Now this book is definitely one of, if not my favourite, book of the Bible! It is the 21st book of the Bible and is a part of the "Wisdon Literature" (other books include Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs etc).

Ecclesiastes means "The Preacher". The book is beautifully written, but a number of its teachings are difficult to reconcile with the rest of Scripture! People may have a glance of it and think it is the most negative and useless words they have ever read, but in fact it really is very encouraging and pure!

Ecclesiastes 1:1-5- The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises...

It goes on and basically explains how everything is MEANINGLESS- Wisdom is meaningless, Pleasures are meanignless, Wisdom and folly are meaningless, Toil is meaningless, Advancement is meaningless, Riches are meaningless...

But it doesn't end there! In chapter 12- The Conclusion of the Matter- it gives us a HOPE!

Verse 13-14- Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

As you go through your life, always keep in mind that GOD is the only thing that is not meaningless! He alone fulfills through His Son Jesus! Serving Him and expanding His kingdom through his purposes for you are not MEANINGLESS! Now that's encouraging!

Its composition:

The Bible is a collection of 66 separate books and letters, written over a period of some 1500 years ending approximately 100 years after Christ's death and resurrection. It is divided into the Old Testament (first 39 books) and the New Testament (last 27 books). The Bible has stood the test of time, the greatest test of all literature. It was completed nearly 2000 years ago, yet it is now read more than any other book and by people of widely varying cultures.

Its Writers:

There were many different writers, who lived and wrote in different countries. They came from different walks of life and different social positions. One wrote history, another biography, another wrote on theology, another poetry, another prophecy. Some wrote on philosophy, and some stories of adventure, travel and romance.

Most of them had no contact with each other and no means of knowing that when their writings were all put together as one book it would be complete, all parts agreeing in doctrine, teaching, and prophecy.

Its Author:

Christians believe the Bible to be the Word of God. Jesus constantly referred to the Old Testament in His teachings. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God and therefore we believe in the Divine Authority of the Bible.

Its Translation:

The Bible has, or portions of it, has now been translated into over 1600 languages and dialects. There have been many different translations from the time of Wycliffe in the 14th century onwards.

Its Contents:

The Bible is the story of God's revelation of Himself to man. It is not primarily a book of history, but its stories of God's dealings with individuals and with nations are as important to tbe modern world as they have been to every age since they were written. It is not primarily a book of science, however some of its statements share a knowledge of the world which the writer could not have had apart from Divine revelation.

It is not primarily a boook of philosophy. The God it reveals has been known in a personal way by many of the greatest minds who have ever lived as well as by many millions of ordinary people. It speaks to every man from the simplest to the most sophisticated at his own level of understanding.

Throughout the Old Testament the theme of the Redemption of Mankind is developed and God unfolds His Covenant with men and nations. In the New Testament all that has been foreshadowed in the Old Testament comes to vibrant and startling reality. God himself comes to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. He is rejected and crucified, but rises from the dead in triumph. He sends His disciples out with the power of the Holy Spirit to carry His message of Love and Forgiveness to all the earth.

The great vision of the book of Revelation, with which the Bible ends, reinforces the warnings of the whole Book regarding the consequences of rejecting God's light and Love.

Its Power and Effect:

During the British Coronation ceremony a Bible is presented to the monarch with the words, "We present you with this Book, the most valuable thing this world affords. Here is wisdom. This is the Royal Law. These are the lively orders of God." These words are true and deeply significant.

This Book has the power not only to inform, but to reform and to transform lives. Through its influence countless people have been given a new strength, an unerring purpose and a sure hope in life. To the dying it has brought peace and assurance to eternal life. It has brought blessings to millions in every land and age.

It is:

• supernatural in origin
• eternal in duration
• divine in authorship
• infallible in authority
• inexhaustible in meaning
• universal in readership
• unique in revelation
• personal in application 
• powerful in effect

It is given to you here in this life, it will be open at the Judgment, it is established for ever. Come to it with awe, read it with reverance, frequently, slowly, prayerfully!

ALL 4 JESUS

I have heard many people say (on my site and in person) how the Bible is "some old book" "irrelevant" "ancient" etc... But in truth, most of these people have never read or understood the Bible. Scripture is as relevant today, as it was when it was written. Scripture is and always will be the authority, and if you read and understand it, it will "hit you where your at".

The Bible claims that "all scripture is useful". I could use any part of scripture to show you that the Bible is still totally useful and relevant in today's modernised world, however the Bible is a very large book, so I will use a part of scripture that you are more familiar with: The Ten Commandments.

As you read each comandment, keep in mind these were written by Moses and God over 3, 500 years ago. In conclusion: if these are relevant all scripture is relevant.

• Commandment no. 1- You shall have no other Gods before me

Unfortunately many people in today's society are creating "God's". A good example is money, and how many people have screwed up their lives because of money?. This issue was around when the ten commandments were written, and it is still around today. This law is still relevant.

• Commandment no. 2- You shall not make for yourself any idols

Many people still create idols in today's society. Celebrities are a good example. Because of the media, celebrities are pictured as hero's with perfect lives and bodies. How many times has a celebrity turned out to be not-so-perfect and phony. This law is still relevant.

• Commandment no. 3- You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God

Wherever I go, I hear this commandment being broken. Does this offense still exist in today's society? Of course it does- society hasn't changed! This commandment has as much relevance today as it did 3500 years ago!

• Commandment no. 4- Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy

This law seems to be the only one irrelavent today, but really the law is just saying that one day should be put aside to remember what God has done for us, to reflect on his power, and to have rest. Is there not a weekend for this which involves no "work"? Church is still on sunday's, so this law still affects society, making it relevant.

