Hunger and Thirst for God's Word
Why read the Bible?
God’s Word and the Truth
It’s God’s word to us. We believe God speaks and He wants us to listen. The Bible is the primary way in which He has chosen to speak to us. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Brings Change
When we read the Bible, it changes us for the good. Many people all over the world have had their lives changed for the good as they have read the Bible. (Isaiah 55:11)
Brings Life
The Bible brings life to us. The Bible even talks about us being spiritually dead before he makes us alive. (Ephesians 2:1-5)
Eternal Life
The Bible talks about eternal life and how we can obtain it, and not just ‘life’, but to actually see God face-to-face. (Revelation 22:3-4)
Obeying God is more important than Obeying People
The Bible affirms our obedience of our elders, governments and those over us spiritually. (Romans 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:17)
However, it is possible some of those around us, even our spiritual leaders, may not be following God’s truth.
It is important for us to follow God’s way.
Encouraged in the Qur’an Sharif
For those that follow the Qur’an Sharif, it appears from the below, the Qur’an Sharif encourages us to read the Bible (Taurat, Zaboor, Injeel) given they have been sent by God:
- The Qur’an Sharif explicitly says that God ‘sent down’ the Tawrat [1], or simply that it was ‘sent down’.[2].
- The Qur’an Sharif explicitly says that God ‘gave David’ the Zaboor, or that God ‘had written’ the Psalms. [3].
- The Qur’an Sharif explicitly says that God ‘sent down’ the Injeel,[4] or simply that it was ‘sent down’, or that God ‘gave Jesus’ the Injeel. [5]
Therefore, we can be compelled to look into the Bible further.
[1] Q3:3; Q5:44.
[2] Q3:93.
[3] Q4:163; Q17:55
[4] Q3:3; Q5:47
[5] Q5:46; Q57:27
How was the Bible written?
The Bible is from God and was written through people by over 40 authors over around 2000 years. We believe this shows that God values people and wants to be in relationship with them. Although there are numerous styles and types of scripture, there is a remarkable unity in the overall message and themes.
It was written originally in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. We have ancient manuscripts of large sections of scripture. Since then it has been translated into many languages. Over 700 languages have the full Bible, and over 3000 have at least one full book of the Bible translated.
We understand God’s heart for us to hear his word, therefore we believe it is important his words are translated into our native languages. The same message rings true across all these languages. Further, some languages have numerous translations. This comes from translators wanting to most accurately translate this message; sometimes done in a ‘word-for-word’ manner and sometimes in a ‘meaning-for-meaning’ manner; and further language spoken also evolves over time.
Psalm 119:105 [ESV]
God preservers his word
We can be confident that God preserves his word.
He said that we would, so we can be confident he will keep it.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8; see also Psalm 12:6-7
Hazrat Isa said: “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” Matthew 5:18
God also gave warnings for anyone that would add to or change God’s word. This is shown in Revelation, which with pictures, sums up the whole Bible. (Revelation 22:18-19)
Has the Bible been changed?
Many people state that the Bible has been changed. However, this is often not accompanied with evidence. When could it have been changed and how?
· If before Jesus coming…
o How could it be that Jesus fulfilled various prophecies written about the coming Messiah?
· If during Jesus’ life / soon after his death…
o Why would the disciples give their lives to proclaim this message?
o Further, we still have carbon dated copies of significant portions of the Old Testament.
· If after this…
o we have many copies of earlier manuscripts, so how could they corroborate as the copies begun to be copied into different languages and geographical locations.
Therefore, there is no point in time when the Bible could have been changed. This statement is a myth that has been passed down and this statement does not have authenticity.
We can enjoy the authenticity of the Bible and trust that its message comes from God.
Is it trustworthy?
We can have confidence that the messages God gave to his people in the Bible in previous millennia are still true today.
The number of copies and span of time are two significant factors to determine the authenticity of a text. Low time span (between original being written and earliest copy) and high number of manuscripts determines a reliable scriptural text. The below table shows that, relative to a number of well-respected sources that people do generally not quibble or doubt, the Bible has a lower time span between when written and earliest copy and an extremely high manuscript count.
bibleauthenticity.com
Therefore, the Bible can be trusted.
Bible: affirming the books of the canon*
(*the books that are part of the Old and New Testament)
The Old Testament (older promises) was written throughout history from around 1500 BC to a few hundred BC. Its content goes back to the beginning of creation.
