The Bible

Unpacked
Part H. Persevering

Foundations Study Series

A compilation of the Bible’s teaching
for believers consolidating their faith

paul mallison
The Bible
™
Unpacked

Foundations Study Series

A compilation of the Bible’s teaching

for believers consolidating their faith

Part H. Persevering

paul mallison
The Bible Unpacked™ Copyright © 1994–2015 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.)

The verses in this text have been taken from the Bible translations mentioned in the
copyright notices immediately below.

Scripture quotations marked “CEV” are from the Contemporary English Version
Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.

Scripture quotations marked “ESV” are from The Holy Bible, English Standard
Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News
Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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 “GW” are taken from God’s Word® Copyright 1995 God’s
Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

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.

Quotations of phrases from other Bible translations are on occasions included in

comments on the verses. The copyright notices for these other translations are:

Scripture quotations marked “AMP” are taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright ©
1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.
Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org).

Scripture quotations marked “NLT” are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living
Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.,
Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

This copy made: 22-May-15.

 Part H. Persevering iii

Contents

A Quick Word .......................................................................... iv

Suggestions for Study Groups ........................................... v

36. Standing Firm ..................................................................1

37. Rejecting Sin ....................................................................4

38. Major Pitfalls ....................................................................7

39. Hard Times .................................................................... 10

40. Persecution .................................................................... 13

Topics in This Series ............................................................ 16

The Seven Editions ............................................................... 17

Supporting Persecuted Christians .................................. 18

iv The Bible Unpacked – Foundations Study Series

A Quick Word
This series of studies aims to present a compilation of the Bible’s
teachings in a clear and readable order. There are eight booklets in the
series, based on the eight parts of the book The Bible Unpacked -
Foundations Edition. Each booklet has five chapters, with questions
added.

See Topics in This Series towards the end of this booklet for a full
listing of all the topics. Note that studying booklets alternatively from
the two major sections (What to Know and What to Do) would add
variety.

The material contains 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.

The verses often have a brief introduction. Usually these state who is
speaking and often who they are speaking to. Apart from God and Jesus
Christ, the main speakers are:
 Moses – who lead the Israelites out of Egypt and taught them God’s laws;
 David – Israel’s greatest king who wrote many of the psalms, most of
which are essentially prayers;
 Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and other prophets – who spoke to the
people of Israel on God’s behalf; and
 Paul, Peter, John and other leaders of the early church – who spoke to
various groups and wrote letters to believers.

For free downloads and information on other study series based on editions
of The Bible Unpacked, go to: www.thebibleunpacked.net.

Paul Mallison
 Part H. Persevering v

Suggestions for Study Groups

Preliminary matters:
 Beforehand the leader should: check the context of any verses they are
not familiar with; and review the questions. If need be, they should
compose questions more applicable to the group.
 Each person should have a Bible, for things such as checking a verse’s
context. It would also be helpful to have Bible commentaries on hand.
 Pray before beginning the study. Ask God for help in understanding the
meaning of the verses and to affect your lives through them. Also pray
together at the end.

Doing the study:

 Ideally, read the material and answer the questions prior to the
meeting. Then share answers and discuss any issues arising from the
material in the meeting.
 Alternatively, read the material and answer the questions in the
meeting – reading either aloud as a group or individually (prior to
sharing answers). If reading as a group, try having one person read the
headings, another read the verses and another read the comments.
Additionally, a fourth person could read the Bible references.

General or concluding questions:

If time permits, conclude with one or more of the following questions:
 What is something that you either: did not know before; gained
greater insight into; or needed reminding of?
 What verse would be helpful to memorize and bear in mind during the
next week?
 In taking the verses seriously, is there anything you should change in:
(a) how you relate to God and/or to other people; or
(b) any other area of your life (e.g. attitudes, values or behavior)?
If so, are there any specific steps you could take to do this?
 36. Standing Firm 1

36. Standing Firm

The Bible contains numerous exhortations to be faithful to God and
to hold to the Christian faith. It is a persistent challenge for every
Christian to do so, until the end. This chapter provides important
insights and instructions on this topic, for every believer.

