Study The Word

For so many years when it came to reading the Bible, I usually read from the New Testament. I found it easier to understand and loved the application I could use in my everyday life. I rarely found myself in the Old Testament accept when reading Proverbs or the Psalms. How could stories in the Old Testament over 2000 years ago relate to me today? So many rules, wars, crazy sins, characters to follow, and God seemed angry and distant. The problem was that the Bible was not written for spectators but written for participators.  I had been reading much of the Bible as a spectator- At times judging the actions of Israel or key characters in the Bible.” How could Abraham lie to Pharaoh and tell him his wife was his sister? Or I can’t believe Israel continues to complain and be bitter towards God after all He has done for them? I can’t believe Eve bit the apple when God gave her everything in the Garden of Eden. What is up with that? When you read the Old Testament as history- that was back then and this is now- then you miss the whole point to why God inspired so many authors to write the Old Testament. He has something very important to tell us and He used a small group of people, Israel, to reveal Himself to us, and to reveal how hopeless and sinful we are apart from Him.

It hasn’t been until recently that all the pieces of the puzzle are finally showing me what the Bible is all about. The Bible is the greatest LOVE story ever told and each book reveals in different ways how significant we are to God and the plan He revealed from the very beginning so that we could be in a restored relationship with Him.  The following pages are a quick summary of every book in the Old and New Testaments. You will see themes, patterns, order, and spiritual truths. Begin reading the Bible as a story. There is a setting, characters, plot, climax, and conclusion. Your journey in understanding your Bible will be in identifying each part of the story and how YOU fit into it!

The Old Testament-(Hebrew Scriptures)
39 books

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

These can be classified as follows:

Pentateuch(Law) – 5 books
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy

Historical Books – 12 books
Joshua, Judges, Ruth, First Samuel, Second Samuel, First Kings, Second Kings, First Chronicles, Second Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.

Wisdom and Poetry- 5 books
Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

Prophetic – 17 books
Major Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel
Minor Prophets – Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.
The following 7 additional books are recognized by Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox as canonical:

Tobit, Judith, The Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiastics (Sirach), Baruch, I Maccabees, II Maccabees

The New Testament (all Christians)

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts of the Apostles, Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, I Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III John, Jude, Revelation (Apocalypse).

These can be summarized as follows:

The Gospels-4 books

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

Historical Books

Acts

Paul’s Letters- 14 books

Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians. 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon

Non Pauline Letters (General Letters) – 8 books

Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude,

Apocalyptic

Revelation

Summary of Books of Old Testament

Pentateuch-First five books of the Old Testament-Jewish Torah

1. Genesis- Genesis records the creation of the world by God, the sin of man, and the earliest parts of God’s plan to redeem and save man.
2. Exodus- Exodus documents how God rescued Israel from Egypt and it records his instructions on how to act as a nation.
3. Leviticus – Leviticus contains God’s instructions for Israel’s priests, and it includes God’s instruction to the entire nation of Israel on how to live-spiritually and physically.
4. Numbers – Numbers tells how God guaranteed the Israelites that the Promised Land would be theirs if they trusted Him. The Israelites initially refused to trust Him and they were forced to wander in the wilderness for forty years until God allowed them the opportunity to try to enter the Promised Land again.
5. Deuteronomy – Deuteronomy was to remind the Israelites of what God had done for them, and it was to encourage them to devote their lives to him. Deuteronomy reminds us that we should be thankful for what God has done for us, and that we should dedicate our lives to Him.

