Lesson 1. The Books of the Bible Genesis to Revelations compass the Books of The Holy Scripture. In Lesson 1. We will explain the Books of the New Testament, Matthew to Revelations. The Four Gospels. The Four Gospels consist of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Reason for the name is simply that the works of Jesus Christ are contained in these books. From His Birth to His Resurrection. If you notice when reading these books there seems to be a contradiction from book to book on the events that take place. Let me assure you that there are no contradictions in the Bible at all. The reason for this I will explain in this manner. Each account is being recorded from a different point of sight. Such as this, a man walking toward you is different than the same man walking away from you, but the man is still going the same way. The Acts. The Book of Acts is basically what it says, “Acts” These are the Acts of the Apostles after their commission by Jesus to start building the Church on His foundation. The Beginning of the Church Act 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: The Starting of the Apostleship of Paul. Act 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
The Books Romans thru Jude. The books Romans thru Jude express the plan of Salvation from, repentance thru baptism. Faith, Endurance and Sacrifice. These books give us all commandments on how to run the church and our lives.
The Book of Revelations. The Book of Revelations is easy to explain, it’s the revelation of Jesus Christ to The Disciple John. It was written on the Isle of Patmos. The book of revelations will be dealt with at the end of all lessons, unless you request other wise. The Bible is easy to understand with a little help. The Bible is broken down into sections. I break it down this way. 1. Past History: Old Testament Law. 2. Present History: New Testament Commandments. 3. Future History: New & Old Testament Prophecy. The Book of Revelations is better understood by knowing the prophecy in the Old Testament Scriptures. Without them Revelations cannot be understood. 1.Question: Who were the original Disciples? Ref Acts1; 13-16 2.Question: Who was spoken of in Acts 28:31? Ref Acts 28:30 3.Question: Who was Saul? Ref Acts 7:58,Acts 8:1-3 4.Question: How is the New Testament Broken Down? 5.Question: What Books make up the Four Gospels? 6.Question: What is the Book of Acts? 7.Question: What is the only full Book of Prophecy in the New Testament? 8.Question: What is a Revelation? Introduction to the Book of Matthew. Note; The best way to read the Bible is to read it with your heart and not the mind. Let yourself go and soon you will be able to see everything that is transpiring before you. You can hear the people speak, see the crowds, sand, rocks, water, and feel the excitement. It works. give it a try. Take your time and enjoy Gods Word. Matthew Cpt 1. Chapter 1 of Matthew starts with the Genealogy of Jesus from Abraham. Read Matthew 1:1-17. Mark questions if needed. The Birth of Jesus. Read Matthew 1:18-25. Read Ref. Isaiah, 7:14 & Isaiah 9:6. Mark questions if needed. Matthew Cpt 2. The Attempted Murder of Jesus. Read Matthew 2:1-31. Read, Ref; Jeremiah 31:15. Mic. 5:1-2, Numbers 24:8, Hos. 11:1, & Jer, 31:15. Mark questions if needed
Matthew Cpt 3. Chapter 3 of Matthew covers the Ministry of John the Baptist. His confrontation with the religious sect at the time, the meeting with Jesus and His baptism of Christ. Read Mat.3: 1-12. Very Important. Mark questions if needed. Read 3-13-17. Mark questions if needed. Matthew Chapter 4. The Temptation of Jesus. Read Mat. 4:1-11. Mark questions if needed. Read, Mat 4:12-25. The Beginning of Jesus Ministry and choosing of His disciples. Mark questions if needed. Note; once we understand these first four chapters we will continue with lesson 1. Your input is extremely important for me to help you to understand the scripture. If needed I will explain each verse separately. Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 5:1-12 Deals with the known blessings of followers of Christ. A sermon to the people. Blessed are, the poor in spirit, they that mourn, the meek, they which do hunger, and thirst after righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, revile, persecute, falsely for my sake.
The preceding is the physical state of man as a believer. This does not mean that an unbeliever in this state is entitled to the blessings of God. Read Matthew 5:1-12 and list the blessings for each state of a believer. Question 1. Ask yourself if you are in any of these categories and tell why. Question 2. Tell why you are in these physical states. Mark questions if needed.
Matthew 5:13-48
Matthew 5:13-48 deals with the state that Jesus desires every believer to be in and especially the difference between the Law and Grace. Notice in these next verses, that Jesus states that in the old days many times. Showing a departure from the Mosaic Law, which was written for the Jewish House of Israel and not the Gentiles, and the New Testament Law of Grace and mercy. Example, (Ye have heard that it hath been said,) [read, ref Exodus 20:1-20] [Read, ref, Numbers 35:16-27] Question 1. How many times does Jesus say,” Ye have heard that it hath been said,”? Question 2. What is the only cause for divorce, according to Jesus? Question 3. Did these sayings, that Jesus used, come from the Old Testament writings? Question 3. In Chapter 5 Jesus states that the believers are 2 things, What are they and what do they mean to you? Mark questions if needed. Matthew chapter 6, deals with hypocrisy, hypocrites and with prayer. Many say that this chapter deals with the Lords prayer, this is a misunderstanding. The prayer that Jesus teaches isn’t His prayer to God but our prayer to God. There is a difference but not enough to argue about. Read, Matthew 6:1-8.Hypocrisy and repetitious prayer. Mark questions if needed. Read Matthew 6:9-13. How we must pray to God. {Note; For God to Hear us, we must use His own words, then He can and will relate to us. A rambling or repetitious prayer is not effective and is the type of prayer Jesus warned us about.} Break each verse down and state what each means in you opinion. Mark questions if needed.
Read Matthew 6:14-34. The state of the heart of a believer, separation of Lovers of God and hypocrites. Mark questions if needed. Matthew 7:1-29. Hypocrisy, Obedience, Warnings of false doctrine and ministers. [Read, ref Isa.48:1-2][Read, ref Judges 1:12] Matthew 7:1-12. These verses deal with hypocrisy and self-evaluation. Mark questions if needed. Question 1. In your opinion give the meaning of verse 7:6. Matthew 7:13-29. The use of Parables. The straight gate, warnings of false prophets (ministers), who are wise and who are foolish. The people opinion of Jesus. Mark questions if needed. Question 1. In your opinion give the meaning of verse 7:18. Question 2. What is a Parable? Question 3. In your opinion give the meaning of verse 7:22 & 23. Question 4. What is a doctrine ? This is the end of Lesson 1 of Matthew from Chapter 1 thru 7. Go no further until you have understood all and all your questions are answered. Thank you. Rev A.R.Smith
