What is Understand the Bible in a nutshell?
Understand the Bible is all about teaching you the Christian faith online. I aim to produce a new video each week teaching different aspects of the Christian faith.
Why the name ‘Understand the Bible’?
The Bible is not simply an interesting book, but it’s God’s word. The book of 2 Timothy in the Bible says, “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). The story of the Bible is the story of Christianity. Therefore, to understand the Bible is to understand God, humanity, our place in the world, how we can be saved and live lives which please God, and much more.
Who is it for?
It’s for anyone who wants to learn the Christian faith – you don’t have to know anything to start.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes! I try to have beginners in mind with everything I do. If any particular course needs background knowledge, I try to make that clear from the outset.
The most suitable thing for beginners is starting from the beginning of the What is Christianity? course!
How much does it cost?
The website and the content are completely free to use. However, if you’d like to support me you can become a patron or give in other ways.
Is there an audio alternative to the videos?
There is a podcast – however there is only a limited amount of content available (e.g. sermons), as the videos don’t always translate well into audio format.
Can I do this instead of going to church?
Understand the Bible is not intended to be (and could not be) a replacement for church. These videos are intended to help understanding the Christian faith and the Bible. However, to live it out, you need to be part of a church. What would be the point in learning all about the Bible without putting it into practice? This is what is says in the book of James (in the Bible):
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do.
James, chapter 1, verses 22-25
If you want to do what the Bible (the Word) says, rather than just hearing it, then you need to be part of a church local to you. Understand the Bible can help you to make sense of the Bible, but you need to put that into practice with other Christians. The best thing would you for you to find a local church to attend and a Bible study group with Christians in your area (many churches have Bible study groups and are very happy to have new people joining).
However, if there are no good churches local to you, I created Church with UTB to help out anyone who wants to start a house church.
Read about why local church is important.
How is UTB different from going to church?
Church is an entirely different experience from Understand the Bible. UTB is primarily about teaching, church is about much more than that – e.g. meeting with other Christians, encouragement, prayer, etc. In other words, UTB by design cannot provide the things which church provides.
Read about why local church is important.
Who are you?
My name is Phill Sacre, creator of Understand the Bible, you can read a bit about me and the history of UTB on the About page.
Any other questions?
I think I’ve covered everything here but if you have any other questions, contact me! I’d love to hear your questions / comments / suggestions.