Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew about the Bible

by Michael F. Bird

Overview

Answers to the most common questions and misconceptions about the Bible

Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew about the Bible is a short and readable introduction to the Bible—its origins, interpretation, truthfulness, and authority.

Bible scholar, prolific author, and Anglican minister Michael Bird helps Christians understand seven important "things" about this unique book:

1. how the Bible was put together;
2. what "inspiration" means;
3. how the Bible is true;
4. why the Bible needs to be rooted in history;
5. why literal interpretation is not always the best interpretation;
6. how the Bible gives us knowledge, faith, love, and hope; and
7. how Jesus Christ is the center of the Bible.

Seven Things presents a clear and understandable evangelical account of the Bible's inspiration, canonization, significance, and relevance in a way that is irenic and compelling. It is a must read for any serious Bible reader who desires an informed and mature view of the Bible that will enrich their faith.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780310538851
Publisher:	Zondervan
Publication date:	06/08/2021
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Michael F. Bird (Ph D, University of Queensland) is Deputy Principal and Lecturer in Theology at Ridley College, Australia. He is the author of numerous scholarly and popular books on the New Testament and theology, including Evangelical Theology, Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew about the Bible, and with N. T. Wright, The New Testament in Its World.

Table of Contents

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xv

Introduction xvii

1 The Bible Didn't Fall Out of the Sky 1

2 The Bible Is Divinely Given and Humanly Composed 37

3 Scripture Is Normative, Not Negotiable 69

4 The Bible Is for Our Time, but Not about Our Time 95

5 We Should Take the Bible Seriously, but Not Always Literally 119

6 The Purpose of Scripture Is Knowledge, Faith, Love, and Hope 149

7 Christ Is the Centre of the Christian Bible 173

Appendix: The Top Five Old Testament Texts in the New Testament 193

Scripture Index 203

Subject Index 209