The Bible Unpacked
Concise Edition
Key Bible teachings for new believers
paul mallison

The Bible Unpacked™
Concise Edition
Key Bible teachings for new believers
paul mallison
The Bible Unpacked™ Copyright © 1994–2012 by Paul Ian Mallison. All rights reserved.
This book may be freely reproduced for use for non-profit Christian purposes. Free electronic copies may be downloaded at: www.thebibleunpacked.net. In return, users are asked to increase their support of persecuted Christians – in prayer and if possible financially. (See www.thebibleunpacked.net/persecuted_Christians.htm for a list of organizations that help persecuted Christians.)
Scripture quotations marked “CEV” are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
Scripture quotations marked “GNT” are from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
Scripture quotations marked “ISV” are taken from the Holy Bible: International Standard Version®, Release 1.44. Copyright © 1996-2007 by The ISV Foundation of Fullerton, California USA. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC. All rights reserved internationally.
Scripture quotations marked “NCV™” are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Quotations designated “NET” are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://www.bible.org/ All rights reserved. Scripture quoted by permission.
Concise Edition iii
A Quick Word
The aim of this booklet is to give a brief overview of the Bible’s teachings. The first half (What to Know) teaches about God and his relationship with us. The second half (What to Do) teaches about how to relate to God and to other people.
The booklet is mainly made up of Bible verses. Before the verses are headings, which reflect what the verses say – in particular the parts of the verses in italics. The verses are sometimes followed by a comment.
To help readers have a grasp of the context of the verses, often a brief introduction is included, in square brackets. These introductions usually state who is speaking and often who they are speaking to. Note that apart from God and Jesus Christ, the main speakers are:
 Moses – who taught the Israelite people God’s laws;
 David – who wrote many psalms, most of which are prayers;
 Paul, Peter, John and other leaders of the early church – who spoke to various groups and wrote letters to believers.
This booklet is the third shortest of the seven editions of The Bible Unpacked. For more information and free downloads go to: www.thebibleunpacked.net.
Paul Mallison
iv The Bible Unpacked
Contents
Section I. What to Know Part A. God and Spiritual Powers...................................... 3
God’s Being
God’s Character
Jesus Christ
The Holy Spirit
Angels, Satan and Demons Part B. God and the World: Basics .................................. 7
God’s Creation
God’s Sovereignty
God’s Word
The Problem of Sin
God’s Judgment Part C. God and the World: Jesus Christ .................... 11
God’s Promised Messiah
Jesus Christ’s Mission
Salvation through Jesus Christ
The New Order
‘The Last Things’ Part D. God and His Own People ................................... 15
The Standing of God’s People
Keys to God’s Interaction with His People
God’s Transformation of His People
God’s Care of His People
God’s Plans for His People
Concise Edition v
Section II. What to Do Part E. Relating to God ..................................................... 21
Being Right with God
Having Faith in God
Loving, Fearing and Obeying God
Connecting with God
Exalting God Part F. Church Life .............................................................. 25
Being One Body
Worshiping God
Serving God
Significant Practices
Church Leadership Part G. Relating to People ................................................ 29
Love
Justice
Wisdom
Common Relationships
Spreading the Gospel Part H. Persevering ............................................................. 33
Standing Firm
Rejecting Sin
Major Pitfalls
Hard Times
Persecution

Section I. What to Know

3
A. God and Spiritual Powers Part A. God and Spiritual Powers
God’s Being ............................................................... 4
God’s Character........................................................ 4
Jesus Christ ................................................................ 5
The Holy Spirit .......................................................... 5
Angels, Satan and Demons .................................. 6
To grow in a relationship with God, it is essential that we learn what he is like. Similarly, it is important to understand what the Bible teaches about Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, who are very closely related to God. It is also very helpful to know about the other spiritual forces that impact our lives – both the good ones and the bad ones.
4 Section I. What to Know
God’s Being
God is spirit
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. JOHN 4:24 NCV™
God’s nature is spirit; he is a spiritual being. So God is not a physical being, in contrast to people and particularly to idols.
