NEWCOMER'S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE

**New session: Wednesday Nights, March 9 - April 13, 7 - 8:15 PM

Description:

1. This class will provide a broad overview of the Bible with selected readings that represent major ideas in the biblical narrative.
2. We will supplement the Bible with readings from the book, A Newcomer’s Guide to the Bible. This book was developed for use in the school systems in parts of Russia and designed for people who wish to enhance their knowledge of the Bible.
3. It is open to adults and high-school age teens.
4. It will be conducted at the Chatham Church of Christ, 382 Fairmount Ave, Chatham, NJ 07928, in the upstairs classroom next to the auditorium.
5. Call 973-635-6810 to register or click here to register by email.
6. On the first day of class you will receive the textbook, syllabus, and other handouts. There is no charge for these materials.

Materials Needed:

1. A Bible – we recommend a contemporary translation (New International Version, English Standard Version, New King James Version).
2. A Newcomer’s Guide to the Bible. If you don't own a Bible, this book has some information about which version of the Bible might be appropriate for you.

The Lessons for this class are available in .MP3 format. If you would like to follow the class using this format you can purchase the book, Newcomer's Guide to the Bible, online at www.CollegePress.com. (If you live in the area, you can come by and pick up a copy.) The links for the recorded sessions are below, and the class syllabus is below that.

Click here for Lesson 1 - Beginnings: Book of Genesis, Newcomer's 5-7.
Click here for Lesson 2 - A Brief History of Israel: Exodus 1-14, 1 Samuel 17, 2 Kings 25, Newcomer's 8-13.
Click here for Lesson 3 - Israel's Songs, Wise Sayings, and Prophetic Literature, Newcomer's 14-17
Click here for Lesson 4 - The Gospels, Newcomer's 18-20
Click here for Lesson 5 - Spread of Christianity (Book of Acts), and Letters to the Churches, Newcomer's 21-28
Click here for Lesson 6 - The Gospel (Acts 1-2); Letters to the Ephesians and Colossians.

Syllabus

Week 1:

• Read chapters 1 – 7 in Newcomer’s Guide (don’t be alarmed, these are short and easy to read).
• Read the Book of Genesis in the Bible. In most Bibles this is between 50 – 60 pages, but the material is mostly narrative and probably can be read in 2 – 3 sittings.
• We’ll discuss these early chapters of the Bible and discuss the importance not only of these stories for the themes of the entire Bible but also the importance of Abraham in the scheme of God’s promises and redemptive plan.
• We will also discuss how to find books of the Bible, how it is organized, and which sections we’ll concentrate on for this class.

Week 2:

• Read chapters 8 – 13 in Newcomer’s Guide.
• Read Exodus 1 – 14, 1 Samuel 17, 2 Kings 25 in the Bible.
• This section covers a lengthy period of history from the time of Moses to a period of history when Israel leaves but returns to Jerusalem. Since this is such a large amount of material, we will discuss only key passages.

Week 3:

• Read chapters 14 – 17 in Newcomer’s Guide.
• Read Psalms 1, 2, 19, 23, 73, 110, and 118. Also read Isaiah 1 – 9.
• This material covers Israel’s songs, proverbs, and prophetic literature. The prophets not only predicted coming events but more often spoke words of judgment, warning, and encouragement to Israel.

Week 4:

• Read chapters 18 – 20 in Newcomer’s Guide.
• Read The Gospel of Mark.
• This is the shortest of the Gospels although it contains all the essentials for understanding Jesus Christ. Each of the four Gospels has a somewhat different perspective on his life and work but all agree on one thing: Jesus suffered, died, and rose from the dead. The Apostles and the church they established testified to this essential doctrine.

Week 5:

• Read chapters 21 – 28 in Newcomer’s Guide.
• Read Acts 1 – 10, The Book of Ephesians, and the Book of Colossians.
• After the Gospels we read about the beginnings of the church and the spread of the Christian message.
• In the epistles we read of the issues and doctrines involved in the work of sustaining the church and forming the ideas that became the enduring doctrines of Christianity.

Week 6:

• Focus on the essential message of Christianity in Acts 1-2, especially Peter’s sermon in chapter two.
• Look for the same points in the Books of Ephesians and Colossians.
• The letters reiterate the essentials but with more detail. Think of them as adding new rooms to a house once the foundation has been laid