Genesis: an introduction

Book #1

Chapters: 55

Authorship: Moses is attributed as the writer of the Pentateuch or Torah (Genesis to Deuteronomy) by both Scripture and historians. His intimate communion with God gave him the spiritual understanding, to write God’s Word.

Genesis is the foundation on which the remaining sixty-five books of the Bible are built. 

The book of beginnings: of sin and its disastrous effects, of humanity, salvation, and the Hebrew nation. Genesis covers the creation and fall, the descendants of Adam and Eve, the flood, the tower of Babel, Abraham’s call, right down to Joseph’s death. In short, it is about creation, fall, and redemption.

Regardless of what some scholars may think, Genesis will never be classified under myth. Israel had one God, not a multitude. The nation of Israel saw and acknowledged God as the Supreme Ruler of the world. There is no element of mythological language in Genesis. While the ancients worshiped the sun as a god, in Genesis, we’re shown what the sun was created for by the Creator.

Genesis covers more time than any other book in the Bible. It opens with the words: “In the beginning God created” (1:1), and it ends with “in a coffin in Egypt (50:26). (via bible-studys.org)

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Who is Satan?

And He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning.

Luke 10:18

Satan is one of the major key players in the Bible, yet, he is hardly discussed in church and Bible study alike. Instead, he is revered in Hollywood, and this tame, watered down version of the devil is quite deceiving. He is also more than a red shiny demon with horns, a pointed tail, and a fork. 

Let’s start with Lucifer

Ultimately, this topic is for another day, as I have a lot to talk about where it concerns the name Lucifer, but I want to start here. I grew up to believe that Lucifer was the proper name of Satan before he rebelled. However, after reading/studying The Word, it does not explicitly states so, as every time we meet Satan, he’s described as a “tempter” (Matthew 4:3), a “serpent of old” (Revelation 12:9), the “father of lies” (John 8:44), and “prince of this world” (John 12:31).

We come across the name Lucifer for the first and only time in Isaiah 14:12. The name does not come from Hebrew, but Latin, and it means “light bringer”. Some Bible scholars believe that Lucifer is incorrectly used as Satan’s angelic name. Rather, they believe that this scripture was discussing King Nebuchadnezzar, as one of his titles was “morning star”. The King was arrogant, and he thought himself equal to God, so Isaiah called him “Lucifer”.

Regardless of what/who Lucifer represents in this scripture, ONLY Christ is the true light of this world; Satan is just an imitator.

He is not light, but made to be a light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

Pride goes before the fall

Originally, Satan was created as one of God’s highest angels. He was created, therefore, he cannot be the equal opposite of God and Christ. Originally, Satan was blameless and good, but he wanted to be like God, and to sit on the throne. In the end, he was cast out of Heaven along with the angels he sweet-talked into rebelling against their Creator (Luke 10:18).

Satan’s own selfish desire caused his pride, so he had to fall. Jesus was there to witness his fall from heaven.

Now, imagine that imagery. Not even a work of art could capture such image!

Hmm, maybe that explains why human beings have flaws! They’re there to remind us that we’re only human, and to keep us from being prideful.

Satan means adversary. He is the originator and chief practitioner of sin (1 John 3:8), he is wicked (1 John 5:18), and a thief (John 10:10).

Have you ever wonder why Satan is referred to as a serpent? It’s because he bites (you) when you least expect it.

In conclusion

I often used to wonder, why do people question God’s existence, but seldom Satan’s? Why so many songs about sympathy for the devil? Why so many TV shows and movies are determined to show him in a “good” light? It’s all a trick, an illusion on the devil’s part. He wants us to believe that his name is good, whereas God’s is bad.

However, Satan is not your friend, and he NEVER will be.

He’s the enemy that disguises himself as our friend, just so he can taint God’s good name. His greed for power has caused him to be cast out of heaven, and ever since, he’s been influencing both small and great to be as greedy and nasty as can be.

Yet, God is in control regardless of what the world looks like today (1 John 4:4), so take heart.