God is everywhere
[GOD:] I am everywhere— both near and far, 24in heaven and on earth. There are no secret places where you can hide from me. JEREMIAH 23:23–24 CEV
God has limitless power
Nothing is impossible for God! LUKE 1:37 CEV
God knows everything
God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. 1 JOHN 3:20B CEV
God’s Character
God is holy and acts justly
[PEOPLE PRAISING GOD:] You alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship you, because your just actions are seen by all. REVELATION 15:4B GNT
God is holy – perfect in all he is and does. As a result, God always acts justly and does not put up with wrongdoing.
God is merciful and loving
[GOD:] I am the LORD God. I am merciful and very patient with my people. I show great love, and I can be trusted. EXODUS 34:6B CEV
Note that “LORD” is the personal name of God.
Part A. God and Spiritual Powers 5
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God
We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. HEBREWS 4:14A CEV
Jesus Christ has the nature of God
For it was by God’s own decision that the Son has in himself the full nature of God. COLOSSIANS 1:19 GNT
Jesus Christ is greater than all things
Christ is exactly like God, who cannot be seen. He is the first-born Son, superior to all creation. COLOSSIANS 1:15 CEV
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God … EPHESIANS 4:30A NET
This is speaking of the Holy Spirit as God’s spirit. Bear in mind that when the Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit, it is in effect speaking of God himself.
The Holy Spirit is linked with God’s presence
[JOHN, TO BELIEVERS:] We know that God lives in us because of the Spirit God gave us. 1 JOHN 3:24B NCV™
Those who have God’s Spirit (the Holy Spirit) have God living in them.
God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are very closely associated
[JESUS, TO HIS DISCIPLES:] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, … MATTHEW 28:19 NET
The phrase “the name of” denotes a single name. Here it is applied to all three of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. As such it points to a very close relationship between the three of them.
6 Section I. What to Know
Angels, Satan and Demons
Angels are very powerful beings who serve God
Praise the LORD, you angels of his, you powerful warriors who carry out his decrees and obey his orders! PSALMS 103:20 NET
Satan is evil
Then the evil one [Satan] comes and snatches the message from their hearts. MATTHEW 13:19B CEV
Satan has been condemned
God has already judged the ruler of this world. JOHN 16:11B CEV
Demons are evil and powerful spiritual beings
[PAUL, TO BELIEVERS:] For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. EPHESIANS 6:12 GNT
Demons fear God
[JAMES, EXHORTING HIS READERS:] You believe there is one God. Good! But the demons believe that, too, and they tremble with fear. JAMES 2:19 NCV™
7
B. God and the World: Basics Part B. God and the World: Basics
God’s Creation .......................................................... 8
God’s Sovereignty ................................................... 8
God’s Word................................................................ 9
The Problem of Sin ................................................. 9
God’s Judgment .................................................... 10
Having a grasp of the topics in this chapter is fundamental to understanding God’s relationship with the world. Furthermore, knowing about these things is necessary for appreciating the significance of Jesus Christ.
8 Section I. What to Know
God’s Creation
God has made all things
For you created all things, and by your will they were given existence and life. REVELATION 4:11 GNT
All things belong to God, because he made everything
The heavens and the earth belong to you. And so does the world with all its people because you created them 12and everything else. PSALMS 89:11–12A CEV
What God has made shows us things about him
God’s eternal power and character cannot be seen. But from the beginning of creation, God has shown what these are like by all he has made. ROMANS 1:19 CEV
Every creature’s life is dependent on God
Every living creature is in the hands of God. JOB 12:10 CEV
God’s Sovereignty
God is the ruler of all things
[DAVID, TO GOD:] You are the source of wealth and honor; you rule over all. 1 CHRONICLES 29:12A NET
No one can effectively oppose God
No one can oppose him or stop him from doing what he wants to do. JOB 23:13B GNT
God has control over people’s lives
[DANIEL, TO KING BELSHAZZAR:] But you didn’t honor God, who holds in his power your very life and all your ways. DANIEL 5:23B ISV
Part B. God and the World: Basics 9
God’s Word
The Bible is God’s word
Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16A CEV
The Scriptures are the writings contained in the Bible – God’s word.
