The Way
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The Map
The little boy watches his father study a city map. The boy asks, “Why do you need a Map?”
“Because we’re going where we’ve never been before. Perhaps I can find work in this city,” replies his father.
The boy thinks more. Suddenly he says, “Father, my birthday is coming soon. I shouldn’t ask for much, but there is one thing you can give me.”
“I’ll give you whatever I can, son. What is it you want?”
The boy answers, “A map.”
The father is puzzled. “Why do you want a map?”
The boy explains, “Because I am growing older. I will be going where I have never been before. And you said, ‘For that, I need a map’.”
Suppose you are the boy’s father or mother. What would you give to meet your son’s need for a sense of direction in life?
Why Consider The Bible?
Consider the Bible as the Map for life. Its wisdom spans many thousands of years, yet millions today find its message as fresh and meaningful as ever. They find that its truths work in daily life—in every time of life. They discover purpose for living. That purpose gives them hope for now and for the future—even beyond this life. They believe in a home with God forever. In other words, they believe the Bible when it claims to speak for God.
In seeking a map for life, consider the Bible’s claims. Again and again, it assures us that it is the pure word from our Maker. Yes, the Map for life.
In over 2,000 places the messengers of the Bible say things like this:
The Lord said to me …
These are the words of the Lord …
This is what the Lord says …
Moses said that God’s laws, the Ten Commandments, were written “by the finger of God” on stone tablets (Exodus 31:18). He reported that God spoke with him “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (Exodus 33:11).
King David said,
“The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me; His word is on my tongue” (2 Samuel 23:2).
The prophet Jeremiah wrote,
“Then the Lord put out His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, 'Behold, I have put my words in your mouth'” (Jeremiah 1:9).
We must seriously ask, “Did these prophets lie to us? Or were they telling the truth, and God really did speak through them?”
Jesus tells us that the Bible messengers, called prophets, spoke the truth.
- He used their reports of history (Matthew 12:40; 24:37-39).
- He trusted all their writings—also called Scriptures— and taught us the same trust (Matthew 5:17-19; Luke 16:17,29; 24:27,44; John 5:39-47).
- He based His teachings on the same words they used (Matthew 19:5-6; 22:32). He asked, “… have you not read what was said to you by God?” (Matthew 22:31-32).
- He reminded us, “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).
The apostles [Jesus’ spokesmen] Paul and Peter taught the same thing:
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof [disapproval], for correction, and for training in righteousness [right living], that the man of God may be complete, equipped [ready] for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
For no prophecy [God's message] was ever produced by the will [decision] of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).
The Book
How can a book come to have such a title—The Book? The Bible fully deserves such a special title. Any way we look at facts about books, the Bible stands out as The Book.
OLD COPIES
How many ancient copies from the New Testament still exist? In the original language alone, well over 4,000! The oldest of these dates back close to the time when the New Testament was first written. Among very old writings, no other is so well supported by so much proof.
TRANSLATIONS
The Bible was first written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. It has come into our modern languages through translation. The Bible’s message is so important that it has been translated into 2,000 languages. No other book has been translated more often, and this work continues.
PRINTING
The Bible was the first book printed for ordinary people. It remains the most printed and read book of all time (billions more than the next top book).
HONESTY
The Bible’s complete truth and honesty make it quite different from other histories. The Bible shows both the good and bad, even in Israel’s greatest leaders. Whether king or slave, rich or poor, man or woman, all were measured by the same ruler, “the law of the Lord.”
FOLLOWING
Over a quarter of the world’s population claims some belief in the Bible. Three great world religions claim roots in the Bible. Whoever seeks a Map for life should consider the Bible.
WRITING
The Bible was written by 40 men during a period of over 1,500 years. Most of these writers were not alive at the same time. They could not work together in any direct way. Yet the Bible has one continuing story flowing through it.
