BIble is True

I liked a comment by one of the members so I am posting it seeking permission from him. His comment was posted by this member to my first post on 25th Feb 2009

Bobby Jindal says :

PROPHECIES ALREADY FULFILLED

THE BIBLE SAYS THAT

ISRAEL IS GOD'S LAND AND

GOD'S PEOPLE MY PEOPLE-Ezekial 38:14

MY PEOPLE OF ISRAEL-Ezekial 38:16

HIS LAND-Joel 2:18 HIS PEOPLE-Joel 2:18

Jacob had a vision 4000 years ago that the Jews would be scattered worldwide, that they would have a worldwide impact, and that they would be brought back to Israel. All three happened - each to an extreme unmatched by any other people in history. Genesis 28:10-15 b. Jeremiah said 2600 years ago that God will save the Jews and destroy their enemies. Gone are the Assyrian, Babylonian, Roman and Nazi empires. Each tried to destroy Israel and the Jews. And each have been destroyed. But not the Jews and not Israel. Jeremiah 30:11 c. Genesis said the Jews would have a worldwide impact. And indeed their contributions in the sciences, politics, arts and economics are vastly disproportionate to their numbers. The Jews introduced the one-true God concept, now embraced by more than 3 billion people. Genesis 12:2-3 d. The prophet Micah said 2700 years ago that Jerusalem would be destroyed and literally "plowed like a field." When the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 135 AD, they ran a plow over Jerusalem, they literally plowed Jerusalem. Micah 3:11-12 e. Deuteronomy said 3400 years ago that Jews would be scattered worldwide. History has but one example of a people being forcibly scattered as far west as California, as far east as Japan, as far north as Scandinavia, as far south as South Africa: the Jews. Who else has been ?. Deuteronomy 28:64 f. Leviticus said 3400 years ago that enemies would inhabit the Jewish homeland. And what other nation in this world today has so deeply rooted within its boundaries a sworn enemy that has so openly sought to destroy its host?Leviticus 26:31-32 g. Zechariah said 2500 years ago that Jews would be persecuted, but preserved. What other group has endured 19 centuries of exile, persecution and genocide, only to find the strength to re-establish their homeland, as did the Jews in 1948? Zero. (Zechariah 8:13) h. Deuteronomy said 3400 years ago that the Jews would be persecuted in many nations. The Romans killed 1.5 million Jews. The Crusaders killed tens of thousands. England, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium banned Jews from living there. The Nazi's murdered 6 million. Deuteronomy 28:65-67 i. Jeremiah said 2600 years ago that the second Israel would be more impressive than the first. The first Israel arose 3400 years ago after Jews had been enslaved in Egypt for 4 centuries. The second was born in 1948 after Jews had been scattered worldwide for 19 centuries. Jeremiah 16:14-15 j. The Last Days, The Beginning of SorrowsNation against Nation, Kingdom against Kingdom -Major world wide conflict that begin the End Times or the Last Days: World War I & II (1914 ,1939) – (Matthew 24:7) Written about 33 AD Both World Wars had major Jewish implications, The Holocaust, & Zionist MovementState of Israel is established in 1948. Israel is established as a secular nation in unbelief for a future judgment known as a Time of Jacob's Trouble, The Bibles speaks of a great gathering of Gentile Armies against Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 20:33-35), Written about – 593 BC (Ezekiel 22:17), Written about 593 BC, (Zephaniah 2:1) Written about 630 BC . Leviticus 26:3, 7-8 - Leviticus said the Jews would be disproportionately powerful. In 1948, Arab nations with a total population of 20 million sought to destroy Israel with its 600,000 Jews. The Jews won that and other wars since then. In 1967, Israel won a war in 6 days. ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3), Written about 54 AD (Revelation 11:2) Written about 96 AD To those that understand the Bible, no explanation is needed. To those that are prideful, self-centered, that love this world, that despise God’s correction, that are contentious or seeking the praise of men rather than of God, no explanation is possible-ref Daniel 12:4, 10; Matthew 24:37, 39 It has been said that it is virtually impossible for anyone to make 11 straight predictions, 2000 years into the future. There is only one chance in 8 x 10 to the 63rd power, or 80 with 63 zeros after it that such a thing could be done. If such a set of predictions existed, it would have to be the Word of God. Consider, could you write eleven straight predictions that would take place in the year 4000 A.D.? Include the rebirth of a specific nation and exactly how it would be reborn. Include specific nations that would exist and certain nations that would be allied together, and the exact size of a nation’s army. Include what the people and church would be like. Also include the names of actual cities and name certain crops and fruit trees that would exist. Do eleven straight prophecies and be exactly correct on every single one. The Bible not only does this eleven times, but hundreds of times with absolute, perfect accuracy. If this is so, even the most skeptical person (that is truthful) would have to agree that there is indeed a God and the Bible has to be His Word. 2 pet 1:20,21-knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the holy ghost. o fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken-luke 24:25. However, believing there is a God and acknowledging the Bible is the Word of God does not save a person. A person needs to admit they are a sinner, repent, and receive Jesus Christ as their only hope of being saved. Faith (or trust) does this.

