THE FIVE FOUNDATION BOOKS GENESIS THE BOOK OF BEGINNINGS God creates the world and then chooses Israel as the nation to set apart and call his own. CHAPTERS 1 11 Beginning of the Human Race CHAPTERS 12 50 Beginning of the Chosen Race EXODUS DELIVERANCE FROM SLAVERY God saves Israel from slavery in Egypt and enters into a covenant relationship with them. CHAPTERS 1 12 God Liberates CHAPTERS 13 18 God Guides CHAPTERS 25 40 God Instructs LEVITICUS INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORSHIP Israel receives instructions for how sinful humanity should approach a holy God in worship. CHAPTERS 1 17 The Way to God CHAPTERS 18 27 The Walk with God NUMBERS WILDERNESS WANDERINGS Israel fails to trust and obey God and the price they pay is forty years of wandering in the wilderness. CHAPTERS 1 9 Preparation CHAPTERS 10 14 Pessimism CHAPTERS 15 36 Punishment DEUTERONOMY REMINDERS ABOUT OBEDIENCE Moses recaps the journey so far, reminding Israel to love and obey God in the land that lays ahead. CHAPTERS 1 4 Looking Back CHAPTERS 5 26 Looking Up CHAPTERS 27 34 Looking Ahead
THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL JOSHUA CONQUERING THE PROMISED LAND Joshua leads Israel in taking the Promised Land and then divides it between the twelve tribes of Israel. 2 KINGS TWO FAILED KINGDOMS Both kingdoms ignore God and his prophets until each falls captive to other world empires. CH. 1 5 Preparing the People CH. 6 12 Conquering the Enemy CH. 13 22 Dividing the Spoil CH. 23 24 Warning the Victors CHAPTERS 1 10 The Northern Kingdom: Israel CHAPTERS 11 17 Both Kingdoms (Alternating) CHAPTERS 18 25 The Southern Kingdom: Judah JUDGES CYCLES OF DISOBEDIENCE God sends one judge after another to rescue Israel from their compromise and the bondage it brings. 1 CHRONICLES FROM CREATION TO KINGDOM The spiritual history of Israel is recounted from the creation of the world to the creation of the kingdom. CHAPTERS 1 2 Causes of Failure CHAPTERS 3 16 Course of Failure CHAPTERS 17 21 Curses for Failure CHAPTERS 1 9 The History of Israel CHAPTER 10 The History of Saul CHAPTERS 11 29 The History of David RUTH A STORY OF REDEMPTION Two widows lose everything but learn that God provides for those who trust him in hard times. 2 CHRONICLES FROM TEMPLE TO EXILE Solomon builds Judah s temple but their rejection of God leads to its destruction and their exile. Ruth s Choice Ruth s Service Ruth s Claim Ruth s Marriage CHAPTERS 1 9 Solomon, the King CHAPTERS 10 36 Judah, the Nation 1 SAMUEL THE TRANSITION TO MONARCHY Israel demands a king who turns out to be a failure, but this paves the way for better kings to come. EZRA REVIVAL AND REFORMATION The Israelites return from exile, rebuild the temple, and are lead by Ezra to once again obey God s laws. CHAPTERS 1 12 Samuel, the Last Judge CHAPTERS 13 31 Saul, the First King CHAPTERS 1 6 Construction, Lead by Zerubbabel CHAPTERS 7 10 Reformation, Lead by Ezra 2 SAMUEL KING DAVID S REIGN King David is a man after God s own heart yet still learns that there are consequences for personal sin. NEHEMIAH REBUILDING JERUSALEM Nehemiah leads Israel in rebuilding Jerusalem s city walls and their trust in the covenant-keeping God. CHAPTERS 1 10 David s Triumphs CHAPTERS 11 20 David s Troubles CHAPTERS 21 24 Miscellaneous Narratives CH. 1:1 2:10 Cupbearer to the King CH. 2:11 6:19 Builder of the Wall CH. 7:1 13:31 Governor of the People 1 KINGS ESTHER THE KINGDOM DIVIDES Israel enjoys prosperity under King Solomon but moral decay causes the kingdom to split. GOD S PEOPLE PRESERVED Hidden from view, God uses Esther to preserve her people the Jews from a genocidal plot while in exile. CHAPTERS 1 10 The Glory of Solomon CHAPTER 11 Decline and Demise CHAPTERS 12 22 Disruption and Division CHAPTERS 1 7 God s Providence in Hard Times CHAPTERS 8 10 God s Providence in Happy Times
