Introduction to the Lessons

This series of studies will seek to focus on the main points of Scripture and not get caught up in details or “rabbit trails” that could detract from the main message of Scripture. We must always remember the words of the Lord Jesus

"YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' "This is the great and foremost commandment. "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." (Matt. 22:37-40)

So, as we study, our focus needs to be on understanding the Word and putting it into practice. While knowledge is required, it is not the ultimate goal. Since people frequently have doubts or are confronted with “discoveries” or arguments, it is helpful to eliminate as many worldviews as possible to keep from being sidetracked and interfere with our understanding of Scripture. The first one to eliminate is Atheism. After that we will need to eliminate other worldviews on the basis of the validity of their claims and internal coherence and contradictions. Once the foundations have been rendered invalid, then we do not need to keep going on “rabbit trails” all the time looking at every claim or objection because when the foundation is faulty, everything else built on it is faulty as well. This also means that we look at the Bible on the basis of it being true and not from an atheistic or naturalistic world view. The first few Bible Studies will focus on establishing the Biblical worldview as being true and validating the inspiration, reliability and authority of the Bible.

A very good article on How to Study the Bible (e sword module) by R. A. Torrey provides a really good guide to Bible Study.