The Bible contains 66 books written by some 40 authors.
Even with fine print and two columns, it is around
1,000 pages. The audiobook version of the Bible requires 60 hours of listening time.

The Bible requires more than a lifetime to master because of the vastness of its content. Yet, we can learn a few principles and the Bible will seem much smaller. Moreover, we will become more confident that the Scriptures are inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

First, study the Jesus thread. In the Gospel of John, the evangelist begins with the most astounding introduction ever recorded.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God. He was
in the beginning with God. All things were
made through Him, and without Him nothing
was made that was made. In Him was life, and
the life was the light of men. And the light
shines in the darkness, and the darkness did
not comprehend it” (John 1:1-5).

Following these threads will shorten the field. As John sets out to defend his position, we find that Jesus brought God to earth (John 1:14; 14:9) and he is the central theme of God’s entire plan of salvation (John 3:16).

In Hebrews, we find that Jesus was the ultimate goal of all of the Old Testament (Hebrews 1). Accordingly, the Bible story becomes singularly focused and therefore smaller and more accessible.

Second, study prophecy. The prophets delivered the Word of God to man over the millennia of the Old Testament to prove his majesty (Jeremiah 28:9).

Peter wrote, “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).

Third, study typology.

“A type is a shadow cast on the pages of Old
Testament history by a truth whose full
embodiment or antitype is found in the New
Testament revelation.”/1

For example, we find Noah’s Ark as a type of the Church and Joseph as a type of Jesus. Throughout God’s Word, we find God working through humanity to prove to future men and women the veracity of his teachings.

The more we study God’s Word, we more we realize how much we still need to learn. However, at the same time, we see how much smaller and interesting the Scriptures become.

Dive into God’s Word and see the glories contained within its pages!
________
1/ http://tinyurl.com/ajtrs6s

by Richard Mansel @ www.forthright.net