Bible Workbook, Volume 2: New Testament

Book excerpt: Although this workbook was originally planned for high school Bible classes meeting every day for a semester, it has found a wider use by various age groups in churches and colleges and by individuals desiring direction in their personal Bible study. The workbook was first produced as a method of giving notes and assignment questions quickly, thereby leaving more valuable classroom time for explanations, discussions, and student participation. The workbook may be placed in a regulation size binder. Separate pages can be handed in when completed. Other notes, assigned papers, and themes can be placed throughout the notebook. This is in no sense a textbook. It is hoped that no one will make the completion of the workbook a goal in itself but that the questions and notes may stimulate and guide each student in searching and knowing the Bible. The questions do not cover all the important points in any chapter. It is hoped, however, in the course of the study that all the main New Testament teachings will be brought out. Most schools give about half the semester to the life of Christ in the gospels and the rest of the semester to Acts and the epistles. Three or four chapters a day are usually assigned. In order to cover all the main incidents in the life of Christ special emphasis has been chosen in each gospel. Studying Mark first, in four or five lessons, as a short survey of Christ’s life has proved a good start for students unfamiliar with the Bible. The main miracles and chief characters then become familiar. Matthew is more easily understood after having had this simple introduction to Christ through Mark. Matthew is studied with emphasis on the teachings of Christ. Students should become familiar with all unfamiliar terms. Places mentioned should be located on the map. In Luke the parables and new stories are especially noted. The more intimate revelation of Jesus given in John’s gospel should prove a personal blessing to each student. Students should become familiar with the content of the simple chronological outline of Christ’s life as drawn from the four gospels that has been included in this edition. The Acts and the epistles are taken in the order they appear in the Bible. The missionary message in Acts and the Christian life teachings in the epistles have been kept in mind. Since time prohibits the complete study of each epistle, a limited number of chapters have been selected for study. Several teachers assign the Revelation as parallel reading giving a brief preview at the time of the assignment and a discussion of the book after it has been read. It is my prayer that all who use this book will be guided by it into a deeper, more personal, knowledge of the living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as the written Word, the Bible. It is the teacher’s wonderful privilege to bring from the Scripture its vital, interesting message for personal living. Students sometimes come from a Bible course saying, “Yes, we learn the facts all right, but that Book is too dull and boring for me.” That teacher had failed to take advantage of a most wonderful privilege. The Book that was written to give men life should be taught in a way that presents real life to men. May students come from your class with the appreciation expressed in these comments: “Bible is the most interesting course I’ve ever had.” “I surely have learned to love the Bible. I read it every day, now.” “Studying Bible has not only cleared up questions that have always puzzled me but it has helped me so much in my everyday living.” “It was through that Bible course that I became a Christian. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.” CATHERINE B. WALKER.