Time Table of Historic Old Testament Figures

      ?           Adam and Eve

~ 1900BC Abram, a native of Ur (northern Persian Gulf), migrated to Haran (Turkish-Syrian border) where he received a call from God to move to Canaan (Palistine).  God made a covenant with Abram and changed his name to Abraham promising that he and his wife, Sarah, would have a son, the first in a long line of descendants.  Their son, Isaac, was the father of Jacob.

~1750BC   Jacob had 12 sons and migrated south to Egypt , where their descendants, the Hebrews, became slaves.

~1250BC   One of these descendants, Moses, heard God commanding him to lead his people to freedom back to the land of Canaan, the Promised Land.  After escaping, the Hebrews, (later called Israelites and now Jews) wandered about in the desert for forty years.  Moses died on the border of the Promised Land, and his lieutenant, Joshua, led the people into Canaan.  There followed a period of conquest, with the twelve tribes (divisions of the Hebrew people named after the sons of Jacob) settling in various parts of Canaan.  They fought with the inhabitants (Philistines and others) through a long "frontier period" called the time of Judges.

~1020BC   Saul, a member of the tribe of Benjamin, organized the tribes and became king.  He eventually went insane and was killed in a battle with the Philistines. 

~1000BC   David, a young military leader, united the tribes again and set up his government, centered in Jerusalem, where he made Israel a force to be reckoned with in the Middle East.  His son, Solomon, succeeded him and built a magnificent temple in Jerusalem.  But in later years, Solomon began worshiping false gods and alienated the people with heavy taxes and forced labor.

~927BC     Solomon's son, Rehoboam, continued with these policies and a civil war split the kingdom into Israel in the north with its capital in Samaria, and Judah in the south with its capital in Jerusalem.  Both kingdoms were plagued with poor leadership and the people's unfaithfulness to God.

~721BC     Israel was attacked by Assyria and its leaders were slaughtered or dragged into exile.  The Assyrians brought other captives from foreign lands into Israel.  They intermarried with the few Israelites that were left behind forming the people known as Samaritans.

~587BC     Judah was conquered by Babylonians and Jerusalem was destroyed.  The survivors were taken into exile in Babylon.

~539BC     Cyrus, king of Persia, conquered Babylon and allowed the Israelites to return to Judah only to find their homeland in ruins. 

~515BC     Judah, despite harassment on all sides by enemies, rebuilt a temple and the city of Jerusalem by 445BC.  They never regained the glory of King David.

~332BC     Alexander the Great conquered Palestine.  After his death, Egypt and Syria vied for control of the Jewish nation.

~200BC     Syrians launched a terrible persecution of the Jews.

~167BC     A family of warriors, the Maccabees, led a revolt against the Syrians and succeeded in gaining independence in 135BC.

~63BC       Romans, under Pompey, conquered Jerusalem and made Palestine a vassal (slave) state.

~39BC       Herod the Great was set up as king by the Romans.  A man who committed many horrible atrocities, he was also a tireless builder of palaces, fortresses, and a temple that outshone Solomon's.  It was under Herod the Great that Jesus Christ was born.

The Bible's Origin, Nature, and Interpretation

 Throughout the history of the Israelite people, there were those who were inspired to record their experience of God.  History, stories, poetry, preaching, laws, legends, proverbs, and prophecy were passed on from generation to generation.  These inspired writings were recognized by spiritual leaders as revelations from God and cherished as God's own Word.

They have come down to us as the books of the Old Testament.  Catholics recognize 46 OT books as divinely inspired, that is, as having God as their Author.  This does not mean that God wrote the books, but that He guided the human authors to write in such a way that the books teach religious truth.  Because of the time the books were written, we must have an awareness of the "five Ws", who, what, when, where, and why they were written and the message they intended to convey.

There are two approaches in reading the Bible, fundamental and contextual.  Fundamental reading takes the words literally, meaning, if the Bible states that Jonah was swallowed by a fish and lived in its belly for three days, then that's what happened!  Contextual reading takes the words in the context of the time of writing.  The parable simple means that God takes care of all His creations and will not harm them.