THE BOOK OF BOOKS
The Bible deserves this title because it is outstanding among books. But in another sense, it is The Book of Books because it is a library. Its first 39 books make up the Old Testament. They were written mainly in Hebrew between 1,500 and 400 years B.C. The second part, the New Testament, has 27 books written in Greek between A.D. 50 and 100. (Many today divide history into two parts. B.C. refers to time before Jesus Christ’s birth. A.D. refers to time after Jesus Christ’s birth.) The New Testament books complete the Gospel—which means "good news"—about Jesus. Together, these 66 writings form a complete, united picture. No other book has been written like this. In the most amazing way, the Bible joins centuries of history with the highest wisdom. Above all, it shows us the Way to come home to God.
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How long have you been reading or learning from the Bible?
What Are Your Needs?
There are many reasons for taking the Bible seriously. Among them is its practical wisdom for successful living. What is your need? See if the Bible addresses that need or its root.
NEED FOR LOVE
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish [die] but have eternal life (John 3:16).
I have been crucified [killed on a wooden cross] with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life 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).
NEED FOR FAMILY
In love he predestined [planned] us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:4-5).
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [foreigners], but you are fellow citizens with the saints [believers] and members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).
NEED FOR LIFE
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly [fully]. (John 10:10)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25).
(Resurrection means coming back to life after death).
NEED FOR GUIDANCE
You have been acquainted with [know] the sacred writings [Scriptures], which are able to make you wise for salvation [new life] through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).
If any of you lacks wisdom [right thinking], let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach [criticism], and it will be given him (James 1:5).
NEED FOR STRENGTH
All things are possible for one who believes… With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God (Mark 9:23; 10:27).
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure [resist] it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
NEED FOR SECURITY
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth… The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore (Psalm 121:2,7-8).
“I will never leave you nor forsake [turn away from] you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6).
NEED FOR FORGIVENESS
Repent [change your heart] and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Act 2:38).
If we confess [admit] our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
NEED FOR HEALTH
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray… And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up (James 5:13,15).
NEED FOR PEACE
Do not be anxious [worried] about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication [asking] with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses [goes beyond] all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (John 14:27).
NEED FOR FOOD AND CLOTHES
Do not be anxious about your life… But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:25,33).
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken [left alone] or his children begging for bread. He is ever [always] lending generously, and his children become a blessing (Psalm 37:25-26).
NEED FOR FRIENDSHIP
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends … No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:13,15).
NEED FOR HOPE
According to his great mercy [forgiveness], he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable [never dies], undefiled [always pure], and unfading, kept in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:3-4).
ALL YOUR NEEDS
And God is able to make all grace abound [grow] to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
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[John 3:16] God so loved the world that He gave His only..
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[John 10:10] Jesus said, "I came that they may have ...
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[Hebrews 13:5-6] “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to…
Relationship
More Than “Religion”
As the Bible addresses your needs, do you sense the importance of relationship? We find God’s wonderful riches “in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).
Some people see Christianity as another “religion.” But the word “religion” is rare in the Bible. The two times where it applies to Christianity, “religion” is shown to be worthless if it does not care for needy people (1 Timothy 5:4; James 1:26-27). The Bible calls to you. This call is to meet a Person, not just plans or ideas. This call emphasizes relationships, not religious acts. Indeed, the main rules have to do with love, first for God and then for each other (Mark 12:30-31).
Sadly, some judge Christ without knowing Him. They have heard about Him, which may include bad reports:
- Wars, cruelty and crimes committed in His name
- Hard rules imposed in His name
- So-called “miracles” claimed in His name
- Pretenders who cover up their lies in His name
- Leaders who get rich and powerful in His name
- Supposedly “Christian” governments and nations that do wrong
Such evils are the exact opposite of Jesus’ life and teaching. Jesus and His messengers, called apostles, warned that enemies would give Christ’s way a bad name (give it a bad reputation).
There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies [hurtful lies], even denying the Master who bought them… And many will follow their sensuality [shameful ways], and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed [cursed]. (2 Peter 2:1-2)
The Way of Truth
Peter shows that he follows “the way of truth” given by Jesus. He warns against “shameful ways” from others. They claim His name, but they are enemies who work against Him (Matthew 7:15-23; 13:24-30, 36-43; 24:24). They twist and change Christianity for their own selfish purposes (2 Timothy 3:5; 4:3-4).
