New Testament Made Easy Week One

For this Sunday, please prepare for class by reading the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke, with an eye toward comparison/contrast. This will start us on a study of the three "synoptic" gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Some review/key points from September 7:

* Purpose of the class is to enhance our church's mission, to grow in our understanding and application of Scripture to life, and to have a good time together!

* The New Testament is like a "library" of books of different types, all pertaining to the life of Christ and of the early Christian churches. The New Testament contains 27 books of several types: Gospels (presentations of the life of Jesus Christ), History (Acts, about the growth of the early church), Letters (to churches, individuals, and groups of Christians).

* The New Testament, as we know it, was not compiled until near the end of the fourth century A.D. Until that time, Christians read and claimed as sacred text many different books. What we know as our canon of Scripture (what is standard for us) and our "orthodox" Christian theology stems from decisions made after over three and half centuries from the time Christ walked the earth.

* Our four Gospel books can be characterized by their authorship and audience:

-- Mark, "The Rebel", earliest of the gospels, closest to ancient sources, depicting Christ's power over against evil and demonic forces
-- Matthew, "The Rabbi", wrote to a Jewish audience and focused on how Jesus fulfilled descriptions of the Messiah in the Jewish scriptures
-- Luke, "The Chronicler", Dr. Luke, Paul's companion, who exhibits a physicians compassion for all people and a particular eye for historical detail
-- John, "The Mystic", attributed to the "Beloved Disciple", and a book very different than the others because it comes from a different ancient Christian community and unique sources; describes Jesus Christ as the incarnation of the eternal Word (logos), the Light of the World and of human life and hearts.

* Be prepared to consider four questions for application during our studies:

1. What does the Scripture tell me about me?
2. What does the Scripture tell me about God?
3. What does the Scripture tell me about my relationship with God?
4. What will I do?
* * *
See you Sunday, 10:00 in the church parlor, at the back of the sanctuary!