UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE

This is a basic manual for the training of the many lay-ministers in mission programs based on: HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR BIBLE by T. Norton Sterrett, Inter-Varsity Press Downers Grove, IL. 1974

INTRODUCTION:

To many Christians, the Bible is a wonderful book. They may love it and honor it, but do not believe that they can understand it. To them it is like a technical manual about science, computers, medicine or some other very difficult subject. One must have a certain level of specialized education to understand what is in it. However the Bible was written by very ordinary people like you and me for people like us.

It is true that for many years the Bible was in Latin and even now some Bibles are in a language that we no longer use. For example the King James Version in English was translated from the Greek and Hebrew about 400 years ago. English has changed so much that many expressions we find in the King James, are no longer used.

However, if you find a modern translation such as Today’s English Version, The Living Bible, or the New International Version, those difficult expressions have been changed into the language of our day. You may even have a Bible translated into your own dialect. None of these need a high level of education to be understood.

Many wonderful stories and truths can easily be read and understood, but one can discover much more than what you read in a story. Much, much more may be gained by diligent study. That is what this book is all about. You can learn to understand what the Word says, enjoy it, practice it and then teach someone else. Would you like to do that?________

GOALS OF THIS COURSE:

When you have completed this course you will be able to:

• Read a portion of scripture with understanding,

• Explain the meaning of what is written,

• Write a truth that is applicable to your own life,
• Teach another person what you have learned using good methods of Biblical interpretation.