How can we tell the difference between “the way of truth” and false ways? Here is the greatest value of the Bible: It describes the Way from the beginning. It keeps that truth safe for all future ages. From this original record we can know the true Jesus. We can learn the Christianity that Jesus created and continues.
The key is the Bible. That is why we invite you into the Bible experience. In these World Bible School courses, all graded questions come from the Scriptures themselves. The Word of God is the pure source—the unique, reliable and respected record of Jesus and His Way. Man-made rules and divisions came later, and they turned into many muddied streams about Christianity. You will not be tested on those or anyone else’s opinions. Rather, we aim to go back to the clear source that flows from God Himself. We seek the real Jesus. We want to learn His Way as He first revealed it. If you share that desire, join us on a journey into the heart of the Good News.
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[Ephesians 1:3] God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing .....
The Way To Faith
The New Testament tells the story of Jesus. The first four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—report His time on earth. The book of Acts shows the result as more and more people believe in Jesus as the Christ. (“Christ” comes from Greek, and “Messiah” from Hebrew; both refer to the supreme King promised by the Old Testament.) Acts shows detailed examples of how people become “Christians”—followers of Christ. In Acts 8 we find one man’s journey. It begins by telling how the man first hears the Good News of Jesus. It ends with the man’s happy response to Jesus. Let’s join this man—a sincere seeker from Ethiopia—on his journey to faith. His helper on the journey is Philip, a Christian who shares the Good News of Jesus wherever he travels.
The Journey
And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot" (Acts 8:27-29).
Philip’s meeting with the Ethiopian is no accident. Philip is on a mission. God’s Spirit is at work to bring Philip and the Ethiopian together. In a similar way, we believe that important encounters come from God, not random chance. God cares about us. He knows how the Good News meets our deepest needs. God especially wants true seekers to find Him. The Ethiopian is an important government minister. Yet he takes the time to travel to Jerusalem, the historic center of worship. Now, on his return, he reads a copy of “Isaiah the prophet.” And you … are you a seeker? Do you recognize that God is at work—this very moment—to meet your needs? Is your heart open to new discoveries from His Word?
The Guide
So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him (Acts 8:30-31).
Perhaps, at times, you also ask, “How can I understand?” Sometimes we need help. Consider, for example, what the Ethiopian is reading from Isaiah 53. Someone is suffering in silence. He is judged unfairly. He is killed. Who and what is that all about? The Bible raises questions, and also provides the answers. A guide can prove helpful for finding your way through the Bible. World Bible School is designed to serve you as a guide like Philip. As you take WBS courses, your Study Helper will be there for you also, helping you find the Bible’s answers for your own questions and needs.
The Scripture
Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth" (Acts 8:32-33).
The Ethiopian is reading from the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, written by the prophet Isaiah in about 700 B.C. Isaiah foretells the success and glory of God’s special “Servant” (for example, Isaiah 52:13). Yet Isaiah 53 then describes in great detail the Servant’s horrible death—“His life was taken from the earth” (Acts 8:33; Isaiah 53:8). The surprises continue. Isaiah’s prophecy then foretells the Servant’s pleasure in the results of His death.
Out of the anguish [great pain] of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities [sin]. (Isaiah 53:11)
Why will the Servant feel satisfied? Because His sacrifice will “justify” people (make them right with God). How? He will lift from sinners their load of iniquity (sin) and place that load on Himself.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6,11).
The Servant Himself is innocent and pure (Isaiah 53:9). Why should He take our sins on Himself? Isaiah 53:10 says, “The Lord makes His life a guilt offering.” This wording is truly remarkable since Isaiah followed the Law of Moses. In that Law, the term “guilt offering” always applied to flawless animals killed for people’s sins. God hated the sacrificing of humans. Yet, by God’s power, Isaiah foresaw a human as the “guilt offering”! God would sacrifice His Servant to rescue “us all” from our sins.
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