Historical Books

1. Joshua – Joshua records the events of Israel’s entrance into Canaan—the Promised Land.
2. Judges – Judges shows that God always punishes sin, and that He provides forgiveness for those who seek it. Judges tells of the period in Israel’s history after Joshua died, and when they were without a definitive centralized human government or leader. During this time, Israel consistently rebelled against God, causing them to be taken captive by their enemies each time they sinned. God called twelve human judges to deliver the nation of Israel from their sin and captivity during these years.
3. Ruth – Ruth demonstrates how the individual can remain faithful to God even when the rest of the world is corrupt. Ruth is a book of loyalty, faith, and love of God and humanity.
4. First Samuel – 1 Samuel records the last days of the judges of Israel, the first days of the period of kings for Israel, and how Israel rejected God’s leadership in favor of human leadership. 1 Samuel shows the stubbornness and evilness of the human heart, and how we should rely on God for true leadership.
5. Second Samuel – 2 Samuel documents the life and reign of David as Israel’s king. David committed numerous and despicable sins, yet God calls him a man after his own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). 2 Samuel shows that although we humans are full of sin, we can lead a godly life
6. First Kings-1 Kings tells the history of the kings of the united kingdom of Israel, and the history of the kings of the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah. Most of the kings were completely corrupt and led their kingdoms into sin. 1 Kings shows the importance of godly leadership, and that God expects those who lead to take care of his people.
7. Second Kings-2 Kings also tells of the kings of Israel, but it focuses more on the prophets sent to warn the kings and people of the impending judgment they faced if they refused to repent of their sins and return to God. 2 Kings reveals the importance of making God the ultimate leader in our lives. 2 Kings ends with the nations of Israel and Judah destroyed and led into captivity.
8. First Chronicles-1 Chronicles documents the family tree of David, and it summarizes the highlights of the kingdom of Israel’s history. 1 Chronicles teaches that God needs to be the center of our lives, and that he is the only way to eternal peace.
9. Second Chronicles-2 Chronicles purpose is to demonstrate that rejection of God leads to destruction while obedience to him leads to salvation. 2 Chronicles uses the history of the good kings of Israel and Judah to show how deference to God brings prosperity, and uses the history of the evil kings of Israel to show that disobeying God leads to eradication.
10. Ezra – Ezra tells of how God kept his promise to restore the Jews to their homeland. It records how the prophet Ezra led the first wave of Jews back to Israel and initiated the process of rebuilding their nation.
11. Nehemiah- Nehemiah is the final Old Testament history book. It records the events of the third wave of Jews to return to Israel and shows how God can use one man to accomplish his purposes
12. Esther –Esther is a book that never mentions God by name, but overwhelmingly shows that His spirit is ever present and that his will shall always be done regardless of human plans. Esther is an intriguing story of faith, courage, obedience, drama and romance.
13. Job-Job explains that God is sovereign, that the causes of suffering are not always known, that people who follow God are not immune from suffering, and that humans cannot understand the mind of God.

Wisdom and Poetry

1. Psalms – Psalms is a book of praise and worship to God. It is poetic, and it shows that the supreme purpose for man’s existence is to exalt and give thanks to God.
2. Proverbs – Proverbs is a book that teaches wisdom for everyday life. It informs us that the source of wisdom is God, and that it is folly to look to anyone or anything else for truth.
3. Ecclesiastes– Ecclesiastes primarily shows that life is meaningless without God. It reveals that life contains much sadness, but those who believe and trust in God will ultimately have fulfillment.
4. Song of Solomon – Song of Songs is a book that symbolically demonstrates God’s love for his people, and literally expresses the physical and emotional love between a man and a woman. It poetically and graphically tells of how physical and emotional love should be handled in courtship and marriage. Song of Songs stresses that physical love is proper and God-ordained when confined to the oneness of marriage.

Major Prophets

1. Isaiah – Isaiah is the first book of the prophets. Isaiah warns the people of Israel to turn from their sins or face the judgment of God. Isaiah also foretells the coming of the Messiah as the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. Isaiah shows us that we need to follow God in our lives, and the prediction of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection validates the truthfulness of the Bible.
2. Jeremiah – Jeremiah is another prophetic book, and it warns people to repent of their sins and ask God’s forgiveness. It shows that even when no one will listen to the truth, we still should proclaim it.
3. Lamentations – Lamentations is a book that expresses sorrow over the nation of Israel’s sin. It shows that true love cares for others, and it demonstrates how God anguishes when we sin. When we reject God, we sadden him and pave the way for self-destruction.
4. Ezekiel – Ezekiel taught and prophesied to the exiled Israelis, and he called to them to repent of their sins. Even when we are in the midst of our enemies or trying times, we still can preach the word of God.
5. Daniel – Daniel shows that we can serve God even when we are at the mercy of an immoral world. It demonstrates that we can serve God and be successful in a corrupt society. Daniel also shows that we never should abandon our faith in God, even when our personal safety is endangered.

