“A Brief Look At A Unique Book”
(Psalm 1:1-3)
I. Introduction.
A. Let’s take a trip together, but this will be a unique “trip” –
because you won’t even have to leave your seat. But, then,
what we’re going to explore is unique itself.
B. Look, with me, at world’s oldest, richest, most unique, and
greatest book – the Bible.
1. Follow its story, from beginning to end.
2. Identify with its varied cast of characters,
memorable and real, who so often remind us of
ourselves.
3. Think about its origins in the hazy mists of the past,
so long ago and far away, and, yet, the book
remains so relevant to the present.
4. Think about the author, who directed its writing by
40 different men over a period of 1600 years; men
who, themselves, often, did not know one another
personally and, yet, who did not contradict one
thing any of the other writers said.
C. Even those who do not declare themselves believers of this
book and its story still admit its impact in human history
and its influence upon the world, past and present. Listen
to what some have said:
1. George Washington: “It is impossible to rightly
govern the world without God and the Bible.”
2. Abraham Lincoln: “I am profitably engaged in
reading the Bible. Take all of this Book upon
reason that you can, and the balance by faith, and
you will live and die a better man.”
3. Dr. Helen Keller: “Unless we form the habit of
going to the Bible in bright moments as well as in
trouble, we cannot fully respond to its consolations,
because we lack equilibrium between light and
darkness.”
4. Herbert Hoover: “The whole of the inspirations of
our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ
and the lessons of the Prophets. To read the Bible
for these fundamentals is a necessity of . . . life.”
5. Dwight D. Eisenhower: “To read the Bible is to
take a trip to a fair land where the spirit is
strengthened and faith renewed.”
D. I would hope that will be the outcome of our trip today. As
we start, keep in mind there is one overall plan for the book
and one central theme: the plan is God’s; theme is His Son,
Jesus Christ.
II. The Beginning.
A. The Bible truly begins at “the beginning” – at the creation
of the physical world and everything in it. Nothing in time
precedes it. Each progressive step of the creative work of
God sets stage for next until we see the crowing creation,
humanity itself.
1. When God has everything ready, as it should, and
must, be, He creates man – Adam – from “the dust
of the ground” (Genesis 2:7).
2. In that physical form, of earthly elements, the
3. Saul’s successor was David, considered by some
Israel’s greatest king. Now, the message of third
promise repeated to him: The “Messiah” would be
descendant of David, and, through him, all nations
of earth would be blessed.
4. After David comes Solomon, and after Solomon
the division of Israel into northern and southern
kingdoms.
E. Israel frequently forgot how weak it was, how helpless,
without strength from God. Peoples’ faith would weaken
and, inevitably, neighboring nations and empires would
conquer Israel. Remorse, and repentance, would bring
them back to God and their freedom would be restored.
F. After almost 450 years of silence from God, one came
proclaiming these very qualities. His message was
repentance and turning back to God: “The voice of one
crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make
His paths straight. John came baptizing in the wilderness,
and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of
sins.” (Mark 1:3-4).
G. What we call New Testament opens with the lineage, and
story, of Jesus of Nazareth. He is revealed as descendant of
Abraham, through line of David.
1. He was born in Bethlehem, city of David, born of
virgin, as prophets had foretold; He was fulfillment
of third promise, the Messiah, the Son of God, the
Savior.
2. Was Lamb of God, perfect sacrifice for sins of all
people – one through whom justice would be served
and punishment rendered for sin.
3. Was one sent from Heaven to reveal God and His
love for all world.
4. Was fulfillment not only of promise of God, but of
plan of God for redeeming mankind.
IV. Conclusion.
A. Three days after Jesus’ death, and burial, it was reported He
was seen alive again. Many could testify to truth that He
had risen from grave: READ I Corinthians 15:5-8).
B. Forty days later, Jesus told apostles they were to wait at
Jerusalem to “receive power”, as it was there the Holy
Spirit would be sent upon them (Acts 1:8). The Spirit
would guide them in teaching and preaching the gospel.
1. The saving power of gospel is end result of
development of God’s eternal plan. What is it;
What is that message of truth? Look at
I Corinthians 15 again.
(READ verses 1-4.)
2. Everyone can now enter the one spiritual family of
God. What was lost through the sin of Adam is
regained through the offering and sacrifice of
Christ.
C. Our journey is also completed. Bible’s story began with
tragic loss of innocence and fellowship with God. It
climaxes with the offer of forgiveness for sin and that
fellowship restored.
1. The penalty for sin was accepted and the debt was
paid by God’s Own, and Only, Son.
2. New Testament concludes with certainty of the
victory of Christians over sin, death, and Satan.
3. With that victory comes certainty of fulfillment of
another promise Jesus made: (READ John 14:1-3).
D. The “new Eden”, “new Jerusalem” is prepared for all who
desire to go there in obedience to God.
1. Psalm 1:1-3 (READ).
2. Choice to accept or reject “the law of the Lord” is
ours to make. One of last verses in all Bible,
Revelation 22:17: “. . . whoever desires let him
take the water of life freely.”