Reading Scripture Through The Character of God
This section gathers a growing collection of Bible study courses designed to help you explore Scripture in a clear, thoughtful, and Christ-centered way. Each course walks through the biblical text step by step, allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture and letting the larger story of redemption unfold naturally.
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Chapter 1
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The Question Behind The Whole Bible
Every person carries a picture of God in their mind. But is that picture true? The Bible is not simply a collection of religious writings. It tells one unfolding story. A story about the character of God.
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The First Lie About God
The story of sin begins with a subtle question about God. In the Garden of Eden, the serpent suggested that God could not be trusted and that His commands were withholding something good. This moment reveals the heart of the great conflict between good and evil.
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Chapter 2
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The First Gospel Promise
Even before humanity left the Garden of Eden, God gave a promise. In Genesis 3:15, often called the first gospel, God foretold that a descendant of the woman would one day defeat the serpent. Though sin had entered the world, God’s plan of redemption had already begun. This promise becomes the thread that runs through the entire Bible, pointing forward to Jesus Christ.
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The God Who Seeks Sinners
After Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God. Yet instead of abandoning them, God came searching for them. The first recorded words after the fall are God’s question: “Where are you?” This moment reveals something profound about God’s character. Salvation begins not with human effort, but with God’s initiative.
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Meet your instructor
These Bible study courses are written and taught by Jim Orbe, a lifelong student of Scripture whose passion is helping others see the beauty and coherence of the Bible.
Jim holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Liberty University, where he received formal training in biblical interpretation, theology, and pastoral ministry. His academic studies focused heavily on hermeneutics, biblical theology, and apologetics, equipping him to approach Scripture carefully and responsibly.
Beyond formal education, Jim has spent years engaged in independent biblical research and teaching, particularly within the Seventh-day Adventist tradition. His work explores themes such as the character of God, the cross as the center of Scripture, the cosmic conflict narrative, and the sanctuary message, always with a commitment to sola scriptura—allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture.
Jim serves in ministry as an ordained minister through the National Association of Christian Ministers, and he regularly teaches Bible studies, leads small groups, and preaches in church settings. His teaching aims to be both biblically rigorous and spiritually transformative, helping believers move beyond surface-level readings of Scripture into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ.
But more important than degrees or titles is the conviction that the Bible is ultimately understood through humble submission to the Holy Spirit. These courses are therefore not offered as the final word on Scripture, but as an invitation to study the Word carefully, think deeply, and allow Christ to shape the heart.
Jim’s goal in every lesson is simple:
To help people see the character of God more clearly through the pages of Scripture.
FAQs
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These studies are designed for anyone who wants to understand the Bible more deeply—whether you are new to Scripture or have been studying it for many years. They are especially helpful for individuals, small groups, churches, and families who want to read the Bible with Christ at the center.
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Not at all. Each lesson is built around simple Scripture questions that allow the Bible to explain itself. No theological training is required—just an open Bible and a willingness to explore what God’s Word says.
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Many Bible studies focus on isolated topics. This course focuses on the big story of Scripture—the revelation of God’s character through Jesus Christ.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible answers one central question:
What is God really like?
These lessons explore how the entire biblical narrative reveals that truth.
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Any reliable Bible translation can be used. Most Scripture references will work well with translations such as:
• NKJV
• ESV
• NASB
• NIV
The most important thing is reading the text carefully in its context.
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The goal is not merely to gain information but to encounter the character of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
The Bible ultimately tells one story:
God restoring a world that has misunderstood His heart.
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Yes. These studies were designed specifically to be used in churches, home groups, Sabbath School classes, or personal discipleship settings. A Teacher’s Edition is available to help facilitators guide discussions.