BIble is True

I am posting a comment by a member on this page dated 25 feb 2009
Frankie Newmen said...
Bible is True
1. The Jewish people would be scattered worldwide; yet Israel would become a nation again after a long time and at a time the Bible calls the "latter days"-ref Isa 66:8; Mic 5:3; Ezek 38:8. Against what appeared to be impossible odds, this prophecy has been fulfilled. It happened as predicted on May 14, 1948 after about 2500 years. That’s 1 out of 1. Note: Israel was destroyed in approximately 721 B.C. and Judah about 135 years later. Since that time, approximately fourteen different peoples have possessed the land of Israel. Yet as the Bible said, the nation of Israel would be reborn.The rebirth of Israel was a key sign, indicating we had entered a time period called the "latter days." It was the beginning of a countdown leading to the Tribulation and culminating with the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Jesus. Along with the fulfillment of this crucial event are over 360 prophecies that would all come together, so we might recognize that the Tribulation is very close at hand. Some of these are listed here.Yet the Bible foretells that most people would not believe these things, despite the overwhelming evidence of the signs from God’s Word being fulfilled exactly as predicted. As people refused to believe the flood was coming in Noah’s time, so people today willingly choose to disregard the signs of the times.
2. Israel shall be brought forth in one day, at once-ref Isa 66:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That’s 2 out of 2.Note: On Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the U.N. approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. On the morning of May 14, 1948 (the last day of the British mandate), a meeting of the People’s Council took place in Israel to decide on the name of the state and to finalize the declaration. At precisely 4 pm, the proclamation ceremony began at the Tel Aviv museum. The 979 Hebrew words of the Scroll of Independence were read. All stood, and the scroll was adopted. The notorious White Paper, issued by the British in 1930 restricting Jewish immigration, was declared null and void. Members of the People’s Council signed the proclamation. David Ben-Gurion rapped his gavel, declaring, "The State of Israel is established. This meeting is ended." Israel was brought forth as a nation in one day, at once, exactly as predicted. At midnight, the British soldiers and high commissioner would leave. US President Truman was swift in announcing U.S. recognition of Israel. The following morning, on May 15, Israel was under attack by the Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian, and Iraqi forces.
3. Israel would be brought forth (or reborn) "out of the nations"-Ezek 38:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That’s 3 out of 3.Note: As previously stated, on Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the "United Nations" approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. This prophecy was perfectly fulfilled. Consider, for centuries the land of Israel had been occupied by many nations. Israel was "brought forth out of the nations"—the children of Israel from many nations have been returning to their ancient homeland.
4. Israel must regain the city of Jerusalem-Joel 2:32; Isa 28:14; Ezek 22:19. This happened just as predicted in 1967. That’s 4 out of 4. Note: The Bible gives us two methods so we would know the time we are in. One is by Israel’s rebirth. The other, by a precise line of events that would all come together at one time. Israel was reborn on May 14th, 1948. The Bible indicates that from Israel’s rebirth a generation would not pass till all be fulfilled. We are not setting any date; however, it seems clear from Israel’s rebirth and the signs of the times— that we are living in the generation in which the Rapture and Tribulation will come and catch most people by surprise. Are you ready?
5. The Christian church at the time of the end would be lukewarm, neither cold nor hot for Jesus. Prophecy fulfilled. That’s 5 out of 5.Note: God will spew them out. Many ministers and people that call themselves a Christian will not be going to heaven. The Bible tells us—you have acquired wealth, but your true condition is wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked and you don’t know it-Rev 3:14-22. This is today’s church. Most preachers use little Scripture, but lots of worldly stories. Many sing a great deal, but put little emphasis on repentance, obeying, serving, and fearing God, on the fruits of the Spirit, Bible prophecy, water baptism by immersion, and studying your Bible faithfully every day. Many are only entertainment centers that teach what their members want to hear. Many (so-called Christians) are so lukewarm or dead, they don’t even bring their Bibles with them to the house of God. Some famous ministers and Bible schools think this is the best church age ever, yet the Bible clearly shows it is the worst and most deceived.