Be Faithful to God

Be faithful to God and Jesus Christ

[S O LO M O N , TO THE P EO PL E :] May you, his people, always be faithful to
the LORD our God, obeying all his laws and commands, as you do
today. 1 KINGS 8:61 GNT
When he arrived and saw how God had blessed the people, he was
glad and urged them all to be faithful and true to the Lord with all
their hearts. ACTS 11:23 GNT

Do not forget God

[M O S ES ,
TO THE I S R AEL IT ES :] Be sure you do not forget the LORD your
God by not keeping his commandments, ordinances, and statutes that
I am giving you today. … 18You must remember the LORD your God …
DEUTERONOMY 8:11, 18A NET

Persist until the End

Stand firm until the end

[J ES U S ,
TO HIS D IS C IP LES :] All people will hate you because you follow
me, but those people who keep their faith until the end will be saved.
MATTHEW 10:22 NCV™

Persist so that you will receive the reward

So do not throw away your confidence, because it has great reward.
36
For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what
is promised. HEBREWS 10:35–36 NET
2 The Bible Unpacked – Foundations Study Series

Be ready for Jesus Christ’s 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

Engaging in Spiritual Warfare

Resist Satan
Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a
roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. 9But you
must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. 1 PETER 5:8–9 CEV

Use spiritual weapons and armor

For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able
to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to
stand. 14Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around
your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, 15by fitting
your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of
peace, … EPHESIANS 6:13–15 NET
Verse 15 is most likely speaking of believers having a strong grasp
of the truths of the gospel so as to be ready for action. Possibly a
readiness to proclaim this gospel is in view. (Note that other
spiritual weapons follow.)

Have Faith
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. EPHESIANS 6:16 GNT

Use God’s word

Accept God’s salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God. EPHESIANS 6:17 NCV™

Pray
Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power
of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.
EPHESIANS 6:18 CEV
 36. Standing Firm 3

What challenges do you face in remaining faithful to God? What

advice could you give to someone facing similar challenges?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

What things motivate you to persist in the faith?

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Are you ready for Jesus Christ’s return? If you knew he was returning
in the next twelve months, what would you do differently?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Some people worry a lot about Satan, while others are not concerned
at all. How should we view him?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Choose one of the things mentioned in the spiritual weapons and

armor listed and say how it does or could help you in spiritual warfare.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
4 The Bible Unpacked – Foundations Study Series

37. Rejecting Sin

The Bible does not merely tell us not to sin. As this chapter shows,
the Bible gives practical instruction on how to deal with any sin that
we have done – and also on how to avoid sin in future.

Dealing with Sin

Be sorrowful over your sin

The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, you will not reject a
heart that is broken and sorry for sin. PSALMS 51:17 NCV™

Confess your sin to God

[N EHEM IA H ,
TO G O D :] I confess the sins that we Israelites have
committed against you as well as the sins that my father’s family and
I have committed. NEHEMIAH 1:6B GW

Ask God for forgiveness and restoration

[D AV ID ,
TO G O D AFTER C O M M ITT ING T ER R IBL E S IN :] Turn your face from
my sins and wipe out all my guilt. 10Create in me a pure heart, God,
and make my spirit right again. PSALMS 51:9–10 NCV™

Avoiding Sin

Ask God for help to avoid sin

[D AV ID , TO G O D :] Don’t let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin
have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of
some terrible fault. PSALMS 19:13 CEV

For God will help us withstand temptation

[P AU L , TO B ELI EV ER S :] You are tempted in the same way that everyone
else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too
much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 CEV
 37. Rejecting Sin 5

Use God’s word to avoid sin

[A PS ALM IS T , TO G O D :] I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me
from sinning against you. PSALMS 119:11 CEV

Avoid sinful desires

[P ETER ,
TO BELIE V ER S :] Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles
to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul, …
1 PETER 2:11 NET

Alternatives to Sin

Instead of living by sinful human nature, 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.

Instead of living as a slave to sin, live as a slave to God

[P AU L ,
TO BELIEV ER S :] But now you have been set free from sin and are
the slaves of God. Your gain is a life fully dedicated to him, and the
result is eternal life. ROMANS 6:22 GNT
One of the most effective measures against sinning is to be busy
doing good – as is the case when one lives as a slave to God.

Be Holy

We are to be holy, as God is holy

[G O D :] “You must be holy, because I am holy.” 1 PETER 1:14–16 ISV

Be set apart for God

[G O D , TO THE I S R AELITES :] Therefore separate yourselves and be holy,
because I am the Lord your God. LEVITICUS 20:7 ISV
6 The Bible Unpacked – Foundations Study Series

What should we do about sin that we have committed?

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

How does God’s word help us to avoid sin?

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Explain in your own words what it means to “live according to the

Spirit” (Romans 8:4)?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

How does being preoccupied with doing what is right - living as a

slave to God - help us to avoid sin? What right or good things could
you be more focused on doing?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

What is involved in being holy?

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
 38. Major Pitfalls 7

38. Major Pitfalls

The “pitfalls” spoken of in this chapter are: pride, riches and sexual sin.
These are three of the greatest dangers to one’s life as a believer. It is
essential that we take to heart the Bible’s teaching about them.

