Bible Story Summaries (Index)

The simple truth of the creation story is that God is the author of creation. In Genesis 1 we are presented with the beginning of a divine drama that can only be examined and understood from the standpoint of faith. How long did it take? How did it happen, exactly? No one can answer these questions definitively. In fact, these mysteries are not the focus of the creation story. The purpose, rather, is for moral and spiritual revelation.

Noah was righteous and blameless, but he was not sinless (see Genesis 9:20). Noah pleased God and found favor because he loved and obeyed God with his whole heart. As a result, Noah's life was an example to his entire generation. Although everyone else around him followed the evil in their hearts, Noah followed God.

To build the Tower of Babel, the people used brick instead of stone and tar instead of mortar. They used "man-made" materials, instead of more durable "God-made" materials. The people were building a monument to themselves, to call attention to their own abilities and achievements, instead of giving glory to God.

The people living in Sodom and Gomorrah were given over to immorality and all sorts of wickedness. The Bible tells us the inhabitants were all depraved. Although God mercifully desired to spare these two ancient cities even for the sake of a few righteous people, none lived there. So, God sent two angels disguised as men to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Learn why God's holiness demanded that Sodom and Gomorrah be put to ruin.

In a dream with angels ascending and descending a stairway from heaven, God extended his covenant promise to the Old Testament patriarch Jacob, son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham. Most scholars interpret Jacob's ladder as a demonstration of the relationship between God and man—from heaven to earth—showing that God takes the initiative to reach down to us. Learn the true significance of Jacob’s ladder.

Using a burning bush to get Moses’ attention, God chose this shepherd to lead his people out of bondage in Egypt. Try putting yourself in Moses' sandals. Can you see yourself going about your daily business when suddenly God appears and speaks to you from the most unexpected source? Moses' initial reaction was to get closer to inspect the mysterious burning bush. If God decides to get your attention in an unusual and surprising way today, will you be open to it?

The crossing the Red Sea may be the most spectacular miracle ever recorded. In the end, Pharaoh's army, the most powerful force on earth, was no match for almighty God. See how God used the crossing of the Red Sea to teach his people to trust him in overwhelming circumstances and to prove that he is sovereign over all things.

The Ten Commandments or the Tablets of the Law are the laws that God gave to the people of Israel through Moses after leading them out of Egypt. In essence, they are a summary of the hundreds of laws found in the Old Testament Law and are recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. They offer basic rules of behavior for spiritual and moral living.

The battle of Jericho featured one of the most astounding miracles in the Bible, proving that God stood with the Israelites. Joshua's strict obedience to God is a key lesson from this story. At every turn Joshua did exactly as he was told and the people of Israel prospered under his leadership. An ongoing theme in the Old Testament is that when the Jews obeyed God, they did well. When they disobeyed, the consequences were bad. The same is true for us today.

The story of Samson and Delilah, while belonging to times long past, overflows with relevant lessons for Christians of today. When Samson fell for Delilah, it marked the beginning of his downfall and eventual demise. You will learn how Samson is just like you and me in many ways. His story proves that God can use people of faith, no matter how imperfectly they live their lives.