Interesting Bible Facts

(I saw this in an old church bulletin and thought I'd share. I haven't fact-checked, so I hope there are no errors.)

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE BIBLE - Author Unknown

About forty men were engaged in the writing of the Bible, during a period of about 1,600 years - that is, from 1500 B.C. to A.D. 100.

These men wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1: 21). 

They wrote not in words of human wisdom, but in words divinely taught. (1Corinthians 2: 13).

The longest verse in the Bible is Ester 8:9; it contains ninety words. Did you know that this verse is more than twice as long as the shortest chapter in the Bible?

The nineteenth chapter of 2 Kings and the thirty-seventh chapter of Isaiah are nearly identical.

The Old Testament was translated into Greek in Alexandria, Egypt, about 270 B.C.

The Bible holds the distinction of being the first printed book; it was first reprinted in 1450.

The first Bible printed in this country was in the Indian language in 1663. This translation was made and published by John Eliot, the so-called “Apostle to the Indians.”

This is the earliest example of the whole Bible translated and printed in a new language for the purpose of evangelization.

The first English Bible printed in this county was in 1782.

The first translation of the Bible made in America was printed in 1808. It was the work of Charles Thomson.

The first translation of the New Testament published in America was printed in 1826 by Alexander Campbell. It first appeared under the title, “Sacred Writings”; later, “Living Oracles.” It was largely

a compilation of the works of Doddridge, Macknight, and George Campbell.

The Bible continues to be the best seller in the world.

More Interesting Facts About The Bible
- Added by the Preacher

It is not generally known that Noah Webster, author of the famous “Webster Dictionary” and the
“Blue-back Speller,” made a translation of the Bible, which was published in 1833.

The King James Version of the Bible was first published in 1611.

The Revised Version of the whole Bible was issued in 1885.

The American Standard edition was published in 1901.

The Bible was divided into chapters by Cardinal Hugo in 1250.

The New Testament was divided into verses by Sir Robert Stephens in 1551.

The whole Bible, divided into chapters and verses, first appeared in 1560 in what is known as the
“Geneva Bible.” It was so called because it was prepared by the Reformers in Geneva. It is also called the “Breeches Bible,” because Genesis 3:7 is translated: “They sewed fig leaves together and made themselves breeches.”

The Bible is the most translated book in the world. It has been translated into more different languages
and dialects than any other book that has been written.

It is the only book that reveals the origin, mission, and destiny of man.

It is the best book in the world.

BBS 15 - The Judgment, Heaven, And Hell

(Posted with permission from the International Bible Teaching Ministries website. This is Beginning Bible Studies Lesson 15 - The Judgment, Heaven, And Hell http://ibtministries.org/viewcourse.php?crid=48. You can sign up for their free classes and receive an instructor to help you with these Bible Studies.)

The day of judgment is coming! God will judge the world. He has appointed His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the judge.  "God . . . commands all men everywhere to repent . . . He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained"  (Acts 17:30,31). The judgment will take place on the day that Christ comes again.

NONE WILL ESCAPE

No person can escape the judgment! All who have ever lived will be there. All who are now living will be there. All who will live in the future will be there. The rich will be judged, the poor will be judged. Kings, presidents, and the common man will be judged. All will be judged alike.  "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive . . . according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10).

ACCORDING TO OUR WORKS

We will be judged according to our works!  All the good things we have done will be revealed. All of the bad things we have done will be revealed. "Who will render to each one according to his deeds:  eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor; and immortality; but to those who . . . do not obey . . . indignation and wrath" (Romans 2:6-8).

HELL

All the wicked and all who have never obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ will be cast into Hell. Hell is a place which was prepared for the Devil and his angels. "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41).

Hell is a terrible place! The Bible uses three pictures to tell us how terrible Hell is:

• First, Hell is often described as a fire which never stops burning. Jesus said,"And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.  It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire - where the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:47,48).
• Second, Hell is often described as a place of great darkness where people in pain and anguish weep and gnash their teeth, "And cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness.  There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth"  (Matthew 25:30).
• Third, Hell is described as the second death. "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8).