Minor Prophets

1. Hosea – Hosea is an allegorical and literal book of love and commitment. Hosea was a prophet who married an unfaithful wife. He forgave his wife for her sins and redeemed her when she lived in poverty and disgrace. Just as Hosea forgave his wife, God forgives us when we commit adultery against Him by putting anything other than Him first in our lives.
2. Joel – Joel is a prophetic book that pronounces God’s impending judgment for those who refuse to leave their sinful life. It states that there is mercy for those who repent and turn to God.
3. Amos – Amos is a book that tells us to be bold in declaring God’s truth, even when it means risking our personal freedom or reputation. Amos also shows that ordinary people can be used by God for his purposes, and that no one is too small to do his work.
4. Obadiah – Obadiah pronounces judgment against those who harm God’s people. Obadiah shows that God cares for those who follow him.
5. Jonah – Jonah explains that we cannot escape God if he calls us to do his work. It also shows that God will not let evil go unpunished, but he also is eager to forgive those who repent.
6. Micah – Micah continues the teaching that God will not tolerate wicked behavior or people, and that those who think that they can get away with doing as they please will eventually be destroyed. Again, God offers to forgive people who are willing to ask for it, and who are willing to forsake their evil desires to follow him.
7. Nahum- Nahum shows that the mightiest of people and nations are not immune from his judgment and power. Nahum demonstrates that God will defend his people, and wipe out those who oppose him.
8. Habakkuk – explains that even though evil often appears to rule the world, God is really in control. The book offers hope to people in our time of need.
9. Zephaniah – Zephaniah urges people follow God even when we experience times of prosperity. We are not responsible for our own well-being, and Zephaniah warns of judgment when we ignore God in times of peace and affluence.
10. Haggai – Haggai challenges us to put God first in our lives. The people of Israel were living in luxury after their return to their homeland from exile, but they had forgotten that it was God who had freed them. We need to make God a priority in our lives.
11. Zechariah – Zechariah predicts the life of Christ, and the book encourages people by telling us that we are eternally saved because of Christ’s sacrifice of His life and resurrection from the dead.
12. Malachi. – Malachi is the final book of the Old Testament. It warns people to let go of their evil desires and to follow God. Malachi also foretells the birth of Christ.

While the Old Testament was written over 2000 thousand years ago, this is YOUR story as well! Your Sin, Your disobedience, Your Need, and YOUR Savior that came down to reveal Himself to YOU! It is a timeless story of man’s need to be redeemed and within the history of Israel you discover who you really are and who YOU can become when you trust your life to Christ!

The Gospels

1. “I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book.”- President Abraham Lincoln

   Matthew – Matthew is the first book in the New Testament, and the first of the four Gospels—the books of the Bible that cover the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—God incarnate. Matthew begins by recording Jesus’ ancestors and then it heavily documents his divinity. Jesus is the ultimate example of how we should live our lives.

2. Mark – Mark is the second Gospel and it focuses on the actions of Jesus—who He was, His teachings, His work, and His miracles. Mark begins by showing that the predictions made hundreds of years earlier by the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled by Jesus. Jesus’ teachings are as true today as they were in Biblical times.
3. Luke- Luke presents the most exhaustive account of Jesus’ life and death of the four Gospels. Luke was a doctor and an educated man. He was an intellectual who examined Jesus’ life. A unique feature of the Book of Luke is that it includes many accounts of the women who were a part of Jesus’ life, and who interacted with Him. Luke affirms the dual aspects of Jesus’ human and divine nature. Jesus teaches that He is the only way that anyone can go to Heaven—no one can earn their way into Heaven.
4. John – John consists of material that mostly is unique from the other Gospels. John focuses on conclusively showing that Jesus is the Son of God, and the only way to eternal salvation. The Book of John begins by stating that Jesus is God and that He always has existed. Jesus’ death and resurrection provides our salvation from eternal damnation. All must accept that He has paid the price for our sins, and it is only by asking and accepting His forgiveness that anyone can go to Heaven.

Historical

1. Acts – Acts immediately starts where the Gospels end. It tells of the early Christian church and gives important information on how we as Christians need to live.