God’s word has laws for our relationship with God
[GOD:] Do not worship any god except me. … 5Don’t bow down and worship idols. … 7Do not misuse my name. … 8Remember that the Sabbath Day belongs to me. … 10… No one is to work on that day… EXODUS 20:3, 5A, 7–8, 10B CEV
God’s word has laws for our relationships with people
Respect your father and your mother … 13Do not murder. 14Be faithful in marriage. 15Do not steal. 16Do not tell lies about others. 17Do not want anything that belongs to someone else. EXODUS 20:12–17A CEV
The Problem of Sin
Sin is breaking God’s law
Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God’s law, because sin is a breaking of the law. 1 JOHN 3:4B GNT
All people have sinned
All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. ROMANS 3:23 CEV
The last phrase speaks of failing to live up to a standard that fits in with God’s glory. This is basically due to sin.
Sin leads to the punishment of eternal death
For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ROMANS 6:23 NET
God’s holiness and justice mean that unforgiven sin must be punished with everlasting death. It involves everlasting separation from God, in hell.
10 Section I. What to Know
God’s Judgment
God repays people according to what they have done
[PAUL, SPEAKING OF GOD’S FINAL JUDGMENT:] On that day everyone will see God’s right judgments. 6God will reward or punish every person for what that person has done. ROMANS 2:5B–6 NCV™
God’s judgment is inescapable
[PAUL, TO HIS READERS:] When you judge people for doing these things but then do them yourself, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? ROMANS 2:3 NET
God warns people of judgment, allowing it to be avoided
[GOD:] There are times, Jeremiah, when I threaten to uproot, tear down, and destroy a nation or kingdom. 8But if that nation I threatened stops doing wrong, I will cancel the destruction I intended to do to it. JEREMIAH 18:7–8 NET
What God says here regarding nations is also applicable to individuals.
11
C. God and the World: Jesus Christ Part C. God and the World: Jesus Christ
God’s Promised Messiah ................................... 12
Jesus Christ’s Mission .......................................... 12
Salvation through Jesus Christ ........................ 13
The New Order ...................................................... 13
‘The Last Things’ ................................................... 14
Jesus Christ is at the center of God’s relationship with the world. This is largely due to what he accomplished when he came into the world, which has great significance for each person’s relationship with God.
12 Section I. What to Know
God’s Promised Messiah
God spoke of someone who would bring salvation
[GOD, AS SPEAKING TO THE MESSIAH:] I will make you a light for all nations to show people all over the world the way to be saved. ISAIAH 49:6B NCV™
This Messiah would die for people’s sins, but then be raised
But it was the LORD who decided to crush him and make him suffer. The LORD made his life a penalty offering … [God, the LORD:] 11“After his soul suffers many things, he will see life and be satisfied. My good servant will make many people right with God; he will carry away their sins. ISAIAH 53:10A, 11 NCV™
The Scriptures show that Jesus is the Messiah
For with his strong arguments he [Apollos] defeated the Jews in public debates by proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah. ACTS 18:28 GNT
The “Messiah” (Hebrew) and the “Christ” (Greek) mean the “anointed” or the “Anointed One”.
Jesus Christ’s Mission
God sent Jesus Christ to take away sins
You know that Christ came to take away sins. 1 JOHN 3:5A CEV
The Jewish leaders compelled the Romans to kill Jesus
Pilate [the Roman governor] wanted to set Jesus free, so he spoke again to the crowds. 21But they kept shouting, “Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!” … 24Finally, Pilate gave in. LUKE 23:20–21, 24 CEV
The crowd was led by the Jewish religious authorities.
But God raised Jesus from the dead
But God raised him from death … ACTS 2:24A GNT
Part C. God and the World: Jesus Christ 13
Salvation through Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ died for us
But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. ROMANS 5:8 CEV
Jesus died for us. He gave his life in place of our lives to pay the penalty for our sin. He did this so that we would not have to pay it ourselves with eternal death. Instead we can have eternal life. This is spiritual life which extends beyond physical death.
By Jesus’ death our sins can be forgiven
For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. EPHESIANS 1:7B GNT
The “blood of Christ” is a reference to his death for us.
So, through Jesus’ death we can be at peace with God
[PAUL, TO THE BELIEVERS AT COLOSSE:] You used to be far from God. Your thoughts made you his enemies, and you did evil things. 22But his Son became a human and died. So God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent. COLOSSIANS 1:21–22 CEV
The New Order
We are not made right by obeying the law – but by faith in Christ
For no one is put right in God’s sight by doing what the Law requires; what the Law does is to make people know that they have sinned. … 22God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. ROMANS 3:20, 22A GNT
We are unable to be made right with God through obeying the law, as we are not capable of obeying it all the time. But now because of what Jesus Christ has accomplished, we can be made right with God by faith in Christ and what he has done.
