History

Take the Time to Read a Chronological Bible in 2023

I recently read an article about the chronological study bible.

You may ask, what is a Chronological Bible?

A chronological study Bible puts every passage in the historical order of the events that it narrates. This is different from our regular Bibles, whose books are grouped roughly according to genre. For instance, all the wisdom writings are put together, as are the prophets (major, then minor), and the New Testament letters (first Paul, then everyone else).

The result is that books written at widely separated times in history might be placed right next to each other, despite historical contexts being so different. A chronological study Bible tries to remedy this with its sequential approach.

“Okay” says Wayne, I’ll give it a go. I ordered my copy from Amazon but I’m sure there are other options (Kooyong, Book Depository etc) and have just started flicking through the book before starting reading. 

I’d have to say it looks a bit strange in places but my first quick glance at the gospels looks great. Although reading the same encounter 3-4 times in a row seems a bit repetitious at first, it is interesting to see the different evangelists’ emphasis on the same events.

The NIV (2011 ed.) is being used, so it’s very readable. There are some excellent illustrations, timelines, and linking articles explaining the history.

I’ll bring it to church for the next few weeks, in case anyone wants to have a squiz.

History

“Listen to me, all you who are serious about right living
and committed to seeking GOD.
Ponder the rock from which you were cut,
the quarry from which you were dug.

Isaiah 51:1 MESSAGE

As Christians, we ought never to overlook our heritage. 

It helps us to understand our identity, and it gives us a sense of where God is leading us. 

The Israelites had a rich heritage.

Their nation began as a result of Abraham and Sarah’s faithfulness. The generations that followed included Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph as their faithful leaders. 

• God richly blessed his people and made them prosper.
• God continued to show favour on the Israelites by leading them out of Egypt into a prosperous land of their own. 
• God established his nation through some of the most awesome miracles in history. 
• God continued to provide strong leaders, such as Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Deborah, Samuel, David, and Solomon. 
• He sent mighty prophets such as Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. 

Unfortunately, in Isaiah’s day, God’s people had reached a point where they had forgotten their heritage. They lived as spiritual paupers rather than as heirs to a rich heritage and members of a royal priesthood.

What about Christians?

Your spiritual heritage is even richer than that of Isaiah’s generation. 

Your spiritual ancestors include Mary the mother of Jesus, John the Baptist, the disciples, the apostle Paul, and a host of saints down through the ages. 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12.1-3 (NIV)

Even more important, you look to Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of your faith. You may have a family history of faithfulness that goes back several generations. God wants you to participate in his continuing work to redeem a lost world. 

Your obedience today will provide a legacy of faithfulness to the generations that follow.