Pride

Do not be proud or conceited

Don’t be proud and feel that you are smarter than others. Make
friends with ordinary people. ROMANS 12:16B CEV

Do not be wise in your own eyes

How horrible it will be for those who think they are wise and consider
themselves to be clever. ISAIAH 5:21 GW

Instead of being proud, be humble

[P ETER , TO BEL IEV ER S :] And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility
toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace
to the humble. 1 PETER 5:5B NET

Riches

Riches are a barrier to a relationship with God

Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is
for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” … 25It is easier for a camel
to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the
kingdom of God.” MARK 10:23, 25 NET

Riches are not secure

Tell those who have the riches of this world … not to place their
confidence in anything as uncertain as riches.. 1 TIMOTHY 6:17A GW
8 The Bible Unpacked – Foundations Study Series

Hoarding riches will bring ill consequences in the afterlife

[J ES U S :] But how horrible it will be for those who are rich. They have
had their comfort. LUKE 6:24 GW

So, do not love money and be content with what you have
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

Sexual Sin

Avoid sexual sin

[P AU L ,
TO BELIEV ER S :] But there must be no sexual sin among you, or
any kind of evil or greed. Those things are not right for God’s holy
people. EPHESIANS 5:3 NCV™
The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of Moses brought in a
woman who had been caught in bed with a man who wasn’t her
husband. They made her stand in the middle of the crowd. 4Then
they said, “Teacher, this woman was caught sleeping with a man who
isn’t her husband. … 7They kept on asking Jesus about the woman.
Finally, he stood up and said, “If any of you have never sinned, then
go ahead and throw the first stone at her!” 8Once again he bent over
and began writing on the ground. 9The people left one by one,
beginning with the oldest. Finally, Jesus and the woman were there
alone. 10Jesus stood up and asked her, “Where is everyone? Isn’t
there anyone left to accuse you?” 11“No sir,” the woman answered.
Then Jesus told her, “I am not going to accuse you either. You may
go now, but don’t sin anymore.” JOHN 8:3–4, 7–11 CEV

Sexual sin results in God’s judgment

[G O D ,
TO J O HN :] But I will tell you what will happen to cowards and
to everyone who is unfaithful or dirty-minded or who murders or is
sexually immoral or uses witchcraft or worships idols or tells lies.
They will be thrown into that lake of fire and burning sulfur. This is
the second death. REVELATION 21:8 CEV
 38. Major Pitfalls 9

Why is pride so bad?

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

How does one “be humble”? What attitudes and actions does it involve?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

How do riches form a barrier to our relationship with God?

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

How can we avoid loving money?

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

In what ways is sexual sin detrimental to oneself?

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
10 The Bible Unpacked – Foundations Study Series

39. Hard Times

Hard times are experienced by all Christians. This reality is reflected in
the Bible. But the Bible also shows that there are a number of practical
and effective things that we can do when undergoing hard times – the
most prominent of which is praying.

Trust and Wait For God

Trust in God
[D AV ID ,
TO G O D :] I have heard the slander of many; It is like terror all
around me, as they conspire together and plot to take my life. 14But I
trust in you, O LORD. I say, “You are my God.” 15My times are in your
hands. Deliver me from the hands of my enemies and from those who
pursue me. PSALMS 31:13–15 ISV
The statement: “You are my God” (v. 14), implies that the LORD is
the one David trusts as being in control of his life, the one who held
his present and future circumstances in his hands (v. 15a).

Take refuge in God

The one who lives in the shelter of the Most High and who abides in
the shadow of the Almighty 2will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge,
my fortress, and my God in whom I trust!” PSALMS 91:1–2 ISV

Wait for God

Wait patiently for the LORD! Wait confidently for him! PSALMS 37:7A NET

Take comfort in God’s word

[A PS ALM IS T , TO G O D :] 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.
 39. Hard Times 11

Pray in Hard Times

Pour out your heart to God

O people, in every situation put your trust in him; pour out your
heart before him; for God is a refuge for us. PSALMS 62:8 ISV

Cry out to God for help

[D AV ID :] In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried out to my God.
From his heavenly temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry
for help. PSALMS 18:6 NET

Persist in prayer to God

[A PS ALM IS T , TO G O D :] LORD God, my saviour, I cry out all day, and at
night I come before you. PSALMS 88:1 GNT

Praise and thank God amidst trouble

Then [Jehoshaphat] he chose men to be singers to the LORD, to praise
him because he is holy and wonderful. As they marched in front of the
army, they said, “Thank the LORD, because his love continues forever.”
22
As they began to sing and praise God, the LORD set ambushes for the
people of Ammon, Moab, and Edom who had come to attack Judah.
And they were defeated. 2 CHRONICLES 20:21B–22 NCV™

God in Our Hard Times

God is near us in hard times

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, and he saves those whose
spirits have been crushed. PSALMS 34:18 NCV™

God comforts us in hard times

[P AU L , TO BEL IEV ER S :] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ! He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, 4who
comforts us in all our suffering, so that we may be able to comfort
others in all their suffering, since we ourselves are being comforted
by God. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3–4 ISV
12 The Bible Unpacked – Foundations Study Series

What is involved in trusting in God during hard times?