14 Section I. What to Know
So, we are made right by God’s kindness, not by the law
[PAUL:] I don’t turn my back on God’s undeserved kindness. If we can be acceptable to God by obeying the Law, it was useless for Christ to die. GALATIANS 2:21 CEV
Paul was determined to acknowledge God’s undeserved kindness – in what he has done for us through Christ’s death – as being the means by which we are made acceptable to God.
We can only be saved through Jesus Christ
Salvation is to be found through him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us. ACTS 4:12 GNT
God has made Jesus Christ Lord of all
Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others. … 11And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, “Jesus Christ is Lord!” PHILIPPIANS 2:9, 11 CEV
The kingdom of God has come, through Christ’s mission
He [Jesus] said, “The right time has come. The kingdom of God is near. MARK 1:15A NCV™
In Jesus’ mission a more far-reaching, spiritual dimension of God’s reign was established. It exists primarily in the hearts and minds of God’s people. At the end of the age God’s kingdom and authority will be imposed over all things.
‘The Last Things’
Jesus Christ will return and judge all people
For the Son of Man [Jesus Christ] will come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. MATTHEW 16:27 NET
Those who believe in Jesus Christ will have eternal life
The one who believes in the Son has eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life, but God’s wrath remains on him. JOHN 3:36 NET
15
D. God and His Own People Part D. God and His Own People
The Standing of God’s People ......................... 16
Keys to God’s Interaction with His People ..... 16
God’s Transformation of His People ............. 17
God’s Care of His People ................................... 17
God’s Plans for His People ................................ 18
The Bible reveals a lot about how God relates to his own people – those who seek to follow him. The following includes teaching on key issues in God’s relationship with each of his people, including what he does for them. Some of the verses in this topic are among the best-loved verses in the Bible.
16 Section I. What to Know
The Standing of God’s People
God’s people belong to him
[PAUL, TO BELIEVERS:] You put your faith in Christ and were given the promised Holy Spirit to show that you belong to God. EPHESIANS 1:13 CEV
God’s people are his children
But to all who did accept him [Jesus] and believe in him he gave the right to become children of God. JOHN 1:12 NCV™
God’s people are his children. For they are born of God (cf. v. 13) into spiritual life.
God’s people have him as their God
[ABIJAH, A KING AND LEADER OF GOD’S PEOPLE:] But as for us, the LORD is our God and we have not rejected him. 2 CHRONICLES 13:10A NET
Keys to God’s Interaction with His People
God is always with his people
[GOD:] I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will always be with you; I will never abandon you. JOSHUA 1:5B GNT
God knows his people
[GOD, TO MOSES:] I know you by name. EXODUS 33:17B ISV
God loves his people and is faithful to them
His love for us is strong and his faithfulness is eternal. Praise the LORD! PSALMS 117:2 GNT
God’s Holy Spirit lives in and helps his people
[PAUL, SPEAKING TO TIMOTHY ABOUT THE GOSPEL MESSAGE:] You have been trusted with a wonderful treasure. Guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit, who lives within you. 2 TIMOTHY 1:14 CEV
Part D. God and His Own People 17
God’s Transformation of His People
God’s people are given spiritual life
[JESUS:] The Spirit is the one who gives life; human nature is of no help! The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. JOHN 6:63 NET
Together with the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ words bring life. This spiritual life involves being “alive to God” (Romans 6:11). With the Holy Spirit living in them, believers have a spiritual awareness that enables them to live in relationship with God. As such they are “alive to God”.