I leave a few scriptures that the Word taught me about this dangerous enemy:

^ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7).

^ He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8)

^ And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14)

^ And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (Romans 16:20)

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Bible basics for the beginner: the books of the Bible

Reading the Bible is essential. Whether one agree or disagree on the contents, it’s the most influential book ever written and published in human history. It can be a lot to unpack, but that’s why it’s good to set time aside each day to not only read, but to study the Word. If it’s one book that one should read throughout his or her life, it’s this book.

Simply put, the Bible is the inspired Word of the only living God. It’s the key to wisdom.

The books of the Bible

Image via bib.irr.org

The books of the Bible are not arranged chronologically. Rather, they follow a subject arrangement (see image above). The Bible is arranged into two sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The OT consists of 39 books, and in these books, we read about the fall of mankind, the salvation plan, and God’s relationship with the Israelites. The NT consists of 27 books, in which we learn of Jesus Christ’s ministry, and the church that He established. 

Contrary to popular belief, the Old Testament was never done away with, and the New Testament collaborates with the OT. Also, contrary to popular belief, one just doesn’t take what they want and leave the rest. 

Where to begin in reading the Bible?

If I do recall accurately, I was so excited to read the Bible on my own, I read it cover to cover, without stopping to take in the historical settings, the importance of a river, town, or city, and to actually pay attention to the words. After reading it, I started reading a Psalm or two, a Proverbs a day, a Gospel, and a letter of Paul’s. To be honest, I still read the Bible cover to cover today. As soon as I read the last verse, I start again. I’m currently reading Ephesians, studying Revelation, and I do read a daily Psalm. 

Now, I’m not a teacher of any sorts, but there is no right way to read the Bible. If you’re a beginner, and you’ll like to read it cover to cover, go ahead, but make sure to pause and absorb every word, character, setting, city, town, river, etc. You can read the Bible by their subject arrangement. You can begin with a Gospel (preferably John).

However, I looked up a few articles regarding what is the best way for a beginner to start reading the Word, and I came across Mr. Kim’s site. I like the layout, so I thought I’d share it. 

What Is the Best Order to Read the Bible for Beginners?

Do click the link if you’ll like to learn more. Mr. Kim provides wonderful information for Bible beginners! I’m not a beginner, but they were still valuable for me.

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KJV only?

When it comes to God’s Word, true Christians should be on the same page. However, in this fallen world that we live in, this is not so. People that call themselves followers of Christ seem to argue over everything under the scorching sun, including which version of the Bible is best to read. Many will tell you that the KJV is the only version that you’re going to need, but is it?

I’m no Bible scholar or anything, but I love research and history, and I made a few notes regarding what I thought was interesting.

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Early languages of the Bible

In Exodus 34:27, we see God commanding Moses to write down His words. On record, Moses was the first author to write down the biblical record. He spoke Hebrew, therefore, he recorded God’s words in said native language. However, not the entire Old Testament was written in Hebrew. A few chapters in the prophecies of Ezra and Daniel and one verse in Jeremiah was written in Aramaic. In the ancient world, Aramaic displaced a lot of other languages; it was so popular that it became the common spoken language in Jesus’ time.

Although some Aramaic words were used by the Gospel writers in the New Testament, it was written in Greek, which was the language of scholarship during that period. The New Testament was composed during that period from 50 to 100 AD. Around 300 BC, a translation of the Old Testament from Hebrew into Koine Greek began, completing around 200 BC. This translation was called the Septuagint. 

Image via The Logos Academic Blog

The first English Bible, a timeline

Before 1536 – it was forbidden to produce a Bible in English. In 1536, Henry VIII made it legal to translate the Bible into English.

1525 – Wycliffe’s Bible is known as the earliest version of the English Bible, but it contained only the New Testament. It was also the first printed version of the NT. He made some controversial translation choices, yet, his work was the foundation that will pave the way for later translations including the KJV.

William Tynsdale was killed before he could complete his translation of the Old Testament.

1539 – The Great Bible became the first authorized version of the Bible in English. This Bible was based on an earlier version begun illegally by William Tyndale. It was edited and adapted by Miles Coverdale.

