C A.C Sunday School Manual For January 18, 2026, Lesson 1 : Title - The Bible: It's Meaning and Structure

CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH

Nigeria and Overseas

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

Theme: The Bible: God’s Message to Man

January – December 2026

Unit 1:

The Nature, Message and Inspiration of the Bible

Date: January 18, 2026

Lesson: 1

Topic: The Bible: Its Meaning and Structure

Memory Scripture:

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

(Romans 15:4)

The Bible is the sacred book of divine wisdom, truth, and inspiration, revealing God’s love and redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

Monday (12): The Word Accomplishes God’s Will Always

(Isaiah 55:10–11)

Tuesday (13): The Word Guides, Illuminates, and Leads

(Psalm 119:105)

Wednesday (14): The Scriptures Testify of Jesus Christ

(Luke 24:44)

Thursday (15): The Word Is God

(John 1:1–3)

Friday (16): The Bible Is Inspired by God’s Spirit

(2 Peter 1:20–21)

Saturday (17): The Word Reveals Future Truth

(Revelation 1:1–3)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

The Bible is God’s divine guide, revealing His eternal plan of salvation through Jesus Christ from beginning to end.

INTRODUCTION

Textual Sources:

Genesis 3:15; Psalm 119:105; Matthew 5:17–18; Luke 24:44; Romans 15:4; 16:25–26; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1–2; 4:12; 2 Peter 1:21

Last year, our focus was on Preparing God’s People for Leadership, emphasizing that effective leadership in God’s Kingdom rests on strong biblical foundations. True leadership flows from obedience to God’s Word.

This year, we build upon that foundation by exploring The Bible: God’s Message to Man. Understanding the Bible is not only vital for leaders but essential for every believer’s spiritual growth and walk with God. Glory be to Jesus!

In this first lesson, we examine the meaning of the Bible, its structure, and the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. Together, they form a unified message revealing God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

The Bible is not merely an ancient book; it is the living Word of God, still speaking to humanity today. It teaches us about God, His creation, and His purpose to redeem mankind. From Genesis to Revelation, every part of Scripture points to Christ—the fulfilment of God’s promises.

Let us journey through the Scriptures together, discovering the wisdom and guidance God has graciously provided for life, faith, and leadership.

LESSON OUTLINE

I. The Bible: Its Meaning

II. The Structure of the Bible

LESSON EXPOSITION

I. THE BIBLE: ITS MEANING

(Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:21)

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

(2 Timothy 3:16)

a) 2 Peter 1:21: The Bible is God-breathed. It did not originate from human ideas but from God, who spoke through holy men by the Holy Spirit. It reveals His will, purpose, and plan for humanity.

b) Psalm 119:105: God’s Word is a guide for daily living. It teaches righteousness, exposes error, and leads believers through a world filled with confusion and darkness (cf. Proverbs 6:23).

c) The Bible points consistently to Jesus Christ—the ultimate answer to mankind’s need. From the first promise of a Saviour (Genesis 3:15) to His life, death, and resurrection, God’s redemptive plan is clearly revealed (cf. Luke 24:27; John 5:39).

d) Hebrews 4:12: The Word of God is living, powerful, and transformative. It shapes character, corrects conduct, and prepares believers for service in God’s Kingdom (cf. James 1:21).

e) Romans 15:4: Scripture is more than history or moral instruction; it communicates God’s plan of redemption and offers hope through Christ.

II. THE STRUCTURE OF THE BIBLE

(Matthew 5:17–18; Luke 24:44; Romans 15:4; 16:25–26; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1–2)

“For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

(Matthew 5:18)

a) Matthew 5:17–18: Jesus did not abolish the Old Testament; He fulfilled it. The Old Testament points to Christ, while the New Testament reveals how He fulfils its promises.

b) The Bible is divided into two main sections—the Old and New Testaments. Together, they present one unified story of God’s salvation plan through Jesus Christ.

c) Luke 24:44: Jesus affirmed that the Old Testament Scriptures testify about Him and prepared the way for His life, death, and resurrection.

d) Romans 15:4: The Old Testament teaches us about God’s character and promises, laying the foundation for the hope fulfilled in Christ.

e) Romans 16:25–26: God’s plan of salvation, hidden in the Old Testament, is fully revealed in the New Testament through Jesus Christ.

f) 2 Timothy 3:16: Both Testaments are divinely inspired and essential for spiritual growth, instruction, and maturity.

g) Hebrews 1:1–2: God spoke through the prophets in the Old Testament, but in the New Testament, He speaks through His Son, Jesus Christ.

LESSONS DERIVED

Believers should read and study the Bible daily, recognising it as God’s living Word that leads to salvation through Christ.

Understanding the harmony between the Old and New Testaments helps believers grasp God’s complete plan of redemption.

QUESTIONS

In what ways does the Bible guide our daily lives and point us to Jesus Christ?

How do the Old and New Testaments work together to reveal God’s plan of salvation?