God’s people are being changed to be like Jesus Christ
They show the bright glory of the Lord, as the Lord’s Spirit makes us more and more like our glorious Lord. 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18B CEV
God fills his people with joy and peace
May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him … ROMANS 15:13A GNT
God’s Care of His People
God cares for his people
Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you. 1 PETER 5:6 GNT
God helps his people in times of trouble
God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. PSALMS 46:1 GNT
God provides for all their needs
[PAUL, TO BELIEVERS WHO HAD SUPPORTED HIM:] And my God will fully supply your every need according to his glorious riches in the Messiah Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:19 ISV
18 Section I. What to Know
God’s Plans for His People
God has plans for his people
[DAVID, TO GOD:] You have made many wonderful plans for us. I could never speak of them all—their number is so great! PSALMS 40:5B GNT
These plans include things for his people to do
God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do. EPHESIANS 2:10 GNT
In spite of their troubles, God will fulfill his plans for them
[DAVID, TO GOD:] When I am surrounded by troubles, you keep me safe. You oppose my angry enemies and save me by your power. 8You will do everything you have promised … PSALMS 138:7–8A GNT
Section II. What to Do

21
E. Relating to God Part E. Relating to God
Being Right with God .......................................... 22
Having Faith in God ............................................. 23
Loving, Fearing and Obeying God ................. 23
Connecting with God .......................................... 24
Exalting God ........................................................... 24
The Bible has much to say about our relationship with God. As well as saying what is required to begin this relationship, the Bible contains vital and practical instructions about how we should relate to God.
22 Section II. What to Do
Being Right with God
Believe in God and seek him
We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him. HEBREWS 11:6B CEV
Turn from sin to God and believe in Jesus Christ
[PAUL:] To Jews and Gentiles alike I gave solemn warning that they should turn from their sins to God and believe in our Lord Jesus. ACTS 20:21 GNT
We need to believe that Jesus is the Son of God – the Christ (or Messiah) promised by God earlier in the Bible. We also need to believe that he is the means of forgiveness of sins, with what he accomplished by his death. As such, we are to trust in him for God’s forgiveness of our own sins. In doing so we are considered righteous by God, and granted eternal life.
Believing in Jesus Christ brings forgiveness of sins
All the prophets spoke about him [Jesus], saying that all who believe in him will have their sins forgiven through the power of his name. ACTS 10:43 GNT
Believing in Jesus Christ brings eternal life
For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. JOHN 3:16 NET
We can be sure of being forgiven
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away. 1 JOHN 1:9 CEV
We can be sure of life
[JOHN, TO FELLOW BELIEVERS:] We know that we have left death and come over into life; we know it because we love our brothers and sisters. 1 JOHN 3:14A GNT
Loving fellow Christians is a sign of having spiritual life.
Part E. Relating to God 23
Having Faith in God
Do not fear – trust in God
[DAVID:] When I am afraid, I will trust you. 4I praise God for his word. I trust God, so I am not afraid. What can human beings do to me? PSALMS 56:3–4 NCV™
Do not worry
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. 7And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:6–7 NCV™
Loving, Fearing and Obeying God
Love God with all your heart
Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 38This is the first and most important commandment. MATTHEW 22:37–38 CEV
Fear God and nothing else
[GOD, TO ISAIAH:] Don’t be afraid of what they [other people] fear; do not dread those things. 13But remember that the LORD All-Powerful is holy. He is the one you should fear; he is the one you should dread. ISAIAH 8:12B–13 NCV™
Persistently read God’s word and obey it
He is to keep this book [of God’s teachings] near him and read from it all his life, so that he will learn to honor the LORD and to obey faithfully everything that is commanded in it. DEUTERONOMY 17:19 GNT
The instruction to read from God’s teachings “all his life” is given for the king, but is very relevant to each of God’s people.
Make Jesus Christ your Lord
Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. 1 PETER 3:15A CEV
24 Section II. What to Do
Connecting with God
Keep on seeking God, with all your heart
Now seek the LORD your God wholeheartedly and with your entire being! 1 CHRONICLES 22:19A NET
Come before God, meeting with him
[MOSES, TO LEADERS OF ISRAEL:] … when all of Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place that he’ll choose, read this Law aloud to them. DEUTERONOMY 31:11 ISV
Like the Israelites, believers can come before God, in awareness of his presence. As such, we can meet with him. Individual Christians typically set aside some time everyday to do this, focusing fully on God. Generally this involves reading the Bible, prayer and even meditation.
Pray to God, as a caring father
So pray this way: Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored, … MATTHEW 6:9 NET
Exalting God
Praise God constantly
Our sacrifice is to keep offering praise to God in the name of Jesus. HEBREWS 13:15 CEV
Always be thankful
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father. EPHESIANS 5:20 GNT
25
F. Church Life Part F. Church Life
Being One Body .................................................... 26
Worshiping God .................................................... 26
Serving God ............................................................ 27
Significant Practices ............................................. 27
Church Leadership ............................................... 28
It is in their church life that believers have some of their most significant relationships. And it is through these relationships that they make many of their most significant contributions to God’s kingdom. So not surprisingly, the Bible has much to teach us about how we should relate to fellow Christians.