1560 – The Geneva Bible was the first Bible in English to add numbered verses, based on the work of Stephanus (Robert Estienne of Paris). This Bible was produced by the English religious reformers, who fled to Geneva when Mary Tudor succeeded to the throne in 1553, and returned the Church of England to the Roman Catholic faith.

1568 – The official Bishops’ Bible was published after flaws were found in both the Great Bible and the Geneva Bible. Despite the flaws, the Geneva translation remained the most popular English Bible of that time.

1611 – The King James Version arrives on the scene. 

Image via kjvbibles.com

Is the KJV still relevant today?

Let me be honest for a minute. I really dislike the old Elizabethan English of the KJV. Whenever the Bible was translated, it was translated into the language that the culture speaks and writes in. When the KJV was translated, it was written in the everyday spoken and written English language of the people, which was 400 years ago. I believe that Bible translations should be updated and revised to upkeep with the times. The outdated English can be a pain for many to read, but the modern translations are not perfect, as many contain mistranslated verses.

As for me, I use the KJV, but I also read from other translations from time to time, such as the ESV and NIV. It has been said that the New American Standard Bible (NASB) is the most accurate word for word English Bible translation, but I’ve never used it, so I can’t comment on that claim. Although its English is archaic, I think that the KJV is still relevant today, as it was 400 years ago, and I’ll be using this translated version going forward where the Bible studies are concerned.

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What is the Bible?

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Why is the Bible so complicated to read? Who wrote the Bible? I’ve heard these questions time after time again. Some of us are too lazy to sit down and actually read and study the contents of the Bible, but we rather spend time reading unholy, lustful, over-sexual content that the Word warns about. 

The word “Bible” comes from the Greek and Latin words meaning “book”. It is God’s love letter to us.

The Bible is the Word of God, not mythology material. Mythology was inspired by it and not the other way around. It was written by men that were inspired by the Spirit of God, and it contains 66 books that were approved by God (2 Peter 1:16). There are books of law, poetry, history, letters, gospel and prophecy. These inspired authors were kings, prophets, priests, farmers, doctors and shepherds. What diversity! 

It was written over 1,500 years ago by about 40 different authors. The Bible was the first known book to be translated and distributed in so many languages.

Although the Bible was complied and written so many years ago, it’s not to be treated as a classic, for God’s Word will NEVER pass away (Matthew 24:35). The Bible tells of prophecies (all that was and yet to be fulfilled), salvation through Jesus Christ and of the coming eternal kingdom. 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

The Bible is divided into two main parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the OT, we see the establishment of Israel as a nation, and the promise of salvation through One Man. It sets the stage for the coming Messiah. In the NT, we see that promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 

Themes such as hope, redemption and salvation are littered throughout. God created man – and woman – and placed him in Eden, the most perfect environment. He was stress-free and worry free, but it didn’t stop him from rebelling against God. Because of this great sin, the Creator had no choice but to place the world under a curse. However, God had plans to restore humanity and creation to its former glory and His beautiful plan set off a chain of events from Genesis to Revelation. Despite what many people may think, the OT was never done away with. Spending time in the Word can help us to become better fruits on branches.

The Holy Bible is my guide to living in this cruel and corrupted world. I’ll just leave a few things I’ve learned about the Bible while reading/studying the Word:

^ I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

^ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

^ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33).

^ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

^ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

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Who is the Holy Spirit?

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.

Zechariah 4:6 

Who or what is the Holy Spirit? Is the Spirit a personal Being? A separate entity? A part of God? To you, who or what is this Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit seems to be the least understood of God’s character. The scriptures personify the Holy Spirit at times, just as it also personifies wisdom, sin, and death. In John 16:7-15, the Holy Spirit is referred to as “He” for the Greek word for helper is a masculine noun and according to the Greek grammar rules, it requires a masculine pronoun. 