ISRAEL S WISDOM LITERATURE JOB THE STRUGGLE OF SUFFERING A righteous man named Job suffers terribly and his friends offer unhelpful counsel until God steps in. The Situation CHAPTERS 4 37 The Search CHAPTERS 38 42 The Solution PSALMS SONGS FOR WORSHIP A hymnal of ancient songs that Israel offered in worship of God for who he is and what he has done. PS. 1 41 One PS. 42 72 Two PS. 73 89 Three PS. 90-106 Four PS. 107-150 Five PROVERBS WISE LIVING A collection of sayings written by King Solomon and others to help people live with wisdom and integrity. CHAPTERS 1 9 Prologue to Wise Living CHAPTERS 10 30 Principles for Wise Living CHAPTER 31 Personification of Wise Living ECCLESIASTES A PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION A sometimes-dark exploration of the vanity and meaninglessness of life apart from God. CH. 1:1-11 Introduction CH. 1:12 11:6 Investigation CH. 11:7 12:8 Admonition CH. 12:9-14 Conclusion SONG OF SONGS AN ODE TO MARRIED LOVE Poems celebrating the beauty, intimacy and joy of love and desire inside the covenant of marriage. CH. 1:2 3:5 The Courtship CH. 3:6 5:1 The Wedding CH. 5:2 8:14 The Marriage
ISRAEL S MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH THE SALVATION OF GOD Isaiah speaks to Israel of future judgment but also of a coming Servant-King who will bring restoration. CHAPTERS 1 39 The Judgment of God CHAPTERS 40 66 The Deliverance of God JEREMIAH REPENT OR BE JUDGED Jeremiah warns Israel about the coming Babylonian captivity and they don t take the news well. CHAPTERS 1 29 Jeremiah s Sermons CHAPTERS 30 52 Jeremiah s Experiences LAMENTATIONS SONGS OF LAMENT Jeremiah mourns over Israel s sin and the severity of God s judgment, but he also hopes in God s mercy. CH. 1 Tragedy CH. 2 God s Anger CH. 3 Grief CH. 4 God s Anger CH. 5 Prayer EZEKIEL GOD S COMING GLORY Ezekiel makes known to Israel the error of their ways and God s plans of glorious restoration to come. CH. 1 3 About the Prophet CH. 4 24 Judah s Judgment CH. 25 32 The Nations Judgment CH. 33 48 Judah s Restoration DANIEL GOD S SOVEREIGN REIGN God honours Daniel s obedience with visions that unveil his sovereignty over the nations of the world. CHAPTERS 1 6 Biographies of Daniel CHAPTERS 7 12 Prophecies of Daniel
ISRAEL S MINOR PROPHETS HOSEA PARABLE OF AN UNFAITHFUL BRIDE God tells Hosea to marry a prostitute and their relationship becomes a picture of God and Israel. NAHUM IMPENDING DOOM FOR NINEVEH Nahum highlights God s majesty and foretells of his judgment on the neighbouring city of Nineveh. The Agony of an Unfaithful Bride CHAPTERS 4 14 The Tragedy of an Unfaithful Nation The Majestic Character of God CHAPTERS 2 3 The Justified Judgment of God JOEL THE DAY OF THE LORD God judges Israel with a locust plague and through Joel promises worldwide judgment and restoration. HABAKKUK TRUSTING GOD S SOVEREIGNTY Habakkuk wrestles with God over the violence in Judah and the violence of the invading Babylonians. CH. 1:1 2:11 Desolation for Judah CH. 2:12-17 Exhortation for Judah CH. 2:18 3:21 Restoration for Judah Habakkuk Complains Habakkuk Listens Habakkuk Prays AMOS ZEPHANIAH A CALL TO JUSTICE A shepherd called Amos preaches against the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their injustices. THE