The Old Testament: God’s Covenant and Promise

The Old Testament contains 39 books, written before the birth of Jesus. It tells the story of creation, God’s covenant with Israel, the giving of the law, and the words of the prophets.

• Purpose: To reveal God’s holiness, humanity’s need for a Savior, and the promise of the coming Messiah.
• Key Verse: “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.” — Jeremiah 31:31 (NIV)

The New Testament: God’s Fulfillment in Christ

The New Testament contains 27 books, beginning with the birth of Jesus. It shows how God’s promises in the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ and explains how believers should live under the new covenant of grace.

• Purpose: To reveal Jesus as the Messiah, show how salvation comes through Him, and guide the church in faith and practice.
• Key Verse: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” — John 1:17 (NIV)

How the Two Work Together

1. Promise and Fulfillment
   The Old Testament points forward to Christ; the New Testament shows His arrival and work.
2. Law and Grace
   The Old Testament law revealed sin and humanity’s need for redemption; the New Testament reveals Jesus as the one who fulfilled the law perfectly and offers grace.
3. Unity of the Story
   Together, the Old and New Testaments tell one story: God’s plan of salvation from creation to eternity.

Practical Tip

Don’t see the Old Testament as outdated or irrelevant. Instead, read it as the foundation that makes the New Testament shine. For example, understanding Passover in Exodus deepens our appreciation of Jesus as the Lamb of God in John 1:29.

Closing Encouragement

The Old and New Testaments are not two separate Bibles—they are two parts of the same story. When you read both together, you’ll see God’s faithfulness, promises, and ultimate plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.

Still Have a Question?

If you didn’t find your answer here, don’t worry, you’re not alone. You can send your question directly through the Ask a Bible Question page. I’ll do my best to respond with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel. This is where I regularly share Bible verses, encouragement, and answers to common questions.

The post How to Understand Old vs New Testament appeared first on The Bible Blog - Everything You Need to Grow With God.

Start with Jesus

If you’re new to the Bible, a Gospel is the best place to start. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) tell the story of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Since Jesus is the center of our faith, starting here helps you see who He is and why He matters.

• John is often recommended because it highlights Jesus’ divinity and His love for people.
• Mark is shorter and action-packed, perfect if you want a clear overview of Jesus’ ministry.

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” — John 20:31 (NIV)

Turn to Psalms for Comfort and Prayer

If you’re reading during a difficult season, the Psalms are a wonderful place to start. They are full of raw emotion—joy, sorrow, fear, and hope—and teach us how to bring everything honestly before God.

Explore Proverbs for Everyday Wisdom

Proverbs offers short, practical sayings about how to live wisely. It speaks into daily life—relationships, choices, speech, and character. It’s especially helpful if you’re seeking God’s guidance in decision-making.

If You’re Ready for the Bigger Story

After beginning with the Gospels, you might explore:

• Genesis — to see the beginning of God’s creation and His plan for humanity.
• Acts — to understand the birth of the early church and how the good news spread.

This gives you both the foundation (Genesis) and the continuation (Acts).

Practical Tip

Don’t pressure yourself to read too much at once. Start small—a chapter a day or even a few verses. Reflect, ask questions, and let God’s Word meet you where you are. The goal isn’t speed but connection with God.

Closing Encouragement

Wherever you choose to begin, remember this: the Bible is God’s Word, living and active, and He will meet you as you read. Don’t worry about “getting it right.” Just start, and trust that He will guide your journey.

Still Have a Question?

If you have a question please use the Ask a Bible Question page, where you can send in your question directly. Every question matters, and I’ll do my best to answer with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel, where I regularly share Bible verses, encouragement, and answers to common questions.

The post Where to Start in the Bible appeared first on The Bible Blog - Everything You Need to Grow With God.

The Bible is unlike any other book ever written. It’s not just a human story—it’s God’s Word given to us through human authors. Understanding how the Bible was written can strengthen your faith and give you confidence that what you’re reading truly comes from God.

Inspired by God, Written by People

The Bible wasn’t dropped from heaven fully formed. Instead, God worked through people to record His truth. Scripture itself explains this:

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16

This means God inspired the words, guiding human writers while still using their unique personalities, styles, and cultural settings.

• Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible.
• David and other psalmists poured their prayers and songs into the Psalms.
• Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel recorded God’s messages to His people.
• The apostles wrote letters to early churches that became part of the New Testament.

God worked through all of them, ensuring the message stayed true to His will.

From Oral Tradition to Written Texts

In the early days, many of God’s words were passed down orally—stories told carefully and repeatedly from one generation to the next. Over time, these were written down by prophets, scribes, and disciples.

For example:

• The stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were first told verbally before being recorded in Genesis.
• The teachings of Jesus were shared aloud by His disciples before being written in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

This mix of oral and written traditions ensured accuracy and preservation.

Written Across Centuries

The Bible wasn’t written in a single moment. It took about 1,500 years to complete, across three languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—and by around 40 different authors. Yet, despite this span of time and diversity of voices, it carries one consistent message: God’s plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ.

Preserved with Care

God’s people treated the Scriptures with deep reverence. Scribes copied texts with extreme accuracy, often counting letters to make sure nothing was missed. That’s why when the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in the 20th century, they showed how faithfully the Bible had been preserved for thousands of years.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

While people wrote the words, the Holy Spirit ensured the message was truly God’s.

“For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” – 2 Peter 1:21

The Spirit breathed life into the text, making it timeless and relevant even today.

Final Encouragement

The Bible is God’s love letter to humanity. Written by people but inspired by God, it carries His heart, His truth, and His promises. When you open the pages of Scripture, you’re not just reading history—you’re hearing the living Word of God speaking into your life today.

Takeaway:
The Bible was written through human hands but carries divine authority. That’s why we can trust it as our guide for life, faith, and hope.

Still Have a Question?

If you didn’t find your answer here, don’t worry — you’re not alone. You can send your question directly through the Ask a Bible Question page and I’ll do my best to respond with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel where I regularly share Bible verses, encouragement, and answers to common questions.

The post How was the Bible written? appeared first on The Bible Blog - Everything You Need to Grow With God.

The Bible is more than just an ancient text. It is God’s Word—His way of revealing Himself, His plan, and His promises to us. For Christians, the Bible is the foundation of faith and life. It isn’t just a collection of wise sayings; it is a living message that speaks into our struggles, joys, and everyday decisions.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16

What the Bible Contains

The Bible is made up of 66 books, written by around 40 different authors over 1,500 years. And yet, it carries one consistent theme: God’s love and His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

• Old Testament (39 books): History, laws, poetry, and prophecies pointing to the coming Messiah.
• New Testament (27 books): The life of Jesus, the growth of the early church, and letters teaching us how to follow Christ.

Despite being written across centuries by people from different walks of life—kings, fishermen, prophets, and scholars—the Bible fits together as one unified story.

Why the Bible Matters Today

The Bible isn’t outdated or irrelevant. It speaks directly to the struggles we face:

• When you’re anxious: it gives peace.
• When you’re confused: it gives direction.
• When you’re hurting: it brings comfort.
• When you’re lost: it points you to hope in Christ.

Jesus Himself said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

How the Bible Helps Us

• Reveals God’s character: We learn who He is—loving, just, faithful, and merciful.
• Guides daily living: It shows us how to live with integrity, compassion, and wisdom.
• Strengthens faith: Through its promises, we see God’s faithfulness in the past and can trust Him in the present.
• Leads us to salvation: Above all, it points to Jesus—the Savior who gives us eternal life.

Final Encouragement

If you’re new to the Bible, don’t feel overwhelmed. You don’t have to understand everything at once. Start with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) to meet Jesus personally, then let God grow your understanding step by step.

Takeaway:
The Bible is God’s living Word—written for you, to guide you, comfort you, and lead you closer to Him.

Still Have a Question?

If you didn’t find your answer here, don’t worry — you’re not alone. You can send your question directly through the Ask a Bible Question page and I’ll do my best to respond with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel where I regularly share Bible verses, encouragement, and answers to common questions.

