The Holy Bible, Part 1

Servants Preparation Curriculum

Lecture 7, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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“How sweet are your words to my taste? Sweeter than honey to my mouth”

(Psalm 119:103)

Lecture 7, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Bible, Part 1 – The Bible, Overview

Objectives:

1. To understand the difference between the Author and the writers of The Bible
2. To learn about the early languages and overview of The Bible
3. To introduce the four gospels
4. To know the classifications/structure of The Bible
5. To understand the connections between The Old and The New Testaments
6. To realize the importance of The Bible and its honor
7. To introduce some of the fake Gospels interesting facts

Lecture 4, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Author vs Writer

• Author
• the original source of content

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• Writer
• a person who pens/writes down

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The Holy Bible

• Who is the author?
• God

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“for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit”

(2 Peter 1:21)

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The Holy Bible Cont.

• How many writers?
• 40

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• How long did it take to write it?
• Approximately 1600 years
• The Old Testament ~1500
• The New Testament ~100

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Writers

• Who was the first writer?
• Moses

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• Who were the last writers?
• John the Evangelist
• John the Beloved

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The Bible, Part 1 – The Bible, Overview

Objectives:

1. To understand the difference between the Author and the writers of The Bible
2. To learn about the early languages and overview of The Bible
3. To introduce the four gospels
4. To know the classifications/structure of The Bible
5. To introduce connections between The Old and The New Testaments
6. To understand the importance of The Bible and its honor
7. To introduce some of the fake Gospels and interesting facts

Lecture 4, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Original Languages of the Bible

• Jewish = Hebrew
• Aramaic language ( Daniel& Ezra)
• Ptolemy II Philadelphus ordered the Bible translated into the Greek language
• 72 Jewish scribes
• Met in 250 BC (in Alexandria, Egypt) and translated the Old Testament into Greek
• Known as The Septuagint
• The New Testament written in Greek except St Mathew Gospel written in Jewish

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Lecture 7, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Simeon the Elder was one of the 72

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation” (Luke 2:29)

The Early Translations of The Bible

1. Aramaic (A mix between Jewish, Syrian, and Phoenician)

~ 500-600 BC

2. Septuagint (The Old Testament from Hebrew to Greek) circa 250 BC

3 Latin (Latin Vulgate) (Hebrew to Latin) during 383-405 AD

4. English by John Wycliff in 1384 AD

5. King James Version in 1611 AD

Currently, the Bible translated to over 2000 languages

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It is the most selling book in the world ( 5 billion copies)

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The Holy Bible Cont.

• How many Books are there in total?
• 73
• Old Testament = 46 (39+7)
• 39 books are called the 1st Canonical books
• New Testament = 27

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• Who collected The Old Testament books?
• Ezra (Scribe & Priest) after the return of The Babylonian Captivity

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2^nd Canonical Books/Apocryphal Books

• Apocryphal books
• Group of books rejected by the Protestant movement who published the bible worldwide
• They are acknowledged by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church
• They are present in The Septuagint and The Latin Vulgate, but not in the old Hebrew Bible
• 7 Books (from The Old Testament)
• Printed separately
• Completion of Daniel, Tobias, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Baruch, Maccabees I,II , and Susanna

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The Main Subjects

• God’s Love for Mankind
1. Creation of The World
2. Man’s Sin (The Original Sin)
3. God’s Plan for Redemption/Salvation
• Prophets, sacrifices, events etc.
4. Execution of The Salvation through Jesus Christ
• The Incarnation, Crucifixion, and Resurrection
5. Preparation for Eternity
• Preaching (The Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles)
• Heavens (The Book of Revelations)

Lecture 7, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Bible, Part 1 – The Bible, Overview

Objectives:

1. To understand the difference between the Author and the writers of The Bible
2. To learn about the early languages and overview of The Bible
3. To introduce the four gospels
4. To know the classifications/structure of The Bible
5. To introduce connections between The Old and The New Testaments
6. To understand the importance of The Bible and its honor
7. To introduce some of the fake Gospels and interesting facts

Lecture 4, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Gospel

• Definition of Gospel
• The good tidings/news

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• What is the good news?
• Jesus Christ (The Messiah) redeemed us on the cross
• The Paradise is opened
• The promise of the Eternal Life is granted to all the believers who follow Him.

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Why are there 4 Gospels?