DELIVERANCE OF GOD God warns Israel that judgment is coming, but that with repentance comes hope, restoration and peace. CH. 1 2 Rebuke for the Nations CH. 3 6 Rebuke CH. 7:1 9:10 Visions of Judgment CH. 9:11-15 Promises of Hope CH. 1:1 3:8 Judgment and Doom CH. 3:9-20 Joy and Deliverance OBADIAH JUDGMENT FOR EDOM Obadiah warns the neighbouring nation of Edom that they will be judged for plundering Jerusalem. HAGGAI BLESSING FOLLOWS OBEDIENCE Israel has abandoned the work of restoring the temple so Haggai reminds them to put God first. VERSES 1 9 Edom s Destruction VERSES 10 14 Edom s Delinquency VERSES 15 21 Edom s Destiny The Present State of God s House The Future Glory of God s House JONAH GOD S BOUNDLESS MERCY Jonah is called as a prophet to pagan Nineveh, and typifying Israel, he is reluctant to share God s mercy. ZECHARIAH HOPE AS ISRAEL REBUILDS With future visions and messianic promises, Zechariah inspires Israel as they rebuild the temple. Running from God Running to God Running with God Running against God CHAPTERS 1 8 Present Corrections CHAPTERS 9 14 Future Directions MICAH A JUST KINGDOM Micah confronts leaders for their injustice and points to the justice of God s messianic kingdom to come. MALACHI RELIGIOUS FORMALISM REBUKED Malachi reproves Israel for their religious hypocrisy but also offers them hope in the coming Messiah. CHAPTERS 1 2 The Judgment to Come CHAPTERS 3 5 The Justice to Come CHAPTERS 6 7 The Comfort to Come CH. 1:1-5 Love CH. 1:6 3:15 Rebuke CH. 3:16 4:6 Hope
THE NEW TESTAMENT THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS MATTHEW THE MESSIAH HAS ARRIVED Matthew heralds Jesus as the one true King and the long-awaited Messiah promised to Israel. CH. 1 4 The King s Arrival CH. 5 15 The King s Reception CH. 16 27 The King s Rejection CH. 28 The King s Triumph MARK THE SUFFERING SERVANT In this fast-paced biography, Mark depicts Jesus as the servant who suffers to redeem the world. CH. 1:1 8:30 Jesus Service to Others CH. 8:31 16:20 Jesus Sacrifice for Others LUKE A SAVIOUR FOR ALL Luke s detailed account reveals Jesus as the perfect man and the Saviour of Jews and Gentiles alike. CH. 1:1-4:13 Jesus Comes CH. 4:14 23:56 Jesus Seeks CH. 24:1-53 Jesus Saves JOHN THE SON OF GOD John recounts the signs and sayings of Jesus to teach that he alone is the way of salvation. CHAPTERS 1 12 Ministry to the Many CHAPTERS 13 21 Ministry to the Few THE NEW TESTAMENT EARLY CHURCH HISTORY ACTS THE GOOD NEWS SPREADS By the power of the Holy Spirit the followers of Jesus carry the good news about him to the world. CHAPTERS 1 7 The Mission to... Jerusalem CHAPTERS 8 12 Judea and Samaria CHAPTERS 13 28 The Ends of the Earth
THE NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS FROM PAUL ROMANS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD Paul communicates how God s righteousness is available to everyone who puts their faith in Jesus. COLOSSIANS THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST Jesus is the supreme Lord of all, and Paul explains the implications of this in every sphere of life. CHAPTERS 1 8 Salvation for All CHAPTERS 9 11 Salvation CHAPTERS 12 16 Salvation s Results Lord in the Church Lord of the Universe Lord of the Home Lord in the Community 1 CORINTHIANS CHRISTIAN CONDUCT A fractured church in Corinth needs discipline and some questions answered regarding church life. 1 THESSALONIANS HOPE IN CHRIST S RETURN Paul praises this church for their faith and motivates them to excel still more in light of Jesus return. CHAPTERS 1 6 A Rebuke for