Understanding the New Testament: Jesus at the Center
Summary
Influence Church is dedicated to helping individuals know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and influence their world. Today, we conclude our series on "What the Bible is All About," focusing on the New Testament and its central theme: Jesus. The New Testament begins with the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—each offering a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Following the Gospels is the book of Acts, which chronicles the early church's history and the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. The subsequent 21 books, known as epistles, are letters written by apostles like Paul, Peter, and John to guide, correct, and encourage the early churches and their leaders.
The New Testament culminates with the book of Revelation, a prophetic vision given to John about the end times. Despite its complexity, Revelation unveils God's ultimate plan for humanity. Understanding the Bible requires recognizing that it is alive and active, as stated in Hebrews 4:12. It is not merely a historical document but a living word that transforms lives. To truly grasp its message, one must receive, accept, and believe it as the Word of God.
To deepen your understanding of the Bible, start your day by reading it, study it diligently, and stand firm in its teachings. Choose a translation that resonates with you, use a study Bible for deeper insights, and engage in small group studies to gain diverse perspectives. The Bible is not just a book to be read; it is a guide to becoming more like Jesus and doing what He did—loving, giving, and serving others.
Ultimately, the Bible points us to Jesus, equipping us to live out His teachings and become more like Him. It is not about religious rituals but about building a relationship with God. As we embrace the Bible's teachings, we are called to reflect Jesus in our actions and attitudes, becoming givers and servants in a world that desperately needs His love and truth.
Key Takeaways:
1. Voting with Biblical Values: As Christians, we are called to vote based on biblical principles, such as being pro-Bible, pro-family, pro-life, and pro-Israel. Our votes should reflect our faith and values, using our God-given voice to influence society for good. [02:13]
2. The Bible as a Living Word: The Bible is not just a historical text but a living word that transforms lives. It is alive and active, sharper than a two-edged sword, and capable of performing spiritual surgery on our hearts and lives. [14:13]
3. Understanding the New Testament: The New Testament is centered on Jesus, beginning with the Gospels and continuing through the epistles and Revelation. Each book offers unique insights into Jesus' life, the early church, and God's ultimate plan for humanity. [06:13]
4. Practical Bible Study Tips: To deepen your understanding of the Bible, start your day with scripture, choose a translation you enjoy, use a study Bible, and engage in small group studies. These practices help the Bible come alive in your life. [19:56]
5. The Bible Points to Jesus: The Bible's ultimate purpose is to point us to Jesus, helping us become more like Him and do what He did. It is not about religious rituals but about building a relationship with God and reflecting His love in our actions. [37:21]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:55] - Desire to Learn the Bible
- [02:13] - Voting with Biblical Values
- [03:40] - God's Sovereignty
- [04:55] - Overview of the New Testament
- [06:13] - The Gospels and Acts
- [07:46] - The Epistles Explained
- [08:58] - Paul's Letters and Other Epistles
- [10:35] - Understanding Revelation
- [13:17] - The Bible is Alive
- [14:13] - The Transformative Power of Scripture
- [19:56] - Practical Bible Study Tips
- [21:05] - Studying and Meditating on God's Word
- [33:57] - Standing Firm with God's Word
- [37:21] - The Bible Points to Jesus
- [42:08] - Invitation to Accept Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 4:12
2. John 6:63
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the four Gospels, and how do they contribute to our understanding of Jesus' life and teachings? [06:13]
2. How does the book of Acts serve as a historical record for the early church, and what role does it play in the New Testament? [06:13]
3. What is the significance of the epistles in the New Testament, and who were some of the key authors? [07:46]
4. How is the book of Revelation described in the sermon, and what is its primary purpose? [10:35]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the Bible as being "alive," and what implications does this have for how we read and apply it in our lives? [14:13]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Bible points us to Jesus, and how does this understanding affect our relationship with God? [37:21]
3. What are the practical steps mentioned in the sermon for deepening one's understanding of the Bible, and why are they important? [19:56]
4. How does the sermon address the concept of voting with biblical values, and what are the key principles highlighted? [02:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current Bible reading habits. How can you incorporate the practice of starting your day with scripture, as suggested in the sermon? [19:56]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of choosing a Bible translation that resonates with you. Have you found a translation that you enjoy? If not, what steps can you take to explore different options? [23:44]
3. Consider the role of small group studies in your spiritual growth. How can you engage more actively in a small group to gain diverse perspectives on the Bible? [28:19]
4. The sermon discusses the transformative power of the Bible. Can you recall a time when a specific scripture passage had a significant impact on your life? How did it change you? [14:13]
5. How do you currently reflect Jesus in your actions and attitudes? Identify one area where you can improve in becoming more like Him in your daily life. [38:21]
6. The sermon encourages voting based on biblical values. How do you ensure that your political decisions align with your faith and values? [02:13]
7. The Bible is described as a guide to becoming more like Jesus. What specific actions can you take this week to love, give, and serve others as Jesus did? [38:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Voting with Biblical Values
Christians are called to align their civic actions with biblical principles, using their votes to reflect their faith and influence society positively. Voting is not just a civic duty but a spiritual responsibility that allows believers to express their values in the public sphere. By prioritizing biblical values such as being pro-Bible, pro-family, pro-life, and pro-Israel, Christians can use their God-given voice to advocate for policies and leaders that align with their faith. This approach to voting is an opportunity to influence society for good and to stand up for what is right in the eyes of God. [02:13]
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you ensure that your voting decisions reflect your faith and biblical values in the upcoming election?