Complete canons were formed in around the first century BC or AD with various theories on the exact year. There are many references to many parts of books of the Old Testament in Jesus’ accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, but it is unclear if a full Old Testament was in wide circulation at that time.
For the New Testament (newer promises) the books were generally completed 50 to 100AD. These copies were then circulated around the early church in the Mediterranean. In around the 300s AD, groups gathered in different parts of the Mediterranean to prayerfully affirm which books had been in use and considered as God’s word, and to go in the canon (i.e. which ones were God’s word for us for all time). They used the criteria of whether they affirmed the Old Testament and gave a higher weighting for those that had been with Jesus.
From these groups, there was remarkable unity on the books that were affirmed, given these books had been in use for over 200 years.
Getting a Bible
If you haven’t got a Bible, here are some ideas to get one:
Version:
The Bible has been trasnlated into English many times. The message is the same, but minor wording differences to help people understand God's word in native language. The below versions are recommended.
English Standard Version (ESV) - literal and easy to read
If you struggle with English: Good News Bible or New Living Translation
Paper copy:
o Speak to a Christian friend to ask for one
In the UK:
o Christian Book Shop
o Ask someone at your local church
o Order from an online shop eg 10ofthose.com, Amazon etc
In Pakistan:
The Pakistan Bible Society Bible House 144-Anarkali-Lahore P.O. No. 5400; +92 423-7238537; +92 3017053803
info@pbs.org.pk
FGA Bookstore - +923314004219
Geo Version (with Arabic names) or Pakistan Bible Society version
· Access online:
o https://www.biblegateway.com/
· Download a version:
o YouVersion
What’s the main message?
The main message is God’s big story of love with his people; how he chose them and loves them, with the story perhaps being simplified as:
· God’s people – that is people chosen by God that are able to be in relationship with God
· God’s place – they are to dwell in the special place He has given them. Throughout especially the Old Testament, this is a physical land, but especially in the New Testament, this talks about a bigger, better reality. This means both being all places, that we can enter into God’s kingdom wherever we are, but also points to a future new heaven and new earth.
· God’s rule – that is living under God’s rule as his people.
He ultimately wants us to be his people living in his place under his rule.
In the Bible, there are significant themes of:
· Sacrifice – that blood must be shed to please God.
· Kingship – kingship seems to be important. Initially with God as king, then his people rejected this and wanted a human king like others. Some of these were good and some were not so good. All pointed to the need for a greater King to come.
· Priesthood – someone to stand between fallen humankind and a holy God to enable us to be made right and meet with God.
· Holiness – that God is a holy, pure God, and he desires us to be too!
· Love – love is important to God and God is love. This plays out in our relationship with each other, both in the marriage setting and in other ways.
· Sin – that since the time of Adam and Eve humankind has hia sin in our hearts and this overspills into thoughts, actions and word. The Bible even talks about us being slave to sin and needing to be rescued.
· Response – although the Bible is a magnificent story; it is not to be read just as a novel. It is God’s message to us that demands a response in our hearts, then with our mouth and actions.
Types of books of the Bible
· Law – the bringing of the law and associated narrative with this including sacrificial systems and festivals – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
· History – accounts of history detailing stories eg 1 & 2 Kings or 1 & 2 Samuel
· Poetry – poetic style, some of praise some of romantic passion eg Psalms, Song of Songs
· Accounts – the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life eg Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
· Prophets – prophets that brought God’s message, eg Isaiah, Hosea
· Letters – letters from one person to another person or group describing about God and how we should live in response to truths eg Romans, Galatians
· Wisdom literature – advice with how to live well eg Proverbs
· Eschatology – talking about the end times eg Revelation
Book-by-book overview
OLD TESTAMENT
Testament means promise. This details the original promises that God had for his people, originally Jacoob’s line (al Yaqoob); however we also see signs that he planned to include many others then just Jacoob’s direct line. Later this was fulfilled in a new way.
TAURAT
Genesis – talks about God’s creation, humankind’s initial fall, and God’s justice, but mercy too. Also includes early followers of the faith.
Exodus – God brought his people out of Egypt and ordained the sacrifice system.
Leviticus – further detail about sacrifices, priesthood and festivals, and what would be required to be right with God.
