Explore Bible Topics
A beginner-friendly guide to the major events and themes of Scripture. Choose a topic to read a short summary, then follow the link to learn more.
Expore the Foundations of the Bible
Old Testament
The story of creation, God’s covenant with his people, and the nation of Israel.
Creation
The opening verse in the Bible is Genesis 1:1 and it says “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”. God created the earth and everything on it in 6 actual days and rested on the seventh.
Man’s Fall in Eden
Adam and Eve lived in harmony with God in the Garden of Eden until they ate the forbidden fruit. Their disobedience brought sin and death into the world and set the stage for God’s promise of a Redeemer.
The Flood
As human wickedness spread, God sent a worldwide flood. Noah, his family, and the animals were saved in the ark, and God promised never again to destroy the earth by water, sealing it with the rainbow.
The Abrahamic Covenant
God called Abraham to leave his homeland and promised him a land, countless descendants, and a blessing for all nations. This covenant is the foundation of Israel’s story and of God’s plan of salvation.
The Exodus
God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, the ten plagues, and the parting of the Red Sea. At Mount Sinai he gave them the Law and made them his covenant people.
The Kings of Israel
Israel asked for a king and God gave them Saul, then David, then Solomon. After Solomon the kingdom divided, and a long line of kings led the people either toward or away from God.
The 12 Tribes of Israel
Jacob’s twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel. Each tribe received its own land and role, and together they formed the nation through which God worked out his purposes.
New Testament
The life and work of Jesus, the birth of the church, and the hope of his return.
Jesus’ Ministry
Jesus taught, healed the sick, and called twelve disciples. Through parables, miracles, and the Sermon on the Mount, he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and revealed who he is.
The 12 Disciples
Jesus chose 12 men to follow Him and and become His primary teachers of the Gospel message.
The Crucifixion
Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified under Pontius Pilate. Christians believe he died to pay for the sin of the world and rose again on the third day, defeating death.
The Church Is Created
At Pentecost the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus’ followers, and the church was born. The book of Acts tells how the message spread from Jerusalem to the wider world.
Jesus Returning
The New Testament promises that Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead and to make all things new. Believers are called to live faithfully and watchfully until that day.
Righteousness
In the Bible, righteousness means being right with God: living in a way that matches who God is and what he asks of us. The surprising good news of Christianity is that you don’t earn it by being perfect. God gives it to you as a gift through Jesus.