"To read sacred scripture means to turn to Christ for advice"
ST. Francis of Assisi
“We do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”
(Matthew 4:4).
God’s Word is a light for our path (Psalm 119:105)
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God's Word is Truth we can follow (John 17:17)
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God's Word is a mirror we can reflect in (James 1:23-25)
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God's Word is a spring of living water welling up to eternal life
(John 4:14)
(John 4:14)
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God's Word is an everlasting seed (1 Peter 1:23)
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God's Word is living and active, and sharper than a sword
(Hebrews 4:12)
(Hebrews 4:12)
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God's Word is the sword of the spirit.
(Ephesians 6:17)
(Ephesians 6:17)
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God's Word is like fire and a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces (Jeremiah 23:29)
Scripture is God-breathed
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
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The Bible is like a library of books in which
God speaks to us. It has a First/Old Testament and a Second/New Testament.
The First/Old Testament tells a legendary story about how God works with us historically to bring about God's kingdom, and to build loving relationship. It contains books that are full of action and adventure. Stories that use metaphors, poetry and a wide range of writing techniques. Many authors wrote these books over about 1000 years. They wrote to explain life big questions and to show us how God fits in our lives. |
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However the First/Old testament does not have a conclusion, it ends with the promise of a new leader!! This is when Jesus arrives on the scene and tells us he is the continuation of the First Testament. His disciples add new books, stories and letters which become the Second/New Testament. This offers us a conclusion and helps us to understand how we can bring about the Kingdom God and live in loving relationship.
Christians have discussed and debated for 2000 years which books to include in the Bible. They all agree that the Old Testament and the New Testament are vital and Catholics also believe that writings from the Second Temple Literature, or the Deuterocanonical Books, need to be included as Scripture to give us a deeper understanding. |
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