Sometimes we view the Old Testament in our Bibles like Grandma's attic. We don't think about it. Sometimes we even forget that it's there! But when we go up there, we find some really cool stuff! In today's episode, we want to dispel that notion. The Bible is one story that points to Jesus. Let's stop calling it the Old Testament. Let's call it what it is - the Hebrew Bible! Like all those Star Wars prequels, the Hebrew Bible is part of the story! It gives us context - it fills in the blanks. It shows us how God has constantly and faithfully worked through time to bring us to where we are today - and to take us where we are destined to go - into a forever life surrounded by the presence of God! So, how did we get this part of our story? Where did these books come from? How were they assembled? How did they survive thousands of years? That's what we're exploring today. Come with us!

After our exhaustive trek through Revelation, we decided to take a little side trip through the makeup and construction of this book we know as the Bible. How did it come together? Who decided which books to include, and which ones to set aside? We begin with this most important question. Why are there so many different English translations? Shouldn't one be enough? And because there are so many, which one is right? Which one is most reliable? Which one comes closest to the original languages? Today, we will rely on and track along with the scholarship of Dr. Mark Ward and Sean McDowell as they offer their excellent insight and research on this very subject. It is a fascinating look at translation science and the tireless work it requires. We finish with 7 great translations and 7 translations to avoid at all costs!

We finally made it! Today, we look at - and celebrate - the last pages - the final scene of the whole Bible! What we find is - the end is just like the beginning. It's a new Eden - an eternal paradise! Earth has been re-created - returned to its original state of perfection, and has been rejoined with the heavenly realm, so that the presence of God permeates the atmosphere and saturates every molecule of existence! Chapter 22 opens with this incredible vision of the river of the water of life, lined by the trees of life as far as the eye can see! There is no longer any curse, and those who live there will see God's face! There shall no longer be any night, or any need of a lamp, for the Lord God will illumine them - and they shall reign forever and ever! What a picture and a promise! The book closes with a promise, an admonition, and a warning. Don't add to these words or take anything away. It is exactly what it is! Then - the book closes with these final iconic words. Yes, I am coming quickly. John responds with Amen. Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. That is our prayer for you!