Some people are afraid of contextual reading because we can interpret the Bible any way we want to.  But in reality, we use contextual reading all the time.  For example, if you read on the front page of the newspaper . . . "Armed Guards Gunned Down Smith As He Attempted To Steal The Bank's Payroll", then flipped to the sports section and read the headline, "Atlanta Brave's Catcher Gunned Down Smith As He Attempted To Steal Second Base."  Obviously, these two headlines have a very different meaning because of the context of the situation.  Now, if you use the fundamentalist interpretation . . . Yikes!  Baseball is a very violent sport!

Learning to read the Bible is like learning how to read the newspaper.  First you must get acquainted with the "context" of the books.  Most Catholic Bibles have an introduction to each book and explains the five Ws before you begin reading it.

Another important point in reading the Bible is that it is not organized by subject matter nor is it in chronological order.  Therefore, it is not recommended that you start on page one and read all the way through.  Skip around and read the books that happen to be of interest to you during that day, week, or month.  If the movie, "The Ten Commandments", is on TV, pick up the Bible and read the book of Exodus.  This will give you more insight to what the people of those times really found important to document, rather than the sensationalism of Hollywood .

A Global View of the Old Testament

 Before reading the Bible, we must first have knowledge of how it is put together.  Much like we must know the history of the United States, how it gained independence, how it became an industrialized nation, and why the world asks the most prosperous nation on earth for help, to understand where the US stands in perspective of the world.  The following is a summary of the history of the Old Testament and how it came to be today.

The Pentateuch - Greek for "five books."  It is a collection of the first five books* of the Bible.  It is meant to answer the basic questions in life and to explain the origins of the Jewish people.  The five books were not written by one man or during one time.  It is a collection of traditions, stories, and historical data passed on from one generation to the next.  They were put into words around 1000-550BC and edited into the present day scripture between 500-400BC.

*Book of Genesis reflects the Jewish (our) belief that God created the universe and everything in it.  God created man in His own image and created all good things.  Evil is the result of human sinfulness.  When man sinned, God called them back and made covenants with them (Noah, Abraham, the Tower of Babel.) 

*Book of Exodus recalls the story of the birth of the Jewish nation as the Hebrews and the "exodus" of the slaves from Egypt under the leadership of Moses.  Another covenant with God, the Ten Commandments, is given to us when the people became distraught with Moses as he led them to the Promised Land. 

*Book of Leviticus stresses the holy nature of God's people. 

*Book of Numbers describes the organization of the Jewish nation. 

*Book of Deuteronomy, largely in the form of a sermon attributed to Moses, shows the spirit of love and obedience, which should characterize the people of the covenant.

Book of Joshua continues the story of the Israelite people after the death of Moses.  Led into the Promised Land by Joshua, they battled with the inhabitants and established footholds throughout Palestine. 

Book of Judges describes the time after Joshua's death and the 200-year long "frontier" of war and settlement under leaders called "judges." 

Book of Ruth is a beautiful story about love and loyalty in the life of one of King David's ancestors who lived in that frontier period. 

The Historical Books cover the period from the entry of the Israelites into the Promised Land in about 1225BC to the end of the Maccabean wars in about 135BC.  Put into context, these books are not meant to be "modern day" history books.  The people of those times did not have printing presses, tape recorders, etc.  Their primary purpose was to teach the story of the encounter with God and man.  Their books are called "salvation history" to distinguish them from modern history, but it should be noted that much of the important historical data of names, places, and events are true.  Again, ancient tradition kept the important information passed on to future generations. 

The First and Second Books of Samuel tell about the last judges, Eli and Samuel, and relate how the Israelites were united in 1025BC under Saul, their first king.  They then describe the troubled relationship of Saul and David, and the long reign of King David. 

First and Second Books of Kings take up the story of David's old age, describe how he was succeeded by Solomon, and explain the long decline of the Jewish people that began after David's death.  This is where Israel was split into the north (Assyria) and south (Babylon.) 

First and Second Books of Chronicles are mostly a theologically oriented repetition of material in the Books of Kings. 

Books of Ezra and Nehemiah cover the return of the Israelites from exile in Babylon and the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple and walls. 

Books of Tobit, Judith, and Esther are the sort of literature we might call "historical novels."  They are stories set during the exile and restoration that teach trust, courage, care for others, and the importance of remaining faithful to God. 

First Book of Maccabees contains the account of Israel's heroic resistance to the persecution of Antiochus IV, a Syrian king who attempted to abolish Jewish religious practices between 171BC and 164BC and the struggle of independence waged by the Jews down to 135BC. 