The post What Is the Bible? appeared first on The Bible Blog - Everything You Need to Grow With God.

The Bible is made up of two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. While they are distinct in content and focus, they are deeply connected and tell one unified story of God’s love and redemption.

The Old Testament: God’s Covenant with Israel

The Old Testament, sometimes called the Hebrew Bible, contains 39 books (in most Christian traditions). It includes:

• The Law (Torah) – the first five books (Genesis–Deuteronomy), which explain creation, God’s covenant with Israel, and His commandments.
• Historical Books – telling the story of Israel’s journey, struggles, and victories.
• Wisdom & Poetry – like Psalms, Proverbs, and Job, offering prayers, wisdom, and reflections on life.
• Prophets – calling people back to God, warning of judgment, and promising hope through the coming Messiah.

The Old Testament shows us God’s holiness, humanity’s need for salvation, and the promise of a Savior.

The New Testament: God’s Covenant through Christ

The New Testament contains 27 books and centers on the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ.

• The Gospels (Matthew–John) – accounts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
• Acts – the story of the early Church and the spread of the Gospel.
• Letters (Epistles) – written by apostles like Paul and Peter, teaching believers how to live out their faith.
• Revelation – a vision of Christ’s final victory and God’s eternal kingdom.

The NT reveals how Jesus is the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, bringing forgiveness, salvation, and a new covenant for all people.

The Connection Between the Two

Think of the Old Testament as promise and the New Testament as fulfillment. The Old Testament points forward to a Savior; the New Testament shows us that Savior in Jesus.

As St. Augustine once said, “The New is in the Old concealed; the Old is in the New revealed.”

Why This Matters for Us

Understanding both parts of the Bible helps us see the big picture of God’s plan. The Old Testament roots us in history and shows our need for salvation. The New Testament gives us the good news of Jesus and the hope of eternal life. Together, they reveal God’s consistent love and faithfulness.

Key Takeaway: The Old Testament sets the stage; the New Testament shows the fulfillment. Both are essential for knowing who God is and how He works in our lives.

Still Have a Question?

If you didn’t find your answer here, don’t worry — you’re not alone. You can send your question directly through the Ask a Bible Question page and I’ll do my best to respond with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel where I regularly share Bible verses, encouragement, and answers to common questions.

The post What’s the Difference Between the Old and New Testament? appeared first on The Bible Blog - Everything You Need to Grow With God.

Bible Verses About Noah And The Flood

Here are verses that relate to Noah and the Flood, offering insights into the story of God’s judgment and mercy:

Genesis 6:5-8 – “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, ‘I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”

Genesis 6:13-14 – “So God said to Noah, ‘I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them; I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.'”

Genesis 6:17-18 – “I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you.”

Genesis 7:1-5 – “The Lord then said to Noah, ‘Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. Take with you seven of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and two of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, and also seven of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth. Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made.’ And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him.”

Genesis 7:11-12 – “In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights.”

Genesis 7:17-20 – “For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and as the waters increased they lifted the ark high above the earth. The waters rose and increased greatly on the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. They rose greatly on the earth, and all the high mountains under the entire heavens were covered. The waters rose and covered the mountains to a depth of more than twenty feet.”

Genesis 8:1-3 – “But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. Now the springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens had been closed, and the rain had stopped falling from the sky. The water receded steadily from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the water had gone down.”

Genesis 8:6-12 – “After forty days Noah opened a window he had made in the ark and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground. But the dove could find no place to rest because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark. He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him.”

Genesis 8:15-17 – “Then God said to Noah, ‘Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number on it.'”

Genesis 9:8-11 – “Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: ‘I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.'”

Genesis 9:12-13 – “And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.'”

Matthew 24:37-39 – “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

Hebrews 11:7 – “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.”

1 Peter 3:20-21 – “To those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

These verses capture the story of Noah and the Flood, God’s judgment on the earth, His mercy toward Noah and his family, and the promise of the rainbow as a sign of His covenant with humanity.

Still Have a Question?

If you didn’t find your answer here, don’t worry — you’re not alone. You can send your question directly through the Ask a Bible Question page. I’ll do my best to respond with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel. This is where I regularly share verses, encouragement, and answers to common questions.

