A Guide To The Bible’s Message
God Made the World and Cares for It
Life is not an accident. The Bible begins with a good Creator who cares for what He made.
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. — Genesis 1:1
All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. — John 1:3
All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. — John 1:3
People Carry God’s Image
Every person has dignity, worth, and responsibility. We are meant to reflect God’s character.
God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. — Genesis 1:27
...men, who have been made in the image of God. — James 3:9
...men, who have been made in the image of God. — James 3:9
When We Go Wrong, We Can Begin Again
Turning back (repentance) is like correcting your course when you’ve taken the wrong road.
Therefore tell them, Yahweh of Armies says: ‘Return to me,’ says Yahweh of Armies, ‘and I will return to you,’ says Yahweh of Armies. — Zechariah 1:3
...and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.” — Mark 1:15
...and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.” — Mark 1:15
Love God with Your Whole Life
Devotion is trust and loyalty—don’t split your heart between God and other “gods” (money, power, status).
You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. — Deuteronomy 6:5
Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ — Matthew 22:37
Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ — Matthew 22:37
Care for Others, Even Strangers
Love must overflow to neighbors, strangers, and even enemies; remember how it feels to be the outsider.
You shall not oppress an alien, for you know the heart of an alien, since you were aliens in the land of Egypt. — Exodus 23:9
As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. — Luke 6:31
As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. — Luke 6:31
Live Justly, Humbly, and Fairly
Justice is honesty and protection of the vulnerable; humility is not thinking too highly of ourselves.
He has shown you, O man, what is good.
What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly,
to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? — Micah 6:8
But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. — Matthew 23:11
But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. — Matthew 23:11
Walk Together in Community
Not a building but a people: encourage, forgive, and stick together.
Learn to do well; seek justice, relieve the oppressed, defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. — Isaiah 1:17
Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. — Hebrews 10:24–25
Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. — Hebrews 10:24–25
Hold on Through Hardship
Trouble is real, but God’s faithful love brings hope; endurance grows character and hope.
It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his mercies don’t fail. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness. — Lamentations 3:22–23
Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope. — Romans 5:3–4
Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope. — Romans 5:3–4
Look Forward to Renewal
The story ends with new creation—God making all things new.
For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;
and the former things will not be remembered, nor come into mind. — Isaiah 65:17
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more. The first things have passed away. — Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain any more. The first things have passed away. — Revelation 21:4