Second Book of Maccabees relates in more detail events already narrated in First Maccabees.

The Wisdom Books are an inspired search into the meaning of life.  Using poetry and proverbs, sayings and songs, they face the problems of our origin and destiny, human suffering, good and evil, right and wrong.  They deal with homely everyday situations and with the most critical issues of life and death. 

Book of Job is a great poem written around 500BC.  It attacks the theory that all suffering is sent by God a punishment for sin and concludes that we cannot give easy answers to the riddle of suffering.  Suffering does not separate us from God, and His presence can help us accept and overcome it. 

Book of Psalms is a collection of 150 prayers in the form of Hebrew poetry.  Most were written between King David and the restoration after the Babylonian exile.  They address every human emotion and situation, and vary greatly in style, length, and approach.  As Hebrew poetry, they depend on the balance of thoughts rather than on rhyme.  A good way to use the psalms is to read through them once, highlighting those that are meaningful for private prayer and reflection. 

Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings.  They were written from the time of Solomon (970BC) to about 400BC.  They cover every subject imaginable, from down-to-earth worldly wisdom to lofty theological reflection. 

Book of Ecclesiastes points out the limitations of human life and difficulty of knowing its meaning.  The author, unaware of the reality of eternal life, advised his readers to live a moral, balanced life, without expecting too much happiness.  Written about 300BC, it demonstrates our need for the wisdom only Christ can give. 

Song of Songs is a dramatic poem praising the beauty of human love.  Created about 300BC, it is seen by many as symbolic of the love God has for people. 

Book of Wisdom may be the last book of the OT to be written.  Composed around 75BC, it presents a philosophical reflection on the meaning of Hebrew history and expressed belief in eternal life. 

Book of Sirach, written around 180BC, is a book similar to Proverbs.  It organizes sayings according to subject matter on topics from table etiquette to religious worship.

The Prophets did not foretell the future, as you might think, instead, prophets are those who "speak for God" and were primarily concerned with their own contemporary situations.  The official leaders of kingdoms often failed to give proper guidance; as a result, most leaders and folk turned away from God.  The prophets condemned the leaders and warned the people of terrible judgement if they did not return to God.  When both north and south kingdoms were destroyed, the prophets encouraged exiles to turn back to God and hope for a better future, a future that promised a "Messiah," a savior from God. 

Book of Isaiah was composed by several authors.  The first 39 chapters come from the prophet Isaiah (740-687BC); mindful of God's holiness; he tried to bring Judah back to the Lord.  Chapters 40-55 were written by an unknown poet during the Babylonian captivity (586-539BC) and are noted for the Suffering Servant passages foretelling a Messiah who would suffer for his people.  Chapters 56-66 contain poems by unknown prophets who wrote in the spirit of Isaiah. 

Book of Jeremiah (626-585BC) presents the sermons of a great man who prophesied in Judah during its collapse.  It gives much autobiographical data remarkable for its honesty and depth of feeling. 

Book of Lamentations is a collection of poems on the misery caused by the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile (587BC). 

Book of Baruch is a meditation on the exile and a prayer for forgiveness and restoration; it was written long after the exile, as late as 200BC. 

Book of Ezekiel (597-550BC) used dramatic visions, symbolic actions, and picturesque language to encourage the people to be faithful to God during the Babylonian exile. 

Book of Daniel takes its name from its hero rather than its author, who is unknown.  It was written around 165BC as an "apocalypse," a common literary form from 200BC to AD200, characterized by figurative language, visions, symbols, and stories designed to teach that God cares for his people, even in persecution. 

Book of Hosea (750BC) comes from a prophet in the northern kingdom; his marriage to an unfaithful wife and his willingness to take her back represent God's relationship to the unfaithful Israelites. 

Book of Joel is an apocalyptic work composed about 400BC, using a terrible plague of locusts as a symbol of impending judgement. 

Book of Amos (750BC) gives the life, times, and prophesies of a shepherd from Judah who prophesied in Israel during a time of prosperity.  He warns that Israel will be punished for its injustice toward the poor and oppressed. 

Book of Obadiah (475BC) is a short, harsh condemnation of the people of Edom who harassed the Jews after they returned from exile in Babylon. 

