General Overview
The Bible addresses the HISTORY of man, and God’s purposes in it — not necessarily a window into the past (pre-mankind) or the future (post-mankind).
- The Bible is ONE TRUTH.
- Truth is consistent throughout Scripture.
- There are THEMES that are only understood in the context of the whole.
- New Testament truth must first be understood in the Old Testament.
- The SEED to all truth is contained in the Torah — the first five books of the Bible.
My Goal
- Build a FRAMEWORK from which to understand all of Scripture.
- Identify common THREADS and THEMES that reoccur throughout the entire Scripture.
- Provide a GENERAL historical and cultural understanding of Hebrew thought.
- Provide Extra-Biblical support where needed to understand Biblical Themes.
- Provide a GENERAL timeline point of reference for Bible Study.
My ultimate goal is to create in the student a hunger for the Bible, and a simple framework to aide in understanding and study.
This is not a Classroom
My suggestion for study is the following:
First, I suggest reading as much as possible of the book being discussed in a very easy-to-read translation — read for speed and GENERAL information, not detailed study. Seek only to identify major themes and story lines in order to have a grasp the basics. Make note of questions you may have about the text.
Then, read it again at a slower pace. Do you notice answers to the question you jotted down before. Make note of new questions that emerge in a more deliberate reading of the text.
Material Credits
The foundation for MOST of the outlines on this site are modified from Malcolm Smith’s “Study the Bible with Malcolm” series. Malcolm Smith is a Bible teacher I have followed for most of my Christian life. I encourage you to avail yourself of his material at www.malcolmsmith.org.
I consider myself a Bible student since the age of twelve. I was taught by my father, whom I still consider to be one of the finest Bible teachers I have ever heard. Even so, understanding that the Bible has an overarching Meta-Story required re-thinking much of what I knew about the Bible. Malcolm Smith’s outline was the single most helpful framework I have encountered.
Your feedback and insights will help me to improve and hone this information. So, never hesitate to share your thoughts.