Day 2: The Bible as a Living Word
The Bible is not merely a historical document but a living word that has the power to transform lives. It is described as being alive and active, sharper than a two-edged sword, capable of performing spiritual surgery on our hearts and lives. This transformative power means that the Bible can speak into our current situations, offering guidance, correction, and encouragement. By engaging with Scripture, believers can experience its life-changing impact and allow it to shape their thoughts, actions, and character. [14:13]
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the Bible to perform 'spiritual surgery' today, and how can you invite God's word to work in that area?
Day 3: Understanding the New Testament
The New Testament is centered on Jesus, beginning with the Gospels and continuing through the epistles and Revelation. Each book offers unique insights into Jesus' life, the early church, and God's ultimate plan for humanity. The Gospels provide different perspectives on Jesus' teachings and actions, while the book of Acts chronicles the spread of the Gospel. The epistles offer guidance and encouragement to early churches, and Revelation unveils God's final plan. Understanding the New Testament helps believers grasp the centrality of Jesus in God's redemptive story and equips them to live out His teachings. [06:13]
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of the New Testament to better live out the teachings of Jesus in your daily life?
Day 4: Practical Bible Study Tips
To deepen your understanding of the Bible, it is important to engage with it regularly and intentionally. Starting your day with Scripture, choosing a translation you enjoy, using a study Bible, and participating in small group studies are practical ways to make the Bible come alive in your life. These practices help you gain diverse perspectives and insights, allowing the Bible to speak into your life in meaningful ways. By committing to these habits, you can grow in your knowledge of God's word and be better equipped to apply its teachings. [19:56]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to incorporate more intentional Bible study into your daily routine?
Day 5: The Bible Points to Jesus
The ultimate purpose of the Bible is to point us to Jesus, helping us become more like Him and do what He did. It is not about religious rituals but about building a relationship with God and reflecting His love in our actions. As believers embrace the teachings of the Bible, they are called to reflect Jesus in their actions and attitudes, becoming givers and servants in a world that desperately needs His love and truth. This relational approach to Scripture encourages believers to live out their faith in practical and impactful ways. [37:21]
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally reflect Jesus in your actions and attitudes today, especially in situations where it is challenging to do so?
Quotes
"God gave each one of us a voice, and through election process, we should use that voice. So, you might ask, yeah, but how should I vote? And you might ask yourself, and today I want to just make it as clear as I can. As Christians, as believers, we must vote our values. We must vote biblical principles. So, when you are going to go to vote on Tuesday... On Tuesday, vote pro-Bible, pro-family, pro-life, pro-Israel. Those are biblical principles that you can find in the Bible. Those are biblical principles that our God stands for, and we should stand for also." [00:02:30] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"So, on Tuesday, go out and vote. Don't lean left. Don't lean right. Don't lean left. Just look up and allow God to speak to you and vote as He will like you to vote. And by the way, no matter how you are going to vote, I promise, we are still going to love you on Wednesday. And by the way, no matter what's going to happen Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, I want all of you to know this. God is still on the throne." [00:03:15] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And no matter what is going to be in front of us, no matter what, God is still going to be on the throne. And no matter what we are going to face in this country, He is going to empower us, He is going to strengthen us, and He is going to help us go through. When I'm saying that, I'm saying that not just like, yeah, it's easy for you to say it because you are a Christian. I grew up in a communist country. The freedom and the benefits that we have in this country is nothing compared with a socialist or a communist country." [00:03:55] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The Bible becomes alive. When you receive it. You accept it. And you believe it. Let me say it again. The Bible becomes alive. When you receive it. When you accept it. And when you believe it. And let me show it to you in the Bible. First Thessalonians. Apostle Paul is saying this. And we also thank God continually. Because when you received the word of God. Which you heard from us. You accepted. Not as a human word. So this is. The writers hold. Held the pen. But God told them what to write. So for this reason. The word of God is inspired by God." [00:17:13] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The Bible points you to Jesus. You can read Jesus' words in John chapter 5 verse 39 NLT. I use New Living Translation just to highlight the point. You search the scriptures, Jesus is saying, because you think they give you eternal life, but the scriptures point to me. That's what Jesus said. We don't read the Bible to just be saved. We read the Bible to point us to the Jesus that saved us." [00:37:21] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"What is the Bible all about? The Bible points you to Jesus, so you can become like Jesus and do what you do. What Jesus did. The Bible, the whole Bible, from the Genesis all the way to Revelation, it's about pointing us to Jesus. It's about to help us become like Jesus. And if we become like Jesus, we will do more of what Jesus did." [00:41:28] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Through Him, by Him, and for Him, we can have victorious life. We can experience freedom that we never experienced. So if you said that prayer, and if you need more help in growing in your relation with God, please let us know. We do have a book that we want to get to you. It's called What's Next? That is going to help you in your walk with God." [00:44:11] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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