Book of Jonah (450BC) is a parable rather than a prophecy.  It is meant to show God's love and mercy toward all people, even pagans. 

Book of Micah (725-697BC) whose author was a prophet who condemned the corrupt leaders of Samaria and Jerusalem and promised that a ruler would be born in Bethlehem who would bring restoration and peace. 

Book of Nahum (612BC) is a song of joy at the destruction of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, the savage nation which had destroyed Israel and ravaged Judah. 

Book of Habakkuk (600BC) foretold that Babylon would conquer Judah but that God would use the occasion to purify his people and restore the covenant. 

Book of Zephaniah (620-600BC) prophesied judgement against Jerusalem at a time when many Jews had gone over to pagan worship.  The book looks forward to better days when God's people would respond to his love and mercy. 

Book of Haggai (520BC) encouraged the Jews who had returned from exile in Babylon to rebuild the temple and to trust in God. 

Book of Zechariah (520BC), through a series of visions, also urged the returning exiles to rebuild the temple.  The second part of the book was written by unknown authors and foretells the coming of the Prince of Peace. 

Book of Malachi (450BC) is the last book in the OT (though not the last to be written.)  It shows the need for constant reform and looks forward to the coming of the Messiah.

Summary of the Old Testament

The OT begins in Genesis with a clear statement that all God creates is good.  It teaches that man brings evil into the world through sin.  The OT ends with the hope that evil can be overcome by good: God will send a prophet before the final day to bring about conversion (Malachi 3:23-24)

The OT is as honest a presentation of the human condition as can be found.  Life as we experience it is neither all good nor all bad.  And in the worst of times, most people are able to find hope for the future.

The people of the OT are just like us.  We see the foolish mistakes and the sins of their political and religious leaders repeated in the follies of some of the political and religious leaders of our day.  Samson and Delilah, Saul, David and Bathsheba, Solomon - all have parallels in our time, and in every age.  We see the faith of Abraham and courage of Moses in people of today who put their trust in God and serve Him.  We see ourselves in page after page of the OT as we seek out the good in life and turn away from the bad.  We find reason to hope in the future because the hopes of the Jewish people for a Messiah have been fulfilled - in Jesus Christ.

Time Table of New Testament Figures

37-4BC          King Herod the Great rules.  Most Jews resented Herod; some learned to cope with him.  The glory days of King David were almost 1000 years behind them.  Palestine was tense and little hope existed.  Below is the definition of groups of people:

Sadducees - Jews in position of wealth and power, mostly in the priestly class following only the Torah, the written law.  They cooperated with the Romans.  They did not believe in life after death and hoped for an "easy" life.

Zealots - Jews, few in numbers that hoped that God would send a Messiah to lead the Israelites to a "military" victory over the Romans.

Pharisees - Neither fought nor collaborated with the Romans.  Lived an obscure life focused on the written Word.  Believed in life after death.

Essenes - Desert nomads that practiced elaborate rituals hoping their devotion would bring a Messiah who would lead them to heavenly glory.

~5BC-AD33  Joseph, Mary, and Jesus Christ along with Mary's cousin Elizabeth, Zechariah, and son John (the Baptist).  Jesus' life was so ordinary, up to the age of 12, that the only thing mentioned in the Bible was Herod's killing of infants and when Jesus was found in the Temple at age 12. 

AD30-100      The disciples - Simon (Peter), his brother Andrew, James and John, Zebedee's sons (all fishermen), Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew (tax collector), James, son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, Simon (a Zealot), and Judas Iscariot (betrayer).  Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot after he committed suicide.

A Global View of the New Testament

For 20 years after Christ's Resurrection, Christians began to feel the need to preserve Christ's sayings, teachings, works, etc.  Paul's letters (epistles) were the first to be preserved.  By AD125 all 27 New Testament books were written.  Although many books were written on the Old and New Testament, two collections, the Hebrew Palestinian (39 books) and the Greek Alexandrian (46 books) were the prevailing writings.  Around AD393, the Church council accepted the Alexandrian writings.  After the Protestant movement, the Catholic Church officially adopted the Alexandrian writings while the Protestant religions adopted the Palestinian writings.  This is why the Catholic version of the Bible has seven additional books in the Old Testament, while all Bibles have 27 books in the New Testament.  The following is a summary of the history of the New Testament and how it came to be today.

