Do you know there is a book that explains how the world began? The first words of this book are, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Following these words, it tells us how the world was created, and about the first man and woman who lived on the earth. Not only does it tell us about the beginning of time, but also what will happen after this life is over. Throughout this book, we read how we should live to be prepared for life after death.

Writing the Bible.

This is an old book written by about 40 different authors over approximately 1500 years. They wrote what God told them to write. God told the authors about Himself. The author of Genesis, the first book, wrote about the creation and also about the flood that covered the earth. He and other writers wrote about God's chosen people and how He led them through the years. God inspired different men to write history, poetry, prophecy, and about the promises of God. Because this writing was inspired by God, it does not have anyone's name on the cover. It is called the Bible, which means "the book." Many times it is called the Holy Bible, which means "the holy book."

The Bible is the most widely distributed book in the world. Although there have been times when some have tried to destroy it, God has always preserved it and always will. "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever" (1 Peter 1:25). The Bible is made up of 66 books. It is divided into two parts—the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament tells the history of the world and how God promised to send his Son Jesus to earth to save us from our sins. The New Testament tells how Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth. It tells how Jesus was born as a baby. Many events of Jesus's life are recorded, including many miracles that He performed. The Bible shows us that Jesus is our perfect example in all things. When Jesus spoke, the people listened to his teachings. We can read many of them in the books called the Gospels.

The Gospel of John contains many words of Jesus. He told the people that God is his Father. He taught that God loves everyone in the world. John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." We also read how Jesus suffered and died to pay for our sins and that He resurrected from the dead to live forever. Jesus tells us that we can have forgiveness of our sins if we believe in Him. Because the book of John has many words of Jesus and is easy to understand, it is one of the first books of the Bible we should read.

Do you ever wonder what will happen after life is over? The Bible tells us that someday Jesus will come again to judge all people. We can read how to prepare for that time. Jesus tells us that He has gone to prepare a place in heaven for those who will accept Him.

In the Bible we find answers to the perplexing questions of life. Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where will we go when we die? These questions and many more are answered throughout the Bible. When life becomes dull and lacks purpose, we can go to the Bible where God says, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Psalm 32:8). When someone close to us dies, we can go to the Bible for comfort from God. He uses the Bible to speak to us today.

Reading the Bible to children.

Sometimes we read a book and wonder if it is true. We know the Bible is true because it is the Word of God. There are hundreds of verses in the Bible with these words, "Thus saith the Lord." There are many prophecies that were written and later came to pass just as was prophesied. Jesus promised to give peace and joy to those who come to Him. Many people have experienced this. In God's love for mankind, He has given his Word to everyone. The Bible speaks to our hearts.

Read the Bible today!

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