Unlocking the Bible

Synopsis

A unique overview of both the Old and New Testaments, from a widely respected evangelical speaker and writer.

Unlocking the Bible opens up the word of God in a fresh and powerful way. Avoiding the small detail of verse by verse studies, it sets out the epic story of God and his people in Israel. The culture, historical background and people are introduced and the teaching applied to the modern world.

Eight volumes have been brought into one compact and easy to use guide to cover both the Old and the New testaments in one massive omnibus edition.

Old Testament:
 The Maker's Instructions - The five books of law
 A Land and A Kingdom - Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings
 Poems of Worship and Wisdom - Psalms, Song of Solomon, proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job
 Decline and Fall of an Empire - Isaiah, Jeremiah and other prophets
 The Struggle to Survive - Chronicles and prophets of exile

New Testament:
 The Hinge of History - Mathew, Mark, Luke, John and acts
 The Thirteenth Apostle - Paul and his letters
 Through Suffering to Glory - Revelation, Hebrews, and the letters of James, Peter and Jude

About the Publisher

Collins

Collins has been publishing educational and informative books for almost 200 years. Throughout this rich heritage we have maintained an impressive record in creating market-leading products across various sectors.

Summary

Chapter 1: Why Bother with the Bible?

* Highlights the value and relevance of the Bible in understanding life's questions and challenges.
* Example: The story of Joseph in Genesis illustrates God's providence in hardship and the importance of forgiveness.

Chapter 2: A User's Guide to the Bible

* Provides an overview of the Bible's structure, history, and key themes.
* Example: The Bible is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books).

Chapter 3: Reading the Law and the Prophets

* Explores the Old Testament, including the Pentateuch, historical books, and prophetic writings.
* Example: The Ten Commandments outline God's moral standards and provide guidance for daily living.

Chapter 4: The Poetry and Wisdom of the Bible

* Examines the Psalms, Proverbs, and other wisdom literature, emphasizing their practical insights.
* Example: Psalm 23 provides comfort and assurance in times of adversity.

Chapter 5: The Gospels and Acts

* Focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
* Example: The parable of the Prodigal Son reveals God's unconditional love and forgiveness.

Chapter 6: The Epistles and Revelation

* Explores the letters written by early Christian leaders, which provide guidance on faith, conduct, and end-time events.
* Example: The book of Romans explains the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

Chapter 7: Reading the Bible Interpretively

* Discusses different approaches to biblical interpretation, emphasizing the importance of context, literary genre, and personal reflection.
* Example: The story of Jonah can be interpreted as a parable about God's mercy and reluctance to punish.

Chapter 8: The Bible and the Christian Faith

* Explores the role of the Bible in the life of the Christian believer, emphasizing its centrality as the source of faith and guidance.
* Example: The Bible provides a framework for understanding God's character, his plan for salvation, and the role of the Christian in the world.

Chapter 9: The Bible and the World

* Examines the impact of the Bible on Western civilization, including its influence on art, literature, music, and ethics.
* Example: The Bible has played a significant role in shaping Christian art and literature, inspiring iconic works such as Michelangelo's "David" and Dante's "Divine Comedy."