose throughout the Old and New Testaments in this understandable and readable introduction to the Bible. Written from the perspective of a theologian and a layman, What's In the Bible is designed to welcome both newcomers and seasoned believers to the Bible by: Summarizing the overall story that the Bible tells, from Genesis to Revelation. Unpacking common doctrinal themes. Coherently presenting the different types of literature found in Scripture and providing the cultural framework for each. Linking the Old and New Testaments with an explanation of the period between them. Focusing on portions of Scripture that might be confusing, such as Jesus' parables and the background of the book of Revelation. This revised and updated edition also includes a new topical index for ease of reference.

Contains entries that identify people whose names appear in the Bible, arranged alphabetically according to spellings in the New Living Translation, and includes more in-depth profiles of important men and women.

A literary history of our most influential book of all time, by an Oxford scholar and Anglican priest In our culture, the Bible is monolithic: It is a collection of books that has been unchanged and unchallenged since the earliest days of the Christian church. The idea of the Bible as "Holy Scripture," a non-negotiable authority straight from God, has prevailed in Western society for some time. And while it provides a firm foundation for centuries of Christian teaching, it denies the depth, variety, and richness of this fascinating text. In A History of the Bible, John Barton argues that the Bible is not a prescription to a complete, fixed religious system, but rather a product of a long and intriguing process, which has inspired Judaism and Christianity, but still does not describe the whole of either religion. Barton shows how the Bible is indeed an important source of religious insight for Jews and Christians alike, yet argues that it must be read in its historical context--from its beginnings in myth and folklore to its many interpretations throughout the centuries. It is a book full of narratives, laws, proverbs, prophecies, poems, and letters, each with their own character and origin stories. Barton explains how and by whom these disparate pieces were written, how they were canonized (and which ones weren't), and how they were assembled, disseminated, and interpreted around the world--and, importantly, to what effect. Ultimately, A History of the Bible argues that a thorough understanding of the history and context of its writing encourages religious communities to move away from the Bible's literal wording--which is impossible to determine--and focus instead on the broader meanings of scripture.

The New York Times bestselling author Rob Bell, using his inspired and inquisitive approach, focuses on the most widely read book of all time. He provides surprising insights and answers about how the Bible actually works as a source of faith and guidance, showing a brand-new way of reading this sacred text.

The Bible Answer Book Volume 1 covered 81 of the top questions that Hank Hangegraaff, the Bible Answer Man, has answered in his ministry. Now he's coming back in Volume II with more questions and answers. Selected from among the thousands of topics he's addressed over the years, topics include family, faith, fear, sin, salvation, and many more issues vital to better understanding God. Each question is approached in Hanegraaff's scholarly, concise, yet easy-to-understand style, and he even suggests additional sources for readers who want to explore the topics further.