The New Testament You Never Knew
- The Books of the New Testament
- The World of Jesus and the Apostles
- The Life and Death of Jesus
- The Resurrection of Jesus
- The Ministry of Jesus
- The Early Christians and the Church
- The Mission of the Church
- The Creation of the New Testament
1. The Books of the New Testament
Opening
[5 min]
How were you introduced to the New Testament?
What do you hope to learn about the New Testament in this study that you did not know before?
Video
[25 min]
As you watch, collect your thoughts and make some notes about the New Testament that are new and fresh for you.
Discussion
[25 min]
Read
Matt 1:1-12
Mark 1:1-3
Luke 1:1-4
John 1:1-2
When you read the introductions to the Synoptic Gospels, what similarities do you see?
How is the introduction to John’s Gospel different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke?
Why Were the Gospels Written?
Read
Acts 7:59–8:3
Acts 9:1–9
Acts 22:3–10
How do you see Saul/Paul being transformed in these passages?
How have you experienced change and transformation in your outlook, attitude, and life because of your encounter with Jesus?
Read
Colossians 1:24–29
How does Paul describe his mission in this passage?
How do you think this motivated him to share about Jesus and write his letters?
Read
James 2:14–17
In what way are works (the good things we do in the name of Jesus) a sign our faith is real?
What are some of the actions and works that you know God wants you to do to show the reality and depth of your faith?
Read
1 John 4:10–12
How has God revealed his love to lost and sinful people?
How does his love inspire and teach you how to show love to others?
Read
Revelation 21:1–7
What kind of things happen when heaven meets earth?
How do you see God doing these kinds of things in the person and power of Jesus today?
Closing
[5 min]
Prayer
We thank you Lord for those people who have taught us the truth and lessons of the Bible. We ask for the Holy Spirit to give us many eye-opening moments over these eight sessions so we can see the New Testament in a new light and with fresh insight.
We give praise to Jesus for bringing heaven to earth, even in our own lives. Make our minds sharp so that we can understand how the the twenty-seven books of the New Testament have been brought together into one message of God’s work through the Messiah, Jesus.
We pray for eyes to see where God is still bringing heaven to earth and we ask for the power to share in this work of Jesus that continues in our day.