The Bible's Claim

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

2 Timothy 3:16-17

"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

2 Peter 1:20-21

The Testimony of Jesus

Jesus revered the Holy Scriptures - the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets. He frequently quoted from the Old Testament scriptures in his teaching.

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."

Matthew 5:17-18

"Have you never read in the Scriptures:"

Matthew 21:42

"You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God."

Matthew 22:29

"Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Luke 4:21

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Luke 24:27

"These are the Scriptures that testify about me."

John 5:39

"... the Scripture cannot be broken."

John 10:35

The Bible Can Be Trusted

There is a great deal of evidence to support the Bible's claim of Divine authorship. It contains detailed prophecies of events which have occurred exactly as predicted. Did you know, for example, that the Bible predicted more than 2500 years ago the return of the Jewish people to the land of Israel after a long period of scattering and persecution - a prediction that has only been fulfilled in the past fifty years?

Despite having been written by dozens of different men, from different backgrounds and in different languages, over a period of over fifteen centuries, the Bible has a remarkable internal consistency. The same basic themes can be found running through its pages, from Genesis to Revelation - clear evidence that it comes from one Author.

Other evidence - archaeological, historical and documentary - shows that the Bible is true. But it is only by reading the Bible for yourself that you can become convinced that it is indeed the Word of God.

Why You Should Read The Bible

• The Bible is God's message to us all. It is His Word. It is unique.

• As well as being amongst the world's finest literature, it is the only book in which we can read about God's dealings with mankind in the past, His message for us now, and His plan for the future.

• It is the only book given directly by God in which He tells us about Himself and about His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Only from the Bible can we learn the truth about why we die, and how we can live for ever.

• The message of the Bible is far too important to be ignored or to be left to others to tell us what it says. We must read it for ourselves.

Many people, particularly if they have not yet read the Bible for themselves, are under the impression that the Bible is little more than a collection of ancient myths and legends. Read it for yourself - and be prepared for a surprise. The people and events of the Bible are real, not fictional.

Modern translations can breathe new life and meaning into this marvellous book. The message of the Bible is as relevant for us today as it was for the people of past centuries.

Start Reading The Bible
- With The Bible Reading Planner

The Bible is a very long book. Many people would like to know more about what it says, but are put off by its sheer size, or simply don't know where to start.

This is where the Bible Reading Planner may be helpful. Reading just one chapter of the Bible a day - which should take no more than ten or fifteen minutes - you will be guided through key chapters which will unfold the wonders of God's word.

The reading plan covers every part of the Bible. You will read from both the Old and New Testaments, from different sections of the Bible containing historical accounts, poetry, letters, songs, and profound prophetic messages from God.

The Bible Reading Planner takes you through one chapter of the Bible each day in six progressive steps. Getting into the habit of reading a chapter from the Bible every day is well worth while.

Steps 1 - 6 are covered in 52 weeks. In one year, you will gain a good grasp of the essential message of the Bible. The Planner is not dated, so you can start at any time of the year.

The Planner provides an introduction to each Step, giving an overview of the chapters to be covered, and there are brief notes, maps and diagrams to help you understand what you read, and put it in context.

Even if you don't use the background material in the Bible Reading Planner, you can still follow the chapter-a-day Table of Bible Readings as a useful introduction to the Bible.

An online version of the Bible Reading Planner notes is available.

Alternatively, if you would like a free copy of the Bible Reading Planner booklet, write without obligation to:

The Assistant Secretary
East Kilbride Christadelphian Church
Calderwood Community Centre
East Kilbride
Lanarkshire, Scotland

Please note that this offer applies to UK applicants only.

Learn To Read The Bible Effectively

If you feel you would benefit from a more structured approach to Bible study, a free Distance Learning Course is available. The course programme allows you to learn at your own pace how to read the Bible effectively. Please note that this offer applies to UK residents only.

For applicants outwith the UK, there is an online version of the course available at another site. This offers the option of simply browsing the course material, or of receiving learning material by e-mail from a course tutor.