Numbers – God’s dealings with his people in the desert.
Deuteronomy – God reminding people of the law before entering the Promised Land
HISTORY
Joshua – the conquest of the holy land with Mosa’s disciple Joshua and God’s desire to follow him on their journey with radical obedience, as he calls us to follow him
Judges – people that ruled over Israel, many of whom were fallen. It was a hard time for Israel with much suffering, showing the need for a greater leader.
Ruth – the story of a lady who had a special servant-heart who was blessed by God with a kinsman-redeemer to make good her situation.
1 & 2 Samuel – the kingship of Saul and David; a man after God’s own heart, hinting at what good godly leadership can be like, although he was still flawed and pointing to a greater King to come.
1 & 2 Kings – accounts of various other kings of Israel including the division of the land and God’s people’s need for a greater King.
1 & 2 Chronicles – an overview of God’s history to this time; showing his faithfulness.
Ezra – the return of some of the Israelites from exile with the rebuilding of the temple, but showed that a greater rebuilding would be required.
Nehemiah – the return of some of the Israelites from exile with the rebuilding of the walls, but showed that a greater rebuilding of God’s place would be required.
Esther – God’s use of a faithful woman as she became queen and showing God’s timing in all things.
ZABOOR AND WISDOM
Job – the story of someone righteous on whom God allowed the devil to give much suffering. Through all his suffering he honoured God.
Psalms (ZABOOR) – various songs and poems of praise to God to cover a wide range of experiences and helping us to know more about God and pray to him whatever the circumstance. Many of these were revealed to Daud.
Proverbs – some wise sayings to cover a wide range of things in life – statements that are generally true and can be a blessing to us as we live by them.
Ecclesiastes – the writer comments about various things in life he tries to find satisfaction in. Everything seems to come short except for pursuing God.
Song of Songs – a passionate romantic love poem about a couple; it shows God’s high view of marriage and hints at Jesus’ love for the church.
PROPHETS
Isaiah – a book of prophecy of God speaking to Israel, reminding us that he judges, but through all adversity, he had a plan to send a special Messiah
Jeremiah – a book of prophecy of God brought through a prophet who was also tasked with several physical tasks to represent the messages he was bringing, reminding us that God judges, but through this judgment, he seeks to show goodness and mercy
Lamentations – some honest poetic reflections of hard times of the ancient Israelites from some of the judgments brought on them, relevant as we enter hard times ourselves.
Ezekiel – a book of prophecy of God brought through a prophet who was also tasked with several physical tasks to represent the messages he was bringing, including messages of judgment but also hope for his people.
Daniel – a story of a man who was taken to Babylon from Israel by the Babylonians. He learned from their culture but obeyed God and was blessed with significant leadership opportunities and was used by God.
Hosea – a book about prophet Hosea who was given a special calling to an unfaithful wife to show God’s love to his unfaithful people.
Joel – a prophecy of God’s judgment of plagues of locusts on the people of Israel, but God’s glimmer of hope for them as he would send his Spirit for all people.
Amos – God’s prophecy to his people emphasising his love, grace, mercy and forgiveness.
Obadiah – a prophecy of God’s servant.
Jonah – the story of a prophet’s reluctant obedience to want to go, but God eventually blessed his going, although he was a bit grumpy with the outcome.
Micah – a prophecy with a call for his people to walk as God wants them to with him.
Nahum – a prophecy warning of God’s judgment.
Habakkuk – a prophecy in which the prophet speaks to God; who responds, and the prophet then responds in faith.
Zephaniah – a prophecy about God’s judgment and the coming day of the Lord.
Haggai – a prophecy encouraging obedience to God and further evidence of God’s promises to bless all nations.
Zechariah - a prophecy showing God’s eagerness to work in weakness for his glory.
Malachi – final revelation of the Old Testament with things not being complete, beckoning us to wait for the coming Messiah.
NEW TESTAMENT
Testament means promise. The New Testament describes the new promise that God had for his people to relate to him. You could even say this fulfils the old promise, done in a way that many were not expecting.
INJEEL
Matthew’s Ravi – an account of Jesus’ life with a focus on Kingship and Jewish references.
Mark’s Ravi – An account of Jesus’ life focusing on his identity.
Luke’s Ravi – An account of Jesus’ life showing many of the miracles he performed.
