Bible Basics

Don Stewart • The Christian faith is based upon a Book – the Bible. In this book we will look at some introductory questions concerning this book of books. These include: What kind of book is the Bible? What does it claim for itself? Why is it so important to study this one book? “Why does humanity need a written revelation from God?” If the Bible claims to be the Word of God, then why should we believe it? These questions are primary. They must be answered before any serious study of the Bible can begin.

Question 1 What Is Christian Theology?
Question 2 What Is Christian Doctrine? (Christian Teaching)
Question 3 What Source Or Sources Should Be Used To Compile Christian Doctrine? (The Bible Or The Church?)
Question 4 What Basic Assumptions Should Be Made Before Studying Christian Doctrine?
Question 5 What Is The Place Of Tradition In Determining Christian Doctrine?
Question 6 What Is The Difference Between Theology And Religion? (Belief And Practice)
Question 7 Does The Bible Attempt To Teach Specific Truths About God That People Have To Obey?
Question 8 Why Is Necessary To Study The Beliefs Of Christianity?
Question 9 Why Is There A Need For A System Of Christian Doctrine?
Question 10 What Are The Necessary Requirements For A Correct Understanding Of Christian Doctrine?
Question 11 In What Ways Should Christian Doctrine Be Studied?
Question 12 Why Don’t All Christians Agree On Doctrinal Matters? (Why Are There So Many Different Denominations?)
Question 13 What About Doctrines That Seemingly Contradict Each Other? (Paradoxes, Concurrent Truths)
Question 14 What Does The Term “Mystery” Mean In Reference To Bible Doctrine?
Question 15 What Is A Major Doctrine? What Is A Minor Doctrine?
Question 16 What Are Christian Creeds And Confessional Statements?
Question 17 What Are Some Of The Well-Known Creeds And Confessional Statements Of The Christian Faith?
Question 18 What Is The Value Of Creeds And Confessional Statements?
Question 19 What Are The Various Ways In Which Christian Theology Has Been Classified?
Question 20 What Are The Major Protestant Theological Systems: Calvinism, Arminianism, Lutheranism And Anglicanism?

More From The Bible

What Everyone Needs to Know About the Bible

Don Stewart • The Christian faith is based upon a Book—the Bible. In this volume we will look at some introductory questions concerning this “Book of Books.” These include: What kind of book is the Bible? What does it claim for itself? Why is it so important to study this one book? “Why does humanity need a written revelation from God?” If the Bible claims to be the Word of God, then why should we believe it? These questions are primary. Indeed, they must be answered before any serious study of the Bible can begin.

10 Reasons to Trust the Bible: The Ten Wonders of the Bible

Don Stewart • Christianity is a faith that is based upon a book. Indeed, for Christians, in all ages, there has been one supreme and comprehensive source of knowledge about God and humanity; the collection of writings known as “the Bible.” We also find that the Bible itself claims to be the last word on all matters. Whenever it speaks on a subject, it speaks with the ultimate authority of the Living God. These are the claims of Scripture. But are they true? This book provides evidence as to why we should accept these claims. It looks at ten specific things that set the Bible apart from any other book that has ever been written. Indeed, the facts will demonstrate that it is exactly what it claims to be – the divine revelation of the living God to the human race.

Ancient Mysteries of the Bible Solved: Volume 1

Don Stewart • In this first Volume, Ancient Mysteries of the Bible Solved, we will examine the historical accuracy of people, places, and events mentioned in the Old Testament. Volume 2 of this series will consider the historical accuracy of the New Testament. To previous generations, the existence of these biblical characters and events were a mystery. In other words, there was no confirming evidence for the claims of Scripture. With the help of the modern science of archaeology, the discoveries of ancient inscriptions, as well as other technologies, all of this has changed. Indeed, we will discover that the Bible is correct in its historical references based upon the evidence that continues to be discovered.

Does the Bible Claim to Be the Word of God?

The subject of the authority of Scripture is the focus of this particular book. In many ways, this is the most important topic that we will study. Without an authoritative Word from God, humanity is left in the dark about who God is, who we are, and what God expects from us. This part of our course looks at matters of final authority. We will also look at the subject of the divine inspiration of the Bible. It is important that we also understand the sense in which the Bible is the authoritative Word of God. What is the extent of divine inspiration? Does it include the choice of very words that are used in Scripture? Does it include every part of Scripture? We will carefully look at what the Bible itself has to say about this subject.

Is the Bible the Ultimate Source of Authority?

Nov 6, 2022 • Don Stewart • The Bible claims to the God’s authoritative Word to the human race. In both testaments we find that the writers believed they were recording God’s actual words. This is what the Bible has to say about itself. The idea that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God is not only accepted by Protestant Christians, it is also accepted by Roman Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses and various other groups. The difference between Protestants, and these other groups, with respect to the place of Scripture, comes down to one issue and one issue alone. We now arrive at one of the most important matters which we will address; the extent of the authority of the Bible.

Are the Right Books in the Old Testament?

The living God has revealed Himself to the human race by means of a book—the Bible. It is a collection of writings that God has uniquely inspired. The Bible is God’s only written revelation of Himself to humanity. It tells us everything that we need to know about who He is, who we are, and how we can have a relationship with Him. The Scriptures have not come down to us in one book but rather in a collection of books. Since there were many religious and historical works written during biblical times, which books should be recognized as coming from God? Is it possible that any sacred books are missing from the Bible? Are there any books included in Holy Scripture that should not be there?

Does the Old Testament Apocrypha Belong in the Bible?

Don Stewart • There are a number of ancient books that did not find their way into the Old Testament which are considered divinely authoritative by some people. They are known by a variety of names; including the Apocrypha, the Old Testament Apocrypha, or the deuterocanonical books. In this book, we will list these apocryphal books, briefly explain their content, and then focus on the reasons that have been given for their inclusion in the Old Testament canon. We will also consider reasons given for their exclusion. In addition, we will look at the historical process that led some to place these books into the Old Testament Scripture.

Are the Right Books in the New Testament?

Don Stewart • This book will examine in detail the question of the New Testament canon of Scripture. Among other things, we will look at the different sources of authority for the first Christians. We will find out where they believed ultimate authority resided. We will also consider the various books that are presently part of the New Testament and look at the reasons for their inclusion in the canon. It is also necessary to have an overview of the historical process that lead to their recognition by God’s people. We will discover why these books were received as authoritative by the church, and why other books were not.

Answering Bible Difficulties

Don Stewart • The Bible is God’s trustworthy revelation of Himself to humanity. Historically, Christians have believed that His Word is true in all that it teaches. However, believers do recognize that the Bible does contain a number of difficulties. This book concerns the subject of Bible difficulties as well as the doctrine of the inerrancy, or trustworthiness, of Scripture.

Bible Translations

Jul 10, 2022 • Don Stewart • The Bible is the most translated Book in history – no other book even comes close. This is because most people do not read the Bible in the ancient languages in which they were written. Therefore, they have to depend upon a translation to understand the message of the Scripture. This section will discuss some of the main issues relating to Bible translations. We will examine the difference between a translation and a paraphrase as well as the various ways in which the Scripture has been translated. We will also consider some of the decisions that have to be made whenever the Bible is translated from the original languages into English. In addition, some guidelines will also be given on how to choose the right translation for you.