6. The Bible gives us over 50 descriptions about the people at the time of the end. These fit thepeople of today perfectly, but did not fit the people of fifty years ago. Here are some: A. Some would depart from the faith and go into devil worship-1 Tim 4:1. This is perfect. B. People would mock about the last days and not believe-2 Pe 3:3; Jude 18. C. People would become lovers of themselves-2 Tim 3:1,2. Remember the TV commercials—"I do it for me"? D. People would be disobeying their parents-2 Tim 3:1,2. E. People would be grateful for nothing-2 Tim 3:1,2. F. Homosexuality would increase-Lk 17:28,30; ref Gen 19:5; Ro 1:24,26,27. G. People would be without self-control in sex-2 Tim 3:1,2,6; Rev 9:21, Lk 17:28,30; Jude 7. Is this not the great sex generation? H. People would love pleasures more than God-2 Tim 3:1,2,4. This is true. Shall we go on a picnic, watch football, or sleep. Church?—we can go another time. Remember, these were all predicted centuries ago as part of the signs that we are at the time of the end. I. People would be taking drugs-Rev 9:21. The Greek word for sorceries, in Rev 9:21, means pharmaceuticals or drugs. God’s Word is 100% right on every one. That’s 6 out of 6. How could you have any doubts at this point?Note: Fifty years ago, many people seldom locked their doors at night. There was little or no profanity on television, radio, or in the movies. One of the biggest problems in public school was gum chewing. Those days are long gone.
7. There would be weapons that could destroy the world-Mk 13:20; Rev 6:8; Rev 9:18; Zech 14:8,12. Incredibly, this prophecy was written in the days of spears and arrows, yet today it is true. That’s 7 out of 7.Note: It is estimated that the combined nuclear arsenals of the USA and Russia (as of the year 2004) could kill every living thing on earth 6 times over.
8. The Gospel must be published in all the world-Mk 13:10. This seemingly impossible prophecy was written when there was no printing press, but today it is true. That's 8 out of 8.Note: In this last generation, to our knowledge, the Gospel is being published (or is about to be published) in the primary language of every nation of the world or "among all nations." In addition, the Gospel is available by short-wave radio nearly everywhere in the world.
9. In the "latter days" when Israel was once again a nation, there would be a great military power to the extreme north of Israel in the land of Magog (which is modern-day Russia)-Ezek 38:2-4,8,15,16. Incredible. That’s 9 out of 9.Note: How could the Bible have foretold the location of this nation, facts about its military, and even the time period it would come to pass? As was already said in Lk 24:25-O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN.
10. There would be a nation to the far east of Israel, to the end of the earth. This nation would have an army of 200 million. This is astounding. How could the Bible have told the location of a nation and given such a huge figure regarding the size of its army nearly 2000 years ago? China has boasted that they could field an army of this exact figure. That’s 10 out of 10.
11. There would be an economic alliance of the nations of the Old Roman Empire. It would have a military capability. This is an exact description of the European Economic Community today (the EEC), which has already adopted the one-currency system for many of their member nations. It is written, IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS (these nations, which is now) SHALL THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM-Dan 2:44. That’s 11 out of 11. We have just reached the point that seemed impossible—11 perfect predictions made thousands of years ago—with God nothing is impossible. Certainly, at this point, even the biggest skeptic should see the Bible is true, there is a God, and we are nearing the time of the end.About 22 prophecies in 11 sets have been given, all perfect and all written centuries ago. The chance that any person could do this 2000 years into the future is not possible. The Bible is the Word of God, and we have just proved it. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Repent and get baptized by full immersion. Read and obey the Gospel. God loves you. He is not willing that any should perish, yet many do. The Rapture is close. Most people are not ready and will not be taken. However, "YOU" cannot say you did not know. Know and understand, Mt 16:26-WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL? OR WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL?