Hell is eternal! Those cast into Hell will be punished forever and ever. Jesus said,"And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life" (Matthew 25:46).

The Bible plainly teaches that Hell is a real place. It is a place of punishment for the wicked and for all who do not obey Christ.  "You who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and . . . do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

HEAVEN

On the Day of Judgment, the wicked and unbelievers will be cast into Hell, but the faithful Christians will receive eternal life. They will be given a home in Heaven which Jesus has prepared for them. "In My Father's house are many mansions . . . I go to prepare a place for you . . . I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  And where I go you know, and the way you know" (John 14:2-4).

Jesus is now preparing a place in Heaven for us if we will become his faithful disciples. Heaven is a beautiful place. In Heaven there are no bad things. There is no pain, sickness, sadness, trouble, or death. There is no hate or fear in Heaven. In Heaven there is only peace and happiness and every good thing.

The apostle John tells us about this beautiful home which Jesus is preparing for us. "I, John, saw the holy city . . . coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband . . . I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men . . . God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:1-4). Read Revelation 21 and Revelation 22, for a full description of the beautiful place called Heaven.

CONCLUSION

What about you? Are you prepared for the judgment? Prepare now so that you can have a home with Jesus in Heaven. Please let us know if we can assist you in becoming a Christian, a member of Christ’s church, "which He purchased with His own blood"(Acts 20:28).

BBS 14 - The Second Coming Of Christ

(Posted with permission from the International Bible Teaching Ministries website. This is Beginning Bible Studies Lesson 14 - The Second Coming Of Christ http://ibtministries.org/viewcourse.php?crid=47. You can sign up for their free classes and receive an instructor to help you with these Bible studies.)

Jesus is coming again!  This is clearly taught in the New Testament. "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:2,3).

WHEN IS CHRIST COMING AGAIN?

When is Christ coming again? Since the time that Jesus went to Heaven, men have tried to say when He will return. Yet the Bible clearly teaches that no man knows when Christ will return.  "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only" (Matthew 24:36).

When will Jesus come again? The angels in heaven do not know. Jesus did not even know. No man knows. Only God knows. We must not say when Jesus will return because we do not know. We only know that He will return. We must believe this!  "For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

The "day of the Lord" refers to the second coming of Christ.  Christ’s second coming will be like a thief in the night. When does a thief steal? When you expect him to steal? No! A thief steals when he is not expected. So it will be with the second coming of Christ. Christ will come again when He is not expected.

HOW IS CHRIST COMING?

The apostles were told by the angels that Jesus would return the same way He went into Heaven. "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?  This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).

It was Jesus who went into Heaven. It is Jesus who will be coming from Heaven.

Some people teach that Jesus has already returned. They teach that He returned in 1914, but many did not see Him. This teaching is not what the Bible says. The Bible says,"Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see HIm, even they who pierced Him.  And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of HIm.  Even so, Amen"(Revelation 1:7). Has Jesus returned yet? Have you seen Him? No! When Jesus comes again, every one will see Him. Those in the cities will see Him. Those in the villages will see Him. No one will miss seeing Him!

Again, we are told that when Christ returns He will be heard by everyone.   "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with a voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first" (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

Just as everyone will see Christ, everyone will hear Him too. The "shout," "the archangel’s call," and the sound of "the trumpet of God" all show the authority Christ has. They also show He has an important announcement to make.

WHY IS CHRIST COMING AGAIN?

The Bible gives several reasons why Christ is coming again. He is coming to raise the dead. Some people teach that the bad will never rise from the grave. Others teach that the good and bad will be raised at different times. But the Bible says, "The hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth - those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation" (John 5:28,29).

All faithful, obedient Christians will meet Christ in the air. From there they will go to Heaven with Him.  " For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17).