26 Section II. What to Do
Being One Body
Meet together with other believers
Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. HEBREWS 10:25A GNT
Be united
[PAUL, TO THE CHURCH IN CORINTH:] My dear friends, as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to get along with each other. Don’t take sides. Always try to agree in what you think. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:10 CEV
Love each other as Jesus Christ loved us
[JESUS:] My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you. JOHN 15:12 GNT
Help each other
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. GALATIANS 6:2 NET
By helping each other in need, we effectively obey Jesus’ teachings.
Worshiping God
Worship God together
Ezra [a priest] praised the great LORD God, and the people shouted, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed with their faces to the ground and worshiped the LORD. NEHEMIAH 8:6 CEV
Worship God in spirit
[JESUS:] God is spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. JOHN 4:24 CEV
To worship “in spirit” is primarily an inward activity, rather than being centered on the performing of ceremonial acts. It involves our spirit – and thus our mind and will.
Part F. Church Life 27
Serving God
Do God’s work together
[PAUL, TO SYZYGUS:] And, my true partner, I ask you to help them. These women have worked together with me and with Clement and with the others in spreading the good news. PHILIPPIANS 4:3A CEV
Be devoted to God’s work
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:58B NCV™
Pray to God for help in the work
[THE BELIEVERS, PRAYING:] Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. 30Show your mighty power, as we heal people and work miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant Jesus. ACTS 4:29–30 CEV
Significant Practices
Baptism, in the name of Jesus Christ
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ACTS 19:5 ISV
By being baptized in or into the “name” of Jesus Christ, a person declares their identification and relationship with Jesus Christ and also their commitment to him.
The Lord’s Supper, in memory of his death
[PAUL, TO BELIEVERS:] For I received from the Lord the teaching that I passed on to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took a piece of bread, 24gave thanks to God, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in memory of me.” 25In the same way, after the supper he took the cup and said, “This cup is God’s new covenant, sealed with my blood. Whenever you drink it, do so in memory of me.” 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23–25 GNT
28 Section II. What to Do
Church Leadership
Leaders should be an example for others to follow
[PAUL, TO CHURCH MEMBERS:] We had the right to ask you to help us, but we worked to take care of ourselves so we would be an example for you to follow. 2 THESSALONIANS 3:9 NCV™
Leaders should strengthen members in the faith
[PAUL, TO CHURCH MEMBERS:] You are our dear friends, and everything we do is to make you stronger. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:19B NCV™
Church members should obey their leaders
[PAUL, TO CHURCH MEMBERS:] We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. 2 THESSALONIANS 3:4 ISV
Watch out for false teachers
Be careful of false prophets. They come to you looking gentle like sheep, but they are really dangerous like wolves. MATTHEW 7:15 NCV™
29
G. Relating to People Part G. Relating to People
Love ........................................................................... 30
Justice ....................................................................... 31
Wisdom .................................................................... 31
Common Relationships ...................................... 32
Spreading the Gospel ......................................... 32
Relationships with other people are involved in just about every part of our lives. Note surprisingly then, the Bible has many significant and helpful things to say about how to relate to other people (including people outside of our church).
We need to remember that the better we follow the Bible’s instructions, the better our relationships will work.
30 Section II. What to Do
Love
Love others as you love yourself – which sums up God’s law
But all of these [commands] are summed up in the command that says, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” ROMANS 13:9B CEV
The whole moral law – all that involves our relationships with other people – is summed up by the command to love others as ourselves. In doing so, we fulfill or carry out God’s law.
Act according to what love involves
Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4–7 CEV
Note that the following topics involve other actions and personal qualities that are reflective of love.