SOME FAQ's YOU MAY HAVE

lINK TO SOME FAVOURITE WEBSITES -

1. http://www.finalfrontier.org.uk/
2. http://www.goodnewsaboutgod.com/
3 Free Bible study courses: Got problems? Start fresh. Study the Bible by Web, email, postal.
http://www.wbschool.org/
4. http://www.billygraham.org/
5. http://jesuscalls.org/



MORE TO COME......

The Salvation Prayer

The Truth Calls

The truth will set you free.!!!

Life After Death - *Eternal Life*:

Are you ready to turn your life over to Jesus Christ? It is the greatest thing that you will ever do! The following is a simple step-by-step plan of how to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior.
God Loves You!
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
God has a wonderful plan for your life!
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10
Because of our sin, we are separated from God."For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
1. The Penalty for our sin is death."For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
2. The penalty for our sin was paid by Jesus Christ!"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
3. If we repent of our sin, then confess and trust Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will be saved from our sins!"For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13
"...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9,10
Say the following prayer loudly as a declaration of faith. Words should come out of your mouth.
“Lord Jesus, I need you. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I believe you rose again on the third day from death and now you are alive and a living God. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Saviour and Lord. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me the person you want me to be. ”
If you have said this prayer, diligently and are serious about it you can have assurance right now that while you were saying this prayer, The angels in heaven have already written your name in the book of Life, i.e. Eternal Life. Declare publicly that you have accepted Lord Jesus Christ as your personal saviour.
Keep in mind that the Bible says to the family of God, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The salvation Christ offers is not a reward for effort, but a gift to all who put their trust in Him.
Welcome to the family of GOD. Jesus has entered into your life and now resides in your heart. He will guide and speak to you through your heart , not mind.
Now read further to know what happens next.
Expect the beginning of a spiritual warfare with Satan and his powerful system of the world. You will observe that some one with a real personality, specific attributes has now started waging war on you. This is an ample proof that as long as people don’t know Christ, they are living in sin, darkness which is of Satan which leads to eternal death in hell after your physical death. Sin according to the Bible came from Adam’s disobedience and is resident in all humans from their physical birth till the time of spiritual rebirth. So as long as there is no resistance from you for Satan He is fine with you and continues to keep you in dark. He knows that this soul is mine. But the moment, a person realizes the truth, repents, and accepts Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, the resistance begins, you will see and feel it all around you in all aspects of life. You will feel that a spiritual force is trying desperately to get you back on the same fold where you were before. You will have knowledge now that there is a God and there is a devil and the fight between them concerning the final destination of our souls.
This is the time of great trouble but God has given a solution for this. Open your Bible and read {“ No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." 1Corinthians 10:13} All you have to do is to trust and depend on GOD, continue to have faith in Him, resist the devil and spend much time in prayer. "Submit yourselves, then, to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7} Just within a matter of few days, Satan will leave you, he will give up and you will have the assurance, which you will never lose the assurance of the truth, the life and the right way. The assurance of eternal security, eternal life after your physical death.
Before you read the following please NOTE: religion says do this and do that and do this and do that, but with JESUS, it is already done.
What he did for us is enough for us. It's by Jesus, and through our faith (belief) in what Jesus has already done that we are made right with GOD. We don't "earn" it by how we act and what we do.
It has all been done, Jesus did it all, everything, every bit that is required for us to be in right standing with GOD.
Yet there are things we can do to be better people, and be closer to God and Jesus, and to make them happy, that's true. We do need to change and grow in our lives.