The post Bible Verses About Noah And The Flood appeared first on The Bible Blog - Everything You Need to Grow With God.

Bible Verses About Zerubbabel

Zerubbabel is an important figure in the Bible, particularly in the books of Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah. Here are some key Bible verses that mention him:

Ezra 3:2
Then Joshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings on it, in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses the man of God.

Haggai 1:1
In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest:

Haggai 2:2-4
“Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them, ‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”

Zechariah 4:6-10
So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’” Then the word of the Lord came to me: “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?”

Matthew 1:12
After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.

1 Chronicles 3:17-19
The descendants of Jeconiah the captive: Shealtiel his son, and his son Zerubbabel…

Ezra 5:2
Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them.

Nehemiah 7:7
Who came with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and with Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum and Baanah. The list of the men of Israel:

Haggai 2:23
“’On that day, declares the Lord Almighty, I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”

These verses highlight Zerubbabel’s role in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem and his leadership during the post-exilic period. His actions and faithfulness were key in restoring Israel after their return from Babylonian captivity.

Still Have a Question?

If you didn’t find your answer here, don’t worry — you’re not alone. You can send your question directly through the Ask a Bible Question page. I’ll do my best to respond with guidance from God’s Word.

You can also leave your questions on my YouTube channel. This is where I regularly share verses, encouragement, and answers to common questions.

The post Bible Verses About Zerubbabel appeared first on The Bible Blog - Everything You Need to Grow With God.

This Old Testament in a Year Plan guides you through the 39 books of the Old Testament in manageable daily readings. By dedicating a year to this study, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for God’s Word and its relevance to your life today.

Why Read the Old Testament?

See the Bigger Picture: Understanding the Old Testament helps us see God’s overarching plan for redemption and restoration.

Discover the Roots of Your Faith: The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the New Testament and Jesus’ mission.

Experience God’s Story: From creation to the exodus to the promise of a Savior, the Old Testament is filled with incredible accounts of God’s work in history.

Learn Life Lessons: The Old Testament offers wisdom, warnings, and examples of faithfulness and perseverance.

How the Plan Works

This plan includes daily readings spread across the year. Each day features about 3-4 chapters, allowing for a steady yet achievable pace. The books are organized roughly in the order they appear in the Bible, although some adjustments are made to group related sections for better understanding.

Old Testament in a Year Plan

Month 1: Beginnings

2-3 Months: Exodus and the Law

4-5 Months: Entering the Promised Land

6-7 Months: Kings and Prophets

Months 8–9: Wisdom Literature

Month 10: Prophets of Judgment and Hope

Months 11–12: Minor Prophets and Restoration

Tips for Staying on Track

1. Set a Time: Set aside a specific time each day for your Bible reading, whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed. Consistency is key to finishing the Bible in a year.
2. Take Notes: Keep a journal or notebook for your thoughts, questions, and any insights you receive during your reading.
3. Join Our Community: Consider joining our community or a Bible reading group or accountability partner to encourage each other as you read through the Bible together.
4. Don’t Get Discouraged: If you miss a day or get behind, don’t be discouraged! Simply pick up where you left off and keep going.

Benefits of This Old Testament Study Plan

Encourages Growth: As you progress through the plan, you’ll see how God’s Word speaks to every area of life, fostering spiritual growth and personal transformation.

Deepens Spiritual Understanding: By focusing on specific themes, you gain a deeper, more holistic understanding of what the Bible teaches about key aspects of life.

Practical Wisdom: This plan will provide you with practical wisdom that you can apply to your relationships, work, finances, and overall approach to life.

Strengthens Your Faith: Themes such as grace, love, and forgiveness can deepen your trust in God and help you live out your faith more intentionally.

Conclusion

Reading the Old Testament in a year is a rewarding way to explore God’s Word and deepen your faith. This plan offers a structured path through the stories, laws, prophecies, and poetry that reveal God’s character and His desire for a relationship with His people.

Start this journey today and see how the Old Testament transforms your understanding of God and His incredible plan for salvation!

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