HOW TO USE THIS BIBLE
The Bible is huge — sixty-six books in one. It may look daunting to try
to read it on your own. But the Bible tells God’s story about himself,
people, heaven, and earth. In this epic
from God, he used different guys to write
about battles, victories, kings and queens,
supernatural visions, promises, tragedies,
all kinds of families, and so much more.
Each character, story, and message has
something to do with God’s creation,
character, and compassion. To get started,
read a little bit at a time, and use the
special features to navigate
the pages.
BOOK INTRODUCTIONS
A quick look at the author, setting,
and background will help you
understand the characters and
stories in each book.
GENESIS 1:1 – 2:22
GOD IS AN ALL-POWERFUL , all-knowing supreme
being. He created everything: the universe and its planets
and stars, Earth and its animals, plants, mountains, and
waters. God is so amazing that his voice formed each new
thing. He saved his most prized creation for last: Adam and
Eve, the first man and woman. God lets people understand who
he is and what he’s like through his creations. Everywhere and everything shows
God’s design, creativity, and power.
With humans he even gave his breath to give them life — kind of like heavenly
CPR. So every person, even if they don’t know about God, bears God’s divine
design. “He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and who reveals his
thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of
the earth — the Lord God Almighty is his name” (Amos 4:13).
MAKIN’ IT REAL
Think the Bible is too ancient
to make sense today? You’ll
be surprised. Get the scoop on
what boys like you can learn
from the Bible — no matter
what century you live in.
WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?
While everything in the Bible
is important, certain people,
places, and things stand out.
Find out who’s who, what’s
what, and how they connect
to God. You’ll discover the
adventures and challenges of
mankind.
MAKIN’ IT REAL
GENESIS 19
GENESIS
WHO WROTE THIS BOOK?
There is some debate about who wrote Genesis. However, many
scholars believe Moses wrote it.
WHY WAS THIS BOOK WRITTEN?
Genesis tells how God created the universe and human beings. It also
covers the special promises God made to Abraham.
WHAT DO WE LEARN ABOUT GOD IN THIS BOOK?
God created all things. He loves people, but he will punish sin. God
promises, however, to save people who trust him.
WHO ARE THE KEY PEOPLE IN THIS BOOK?
The most important people in this book are Adam and Eve, Noah,
Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel, and
Joseph.
WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?
No one knows when the creation or the flood occurred. Abraham was
born about 2150 BC. His great-grandson Joseph died about 1800
BC.
WHERE DID THIS HAPPEN?
Genesis 1–11 happened in Mesopotamia. Genesis 12–36 took place
in Canaan, which is also called the promised land. The rest of Genesis
took place in Egypt.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE STORIES IN THIS BOOK?
/ God creates the universe ...................Genesis 1
/ God creates Adam and Eve .................Genesis 2
/ Adam and Eve sin .......................Genesis 3
/ Noah builds an ark ......................Genesis 6
/ God sends a flood to punish sin ............Genesis 7–8
/ God gives promises to Abraham ............Genesis 12
/ Abraham prays for a city .................Genesis 18
/ Jacob steals Esau’s blessing ................Genesis 27
/ Jacob’s name is changed .................Genesis 32
/ Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery .........Genesis 37
/ Joseph becomes a ruler ................Genesis 39–41
9780310455042_int_01_gen_deut_niv boys bible.indd 1 12/24/19 9:34 AM
HMM, OVER THERE is the best-looking place to build my new
house, Lot thought. The grass was green; there was plenty of water;
he could have a garden estate. So Lot took it (Genesis 13:10 – 11).
But the best land was right next to the worst people. Lot pitched his
tents too close to wicked Sodom, and he wasn’t able to resist their evil
influence. He even offered his daughters to them.
Though you don’t get to choose where you live, you do choose
your friends and who influences you. If you don’t surround yourself
with friends and family who serve God, you may wind up getting
too close to those who don’t serve God. Ultimately, you may be
persuaded to do what’s wrong along with them. Choose your
friends carefully; find ones that will help you face and conquer
temptations and threats.