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"Understanding the Bible" Hello, my name is Kevin McGill, founder and President of Omega Christian Outreach Ministries. The "Understanding the Bible" seminar will provide a great opportunity to learn more about the Bible and the message of Salvation it contains. Each study is presented on Power Point along with eight to ten pages of notes. The seminar will be based on the two books listed below which will provide an excellent foundation for the study. The study will be valuable for those who are seeking to learn more about the Bible and the Christian faith as well as those who are a part of the community of faith who would like to strengthen their own spiritual foundation. The study can also be a good opportunity for evangelism for those who would like to attend with a relative or friend whom they would like to introduce to the Christian faith.

Seminar Description

In the course of the ten week study we will explore the nature and purpose of the Bible along with the geographical and historical background in which the story of the Bible unfolds. We will learn about the history of the transmission of the text of the Bible and why we can place our complete trust in it as an accurate and reliable written record of the events to which it gives witness. We will examine the core message of the Bible and consider the nature of it's authority in this world. The topics of inspiration and revelation will be discussed along with the principles necessary to be able to interpret the Bible accurately. Lastly, we will learn about the use and application of the Bible in the lives of people today. (see outline)


"Understanding the Bible" - Seminar Schedule and Outline

* Introductory Meeting: Introduction / General Information: Hand out books

"Understanding the Bible", John Stott, Baker Books 2001

"How We Got the Bible", Neil R. Lightfoot, Baker Books 2003

I. The Purpose of the Bible:

- The origin of the Bible
- The purpose of the Bible
- The inspiration of the Bible
- Faith and the Bible

II. The Land of the Bible:

- Overview of the land of the Bible
- A "Story" told in "time & space"
- A "Personal" & "Propositional" revelation
- The strategic location of the land of the Bible

III. The Story of the Old Testament:

- A history of mankind - Creation to 400 BC
- A "Sacred History"- God's dealing with His people
- A history of God's plan of salvation
- An instruction manual for life

IV. The Story of the New Testament:

- 100 years of continued "sacred history"
- Survey of the books and authors of the N.T.
- An examination of the "eyewitness testimony"
- A completion of the history of mankind

V. The Message of the Bible:

- A progressive revelation from God about God
- The sovereign and self-consistent nature of God
- The God of all Grace
- Redemption, Adoption and Glorification

VI. The New Testament Text- Manuscripts & Versions:

- Has the NT been copied accurately?
- The Greek Manuscripts
- The early Versions / Translations
- The writings of the Church Fathers

VII. The New Testament Text- Textual Criticism:

- The science of "Textual Criticism?"
- The number and nature of the "errors" in the NT
- The history of the Greek text since printing
- Today's Edition of the Greek text

VIII. The Authority of the Bible:

- Biblical Authority: What is it? Why study it?
- Revelation, Inspiration, Authority
- The authority of Jesus Christ
- The authority of the Bible

IX. How to Interpret the Bible Accurately:

- Infallible Interpretations?
- Three Teachers
- Three Principles
- A Book of God and Man

X. The Use and Application of the Bible:

- In Conversion
- In Worship
- In Obedience
- In Witness