Pauline Letters

1. “The Bible is the written Word of God, and because it is written it is confined and limited by the necessities of ink and paper and leather. The Voice of God, however, is alive and free as the sovereign God is free. ‘The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.’ The life is in the speaking words. God’s Word in the Bible can have power only because it corresponds to God’s Word in the universe. It is the present Voice which makes the written Word powerful. Otherwise it would lie locked in slumber within the covers of a book.”-A. W. Tozer

   Romans – Romans is a message from the apostle Paul to the Christian church in Rome. Romans maintains that salvation is available to all who accept God’s grace. Romans shows that humanity is destined for destruction unless we accept the forgiveness that we do not deserve.

2. 1 Corinthians – 1 Corinthians documents some problems in the early Christian church. 1 Corinthians shows us how to avoid similar problems and how we can lead a holy life in an unholy world.
3. 2 Corinthians – 2 Corinthians is a letter by the apostle Paul. In it, Paul defends his authority as a leader against accusations from false teachers. 2 Corinthians shows that the Christian faith will be attacked, and we must be ready to defend what we believe and profess. 2 Corinthians also shows that we must be careful that what we believe and profess is truthful.
4. Galatians – Galatians teaches that customs and rituals are not necessary for salvation, and that customs and rituals do not provide salvation.
5. Ephesians – Ephesians informs us of the purpose of the church. The church is to be a united body of believers that strengthens Christianity and performs community worship of God.
6. Philippians – Philippians is a letter, from the apostle Paul to a church, that expresses his joy over the church’s support of him and his ministry. Philippians also celebrates the joy that Christians should have and it reminds us to praise God.
7. Colossians – Colossians refutes false teachings in the church, and it shows us that Christ is the supreme head and that all truth comes from Him.
8. 1 Thessalonians – 1 Thessalonians teaches Christians to be strong in their faith in times of persecution. 1 Thessalonians also gives information on the second coming of Christ, and how we should prepare for it.
9. 2 Thessalonians – 2 Thessalonians provides more information about the second coming of Christ. 2 Thessalonians tells us that although Christ could return at any moment, no one knows when that moment will be.
10. 1Timothy – 1 Timothy gives instructions to leaders and it teaches how to administer and discipline a church.
11. 2 Timothy – 2 Timothy is another book that instructs church leaders and it encourages Christians as well. Historically, this is the Apostle Paul’s final letter before his death.

12. “The New Testament lies hidden in the Old Testament and the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament”. St. Augustine

    Titus – Titus contains more instructions on how to be a good leader and how to be a good Christian. Titus warns of pitfalls and it encourages us to be responsible and moral at all times.

13. Philemon – Philemon reaffirms that all people are equal and that Christians especially should be wary of this fact. Philemon teaches us to treat those whom we may view as inferior with respect and fairness.

Non Pauline Letters

1. Hebrews- Hebrews presents Christianity is the only true faith and that Christ is the only thing that we need for salvation. Hebrews teaches us to trust in God, and it lists the members of the “Hall of Faith.”
2. James – James is a book that warns us to beware of hypocrisy—in others and in ourselves. James teaches us how to live a true Christian life.
3.  1 Peter – 1 Peter encourages Christians who suffer persecution and trying times. Although we may face earthly pain and suffering, we as Christians will find eternal peace if we have faith in God.
4. 2 Peter-2 Peter warns us to beware of false teachings and it tells us that we have a responsibility to grow in our faith and knowledge of God.
5. 1 John -1 John defends Christianity and cautions us to watch for people who try to lead us astray. 1 John helps explain what our relationship with God should be.
6. 2 John – 2 John tells us to be wary of deceivers and it emphasizes that we as Christians should live a life of truth and love.

The Bible is God’s LOVE letter to us!

1. 3 John – 3 John shows how simple acts of kindness, such as hospitality, should be a part of all of our lives as Christians.

2. “I’ve read the last page of the Bible and it is going to turn out all right.” Billy Graham

   Jude – Jude tells us that we must never let our guard down, and that we always need to be on the lookout for heretics and false teachings.

3. Revelation – Revelation is the final book of the Bible, and it gives insight into future events where evil and those who don’t know Christ will finally be utterly destroyed and Christians will experience everlasting peace and happiness.

“From the beginning of the world to its end, there is no place you can look and not see Jesus. He is everywhere. He is everything. “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”Colossians 1:11