To download a copy of this material, click here: Session 1 - What is the Bible, and How Do We Use It?

What Is the Bible, and

Session Focus: Demystifying the Bible as a story of God and us—without jargon, pressure, or performance.

📖 Part One: What is the Bible, Anyway?

A few key points:

• It’s not one book, but a library: 66 books, different authors, time periods, and genres.
• It includes poetry, laws, stories, prayers, and letters.
• Christians believe it’s inspired by God—not dictated, but breathed through the lives of real people.
• For many, it’s not a rulebook but a love story between God and humanity.
• It’s messy, complicated, surprising—and sacred.

Reflection Question: Have you ever tried reading the Bible? What did it feel like—confusing, comforting, odd, helpful?
 

🧵 Part Two: Three Threads to Help Us Hold It

Three ways of approaching Scripture:

1. As a mirror – It reflects something about who we are.
2. As a window – It shows us who God is.
3. As a map – It helps us make sense of where we’re going.
    

Examples:

• Mirror: The woman at the well (John 4) – sees herself clearly.
• Window: The lost sheep (Luke 15) – reveals God’s compassion.
• Map: The Beatitudes (Matt 5) – a vision of a different way to live.

Reflection Question: Which of these feels most helpful to you today—mirror, window, or map?

💬 Part Three: “Where Do I Even Start?”

This section is all about reassurance and practicality:

• You don’t need to start at Genesis.
• You don’t need to understand everything.
• You’re not reading for performance—you’re reading for relationship.

Suggestions of where to start:

• Start with a Gospel – maybe Mark (short and vivid) or Luke (gentle and inclusive).
• Try reading a Psalm when life is heavy.
• Write down one phrase that stands out. Sit with it, not over it.

Let’s try it:

1. John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…”
→ A snapshot of God’s love for everyone.

2. Psalm 23:1–4
“The Lord is my shepherd…”
→ A poetic picture of God’s guidance and comfort.

3. 1 John 4:7–12
“Let us love one another, for love comes from God…”
→ A call to love others because we are loved first.

4. Luke 15:11–24
The Parable of the Lost Son
→ A story of forgiveness, welcome, and celebration.

5. Romans 8:38–39
“Nothing… will be able to separate us from the love of God…”
→ A strong promise of love that never lets go.

“Which one stands out, and why?”

🙏 Closing Reflection and Prayer

God of every word and every silence,
Thank You for this book that tells our story alongside Yours.
Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts that stay open—
even when it doesn’t all make sense.
Help us not to be afraid of what we don’t yet understand,
and instead trust that You’ll meet us on the page.
Amen.

For follow up or to revisit this text, please go to blackleycofe.church/study-materials/