250 years after the last of the apostles had died, the Trinity became a thing thanks to Constantinople in AD 381 thus causing division among religions. However, we know how God feels about taking away and adding to His Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 12:32; Revelation 22:18). When it comes to the Holy Word, we’ve been led astray by men for we’re too lazy to sit and read/study the Word on our own. Besides, God promises that we’re never alone for we have a Helper to guide us (John 14:16;26). 

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:4

Throughout the Bible, Jesus speaks of the relationship between God the Father and Himself (Matthew 26:39; John 5:18-22). In visions of God’s throne, we read recordings of the Father and Christ being seen, but not the Holy Spirit (Daniel 7:9-14; Acts 7:55-56; Revelation 7:10). In Revelation 21, we see that “a new heaven and a new earth” is soon going to replace this corrupted earth. Verses 3 and 22 explicitly states that God and Christ will dwell with men, but there is no mention of the Holy Spirit. I believe that this is because we’ll constantly be in Christ’s presence. However, I’ll also admit that I’ll have to do some more study and research in this area.

The Holy Spirit is a gift (Acts 10:45), it can be poured out (Acts 2:17, 33) and it can be quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19). We are baptized with it (Matthew 3:11), we can partake of it (Hebrews 6:4), drink of it (John 7:37-39), and be filled with it (Ephesians 5:18). This Spirit is ONE Spirit, for it’s not only the Spirit of God, but also of Christ (Romans 8:9; Philippians 1:19). This is the same Spirit that the Father imparts to true Christians through His Son the Christ (John 14:26; Titus 3:5-6) that enables them to be “partakers of the divine nature” (Peter 1:4). The Holy Spirit is represented by various symbols such as a dove (Matthew 3:16), oil (Psalm 45:7), God’s hands (Psalm 8:3) and wind (Acts 2:2). 

The Holy Spirit is God’s active force or divine power, and it shouldn’t be misunderstood. The Spirit is there to guide, teach, and comfort us. It has attributes of a Person and IS treated as a Person. I’ll just leave a few things I’ve learned about the Holy Spirit while reading/studying the Word:

^ Jesus began His ministry “in the power of the Spirit” (Luke 4:14-15).

^ We cannot gain a spiritual understanding on our own or through man; it is through God’s spirit within us that we gain spiritual wisdom and insight (John 14:26).

^ Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, the power through which the Father begot Jesus as His Son. In short, the Holy Spirit is God’s divine power (Matthew 1:20).

^ Paul wrote many books, but only in 2 Corinthians 13:14 is the Holy Spirit mentioned along with the Father and Christ.

^ The Holy Spirit is the Source behind the books of the Bible (2 Peter 1:20-21) for ALL scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16).

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Who is Jesus?

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Deuteronomy 6:4

Sit for a moment and reflect on what the words “Jesus Christ” mean to you. What emotion/s does your heart evoke when you think about Him? Are you filled with joy at the thought of His imminent return? Do you get a glimpse of God in Him?

Jesus was there. He was with God at the beginning (John 1:1-4), God loved Him before the creation of the world (John 17:24), and the New Testament reveals the God of the universe in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14). The words ‘Jesus Christ’ are not a first and last name as some are led to believe; they’re actually a name and a title. The name Jesus means “the Lord saves” or “Jehovah-Savior” and Christ means “anointed one”; it was derived from the Greek word for Messiah. 

“I am the true vine

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:1;5

Jesus willingly and humbly came to earth to be sacrificed for our sins (Philippians 2:5-8). Had it not been for Him, we wouldn’t have had a chance at salvation, and we wouldn’t have had a chance to be a part of the God family (Hebrews 2:10). When Jesus came to fulfill the prophecies that were written before His arrival here on earth, many people had no idea Who He was (John 8:53). Sadly, it is the same situation today. Many of us still have no idea Who our Savior is. 

Jesus is the pre-existent Word (John 8:23), Who later became Christ, and was sent to earth by the heavenly Father in the flesh (John 3:17). He came here to do the will of His Father (John 4:34) and He now sits in glory and majesty with His Father (Hebrews 8:1; 12:2). He is the Mediator between God and mankind (1 Timothy 2:5). He is the reason why we can confidently approach God’s throne (Hebrews 4:14-16). He is the Son of Man (Matthew 16:13) and the Son of God (Matthew 16:16) and through Him, we can understand God for He reflects the Father (John 14:9; Hebrews 1:2-3).

