Could you tell someone the story of the Bible? Could you summarize its teachings? Could you articulate the main message the Bible is conveying?
These are three massive questions, and yet most Christian would like to be able to answer all three questions…first for themselves, and then for others.
This is important because if someone cannot explain a complex subject in simple terms, he or she does not yet fully understand the complex subject.
That is why effective simplification is so rare. It’s extremely difficult.
In the new edition of 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, there is a section called Nano Summary of the Bible. This section includes three concise summaries of these three complex subjects.
By mastering these three summaries of the Bible, you can grasp the overall scope of Scripture better than ever before, and be even better able to master the Bible so well that the Bible masters you.
The Story of the Bible in 1,000 Words
This tells the story of the Bible, the people, places, and events, from Genesis to Revelation. Like looking down on the landscape from 35,000 feet, this summary looks down on the story of the Bible and includes only the essential information. You can learn to walk your way through the Bible as you focus on just the major people, places and events.
The Teachings of the Bible in 1,000 Words
The 10 major doctrines of the Bible, and therefore subcategories of those doctrines, are explained in narrative form, giving a concise overview of the major teachings of Scripture. By reading this summary, you’ll understand more completely all that the Bible teaches about the fundamental truths of Christianity. Armed with this foundational understanding, you will be able to build your knowledge base as high as you want to take it.
The Main Message of the Bible in 1,000 Words
The story of the Bible, and the teachings of the Bible, are given to us for one purpose, and that is to help us understand the message of the Bible. The message of the Bible is this: God loves us. He has created us for Himself, but sin has destroyed that original intention. Sin separates us from our Creator. But because God loves us, He has paid the price to make it possible for us to be redeemed and reconciled to Him.
As we accept Him by faith as our God and Savior, we are restored to a relationship with Him. As we live in faith and obedience, we grow in our relationship with Him, becoming more like Him, being able to more fully relate to Him, and being prepared to live forever with Him in heaven.
To study the story of the Bible and the teachings of the Bible without grasping the message of the Bible is to fall short of mastering the Bible.
As J. I. Packer once wrote: And that is God’s end in revelation. He speaks to us simply to fulfill the purpose for which we were made; that is, to bring into being a relationship in which He is a friend to us, and we to Him, He finding His joy in giving us gifts, and we finding ours in giving Him thanks.
That is the message of the Bible:Â God loves us and wants to live in relationship with us, and the Scripture tells us how.
Conclusion
To understand all three summaries…the overall story, teachings, and message of the Bible…is to grasp Scripture on a deeper level than otherwise possible. It will help complete your basic knowledge of Scripture, giving you a foundation for a lifetime of spiritual growth.
If you’ve ever confused the ark of the covenant with the ark of Noah, or Jericho with Jeroboam, Max Anders’ classic book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, is for you. In just fifteen minutes a day, you’ll learn the Bible’s key people, events, and doctrines to get more out of God’s Word.
Max Anders
Dr. Max Anders is the author of over 25 books included 30 Days to Understanding the Bible. He has taught on the college and seminary level and is a veteran pastor. Max was also one of the original team members with Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. He provides resources and discipleship strategies at MaxAnders.com to help people grow spiritually.