 

The Gospels - Only after collecting the sayings and miracles of Jesus, were the gospels written.  This happened decades after the Resurrection of Christ. 

Gospel According To Matthew, the first gospel was written after Mark, and most likely used Mark as a source.  Although it is named after the Apostle Matthew, the author is unknown.  It was written around the year 80 and probably intended his Gospel for Jewish Christians.  The Gospel shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of OT prophecy, and the main body of the Gospel is divided into five sections, which would remind Jews of the Pentateuch. 

Gospel According To Mark was written around 65-70, probably for non-Jewish Christians.  It is the shortest of the gospels, and presents Jesus as the suffering Messiah who was misunderstood and rejected until his Resurrection.  Many think the author is John Mark, a missionary who traveled with Paul and had some contact with Peter. 

Gospel According To Luke appeared about the same time as Matthew and probably used Mark as a source also.  Luke was a skilled Greek author who addressed his Gospel and its companion volume, the Acts of the Apostles, to Greek-speaking Christians.  The author is usually identified as a missionary who traveled with Paul.  He emphasizes the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus, as well as the joy his salvation brings.  For Luke, Christ's life was a "journey to Jerusalem," to suffering and death, and glory. 

Gospel According To John was written 20 plus years after Luke and differs from the other three gospels in language and style.  The author is identified as the apostle John, or one of his disciples, but this is uncertain.  The Gospel may have been written for Christians around Ephesus in Asia Minor.  Rich in symbolism, it reflects upon the life and teachings of Jesus as he lives in the Church and the sacraments.

Acts of the Apostles takes up where the Gospel of Luke leaves off.  Written by the same author and at the same time as the Gospel of Luke, Acts describes the beginnings of the Church in Jerusalem (chapters 1-5), the first missions outside Jerusalem and the conversion of Paul (chapters 6-12), the missionary journeys of Paul (chapters 13-21), and Paul's arrest and trip to Rome (chapters 22-28).  Acts gives us a unique view of the early Church and of its preaching.

Letters - the next 21 books are called the letters or epistles.  While some of these are truly letters written from St. Paul to parts of the world, others are actually sermons or theological treatises. 

Epistle of Paul To The Romans - written by Paul around 58.  It is a strongly reasoned argument that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, not by observance of OT law.  Paul devotes the last four chapters to an explanation of the moral duties of Christians and to the meaning of life in Christ. 

First and Second Epistle of Paul To The Corinthians - written by Paul between 54 and 58.  Corinth was a Greek City known for its loose morals, and the Christians of Corinth needed a great deal of encouragement and correction from Paul after their conversion from paganism.  In these letters Paul addresses issues like cliques in the community, sexual morality, virginity and marriage, Eucharistic assemblies, charismatic gifts, love, and the Resurrection. 

Epistle of Paul To The Galatians - written by Paul around 54 to believers in Galatia (modern Turkey.)  Paul refutes those who demanded that Christians be circumcised, and he reminds believers that we are saved by faith in Christ. 

Epistle of Paul To The Ephesians - author is unknown around 90.  It is addressed to the Christian community in Ephesus, a seaport in Turkey.  It proclaims the uniqueness of Christ as Son of God and the oneness of the Church with Christ, and it lays the foundation for our understanding of the Church as "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic." 

Epistle of Paul To The Philippians - a beautiful document that may contain parts of three letters sent by Paul to converts at Philippi, a city in northern Greece.  Paul thanks the Philippians for their generous assistance, assures them of his love for them, and exhorts them to remain one in Jesus the Lord. 

Epistle of Paul To The Colossians - Addressed to the community of Colossae, a small town in southwestern Turkey.  It may be a sermon written after Paul's death, using Paul as a "heavenly spokesman."  It proclaims Jesus as Son of God and Head of his Body, the Church, echoing many of the ideas of Ephesians.  It encourages Christians to die to sinful ways and to live in union with the risen Savior. 

First Epistle of Paul To The Thessalonians - this is the oldest book in the NT.  Written by Paul around 51 to the Church at Thessalonica, a seaport in northern Greece.  It reminds the Christians of Paul's loving mission to them and encourages them to be faithful as they await the coming of Christ, which they apparently expected in their lifetime. 