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

How does God’s word provide comfort during hard times?

____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

What is meant by “pour out your heart” to God (cf. Psalms 62:8)? How
does doing this help in suffering?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Apart from God’s response, how does persisting in prayer benefit a

suffering person - both during the suffering and afterwards?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

What is one thing mentioned (or perhaps a verse) that you ought to
keep in mind when facing hard times? How would it help you?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
 40. Persecution 13

40. Persecution
The Bible warns that faithfully following God inevitably results in
persecution and difficulties. But as this chapter shows, it also provides
practical teaching on what to do when faced with persecution – and
even gives reasons to rejoice.

Have Faith in God

Trust in God
[P AU L ,
TO THE B ELI EV ER S AT C O R INTH :] 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.
29
Aren’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

Pray to God, asking for help

[T HE EARLY BELIEVERS :] And now, Lord, listen to their threats. Lord, help
us, your servants, to speak your word without fear. 30Help us to be
brave by showing us your power to heal. Give proofs and make miracles
happen by the power of Jesus, your holy servant. ACTS 4:29–30 NCV™
Note that the believers’ prayer was for God to work through them
during their persecution, rather than simply for God to stop the
persecution.
14 The Bible Unpacked – Foundations Study Series

Be Faithful to God

Remain faithful to God and Jesus Christ

[J ES U S C HR IS T ,
TO BE LIEV ER S :] 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

Consider and follow Jesus Christ’s example in suffering

[T HEWR IT ER , TO B ELI EV ER S :] Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on
whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up
because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was
waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the
cross, and he is now seated at the right-hand side of God’s throne.
3
Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred
from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give
up. HEBREWS 12:2–3 GNT

Rejoice in Persecution

Rejoice because trials develop Christian character

[J AM ES ,
TO B ELI EV ER S :] Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are
involved in various trials, 3because you know that the testing of your
faith produces endurance. 4But you must let endurance have its full
effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
JAMES 1:2–4 ISV

Rejoice because of rewards for enduring persecution

How blessed are you whenever people hate you, avoid you, insult you,
and slander you because of the Son of Man! 23Rejoice in that day and
leap for joy, for your reward in heaven is great! LUKE 6:22–23A ISV

Remember the persecuted

 40. Persecution 15

What kinds of persecution, if any, have you faced because of your faith?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Choose a blessing of enduring persecution and difficulties – not

necessarily from this chapter – that you can particularly relate to. Say
why you chose it.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

What attitude and actions should be part of our response to those

who persecute us?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

When facing persecution and difficulties, how could you bring yourself
to rejoice?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Believers in some countries face intense persecution. What obligations

do we have to them as fellow believers? How can we support them?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
16 The Bible Unpacked – Foundations Study Series

Topics in This Series

Section I: What to Know Section II: What to Do

Part A. God and Spiritual Powers Part E. Relating to God

1. God’s Being 21. Being Right with God

2. God’s Character 22. Having Faith in God
3. Jesus Christ 23. Loving, Fearing and Obeying God
4. The Holy Spirit 24. Connecting with God
5. Angels, Demons and Satan 25. Exalting God

Part B. God and the World: Basics Part F. Church Life

6. God’s Creation 26. Being One Body

7. God’s Sovereignty 27. Worshiping God
8. God’s Word 28. Serving God
9. The Problem of Sin 29. Significant Practices
10. God’s Judgment 30. Church Leadership

Part C. God and the World: Jesus Christ Part G. Relating to People

11. God’s Promised Messiah 31. Love

12. Jesus Christ’s Mission 32. Justice
13. Salvation through Jesus Christ 33. Wisdom
14. The New Order 34. Common Relationships
15. ‘The Last Things’ 35. Spreading the Gospel

Part D. God and His Own People Part H. Persevering

16. The Standing of God’s People 36. Standing Firm

17. Keys to God’s Interaction with His People 37. Spurning Sin
18. God’s Transformation of His People 38. Major Pitfalls
19. God’s Care of His People 39. Hard Times
20. God’s Plans for His People 40. Persecution
 Part H. Persevering 17

The Seven Editions

There are seven editions of The Bible Unpacked, as shown below. Each
edition is an abbreviated version of the next 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. Studies
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 Studies
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 Studies
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 Studies
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.
18 The Bible Unpacked – Foundations Study Series

Supporting 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
This series of studies is based on the
Foundations Edition of The Bible Unpacked.

There are seven editions of The Bible Unpacked.

These aim to address the needs of
NON-CHRISTIANS through to MATURE CHRISTIANS,
from TEENAGERS to ADULTS.

For more information and free downloads go to:

www.thebibleunpacked.net.