Today, we conclude our series on how the Bible we know and read today came together - why these 66 books are included, which ones were left out, and why. We have the idea that the canon of Scripture - especially the New Testament - was decided upon by a group of old bishops with bad motives and a sinister agenda, huddled around a smoldering fire with their robes drawn tight. Actually, these sacred writings were collected and compiled in a much more organic way. The Gospels were written by faithful eyewitnesses, copied and distributed among fledgling churches. The Letters were written by the apostles themselves, then collected for posterity by their friends, their traveling companions. As the Christian movement exploded, demand for these collections grew, and they became an integral part of worship and liturgy in the churches. There were councils involved later on, and some writings were disqualified for good reasons we will talk about. The end result - 27 books we know as the New Testament!

Between the Old Testament and the New Testament writings in our Bibles, there were 400 years. They call it the Silent Period. It was anything but silent! Jewish writers, rabbis, and scholars were feverishly writing. They produced volumes of works interpreting, commenting, and expanding on the wisdom contained in the Hebrew Bible. Some were historical fiction, some proverbs and oracles, and others were interpretive commentaries, filling in the blanks to help their readers make sense of difficult theological concepts in their newfound Greco-Roman context. They were not Scripture, but they were useful, highly prized, and widely read. Jesus read them. So did Paul, Jude, Peter, and the other apostles. We know this because ideas, concepts, and even direct quotations show up in many of the New Testament writings! They're under the surface, but once you spot them, it's undeniable! What are these ancient books, and why should we read them? Jump in - let's go!

Not every Bible is alike. If you look at a Protestant Bible, you'll find 66 books. That's what most of us are familiar with. But if you pick up a Catholic Bible, you'll discover 9 extra books! If you open an Orthodox Bible, you'll see 14 extra books! And if you happen to come across an Ethiopian Orthodox Bible, you might see up to 23 extra books! What are these books? Who wrote them? Should I read them - can I trust them - or should I be wary of them? These extra books are a collection of 2nd temple Jewish writings - and yes, you should read them! They are not Scripture, but they are valuable and important. The early Church called this collection the Deuterocanon - the 2nd canon. It later became known as the apocrypha, which means hidden. What are we to make of all this? That's what we're exploring today. Join us as we dive into this fascinating body of sacred work - the apocrypha!

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!

The battles have been fought - the outcomes have been decided. It's final - it's over! Judgment has taken place - and it's final! Death has been put to death, and all evil has been thrown into the lake of fire that burns eternally! What does John see next? I saw a new heaven and a new earth - for the 1st heaven and the 1st earth passed away! Then - the holy city - New Jerusalem - is coming down out of heaven from God! It's a gorgeous city - beautiful - dripping with precious stones and symbolism! It's God's forever kingdom! The heavens and the earth are rejoined together - and God will dwell with His people! He will wipe away every tear from their eyes - and there shall no longer be any death! It's a new existence in a re-created Eden! What will this look like> What will it be like to live in it? That's what we're talking about today!

We've done a lot of heavy lifting in our journey through this apocalyptic masterpiece - and today we go for all the marbles! We are tackling the most challenging and controversial topic in all of end times theology! It all has to do with a thousand years! The millennium, they call it. Satan is bound and thrown into the abyss for 1,000 years. Thrones are set up - and those who had not taken the mark will reign with Christ for 1,000 years. The rest of the dead are raised after 1,000 years. Satan is released after 1,000 years! The bad actors are thrown into the lake of fire, and then comes the white throne and the final judgment! If you've been tracking with us through this series, you know we won't take that 1,000-year number literally - or chronologically. We're rebellious that way! There is a different and more faithful way to look at this that just makes everything make sense! What is this fresh take? Tune in! You might have your eyes opened and your mind blown!