Welcome to Cornerstone Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anointed Profit for May 2016
The Books of the New Testament – Overview
The New Testament contains 27 books that can be divided into 4 general sections. The general purpose of each group is as follows:
1. Gospels – 4 books – (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
The general message of the gospels is to furnish us the evidence upon which we may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, our only true Savior, who leads us to want to obey Him.
2. Church History – 1 book – (Acts)
This book gives us the record of some of the New Testament conversions under the teaching of inspired men and answers the question of how to become Christians. It also gives us the history of the founding and earliest days of the church.
3. Letters – 21 books – (Romans to Jude)
In general, the letters are addressed to Christians, and contain full instructions for all classes of Christians as to how to live the Christian life. However, not all the instructions apply to any one person at a given time. There are instructions for new Christians as stated in 1 Peter 2:2 "babes in Christ" and there are instructions for those who have lived long in Christ "full age" and go on toward more perfection as described in Hebrews 5:14. Praying in tongues is essential if gains are to be made in the Kingdom of God for both babes and those more mature in Christ.
4. Prophecy – 1 book – (Revelations)
This book is given to tell and warn us to keep on living the Christian life. Much of it is prophecy as to the future and has to do with God's part in the final salvation and judgment of man-kind. Just as some of the prophecies of the Old Testament were not, and could not be understood, and were understood completely only when fulfilled, so will some of Revelation be completely understood only in the last days when they are fulfilled. Much of Revelations is written apocalyptic and in highly figurative language like the book of Daniel, for which a key of interpretation is required.
Note:
The Scriptures should be known, understood, and applied correctly as described in 2 Timothy 2:15. This verse begins by saying, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Knowing the divisions of the New Testament will largely help us to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. In 2 Timothy 3:16 it states that "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Verse 17 goes on to explain why; "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all (I Timothy 4:15).
Marinating in His Love - George Dillon
Cornerstone Ministries
|