Show mercy, and God will show you mercy
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. MATTHEW 5:7 NET
Forgive others, and God will forgive you
If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. 15But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. MATTHEW 6:14–15 CEV
Be humble, gentle and patient
Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. EPHESIANS 4:2 GNT
Be selfless
Do not seek your own good, but the good of the other person. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:24 NET
Be generous
… be generous and ready to share with others. 1 TIMOTHY 6:18B GNT
Part G. Relating to People 31
Justice
Do what is right
Do what is right and fair; that pleases the LORD more than bringing him sacrifices. PROVERBS 21:3 GNT
Defend the needy
Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. PROVERBS 31:8 GNT
Provide for the needy
John told them, “If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.” LUKE 3:11 CEV
Wisdom
Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom
The beginning of wisdom is to fear the LORD, and acknowledging the Holy One is understanding. PROVERBS 9:10 NET
Fearing God is the beginning of wisdom as it leads us to base our thinking and life on God and his teachings – the source of true wisdom for life.
Ask God for wisdom
[JAMES, TO BELIEVERS:] If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. JAMES 1:5A CEV
Take notice of correction
If you refuse to learn, you are hurting yourself. If you accept correction, you will become wiser. PROVERBS 15:32 GNT
Be quick to listen and slow to speak
[JAMES, TO BELIEVERS:] My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. JAMES 1:19 CEV
32 Section II. What to Do
Common Relationships
Love family members
[PAUL, SPEAKING OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH:] In this way they [older women] will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, … TITUS 2:4 NET
Respect your parents
Respect your father and your mother … EXODUS 20:12A GNT
Obey the governing authorities
Obey the rulers who have authority over you. ROMANS 13:1A CEV
Serve your employers wholeheartedly
Honor the Lord and serve your masters with your whole heart. COLOSSIANS 3:22B CEV
Spreading the Gospel
Tell others the gospel message about Jesus Christ
Philip began to speak, and starting with this same Scripture, he told the man the Good News about Jesus. ACTS 8:35 NCV™
Tell people the results of Jesus Christ’s death
What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:19 CEV
We are to tell others that because of Jesus Christ’s death, their sins can be forgiven and they can be at peace with God.
Tell people how they should respond
[PAUL:] I warned both Jews and Greeks to change their lives and turn to God and believe in our Lord Jesus. ACTS 20:21 NCV™
33
H. Persevering Part H. Persevering
Standing Firm ........................................................ 34
Rejecting Sin .......................................................... 34
Major Pitfalls .......................................................... 35
Hard Times .............................................................. 35
Persecution ............................................................. 36
Each believer’s relationship with God will face many different kinds of challenges. In order to overcome these, it is vital to know both what they involve and the Bible’s teaching about how to face them.
34 Section II. What to Do
Standing Firm
Continue following Jesus Christ’s teaching
So Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, “If you continue to obey my teaching, you are truly my followers. JOHN 8:31 NCV™
At all times have faith and pray
At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. … 18Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people. EPHESIANS 6:16, 18 GNT
Be ready for Jesus Christ’s sudden return
So you, too, must be ready, because at an hour you are not expecting him the Son of Man will come. MATTHEW 24:44 ISV
Rejecting Sin
Use God’s word to avoid sin
[A PSALMIST, TO GOD:] I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. PSALMS 119:11 CEV
Live by the Holy Spirit
God did this [sent Jesus to deal with sin] so that the righteous demands of the Law might be fully satisfied in us who live according to the Spirit, and not according to human nature. ROMANS 8:4 GNT
Living by the Holy Spirit involves: focusing on what he wants; paying attention to his promptings; and relying on his power.
Ask God for forgiveness of sin
[DAVID, TO GOD:] Wash away all my guilt and make me clean again. PSALMS 51:2 NCV™
Part H. Persevering 35
Major Pitfalls
Do not be proud
Be friendly with everyone. Don’t be proud and feel that you are smarter than others. Make friends with ordinary people. ROMANS 12:16 CEV
Do not love money
Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” HEBREWS 13:5 GNT
Turn from sexual sin
Then Jesus told her [a woman who had been caught in bed with a man who was not her husband], “I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don’t sin anymore.” JOHN 8:11B CEV
Hard Times
In hard times, trust in God
[DAVID, TO GOD:] When they plot together against me, they figure out how they can take my life. 14But I trust in you, O LORD! I declare, “You are my God!” 15You determine my destiny! Rescue me from the power of my enemies and those who chase me. PSALMS 31:13B–15 NET
Persist in prayer to God
[A PSALMIST, TO GOD:] LORD, you are the God who saves me. I cry out to you day and night. PSALMS 88:1 NCV™
Take comfort in God’s word
[A PSALMIST, TO GOD:] When I suffer, this comforts me: Your promise gives me life. … 52I remember your laws from long ago, and they comfort me, LORD. PSALMS 119:50, 52 NCV™
In v. 50 the psalmist speaks of God’s promise renewing his life, through the hope that it gives.