When Christ comes again, He will deliver up the kingdom to God. He is not coming to set up the kingdom. The kingdom is already here. The kingdom is the church. "Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power" (1 Corinthians 15:24).

The world will be destroyed at the second coming of Christ.  "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent hear; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10).

When Christ comes again, people will no longer live on the earth. The earth will be burned up by fire.

BBS 13 - The Church, Part 2

(Posted with permission from the International Bible Teaching Ministries website. This is Beginning Bible Studies Lesson 13 - The Church, Part 2 http://ibtministries.org/viewcourse.php?crid=46. You can sign up for their free classes and receive an instructor to help you with these Bible studies.)

There are thousands of different denominations in the world. But the Bible reveals only one church. Let us learn from the Bible about Christ’s church. Let us become members of it. Then, we can know we are right. The Bible tells is what Christ’s church is like. It tells us its names, organization, and worship.

THE NAMES OF THE CHURCH

The Bible gives several names for Christ’s church and for its members. These names honor God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, the church is often called "the church of God."   "Paul . . . to the church of God which is at Corinth" (1 Corinthians 1:1,2). "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28).

When speaking of the various groups of Christians which make up the body of Christ, the term "churches of Christ" is used.   "…The churches of Christ greet you"(Romans 16:16).

Members of the church in the Bible are often called "believers" because they trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.  "And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women" (Acts 5:14). "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity"  (1 Timothy 4:12).

Sometimes members are called "saints," because they are set apart to do God’s will. "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours" (1 Corinthians 1:2). "…To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons" (Philippians 1:1).

They are often called "disciples" because they are learners of Christ.   "…So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight" (Acts 20:7).

Members are also called Christians.  "And the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch" (Acts 11:26). "Then Agrippa said to Paul, You almostpersuade me to become a Christian" (Acts 26:28).  "If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter" (1 Peter 4:14-16).

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH

God’s plan for His church is very simple. Christ is the head of the whole church. "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Ephesians 1:22,23).

The New Testament is the only law which God gave to His church.   "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

In each place where there are Christians, they meet together as a group and form the church of Christ in that place. Each of these groups is independent. Each has its own leaders. Each church of Christ is overseen by elders and served by deacons when it is fully organized.

Elders are called by different names in the New Testament. Sometimes they are called"bishops," meaning "overseers." "This is a faithful saying:  If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work" (1 Timothy 3:1). Sometimes they are called "pastors," meaning "shepherds." "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11,12). "So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed" (Acts 14:23).

Deacons are leaders who serve under the elders. (Read Philippians 1:1.) The word "deacon" means "one who serves."

Not everyone can be an elder or a deacon. One must be a good man before he can do this work. The qualifications for elders are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-10. The qualifications for deacons are stated in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. No one can serve as an elder or deacon unless he meets God’s qualifications. No church can have elders or deacons until they have men who meet these qualifications.

THE WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH

The Bible tells us that Christ’s church meets on Sunday, the first day of the week, for the worship of God. "On the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight"  (Acts 20:7).  "On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come" (1 Corinthians 16:2).

This day is called "the Lord’s Day."  "I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day…" (Revelation 1:10). The church may meet at any time for worship, but the first day of the week is especially "the Lord’s Day."

On the Lord’s Day, the church "breaks bread," or eats of the Lord’s Supper.  "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread" (Acts 20:7).

The Lord’s Supper was given by Jesus just before His death. Read Matthew 26:26-29. It is unleavened bread (made with no yeast) which represents His body, and the fruit of the vine (grape juice) which represents His blood. The purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to remember Christ’s death for our sins.   "The Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me. In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Christ’s church worships Him by singing praises to Him.  "Speaking to one anotherin psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19).  "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3:16).

Each member of Christ’s church worship Him from the heart. The purpose of worship is to praise God. It is not to entertain man. God has not commanded the use of musical instruments in His worship. Each Christian is to praise God. The melody is to be made with the Christian’s heart, not with musical instruments.

