There is no greater calling than the call to the ministry of that Word. Contained within the pages of the Bible is a story of such magnitude that it is beyond human capacity to fully comprehend. In spite of that fact, we must, as the people of God, do all we can to understand the meaning, message and purpose of God?s Holy Book.
It has been said that the most difficult part of doing anything is to begin. Whether reading a book, starting a diet, or pursuing a new career, motivating oneself to begin the journey is the key to ultimate success. The mere fact that you have opened this book indicates a desire to study to show yourself approved. You are to be commended for taking the first step.
This book on New Testament Survey has been written with three audiences in mind. The first target "audience" is the teacher of the Word of God who is searching for a concise guide to this awesome topic. The second group is the individual Bible college student who needs a thorough overview of God's Word, given in a book by book fashion, to lay some foundation for further Biblical study. The final group is the adult (age 14 years and above) learner who wants a quick grasp of the Bible as God?s special revelation to mankind.
As you begin the Bible survey, keep an open heart so that the Holy Spirit, who originally inspired the revelation of scripture, will bring understanding and revelation to you. God?s precious word is truly "a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your path." Hide the Word in your heart. (Ps 119:105)
The Bible can be surveyed in several different ways:- By studying the lives of the main Bible characters.
- By studying themes such as "the blood", "the covenants", etc.
- By working out the chronological order of the events, also what was happening in the rest of the world to give perspective.
- By studying each book in order.
- By studying the history and culture of the peoples.
WHO WERE THE AUTHORS?
Kings and princes, poets and philosophers, prophets, and statesmen, unschooled fisher-men, a tax gatherer, etc.
PRINCIPLE ELEMENTS
Old Testament and New Testament
- Principle characters
- Principle places
- Principle facts
- Principle periods
The Bible is one story, one history, His story, the story of Jesus Christ. All through the ages we find the promise of a Saviour Lu 19:10; Mt 20:28.
- The Bible can be read in approximately 80 hours. Please do not dip in here or there, but instead read systematically.
- No Scripture should be privately interpreted, but Scripture is to interpret Scripture (1 Pe 1:20). However, the Holy Spirit has promised to lead us into all truth (Jn 16:13).
- The Old Testament is an account of a nation. The New Testament is an account of a Man (the Son of man). The Nation was founded and nurtured by God to be a vehicle to bring the Man into the world (Ge 12:1-3).
- God became a man so that we might know what to think of when we think of God (John 1:14; 14:9).
- The Old Testament sets the stage. The New Testament describes it.
- Jesus Christ is not an historical character - dead and gone, but a living Person - the most vital force in the world today.
- It is God given (2 Ti 3:10-17).
- It should be treasured (De 11:1-9, Jsh. 1:8,9).
- It should be kept (Ps 119:9-18).
- It is a lamp (Ps 119:105-117).
- It is food (Is 55:1-11; Mt 4:4).
- It has been and is being fulfilled (Lu 24:36-45).
- It is complete (Re 22:8-21).
Therefore, we must systematically study God?s Word. Let us first look at the Word of God as it is organized, to give us a clearer understanding.