We’re so happy to be back with you on Anchored by Truth as we continue a series we are call “The Bible: Cornerstone and Context.” This series is designed to help our listeners absorb the Bible’s timeless wisdom more readily. The Bible contains a wide variety of literature types including history, prophecy, poetry, and practical principles. But despite the many type of literature in the Bible, it is a unified whole. As we have said throughout this series, the Bible is a single story about a single plan centered on a single man. The Bible contains a remarkable unity which demonstrates clearly that it is the product of an omniscient mind. The Bible is the special revelation of that Mind to men and women. Why would God have gone to so much trouble? As is often said, God did it for our good and His glory. So, back with us today as we continue the discussion is RD Fierro, an author and the founder of Crystal Sea Books. RD, what is the cornerstone of the Bible. And what are some of the themes that provide a context we can use to better understand the Bible – the themes that weave throughout scripture and create a beautiful tapestry out of the threads that are the individual books and accounts? RD: Well, before we get too far into our discussion I would also like to say hello and welcome everyone to this episode of Anchored by Truth. We’re so happy that you’re with us today. I hope that most people would know – even if they have not been following our series – that Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible. It’s impossible to make sense out of the Bible unless you build your understanding upon that essential truth. But as philosophers and scientists sometimes say knowing that Jesus is the cornerstone of the Bible is necessary but not sufficient to build a comprehensive understanding of scripture. So, in our last few episodes on Anchored by Truth we discussed the idea that there are at least 4 themes that are woven throughout the Old Testament. The 4 themes are the preparation of the world for the arrival of the Messiah, Christ Jesus; the preparation of a family that would actually give birth to the Messiah; the restraint of sin; and the promotion of holiness and abundant living. 2 of these 4 themes continue on into the New Testament because is always concerned about the restraint of sin and that His children live holy and abundant lives. But once Jesus came the New Testament writers shift their attention to preparations for Jesus’ second coming – his return to earth. So, in addition to the two themes that carried over from the Old Testament, a new theme emerges in the New – the preparation of the world and especially the church for Christ’s second coming to earth. This is episode 275.