Second Epistle of Paul To The Thessalonians - written later to answer more questions about the coming of Christ. 

First and Second Epistle of Paul To Timothy and Titus - probably not written by Paul himself, but either a secretary, or one of his disciples.  They are called the "pastoral letters" because they are addressed to early Church leaders as guides or the pastoral care of their communities around the year 100.  The letters reflect the growth of the Church and emphasize the importance of faithfulness to the gospel and to the teaching of the apostles.

Epistle of Paul To Philemon - personal letter by Paul in 58 asking Philemon, an influential friend, to take back a runaway slave whom Paul had converted.

Epistle To The Hebrews - is a carefully composed sermon whose author is unknown.  It was probably written late in the first century to Christians in general and presents Christ as the Word of God, as Priest who saves us by his death, and as Leader who opens heaven to us.

Epistle of James - Scripture scholars debate about who James really is (possibly Paul's adviser in Jerusalem.)  The book is a sermon of the late first century, teaching that a living faith must show itself in good works and a holy life.

First and Second Epistle of Peter - are probably sermons written in Peter's name to encourage Christians of the late first century.  The fist letter uses baptismal liturgies, hymns, and other sources, including perhaps Peter's sermons, to comfort and encourage persecuted Christians.  The second exhorts believers to remain faithful to Christ and always to be ready for his coming.

First, Second, and Third Epistle of John - are believed to be from the same author that produced the Gospel of John and was written late in the first century.  First John proclaims Jesus as Son of God but also truly human; God is love, and therefore we are to love one another.  Second John urges believers to remain faithful to Jesus.  Third John is a short note requesting aid and hospitality for missionaries.

Epistle of Jude - probably written by Jude, brother of James, servant of Jesus Christ, around 100.  It is a short sermon warning Christians to avoid false teachers and remain faithful to he teaching of the apostles.  Much of Jude's message is found in chapter two of Second Peter.

Book of Revelation - belongs to that category of literature called "apocalypse," popular 200 years before and after Christ.  This literature uses figurative language, symbols and numbers, visions, heavenly messengers, and picturesque descriptions of the struggle between good and evil.  The author of Revelation calls himself John, but we do not know just who this John is.  The book may have been written in Ephesus to give encouragement to Christians of Asia Minor during times of persecution by the Roman Emperor Domitian (81-96).  Many people have tried to use Revelation as a "heavenly timetable" to determine the end of the world, but Revelation was not intended for this.  Indeed, our best way of understanding it may be to see it as a biblical Star Wars, that is, as an epic presentation of the battle between good and evil.  As in the Star Wars movies, good is threatened as the forces of evil unleash all kinds of monsters, but these are vanquished.  Seen in this way, Revelation is a powerful statement that God will prevail over Satan.  It says at the end of the Bible what Genesis states at the beginning: God is good, and God created the world as good.  Evil has entered the world because of sin, but God will overcome it.  All people are called to be faithful to God in order to share in Christ's triumph and heavenly joy.

The Bible has been a "bestseller" for 2000 years.  It addresses every human situation, reflects every emotion, and paints vivid pictures of all kinds of people - good and bad.  But the most important reason why the Bible is a bestseller is that it is inspired: God speaks to human beings through its pages.  "All scripture is inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:19-21).

This does not mean that the writers "took dictation" from God.  Rather, in various ways, they were touched by God to record His presence and activity in their lives.  They may have experienced God through extraordinary visions, dreams, or angelic messengers; through ordinary kinds of prayer; or by recognizing God in his saving actions.  NT writers experienced God through the words and actions of Jesus.  In these ways, and in many others, God spoke to His people, and they expressed what they heard in the Bible.

When we pick up the Bible, because space or time does not limit God, He speaks to us through the same words as those addressed to Moses, to David, to the prophets.  When we pick up the Bible, Jesus speaks to us here and now just as He spoke to the apostles.

When you open the Bible, you "dial God's number."  If you read a novel, the author has no idea you are reading his/her book.  But when you open the Bible, God says "Hello."

Have you read the Bible?  Ask yourself a very simple question and answer it honestly . . . Why?  What obstacles, or excuses, do you have that prevent you from reading one book a week?  Imagine this scenario . . . when you die and stand before God in judgement, and He asks you "How did you like My Book?"  If God asks you this question, what will your answer be?