The Bible is an anthology, or collection of books, written over a 1,600-year span on three different continents in three different languages by over 40 authors from every walk of life including kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, scholars, etc.
This is the fourth of four weeks to show the centrality of the Bible
There is one purpose for the Bible.
Paul writes in Romans 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
What? Everything that was written in the past. In other words, the Old Testament. Some want to dismiss the Old Testament, but that is a grave mistake. It was written for us.
Why? To teach us. God has acted throughout history. He guided people to preserve His words so He can teach us how to live our lives in a manner that frees us to love Him and to love others.
Purpose? Through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. God did not give us the Bible so we could have an easy and prosperous life. Yes, following his commands does mean less self-destruction and more peace-filled lives.
But we live in a fallen world and God has promised us suffering and hardships while on Earth. He also promises a future utopia and eternal life with Him.
In summary, the Bible has one central theme, on central character, one central author, and one purpose.
