Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Did you realize that, despite being written over 1,500 years by more than 40 authors, the Bible unveils one cohesive and awe-inspiring story? This astonishing fact sets the stage for our profound exploration of its remarkable unity.

All too often, we tend to view the Bible as a mere collection of disparate stories. However, every narrative in the Bible ultimately converges towards one transformative and epochal event in human history. Embodied within its 66 books, divinely inspired yet penned by mortal hands, is an intricate network of stories all pointing unerringly to one extraordinary figure – Jesus Christ.

Let’s delve into the intricate makeup of the Bible. Comprised of 66 books, the Old Testament encompasses 39 of these. Authored before the birth of Jesus Christ, these scriptures serve as guiding beacons, directing us towards the cross and recounting the tales of individuals living under the Old Testament Covenant. Within the Old Testament, we encounter the profound wisdom of the law, the rich tapestry of historical accounts, the lyrical beauty of poetry, as well as the powerful messages conveyed by the major and minor prophets. These varied texts coalesce into a poignant narrative of deliverance and the tumultuous struggles that would pave the way for the arrival of Christ. Remarkably, certain passages within the prophetic books even hint at events that continue to hold relevance to this day. Collectively, the books of the Old Testament steadfastly foreshadow the imminent advent of Christ.

Transitioning into the New Testament, or the New Covenant, we bear witness to the fulfillment of prophecies and promises foretold in the Old Testament. Here, we encounter the account of Jesus’ birth, life, ministry, sacrificial death, burial, glorious resurrection, and triumphant ascension, chronicled in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The narrative then unfolds further through the historical record presented in the Book of Acts, as we gain insight into the inception of the first church under the New Covenant and the bestowal of the Holy Spirit, empowering us to embody the essence of this spiritual community. The Book of Revelation stands as a prophetic revelation for the New Testament, providing glimpses into future events as we brace ourselves for the Second Coming of Christ. Additionally, the remainder of the books, termed Epistles or letters in English, were written to various congregations to articulate the divine insights bestowed upon the church leaders. Within these epistles, we glean invaluable guidance on navigating the Christian journey.

The remarkable tapestry of the Bible seamlessly weaves together all 66 books, which are neatly categorized into two distinct covenants. The Old Testament poignantly heralds the arrival of a Redeemer, while the New Testament unfurls the profound reality of the Savior’s advent and relentlessly directs our gaze back to Him. In the Old Testament, the anticipation of His coming permeates every narrative, while the New Testament illuminates our profound hope in His triumphant work on the cross. One story, One Cross, One Savior – it is a captivating and awe-inspiring testament to the unyielding continuity and profound depth of the Scriptures.