The following are some of those things.
Now that you are a "new creation" in Jesus Christ, the road ahead will be full of life changing experiences. The first thing is not to get emotional about changing your life's situations forcefully. Continue the same work you were doing. Wait for Christ to guide you and direct you in the paths of life. He will talk to you through your heart as He lives there now. However, from now onwards start living a righteous life.
Growing in knowledge and understanding of the Bible and your walk with God is essential for your spiritual growth. Here are some ways that you can become a disciple of Christ
1. Be baptized.Baptism identifies you with Christ. Acts 8:35-40,
2. Study the Bible.The Bible will guide you through life and answer life's questions."Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105"Be diligent to present yourself to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:153.
3. Share your faith with others."Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord." 2 Timothy 1:8"Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven." Matthew 10:32"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witness to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8
4. Find a place where Christ is honoured. Fellowship with other people who follow Christ. Assemble together with other believers. Join a group of believers where Christ is preached and where his teachings are applied in practical life. Join the God Club at the internet and look on the right side of the homepage, you will find links. Take printouts study them. Please do all the free courses at World Bible School www.wbschool .org
"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works; not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24,25
Pay your tithes and give offerings. Exercise your faith.
Live with love, in loving ways, and love yourself.
Forgive people, including yourself.
Be kind and help those in need.
Become patient. Learn to have self control.
Focus on your righteousness with God now through Jesus.
Become righteous and stop focussing on sin.
Ask Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
Remember your work is to fear not, and believe only.
God accepts you, because you have accepted Jesus.
You have now been made right with God.
Work on repenting (change your mind, will, emotions, thoughts and behaviors) of your sins (missing the mark of God).
God and Jesus, through their Holy Spirit and The Bible will lead you.
Never condemn yourself or live in guilt, that is Satan trying to hurt you.
Be courageous and bold in your faith now.
Believe God, Jesus and their Holy Spirit are with you now forever, that they will never leave you or forsake you, and that they will always be there to love you and help you.
God desires to meet your needs! Prayer is talking to God.Make prayer a part of your daily life. All prayers are answered. Luke 11:2-4. The timings and the way for the prayers to be answered are in the hands of God.

RAPTURE

The Truth Calls
The truth will set you free.!!!

Rapture :

As we have entered the dawn of a new millenium, there is an expectation in the air that something big is about to happen. Whether you are a Christian or a non-Christian, you cannot have failed to notice the rapid speed with which our world is changing. More changes had taken place in the 20th century than at any other time since Noah's flood. Especially changes in science and technology and changes in nature.
These changes have not surprised Christians, for they have been foretold in God's Holy Bible for thousands of years.
Jesus said ( Matthew Ch 24 vs 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows ).
There is a time coming on this earth that is going to be so terrible that men would rather die than live, but death will flee from them. (Matthew Ch 24 vs 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved, but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.)

Some believe that it is just one big coincidence, but Christians know that God's word, the Holy Bible foretold these changes thousands of years ago. These changes are the signs to let us know that the LORD JESUS CHRIST is about to return to take his people out of this world.
Many people have often misunderstood the Second Coming of JESUS CHRIST. JESUS CHRIST is not coming to the earth again to preach the gospel and save people from their sins.
There are two phases of the return of JESUS CHRIST.
Phase one is commonly known as the "Rapture". The word rapture means to be snatched away. The Lord will not destroy the righteous with the wicked, so he has a plan to take his people, (Those who have repented of their sins, been baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST, filled with the Holy Ghost and are living a holy life) out of this world before He executes judgement. The people of this world will not see JESUS CHRIST return for his people.