Christ’s church worships Him by prayers of thanksgiving, praise, and request.  "I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence" (1 Timothy 2:1,2).

Christ’s church worships Him by studying and teaching God’s Word.  "Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" (1 Timothy 4:13).

Christ’s church takes a contribution on the first day of the week. In this way money is raised for the work of the Lord. "On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come" (1 Corinthians 16:2).

The Bible reveals no other method for raising money for the Lord’s work.

BBS 12 - The Church, Part 1

(Posted with permission from the International Bible Teaching Ministries website. This is Beginning Bible Studies Lesson 12 - The Church, Part 1 http://ibtministries.org/viewcourse.php?crid=45. You can sign up for their free classes and receive an instructor to help you with these Bible studies.)

There are thousands of different churches in the world. Each one of these denominations has its own teachings which are different from the teachings of other denominations. Each one of these churches is called by a different name. Yet, all of them claim to be following the Bible. Is this possible? No, it is not! The Bible contains only one teaching. Yet each one of these denominations has a different teaching.

What is the true church?

How can we learn which is right?

There is only one way. Let us go to the Bible. The Bible will tell us what Christ’s church is.

The Bible helps us to understand what Christ’s church is like. It does this by "figures" or "pictures" of the church. Let us look at some of these pictures that we may understand what the true church is like.

THE KINGDOM

The Bible often pictures Christ’s church as a kingdom. Sometimes it is called the"kingdom of God" because God is its Ruler. The members of the church are citizens of the kingdom. Sometimes the church is called the "kingdom of heaven" because it is a spiritual kingdom. It is not an earthly kingdom.

We know that the kingdom and the church are the same thing because Christ used them in this way. For example, let us hear Jesus’ words to Peter: "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:18,19).

God has set up His kingdom on the earth. It began on the Day of Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ. Read Acts 2:1-47. It began in city of Jerusalem. Since the church and the kingdom are the same, we know that Christ’s church began in Jerusalem. It began on the first day of Pentecost after Jesus arose from the dead. Any church which began at any other place than Jerusalem cannot be the true church. Any church which began at any other time cannot be the true church.

Just before He returned to Heaven, Jesus said, "Thus it is written,and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:46,47).

THE TEMPLE OF GOD

The Bible sometimes pictures the church as the temple of God.  "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord" (Ephesians 2:19-21).

In the Old Testament, we can read how King Solomon built a temple for God (1 Kings 8:12,13). Today, the church is God’s temple. God dwells in the church through His Spirit:"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are" (1 Corinthians 3:16,17).

THE FAMILY OF GOD

Sometimes the Bible pictures the church as God’s household or family. "But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth"(1 Timothy 3:15).

In His family, the church, God is the father. Members of the church are His children. One becomes a member of a family by being born into it. The same is true of God’s family. One must be born again to become a member of it. "…Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5).

A HOLY NATION AND A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD

Another picture of Christ’s church is that of a holy nation and a royal priesthood. "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

In Old Testament times, God chose the nation of Israel to be His people. Today, Christ’s church is the chosen nation of God. In the nation of Israel, there was a special class of people who served as priests. Only the priests were allowed to conduct the public worship of God. But in Christ’s church, every member is a priest. Every member can pray to God for himself.

THE BODY OF CHRIST

Many times the Bible pictures Christ’s church as His body.  "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Ephesians 1:22,23).

The church is the body of Christ. Christ is the head of the body. He rules from heaven. Heaven is the headquarters of Christ’s church. The human body has only one head. Christ’s body, the church, has only one head. Christ is the Head of the church! Christ’s church has no pope or president on the earth to rule over it.

The church is the body of Christ. Christ has only one body.

Therefore, Christ has only one church."There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling" (Ephesians 4:4). There are many thousands of different denominations in the world today. Christ’s church is His body. Does Christ have thousands of different bodies? Of course not! A man has only one body. Christ has onlyone body—the church.