"Romans is the definitive statement of Christian doctrine - the most comprehensive book in the New Testament. Its impact on history is unequaled. This is the first in a trilogy (Galatians, Hebrews) on Habakkuk 2:4 - 'the just shall live by faith' - which later became the mantra of the reformation. It has an international outlook: As a Roman citizen, and with both Hebrew and Greek culture of history, religion, philosophy, poetry, science, music, etc., Paul's Epistle to the Romans is the most profound writing that exists anywhere. It is the definitive analysis on sin, the law, and grace, and it answers the most profound question: It may be that Deity can forgive sins, but I do not see how. (Socrates, 500 BC)"
"Matthew presents Jesus Christ as the Jesus as the Meshiach Nagid, the Messiah the King, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. It was written by a Jew, to Jews, about a Jew. This book of the Bible uses more Old Testament quotes than any other. The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes the saying of Jesus, including 10 parables not found in any other Gospel. After first establishing the royal genealogy, he then goes on to focus on the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Matthew uses the term 'fulfilled' 82 times! Many scholars now believe that the Gospel were written before Paul's first imprisonment of 57-60 AD, and that virtually all of the New Testament books were written before Jerusalem's destruction."
"'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' - John 3:16. Because of its emphasis on 'the Love of God' and Jesus' being the incarnation of that Love, many believe this gospel is the most important for new and old Christians alike to take to heart. Written by the 'disciple whom Jesus loved', the book of John is organized around seven miracles, seven discourses and seven 'I AM' statements. This study is so deep 'an elephant can bathe in it, and yet an infant can wade in it.'"
"This book, also called the Song of Solomon, is one of the most neglected - and controversial - books of the Bible. It is a book about lovemaking from an author who had 700 wives and 300 concubines. So explicit are these aspects that because of its erotic content, the rabbis forbade the book to be read by anyone under the age of 30. Almost every verse has been the subject of debate by its interpreters. Probably no other book of the Bible has such a variegated tapestry of interpretation. Yet all Scripture speaks of the glory and beauty of our messiah. John the Baptist recognized Christ as the bridegroom, as Christ himself also claimed. And Paul pressed the idiom even further, as does John in the book of Revelation. Of the more than 1,000 songs of Solomon, only this was designed by God to be included in the biblical canon."
"It may come as a surprise to discover that there are a number of biblical experts who regard the book of Leviticus as the most important book of the Bible! The Book of Leviticus cannot be 'listened to'; it has to be studied. But fasten your seat belts! It's going to be an exciting and highly privileged excursion!"
"Of John's five New Testament books, these three include a sermon and two personal letters, one of which may have been written to Mary, the mother of our Lord. His Gospel deals with our past: salvation. Revelation deals with our future. John's First Epistle deals with our present: sanctification. It has been called the New Testament sanctum sanctorum. John's bandwidth extends from the practical, the Christian's 'Bar of Soap', to the hyperspace of our resurrection body! John's second epistle appears to have been a personal letter to Mary, having been given into his responsibility at the Cross. If so, it has a number of profound implications. John's third, very brief note deals with three people, all Christians: Gaius, the encourager; Diotrephes, a gossip; and Demetrius, an example to be imitated. "
"In Hebrew, Bmidbar means ''in the wilderness,'' which is the real name of this book. The Greek translators called it Arithmoi, and in Latin, it was Numeri because the translators focused on the two census takings at the beginning and the end of the wanderings. But its basically ''the wilderness wanderings'.' Numbers is really a book about arrested progress. In a sense, it never should have happened. It took only 40 hours to get Israel out of Egypt - the Passover. But it took 40 years to get Egypt out of Israel."
"As a member of the Inner Circle, Peter was present at the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus' daughter, and the closer circle at Gethsemane. This most vibrant personality's letters are rich in theology, as well as practical exhortation, dealing with our living hope, suffering persecution for righteousness' sake, the use of heavenly gifts, patience in suffering, fidelity in service, and humility in ministering to one another. Peter's letters also have a clear eschatological orientation, focusing on the Lord's coming and the end of the world, with warnings against false teachers - foreseeing the apostasy in which the professing church will end. Written by one of the most colorful personalities who participated in the greatest adventures of human history, a careful study of these letters is a certain treat to the diligent student. "
"Paul certainly knew suffering, and Paul also knew true joy. And he knew joy through suffering. In his darkest hour, he wrote this letter to encourage his most intimate friends. He himself was a prisoner at the time yet it was he who was providing encouragement to them, the faithful at Philippi! Here is a letter that is filled with insights on the real priorities in life, encouragement during difficult trials, and guidance during the inevitable dark times. Inner joy occurs 16 times in these four brief chapters. Paul also deals with some of our thorniest issues: how to deal with Christian troublemakers. He very likely lost his life because of trouble caused by Christians in Rome! A passage, known among scholars as the Kenosis, teaches of the divinity of Christ, His preexistence, and His equality with the Father. "
"The Book of Proverbs could be titled ''Wise Up and Live'. Beyond simply obeying laws, this book focuses on leading an aggressively dynamic life, giving examples of proper and improper attitudes, conduct, and characteristics in succinct, penetrating ways. A proverb can be thought of as ''a short sentence from long experience''; it is easy to remember, yet it condenses much wisdom into a small space. ''All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable'' in four ways: for doctrine - what's right; for reproof - what's not right; for correction - how to get right; and for instruction in righteousness - how to stay right (2 Timothy 3:16). This book touches on all four of these."
"Both of these books, filled with all the intrigue, romance, and action of any modern-day screenplay, have been heralded for their literary value for centuries. But this is not their most rewarding feature. God's use of these two faithful women brings a new understanding of God's faithfulness and the importance of our faithful participation."
"How does eschatological view affect your life? If it has no effect, you might reconsider what you really believe. Paul's epistles to the believers in Thessalonica are the two most important New Testament eschatological epistles. First Thessalonians is among the earliest New Testament documents: written less than 20 years after Christ's resurrection. Every chapter refers to the Second Coming. The most famous declaration in this letter is on the Harpazo, commonly called, from the Latin, the 'Rapture'. Paul's second letter apparently followed his first by a few months. He addressed, among other things, an apparent forgery that was written 'as if from Paul'. He wrote to settle their confusion over the same issues that plague most prophecy discussions today: Will the church experience the Great Tribulation? When does the Antichrist appear?"