It will be an invisible and silent event. A very great number of people of true followers of Jesus from all over the world will suddenly disappear from the face of the earth.
( 1 Thessalonians ch 4 vs 16-18) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we, which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.) Read 1 Corinthians Ch 15 vs 51-52 . This event is known as the first resurrection.

(Revelation 20:6) Blessed and holy is he that has part in the resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Those who miss the "Rapture" will be left behind to face the wrath of Satan, and the judgement of God that will come on the earth.
The second phase of The Second Coming of Christ will be at the Battle of Armageddon. Right now the next big event for which all Christians are waiting for is The Rapture.

Introduction to Blog and To The Bible

The Truth Calls The truth will set you free.!!!

This blog is introduced with a loving concern for brother and sisters all around the world to find information, facts and figures about the truth of The Bible. To share with them the love of Christ, to let them know that Jesus Christ is coming soon, not to condemn you to but save you...Look out for posts related to facts figures and proofs about the truth of the bible. an introduction to the bible and about rapture, about how salvation is achieved thru Christ. Look out for the two minute salvation prayer which will save you from eternal hell. Hell is real my friends....and heaven is real too where you can spend eternal life with Jesus himself.. In the link section find links which would answer so many questions you may have. I'll be promoting this blog on search engines, by throwing advertisement in newspapers etc. expecting like minded writers to provide articles for above mentioned subject and prophecies related to end times. etc. So please wait for few days... Almost 2,000 years have elapsed since two angels told the apostles that Jesus, who had just disappeared behind a cloud, would return in the same way they had seen Him go. Two thousand years is a long time! Generation after generation has looked for His second coming. Unbelievers scoff, and many Christians tend to become complacent. The few who do get excited about Bible prophecy often make blunders that discredit them. But the prophetic clock keeps ticking. And one of these days, suddenly and unexpectedly, the sound of a heavenly trumpet and a cry of triumph will pierce the air. Then the rapture, the resurrection, and the judgment seat of Christ. But for the unsaved, there will be the revealing of Antichrist, the terrors of the great tribulation, and the devastation of the War of Armageddon. Are you ready? If you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior, you have no reason to fear an eternal hell. But if you are living a disobedient life, you will be ashamed and apprehensive when He returns for you. If you have never acknowledged your sin and placed your trust in Jesus Christ, you will enter the darkest period in all of history. And it's likely that you will become a follower of Antichrist. Second Thessalonians 2:12 tells us that people who knew the truth before the rapture of the church are likely to be deluded and destroyed. Receive Jesus Christ as your Savior. And do it today before it's too late! We are living in the most exciting times ever in the history of the world. We are living in the generation right before the return of Jesus Christ! Now, more than ever, we must stay informed! Pass on this valuable information to others, before it's too late! MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH Assurance of SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE (New International Version (NIV)) The Bible is a book that can be found almost anywhere on the earth. It has been translated into more than 2000 different languages and dialects. It is also the world's most popular book. Every year more copies of the Bible are sold than any other publication, and the number of sales is increasing. The purpose of this lesson is to introduce you to the Bible. The lesson will tell you where the Bible came from, why it was written, how it is organized, and how to find references to specific parts of it. 1. Origin of the Bible : The Bible is one of the world's oldest books. Its oldest sections were written about 1500 years before the birth of Christ. Even its newest sections were written about 1900 years ago. Clearly, then, having been written over a period of about 1600 years, the Bible was not written by one person. No one knows precisely how many people contributed to the Bible. It is estimated there were about forty authors. One of the most important facts about the Bible is that those who wrote it did not claim to be the source of the ideas they wrote about. Sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly, the authors assert that what they were writing really came from God. For example, one of the writers, Paul, made this statement: All Scripture [i.e., the Bible] is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Another writer, Peter, wrote: ... For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:21). Other Bible writers confirm the statements of Paul and Peter. Through the years there were those to whom the writings of men such as Paul and Peter were sacred. They understood these writings originated with God Himself. Some of these people dedicated themselves to collecting, arranging, and preserving the Scriptures that existed in their day. Today the names of most of those who did this work are unknown to us. We do know that well before the time of Christ the Jews had already finished assembling the divinely inspired writings of the Hebrews. It is a collection of 39 books. In the list of Bible books appearing elsewhere in this lesson, it is called the Old Testament. Following Christ's life on earth, additional sacred books were written. Some of these books record historical events pertaining to Christ and His early followers. Others are letters written to explain Christ's teaching or to encourage the followers of Christ to practice the moral principles He taught. There are 27 books in this later collection. Together they form the New Testament. 