• The evangelists wrote The Gospels to preach Christianity to all nations
• So, each gospel is written to a certain nation
• St. Mathew wrote to the Jewish Nation
• St. Mark wrote to the Romans
• St. Luke wrote to the Greek
• St. John wrote to all Christians
• Thus, the entire world knows about Jesus' life and His redemptive work

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John

Luke

Mark

Mathew

The 4 Incorporeal Creatures

The 4 Incorporeal Creatures and The Gospels

Lecture 7, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Bible, Part 1 – The Bible, Overview

Objectives:

1. To understand the difference between the Author and the writers of The Bible
2. To learn about the early languages and overview of The Bible
3. To introduce the four gospels
4. To know the classifications/structure of The Bible
5. To introduce connections between The Old and The New Testaments
6. To understand the importance of The Bible and its honor
7. To introduce some of the fake Gospels and interesting facts

Lecture 4, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Classification of The Bible

• Old Testament
• 5 categories

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• New Testament
• 5 categories

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The Old Testament

1. Law
• Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy
2. History
• I & II Samuel, I & II Kings, and I & II, Chronicles
3. Poems
• Proverb, Psalms, and Song of Solomon
4. Major Prophets (4)
1. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel
6. Minor Prophets (12)
• Joel, Amos, Hosea, Obadiah, Jonah, etc.

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The Major and Minor Prophets

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Is The Old Testament Important to Us?

• Definitely!
• There are many facts that we learn from the Old Testament:
• God’s Existence
• God revealed Himself to us
• God is The Creator of everything
• God is The Judge of all
• God’s blessings goes through generations
• God’s punishment is devastating

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Is The Old Testament Important to Us? Cont.

• The Creation
• The Original Sin and Its Consequences
• God’s plan for Our Salvation
• God arranged many symbols for His coming
• Person: Isaac and Joseph
• Events: The Passover and The Bronze Snake
• Sacrifices
• God’s law: Leviticus
• Equality between all people in judgment
• Care for the minorities, widows, and the poor
• Freedom of Salves (7^th year or 50^th year (Jubilee))

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The New Testament

1. Gospels (4)
• Mathew, Mark, Luke, John
2. History
1. Acts
4. Pauline Epistles
• 14
5. Apostolic Epistles
• 7
6. Revelation

Lecture 7, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Bible, Part 1 – The Bible, Overview

Objectives:

1. To understand the difference between the Author and the writers of The Bible
2. To learn about the early languages and overview of The Bible
3. To introduce the four gospels
4. To know the classifications/structure of The Bible
5. To understand connections between The Old and The New Testaments
6. To understand the importance of The Bible and its honor
7. To introduce some of the fake Gospels and interesting facts

Lecture 4, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Connection between The Old and The New Testaments

• Jesus Christ
• The Old Testament is full of symbols, signs, events, and characters that point to Jesus Christ
• The New Testament is about Jesus’ life, His teachings, our salvation and the proclamation of the good news to the entire world

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“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me”

(John 5: 39)

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The Connection between The Old and The New Testaments Cont.

• Seeds and Trees
• The Old Testament and The New Testament

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• The foundation for the building

Lecture 7, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Lecture 7, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Bible, Part 1 – The Bible, Overview

Objectives:

1. To understand the difference between the Author and the writers of The Bible
2. To learn about the early languages and overview of The Bible
3. To introduce the four gospels
4. To know the classifications/structure of The Bible
5. To introduce connections between The Old and The New Testaments
6. To realize the importance of The Bible and its honor
7. To introduce some of the fake Gospels and interesting facts

Lecture 4, Servants Preparation Curriculum

32

The Bible Is The Source Of …

1. The Christian Beliefs/Dogma
2. The Church Sacraments
3. The Liturgy
4. Sermons
5. Agbeya
6. Prayers
7. Spiritual & Dogmatic Books

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What is so special about The Bible?

• It is a personal message from God to you
• It is called the Breath of God
• It is the ONLY Book that can change not only your behavior but your actions and your feelings
• Not just thoughts and ideas
• It is the ONLY Book that can bless your day and your life
• You can never get bored from reading it

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What is SO special about The Bible? Cont.

• You can never grasp all of it
• No matter how many times you read
• It has a special taste and attraction
• The Bible is a magnet for the believers

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“I have seen the consummation of all perfection, But Your commandment is exceedingly broad” (Psalm 119:96)

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Life Shaping Bible Verses

• “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment” (Mathew 12:36)
• Any word not used for the glorification of Christ or the building of His Kingdom will be asked of you

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• “for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20)
• Anger does not lead to a righteous life
• If you have been tempted with anger, recite this verse!

