Enlistees, it's time for basic training — not in the Army, Air Force, Navy or Marines — but in the Bible. Onward Christian solders... Hup two three four, hup two three four. Halt. We're not going to shave your heads, assign you to a barracks or make you stand at attention until you drop. But, we going to begin with some basics about the Bible. So, grab a notepad, a pen or pencil and your basic training guidebook — your Bible. The learning lamp is lit.

Introduction

The Bible is the world's best-selling book, or rather collection of books. It has been translated into more languages than any other book in history. And it is a unique book containing a timeless message for everyone, everywhere. The Bible candidly claims to be "given by inspiration of God." (2 Timothy 3:16). In the original Greek it is literally God-breathed (theopneustos).

The writers of the biblical books were convinced that their message was not their own invention. The were communicating the very word of God. The Bible is revelation, not speculation; inspired, not just inspiring. It is rich and complex, a reflection of the personalities of its authors. It contains historical narrative, poetry, proverbs, philosophy, prophetic denouncements. instruction, teaching, sermons, predictions and grad visions of the future. Through the Bible we come in contact with God of power and wisdom, love and justice, a compassionate God who is committed to our salvation, a God who invites us to become God's children through faith in Jesus Christ.

Of course, the Bible is not the only book to claim divine inspiration, but it is unique in that it offers substantial evidence to back its claims. It even goes so far as to challenge its readers to put it to the test, urging us to "test all things" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). It is the only book that accurately conveys the message God intends to communicate to you and me.

So, why do many who claim to be Christians neglect the word of God? Because they believe that since the Bible was written thousands of years ago, it is no longer relevant to the world we live in. After all there have been stunning advances in technology since the Bible was written. Airplanes and automobiles have reduced travel time from days, weeks and years to minutes and hours. Cell phones have allowed us to instantly communicate with each other as close as next door or as far away as the other side of the world. Television has made it possible view live events in China, Europe and Australia. Computers allow for dramatic increases in knowledge, communication, science and other areas of life. So do these technologic advances make the Bible irrelevant?

The answer is no. The Bible relates God's concern with creation, humans. It declares in Genesis 1:27 that God created humans in God's image. Later on in the Old Testament we hear how God chose Israel, the least of all the peoples on the earth, to be an example to the rest of humankind. God gave them (and us, by extension) rules to live by.

But, the Bible also makes it clear that these chosen people rebelled against God's wishes, to live their lives to satisfy their own personal desires, committing murders, rapes, thefts, sexual immoralities, idolatry and many other forms of evil, resulting in a broken relationship with God. So God had a plan to bring about a reconciliation.

The New Testament reveals that plan. In what is probably the most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16-17, God declares a desire to restore us to fellowship: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Elsewhere, the Bible tells of the time an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

"What is written in the Law?" [Jesus] replied. "How do you read it?"

He answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Luke 10:25-28).

This is the kind of wisdom found in the Bible. And even though we've made huge technological advances since the Bible was written, our behavior is exactly the same as that of those who lived two or three thousand years ago. And just as the Bible had the answers back then for people to overcome their human nature, it has the same answers for people in this day and age.

Therefore, the answer to the question: "Is the Bible still relevant in today's world?" is an unequivocal "Yes!"

The aim of Bible Boot Camp is to help you re-discover the wonderful message the Bible contains and establish a firm foundation, to show how the Bible came to us, offer hints on how to study the Bible and help you learn more about the book of life.