36 Section II. What to Do
Persecution
When facing persecution, trust in God
[PAUL, TO THE BELIEVERS AT CORINTH:] My friends, I want you to know what a hard time we had in Asia. Our sufferings were so horrible and so unbearable that death seemed certain. 9In fact, we felt sure that we were going to die. But this made us stop trusting in ourselves and start trusting God, who raises the dead to life. 10God saved us from the threat of death, and we are sure that he will do it again and again. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:8B–10 CEV
Do not be afraid
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30Even all the hairs on your head are numbered. 31So do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows. MATTHEW 10:28–31 NET
Remain faithful to God and Jesus Christ
[JESUS CHRIST, TO BELIEVERS:] Don’t be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The Devil will put you to the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life as your prize of victory. REVELATION 2:10 GNT
Concise Edition 37
The Seven Editions
There are seven editions of The Bible Unpacked, as shown below. Each one is an abbreviated version of the next longest one. Four of the editions have studies based on them, with the same text and questions added. For more details and free downloads, go to www.thebibleunpacked.net.
Two-Minute Edition – Key Bible teachings for people “on the run”. For giving to non-Christians.
Pocket Edition – Key Bible teachings for seekers of truth. Largely for giving to inquiring non-Christians or young new Christians.
Concise Edition – Key Bible teachings for new believers. For either new or young Christians. Suitable to give to non-Christian friends. Has study series based on it.
Foundations Edition – A compilation of the Bible’s teaching for believers consolidating their faith. For newer Christians. Study series is ideal for studies with newer believers.
Intermediate Edition – A compilation of the Bible’s teaching for believers growing in the faith. For developing a sound understanding of the faith. Studies are excellent for Bible study groups.
Comprehensive Edition – A compilation of the Bible’s teaching for believers established in the faith. For a more comprehensive knowledge of the faith. Studies are ideal for studying topics in detail.
In-Depth Edition – A compilation of the Bible’s teaching for teachers and students of the Bible. For pastors, church leaders, Bible students and all who want a deep understanding of the faith. Available in a single pdf file with over 90,000 hyperlinks.
Studies
Studies
Studies
Studies
38 The Bible Unpacked
Support Persecuted Christians
Over 200 million Christians in at least 60 countries are denied basic human rights solely because of their faith. (Source: World Evangelical Alliance) Every year many Christians are killed because of their faith.
Through prayer, encouragement and practical assistance we can assist and fellowship with persecuted Christians in their suffering. You can play a vital part in this through contacting one of the organizations listed below. Most produce regular news/prayer letters.
Barnabas Fund – www.barnabasfund.org
It provides material and spiritual support based on locally identified needs.
Christian Faith and Freedom – www.cffreedom.org
It advocates on behalf of and aids persecuted Christians.
Christian Solidarity International – www.csi-int.org
CSI works to defend religious liberty and help persecuted Christians.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide – www.csw.org.uk
It advocates for freedom of religion and justice for persecuted believers.
Compass Direct – www.compassdirect.org
This is a Christian news service focusing on persecuted Christians.
Open Doors – sb.od.org; www.opendoors.org.au
It equips believers for persecution and maintaining a witness to the Gospel.
Religious Liberty Commission – www.worldevangelicals.org/commissions/rlc
RLC defends and aids persecuted Christians. See also www.idop.org.
Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin – rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com.au/
It provides weekly bulletins. Send a blank email to join-rlpb@hub.xc.org.
The Bible League – www.bibleleague.org/persecuted; www.bibleleague.com
It supplies Bibles to persecuted Christians and also provides training.
Voice of the Martyrs – www.persecution.com; www.persecution.com.au
VOM helps persecuted Christians spread the gospel. It also gives material aid.
Then the King will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.’ Matthew 25:40 NCV

Millions of people in the world today believe that the Bible is the word of God. As God’s word, the Bible has many striking insights. It speaks about God, his relationship with us and our relationships with other people.
The aim of this booklet is to give a concise overview of the Bible’s teaching. It is the third shortest of the seven editions of The Bible Unpacked. For free downloads go to: www.thebibleunpacked.net.