November 20 - 21, 2009

Acts - Revelation

There are, of course, a number of ways one may approach the study of the Bible:

1. Synthetic—an overview of the Bible as a whole to provide a grasp of the overall message,
2. Analytical—the process of viewing the Bible verse by verse to get an in depth understanding,
3. Topical or Doctrinal—a study of the Bible according to its many topics and doctrines, and
4. Typical—a study of the many pictures or types found in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, that portray the truth of the New Testament.

The synthetic or overview approach is extremely helpful for the beginning student or for those who have never undertaken such a study. Through the synthetic approach, we are not only able to grasp the big picture from a “bird’s eye view” or see the whole forest, but such an overview will provide the general context necessary for understanding the details later on in one's personal study of the Bible.

New Testament Survey is a synthetic approach, of course. The goal is to learn the key terms, verses, contributions, themes or purposes of each of the books and to be able to give a brief description of the content of each book.

Pre-class Assignment

1. The Name of the Book:
2. The Immediate Audience to Whom the Book Was Written:
3. The Author of Book: Is there any debate about the author? Are there any special circumstances about the writing of the book? (I.e., Paul is in prison when he writes some of his epistles.)
4. The Book’s Portrayal of Jesus Christ: (Can be found at the beginning of each chapter)
5. A Summary of the Content of the Book:
   • What’s the purpose of the book? (For example, To correct a problem? To prepare the recipients for something? To give a theological explanation of something? Etc.)
   • What is the main point that the book is making? (I.e., What is the book saying to it’s immediate audience and to us? What unique contribution to our understanding of God, salvation and the Christian faith/life does the book make, if any.
   • What is the key passage(s)? (Should include a passage that makes the main point).
   • Key words/concepts (I.e., false teachers, justification, edification)
6. So What?: What does this book have to say to me, my family, my church, my culture that could change our lives?
7. Pastoral involvement: Please inform your pastor of your participation in this class and its requirements and when you are finished with your preparation, have him/her review your work and sign it. If you are a pastor, have your spouse review and sign it. (Caution: do not procrastinate! Don't be intimidated. Just get started.)

Our Time in Class:

The class will begin with some introductory remarks from the instructor, but the bulk of the class will be spent with class members giving and discussing their findings in preparing the assignment. Please feel free to disagree with the text book. Also, feel free to use any outside source you choose. But, be ready to discuss your conclusions and support them in a class discussion, explaining your thinking process. The point is to interact with the New Testament and each other to sharpen our perceptions in a way that gives us a better over view of the material.

If at all possible, please do not submit your assigned report in handwriting form. A typed or printed report will help in the grading process.

Grading:

• The assigned report - 50%
• Class participation - 50%

It’s going to be great!

Textbook(s)

What the Bible Is All About by Henrietta Mears

Steve Perdue

Steve Perdue

Steve has served as the pastor of Word Aflame Ministries in Midwest City, OK for 20 years! He has served on the Heartland Conference Executive Council. He and his wife Jean have three children.

He describes himself as "servant of Jesus, husband of Jean, father, grandfather, lead pastor of Word Aflame Ministries.