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Life Shaping Bible Verses Cont.

• “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God” (Acts 10:4)
• Every prayer, matania, praise, glorification, song, donation, charity, and type of help are recorded before the Lord

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• “I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread” (Psalm 37:25)
• King David experienced the righteousness which leads to success and prosperity in the family
• If you face any challenges in life, remember this verse

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Life Shaping Bible Verses Cont.

• “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16)
• Keep all your senses holy

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• “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20)
• All my thoughts, feelings, and actions are according to Christ’s will

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Bible Characters Are My Role Models

• Study The Biblical Characters thoroughly and meditate on them. Pick one character and follow their model:

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• Noah, A person with strong belief living among non-believers
• Abraham, A man of generosity and faith
• Isaac, A man of obedience
• Jacob, A man of consistent, long, and strong prayers
• Moses, A man of mission to serve others
• Abigail, A woman of wisdom and peace
• David, A man of prayer, songs, praise, and psalms

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Why Should I Read The Bible?

1. To show my love for God
• “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15)
2. To grow spiritually
• “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4)
3. To learn about God’s attributes
• “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge” (Hosea 4:6)

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Why Should I Read The Bible?

1. To show my love for God
• “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15)
2. To grow spiritually
• “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4)
3. To learn about God’s attributes
• “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge” (Hosea 4:6)

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How do we Honor The Bible?

1. Keeping it on the Altar
2. Reading it on a podium
3. Turn on all the lights the during reading
4. Everyone stands up
5. The highest-ranking individual usually reads
• Deacon, priest, Bishop, etc.
6. Placing it at foundation of The Church
7. Incorporating it at the foundations of homes and other buildings

Lecture 7, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Holy Bible Cont.

• It is the most popular book in the world
• It sells around 20 million copies in the US every year
• It is currently translated to almost every language

Lecture 7, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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The Bible, Part 1 – The Bible, Overview

Objectives:

1. To understand the difference between the Author and the writers of The Bible
2. To learn about the early languages and overview of The Bible
3. To introduce the four gospels
4. To know the classifications/structure of The Bible
5. To introduce connections between The Old and The New Testaments
6. To understand the importance of The Bible and its honor
7. To introduce some of the fake Gospels and interesting facts

Lecture 4, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Fake Gospels

• Not acknowledged by The Coptic Church
• Books were introduced to present false information

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• Gospel of Barnabas
• Gospel of Thomas
• Gospel of Nicodemus
• Gospel of The Nativity of Mary
• Gospel of Joseph the Carpenter
• The Arabic Gospel of Jesus Childhood

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Who Published the The Canonical Books?

1. Bishop Meletus, The Bishop of Sardis (~80 AD)
2. Origen of Alexandria (180- 253 AD)
3. St. Cyril, The Bishop of Jerusalem (350 AD)
4. Pope Athanasius of Alexandria (367 AD)
5. St. Gregory The Theologian (380 AD)
6. St. Augustine (393 AD)

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Interesting Facts

• The longest book is Isaiah
• 66 chapters
• The shortest book is Obadiah
• 1 chapter
• The longest chapter is Psalm 119
• The shortest chapter is Psalm 117

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Interesting Facts Cont.

• The first book in The New Testament is the 1st and 2nd Epistles to the Thessalonians ( ~58-59 AD)

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• The last book in The Bible is St. John’s Gospel

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Interesting Facts Cont.

• The entire Book is in harmony with itself without any contradictions and/or errors
• Those who tried to criticize The Bible ended up as believers and even priests!
• Pope Dionysius, the 14^th, started as an atheist seeking to criticize The Bible later, he became the pope the church

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Lecture 7, Servants Preparation Curriculum

50

The Bible, Part 1 – The Bible, Overview

Objectives:

1. To understand the difference between the Author and the writers of The Bible
2. To learn about the early languages and overview of The Bible
3. To introduce the four gospels
4. To know the classifications/structure of The Bible
5. To introduce connections between The Old and The New Testaments
6. To understand the importance of The Bible and its honor
7. To introduce some of the fake Gospels and interesting facts

Lecture 4, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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Quiz

• Who is the Author of The Bible?
• How many writers are there?
• Classify the books of The Bible?
• How do we honor The Bible?
• Why should I read The Bible?

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Memorization Verses

1. “How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103)
2. “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21)
3. “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39)
4. “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119: 11)

Lecture 7, Servants Preparation Curriculum

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