• Commandment no. 5- Honour your father and mother

Of course this law is still relevant- we have all been punished for dis-respecting our parents!

Keep reminding yourself that all these laws were written over 3500 years ago! And so far, they are all relevant and still affect society.

• Commandment no. 6- You shall not murder

Last time I looked in the news, someone had gone to jail for murder. This law is still relevant.

The point I am trying to make is that society, over 3500 years, has not changed! Scritpure was relevant then, and still is today!

• Commandment no. 7- You shall not commit adultry

Adultery affects all marriages: partners lose feelings and emotions for each other, divorces take place, children are emotionally unstable. Commandment no 7- still relevant!

• Commandment no. 8- You shall not steal

Most people have stolen something or been robbed in their lives. Were you angry? Upset? Still relevant...

• Commandment no. 9- You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour (ie. lie)

Who likes being lied to? Friends drift apart, employees lose jobs, people have even gone to jail for lying!... lying is still a large cause of problems today.

• Commandment no. 10- You shall not covet your neighbour (be jealous)

Have you ever been jelous of someone? Maybe their possessions, their looks, their partner, their talents? I know I have! Being jealous of someone still exists today, just like it did 3500 years ago!

Every single commandment is relevant and still affects society! It is safe to say that this scripture is still useful, and keeping in mind that these laws form part of the oldest scripture of the Bible, all scripture is relevant!

All these commandments can (and should) be applied today- they can all be used...

So let's resolve to actually open our Bibles, read them carefully and cherish them as they still affect our lives, keeping in mind that they are the Word of God!

MATTHEW:

MARK:

LUKE:

JOHN:

ACTS:

ROMANS:

1 CORINTHIANS:

2 CORINTHIANS:

GALATIANS:

EPHESIANS:

PHILIPPIANS:

COLOSSIANS:

1 THESSALONIANS:

2 THESSALONIANS:

1 TIMOTHY:

2 TIMOTHY:

TITUS:

PHILEMON:

HEBREWS:

JAMES:

1 PETER:

2 PETER:

1 JOHN:

2JOHN:

3 JOHN:

JUDE:

REVELATION:

GENESIS:

EXODUS:

LEVITICUS:

NUMBERS:

DEUTERONOMY:

JOSHUA:

JUDGES:

RUTH:

1 SAMUEL:

2 SAMUEL:

1 KINGS:

2 KINGS:

1 CHRONICLES:

2 CHRONICLES:

EZRA:

NEHEMIAH:

ESTHER:

JOB:

PSALMS:

PROVERBS:

ECCLESIASTES:

SONG OF SONGS:

ISAIAH:

JEREMIAH:

LAMENTATIONS:

EZEKIEL:

DANIEL:

HOSEA:

JOEL:

AMOS:

OBADIAH:

JONAH:

MICAH:

NAHUM:

HABAKKUK:

ZEPHENIAH:

HAGGAI:

ZECHERIAH:

MALACHI:

• The Word of God is living and active!
• You have to have a firm grip on the Word, or the devil will snatch it from you!
• Read the Word, Meditate on the Word, Mesmorise the Word, Study the Word,  Apply the Word
• B.I.B.L.E.- "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth"
• The Word gives life, strength and power!
• The Word hits you where your at! Start reading the Word, and you will be impacted!
• The Word stirs your spirit!
• God is in relationship with us. What does a good relationship need? Good, effective, and constant communication. We must always be reading the Word, because this is how God talks to us, and our relationship with Him can strengthen!
• John 8:51- "I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my Word, he will never see death."

Ok, so here I have a Christian site, with heaps of bible verses, but what is the bible? What is this book that is the key to the Christian faith? Here we go!-

• The bible is divided into two sections- the Old Testament, and the New Testament (Testament means: "covenant" or "contract"). The easiest way to separate the two is the old testament was the period before the saviour of God's people who was Jesus. The new testament is the period when Jesus came and after. Originally Israel was God's chosen people, however after Jesus died on the cross, anyone and everyone can be God's people! He is our saviour!
• The old testament contains 39 books- originally written in Hebrew (10 chapters in Aramaic). The new testament contains 27 books, containg the record of Jesus' life and teaching, as well as the history of the early years of the Christian church. All written originally in Greek, in less than a 100 years.
• About forty men were engaged in the writing of the Bible, during a period of about 1600 years- that is, from 1500 B.C. to A.D. 100. Moses contributed most to the old testament, and Paul contributed most to the new testament.
• These men wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1.21). They wrote not in words of human wisdom, but in words divinely taught (1 Cor 2.13). All scripture is God-breathed.
• The message of the Bible is Salvation- how to be saved.
• The Bible reveals a wide range of literary material- narratives, laws, rituals, instructions, poetry, songs, sermons, prophecies, wisdom sayings, parables, letters, and genealogies.
• Despite being written by so many authors over such a long period of time, there is an amazing development of common themes and an overall unity.
• The Bible is the most translated book in the world. It has been translated into more different languages and dialects than any other book ever written. It has been translated into 2,018 languages
• The Bible continues to be the world's best seller
• It is the only book that reveals the true origin, mission, and destiny of man
• The Gideon's international distributed 59. 460, 000 Bibles worldwide last year. That is an average of over one million Bibles every week, or about 113 per minute. Since they began in 1899, the Gideon's have placed 1, 880, 480, 000 Bibles
• The Bible is the most widely read book in the world. It is quoted more than any other piece of literature and has had more influence on our language, customs, and laws than any other book ever published.
• It is so popular because GOD SPEAKS and gives us answers. Even though its is an ancient book, its message is still important and relevant. It is God speaking to us about how to live in relationship with him and others
• It is the basis of understanding life and faith. Above all things, the Bible should be studied, obeyed and taught.

The Bible is simply.....Awesome!