John’s Ravi – an account of Jesus’ life with a focus on philosophical questions and who Jesus is
Acts (Luke’s second Ravi) – an account of the works of Jesus’ first disciples as empowered by the Holy Spirit throughout the Mediterranean area
LETTERS
Romans – a letter with an in-depth explanation of the Good News
1 Corinthians – a letter of grace also calling the original recipients and us to turn away from sin with the hope of our resurrection
2 Corinthians – a letter of God’s grace
Galatians – a letter with an emphatic appeal for us not to turn away from grace
Ephesians – a letter with an explanation of God’s gospel
Philippians – a letter written from a prison cell talking of God’s grace
Colossians – a letter including a description of who Jesus is, has been from the beginning of time and how we should live in response
1 & 2 Thessalonians – letters for God’s people with the hope of resurrection
1 Timothy – a letter to one of God’s leaders with instructions of how to stay in the faith
2 Timothy – a letter to walk the fight of faith
Titus – a letter to encourage the recipients and us to walk in grace
Philemon – a letter to a slave owner that the slave should be well treated as expression of following God
Hebrews – an explanation of the old sacrificial system and explaining how Christ more fully fulfils God’s requirements
James – a book encouraging us to do good works of faith from a base of understanding God’s grace to us
1 Peter – a letter with a call to for us to join together as the living stones in faith in God
2 Peter – a letter encouraging people to walk in faith and to stimulate growth
1, 2, 3 John – letters with a call for us to walk as Christ calls us, in grace walking in the truth and be faithful to brothers in the faith
Jude – a letter encouraging the recipients to walk in the faith
Revelation – a letter speaking of Christ’s authority in this age as well as revelation of Jesus’ return and ultimately the destiny for those that do not follow Jesus and the glorious reality for those that do
Suggested Highlights Reading Plan
Old Testament
Genesis 1-3 – Creation and fall
Genesis 6,7, 9 - Noah
Genesis 12, 15, 17, 21, 22 - Abraham
Leviticus 16 – Day of Atonement / Sacrifice
2 Samuel 7 - Kingship
Psalm 51 - Confession
Isaiah 9 - The coming Messiah
Isaiah 52-53 – The coming Messiah
New Testament
Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:1-7 – Jesus’ / Hazrat Isa Al Masih’s birth to a virgin
Matthew 3:17 – Voice from heaven on who Jesus / Hazrat Isa Al Masih was
Mark 2:1-13 – Jesus’ / Hazrat Isa Al Masih authority to heal and forgive sins
John 3:1-21 – Being born again and God the Father’s love
Mark 9:2-13 – Jesus’ / Hazrat Isa Al Masih being Transfigured (his glory being further revealed)
John 8:3-11 – Opposition and Jesus’ / Hazrat Isa Al Masih wise words and actions
Luke 8:22-25 – Jesus’ / Hazrat Isa Al Masih’s authority over storms
Luke 18:31-33 – Jesus’ / Hazrat Isa Al Masih predicts why he came
Mark 15:33-39; Luke 23:22-49 – The ultimate sacrifice
Luke 23:50-24:49 - Resurrection
Revelation 22:1-6 – Eternity
If you have finished these, we encourage you to find someone who has been following Jesus’ / Hazrat Isa Al Masih for a while to ask them what to do/read next.
Questions to ask
When reading the Bible, consider asking these questions:
What does this say about God?
What does this say about humankind?
What does this passage say I should do?
What could I tell others as a result of this passage?
As you will read more, it is important to understand the context of a passage. As time goes on, you will be able to learn more about the surrounding passages and books, as well as references from other parts of the Bible, which will help with understanding.
References
For further help, we recommend the following commentaries:
English:
Canon of Scripture, FF Bruce [for detail on the formation of scripture]
Symphony of Scripture, Mark Strom [for an overview of the whole Bible]
Full commentary series: The Bible Speaks Today (available for each book of the Bible)
Online videos: the Bible Project – simple explanation videos about the Bible: https://bibleproject.com/
Urdu Commentaries:
Tafseel ul Kotab – William McDonald
South Asia Bible Commentary – Urdu, Masihi Ishaat Khana (MIK)
Also contact giver:
pk.almassira@gmail.com
Bible Timeline
Source - 1985 NIV Study Bible Zondervan Chronology.
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