I love talking about our Savior at any opportunity that presents itself. I’ll just leave a few things I’ve learned about Christ while reading/studying the Word:

^ Jesus is THE ONLY means by which mankind can approach the Father (John 14:6).

^ He is Eternal Truth and the Source of eternal life (John 6:50-51; 11:25-26).

^ Jesus not only died for our sins, so we could be reconciled to the Father, but He is our Creator given that “all things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16).

^ Jesus was sent to earth by the heavenly Father (John 3:16-17; 34).

^ He is returning as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! (Revelation 19:16). Revelation 20:4-6 paints a clear picture of what the Thousand-Year Reign with Christ looks like, but His reign will continue even past the Millennium as it’s a forever one (Isaiah 9:6-7). If you haven’t repented as yet, now is the time to do so, for God doesn’t want you to be left out of His family.

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Who is God?

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Deuteronomy 6:4

Lisa: There is only one God.

Joe: Huh? But the Bible says that God is three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

When I was little, I couldn’t comprehend the nature of God until I started to read the Bible, the book in which God reveals Himself to us. The number 1 is very important when talking about God’s oneness (1 Corinthians 8:6). Just as there’s one human race, the Bible teaches that there is only one God (John 10:30).

Throughout the scriptures, we’ve seen God appear in the form of attributes. We’ve read about Him rescuing His people from bondage and famines. We’ve read about His awesome indescribable love for us, sending Angels to guide, and providing the ULTIMATE sacrifice for our sins. Yet, we come away without fully understanding God. He is the great “I AM” and this scripture sums up His all-mighty and powerful nature:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9

Here’s the thing I gathered from this scripture: There is a reason why God’s ways and thoughts are HIGHER than ours. We’re puny unworthy mortals compared to Him and if we could get on the same level as our Creator, then we’ll make ourselves equal to Him, and He wouldn’t be worth worshiping. A few years ago, a friend posed the question: Wouldn’t you like to know EVERYTHING? Back then, my simple reply was no, hers was yes, and she veered into so many reasons why. Now, I am able to say that I don’t have to comprehend everything, just enough of what God wants me to know.

Our job isn’t to fully understand God, but to trust Him and to know Him, and it’s not impossible to get to know Him. He is a Spirit, and He seeks such to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). I don’t like discussing topics like these, for we tend to downsize God to our limitations. So don’t take my word for it. If you want to discover the true God, crack open the Bible and get to know Him, for He reveals Himself in the Holy Scriptures.

I’ll just leave a few things I’ve learned about God while reading/studying the Word:

^ God is the Creator of the universe and all that is in it; He’s not just “some deity” that created the world for fun, for He put a lot of detail into it (Genesis 1).

^ Although powerfully awesome, He is very much approachable (Hebrews 4:16).

^ God is the very essence of love (1 John 4:8; 19-21).

^ God will ultimately hold us accountable, for He knows EXACTLY what we do (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).

^ It is better to fear God rather than man (Matthew 10:28).

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What are we doing here?

Greetings, and welcome to The Written Word Bible Study Blog.

This blog is dedicated to studying the Word from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21. I don’t have any background in Theology or Special Education, but I am committed to doing His will with the Holy Spirit as my guide. God has instilled a love of writing, reading, and research within me, and it has motivated me to set out and achieve little goals here and there over the years.

I started doing Bible studies over on the main blog – La Petite Muse – so I’ll start exporting those posts over here soon. If time permits, I’ll like to also include a monthly devotion (if not weekly), and perhaps Bible studies to help jog the brain.

First and foremost, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I love discovering something new or unique every time I read/study the Word daily, and my purpose is to help others get to know how real and loving Christ is.

The Word came and is coming back as King of Kings soon. Let us prepare to spend eternity with Him by opening the Bible and studying God’s love letter to us.

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.