2. Purpose of the Bible : Perhaps at some time you have said, "Nobody's perfect." You said it because you made a mistake others were aware of. You felt you needed to justify yourself but had no other explanation to offer. The Bible makes similar statements about every human being: The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one (Psalms. 14:3). Anything you do, or fail to do, that displeases God is called "sin." Whenever you sin, you drive a wedge between yourself and God: Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear (Isa. 59:1-2). Unless something is done to erase your sins, you will remain separated from God forever. Paul compared committing sin to working at a job. He pointed out that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23a). He was not referring to mere physical death but to spiritual death. Elsewhere he describes spiritual death as everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power (2 Thes. 1:9b). The Bible is very much concerned with sin--not just with your sin but with everyone's sin. The Bible reveals God's great plan for bringing about the forgiveness of our sins. When we follow the plan, God forgives our sins and will reward us with everlasting life: the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 6:23b). The Bible is about changing from death to life, from destruction to salvation. 3. The Unity of the Bible: The theme of salvation from sin, which runs throughout the pages of Scripture, is one of the attributes of the Bible showing its harmony and consistency. It is remarkable that such unity could be maintained by so many writers, who lived at different times, at different places, and in different cultures. They did not all speak the same language and did not all write in the same literary form. It is as if the books of the Bible are the instruments in an orchestra whose diverse sounds blend harmoniously under the direction of the conductor. When we recognize that the writers themselves were not the original sources of the information and ideas they expressed but were acting under the direction of God, we can understand why the Bible forms a unit. 4. The Content of the Bible "How To ..." books and articles are popular today. It is not hard to find information on how to train a dog, how to wire a house, how to lose weight, how to quit worrying, how to increase one's vocabulary, or how to improve one's marriage. When we read these publications, we expect them to give us a point-by-point plan for achieving a goal. If you expect to find that kind of recipe for salvation in the Bible, you will be disappointed. God has not chosen to unfold his plan for removing sin as a simple list of "Do's" and "Don't's". Instead, God has chosen to unfold His plan by having us consider His dealings with certain groups of people over a long period of history. As we read the Bible we see how God interacted with these people. We learn more and more about the nature of God and about the kind of response He desires from us. From the Bible we learn how the human race began and how sin first entered the world and continued to be practiced. We learn about God's response to those who were wicked and to those who were righteous. Sometimes God's response involved miracles. More often than not, God's response was communicated through men He chose as His special agents. The record of what they said and wrote spans a variety of literary styles. Some parts of the Bible are simply the records of historical events. Other parts are prayers or thanks to God stated in poetic form. Still other parts are sermons that were preached, predictions that were made, or personal letters that were written. As we read through the Bible, we begin to realize that we, like the men and women of the Bible, are guilty of displeasing God. We see that we are powerless to reverse the process by which we isolated ourselves from Him. We also begin to realize that God loves us, disobedient though we are, and that He has devised a way for us to be forgiven and saved. The central feature of God's plan is Jesus Christ. Jesus left heaven to come to earth to live as one of us. He experienced the temptations, disappointments, and heartaches that we experience. Then He died for us as a perfect sacrifice for sin. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Write and ask for a free Bible course at this internet web address www.wbschool.org It will guide you read, study, and understand the Bible. If you decide to study all the free courses, you will have made a choice that may have far-reaching consequences for you personally. The Bible can become a mirror that enables you to see yourself as God sees you and a messenger that tells you how to become what God wants you to be.