Celestial Diary

The bible is a very important book for us Christians and although many people know it’s a holy book, not everyone knows what it really is, why it was compiled, and how we’re meant to use it. For us believers, it’s our foundation, our guide, and our lifeline. Anyone interested in Christianity and wants to understand what we are and why we believe will need to read the bible sooner or later.

What is the Bible?

The Bible is God’s Word, written through men but inspired by the Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16–17). It contains 66 books, written by multiple authors over hundreds of years and yet it tells the same story: God’s redemption plan for humanity. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals who God is, what He has done, what He wants from us and how we can have a relationship with Him.

Why Was the Bible Compiled?

I say compiled because the Bible is a collection of different books. It’s basically a portable library of God’s Word. It wasn’t written by one person; it was gathered, preserved, and approved so that God’s truth could endure through the generations. The Old Testament records God’s covenant with Israel, His laws, His faithfulness, and the prophecies pointing towards the Messiah. The New Testament starts with the coming of Jesus, His death & resurrection, and the establishment of the church. The compilation of these writings make sure that we have God’s revelation and instructions for teaching, correction, and guidance.

What Are the Different Books For?

The Bible is made up of different types of writings, each with its unique purpose. Each book has a specific role, but together they form a complete picture of God’s love, justice, and salvation. Depending on where you want to start, what you’re looking for, what season of life you’re in…knowing the purpose of each book would go a long way in helping you choose a starting point.

Old Testament

1. Genesis – The story of creation, humanity’s fall, God’s covenant with Abraham, and the beginnings of Israel.
2. Exodus – God delivers Israel from Egypt and gives the Law through Moses.
3. Leviticus – Instructions for worship, holiness, and sacrificial laws.
4. Numbers – Israel’s wilderness wanderings and their struggles with faith and obedience.
5. Deuteronomy – Moses’ final speeches reminding Israel of God’s covenant before entering the Promised Land.
6. Joshua – Israel conquers and settles the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership.
7. Judges – A cycle of Israel’s sin, oppression, and deliverance through judges.
8. Ruth – A story of loyalty and God’s providence through Ruth’s faithfulness.
9. 1 Samuel – The rise of Samuel, Israel’s demand for a king, and Saul’s downfall.
10. 2 Samuel – David’s reign as king, with both victories and personal failures.
11. 1 Kings – Solomon’s reign and the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah.
12. 2 Kings – The decline and fall of both kingdoms because of sin.
13. 1 Chronicles – A retelling of David’s reign with focus on worship and the temple.
14. 2 Chronicles – The history of Judah’s kings, ending with exile to Babylon.
15. Ezra – The return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple.
16. Nehemiah – The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and spiritual renewal.
17. Esther – God preserves His people through Esther’s courage.
18. Job – A story wrestling with suffering, faith, and God’s sovereignty.
19. Psalms – A collection of songs and prayers expressing worship and human emotion.
20. Proverbs – Wisdom for living a godly and practical life.
21. Ecclesiastes – A reflection on life’s meaning apart from God and true fulfillment in Him.
22. Song of Solomon – A poetic celebration of love and marriage.
23. Isaiah – Prophecies of judgment and hope, pointing to the coming Messiah.
24. Jeremiah – Warnings of judgment and God’s call for repentance.
25. Lamentations – Poems mourning Jerusalem’s destruction.
26. Ezekiel – Prophecies of judgment, hope, and restoration.
27. Daniel – Stories of faith in exile and visions of God’s coming kingdom.
28. Hosea – God’s faithful love pictured through Hosea’s marriage.
29. Joel – A call to repentance and promise of God’s Spirit.
30. Amos – Condemnation of social injustice and empty religion.
31. Obadiah – God’s judgment on Edom for pride and violence.
32. Jonah – God’s mercy toward repentant sinners, even enemies.
33. Micah – Judgment and hope, highlighting justice, mercy, and humility.
34. Nahum – God’s judgment against Nineveh.
35. Habakkuk – A dialogue about faith in times of injustice and suffering.
36. Zephaniah – Judgment and future hope for God’s people.
37. Haggai – A call to rebuild the temple and put God first.
38. Zechariah – Visions of encouragement and the coming Messiah.
39. Malachi – A call to faithfulness, pointing to the coming of John the Baptist and Christ.

New Testament

40. Matthew – Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.
41. Mark – A fast-paced account of Jesus’ works and authority.
42. Luke – A detailed narrative of Jesus’ life, compassion, and teachings.
43. John – Jesus as the Son of God who gives eternal life.
44. Acts – The growth of the early church through the Spirit’s power.
45. Romans – Paul’s explanation of salvation by faith and God’s righteousness.
46. 1 Corinthians – Instructions for a divided church on unity, holiness, and love.
47. 2 Corinthians – Paul’s defense of his ministry and encouragement in weakness.
48. Galatians – Freedom in Christ apart from the law.
49. Ephesians – The church’s unity in Christ and calling to holy living.
50. Philippians – Joy and encouragement in Christ, even in suffering.
51. Colossians – Christ’s supremacy and sufficiency in all things.
52. 1 Thessalonians – Encouragement about Christ’s return.
53. 2 Thessalonians – Clarification on Christ’s return and perseverance in faith.
54. 1 Timothy – Guidance for church leadership and godly living.
55. 2 Timothy – Paul’s final letter urging faithfulness to the gospel.
56. Titus – Instructions on good works and church order.
57. Philemon – A plea for forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ.
58. Hebrews – Christ as the perfect high priest and ultimate sacrifice.
59. James – Faith must be lived out through works.
60. 1 Peter – Encouragement to endure suffering faithfully.
61. 2 Peter – Warnings against false teachers and reminder of Christ’s return.
62. 1 John – Assurance of salvation and call to love.
63. 2 John – Walk in truth and love while avoiding false teachers.
64. 3 John – Commendation of faithful service and warning against pride.
65. Jude – A warning to contend for the faith against false teachers.
66. Revelation – Visions of ultimate victory in Christ and the new heaven and earth.

Ways to use the Bible?

• For prayer: We can pray Scripture back to God
• For knowledge: It gives us wisdom and guidance for life
• For edification: It builds us up, corrects us, and equips us for good works
• For guidance: God’s instructions are a lamp to our feet and a light to our path
• For spiritual battle: It is the sword of the Spirit, powerful against sin and temptation

The Bible isn’t just for reading; it’s for living. As Christians, it ought to be our go to manual.
Why ask Chat gpt for advice when God has already spoken? His Word is filled with promises, encouragement, wisdom, instructions…basically everything we’ll need to get through in life.

Stay Blessed x