Sinful Exploits CHAPTERS 7 16 A Reply to Specific Enquiries The Pastor s Heart CHAPTERS 4 5 The Pastor s Burden 2 CORINTHIANS PAUL S APOSTLESHIP DEFENDED False rumours about Paul have undermined his message so he writes to Corinth to clear his name. 2 THESSALONIANS HOLD FAST TO THE END The Thessalonians are confused about the return of Christ and need reminding to stand firm in their faith. CHAPTERS 1 7 Crucial Concerns CHAPTERS 8 9 Generous Giving CHAPTERS 10 13 Apostolic Authority Comfort in Persecution Clarification on Prophecy Commands to Practice GALATIANS 1 TIMOTHY LIVING IN TRUE FREEDOM The Galatians need reminding that freedom doesn t come through works of the law but by faith in Jesus. INSTRUCTING A YOUNG LEADER Paul instructs his protegé Timothy on how to lead a church with sound teaching and a godly example. CHAPTERS 1 2 Authority, Not Opinion CHAPTERS 3 4 Freedom, Not Bondage CHAPTER 5 Spirit, Not Flesh The Ministry CHAPTERS 4 6 The Minister EPHESIANS LIFE IN CHRIST Paul writes about the glorious new community that God is creating and how to live out its calling. 2 TIMOTHY A CHARGE TO FAITHFUL MINISTRY Nearing the end of his life, Paul passes the ministry torch to Timothy, charging him to serve faithfully. Our Position in Christ CHAPTERS 4 6 Our Practice on Earth Guard the Treasure Suffer Well Continue Strong Preach the Word PHILIPPIANS A LIFE FILLED WITH JOY An encouraging letter from Paul to the church of Philippi explaining how to experience joy in Christ. TITUS GODLY CONDUCT OF LEADERS Paul advises Titus on how to lead orderly churches characterised by good doctrine and right living. Suffering for Jesus Serving Jesus Knowing Jesus Resting in Jesus Good Order Good Doctrine Good Deeds PHILEMON SLAVES ARE BROTHERS Paul pleads with Philemon to forgive his runaway slave and accept him back as a brother. VERSES 1 7 Paul s Praise VERSES 8 17 Paul s Plea VERSES 18 25 Paul s Promise
THE NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS FROM OTHER LEADERS HEBREWS THE SUPERIORITY OF JESUS A letter illuminating Jesus as the absolutely superior revelation of God and our eternal high priest. 1 JOHN GOD IS LIGHT AND LOVE John writes to Christians about living in fellowship with one another and with the God of light and love. CH. 1 4 A Better Revelation CH. 5 10 A Better Priesthood CH. 11 13 A Better Way of Life CH. 1:1 2:27 Living in God s Light CH. 2:28 5:21 Living in God s Love JAMES FAITH IN ACTION James writes to believers explaining that real faith is proven by a lifestyle of practical, authentic deeds. 2 JOHN PRACTICING DISCERNMENT A letter from John about loving other believers while showing discernment if they ve abandoned the truth. CH. 1 Trials of CH. 2 Works of CH. 3 Words of CH. 4 Walk of CH. 5 Waiting VERSES 1 6 Live in Truth VERSES 7 13 Remain in Truth 1 PETER SUFFERING WELL This letter from Peter encourages Christians to live holy and hopeful lives in the midst of persecution. 3 JOHN CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY John writes to a friend about hospitality, discernment, and fellowship with other believers. CH. 1:1 2:12 Salvation and Sanctification CH. 2:13 4:3 Submission and Suffering CH. 4:4 5:14 Steadfastness and Service VERSES 1 8 Hospitality for Leaders VERSES 9 15 Discernment for Leaders 2 PETER RESISTING FALSE TEACHERS Peter explains that the way to stand strong against false teachers is to grow in spiritual maturity. JUDE CONTENDING FOR TRUTH False teachers have secretly entered the church so Jude bids Christians to contend for the truth. Be Pure Be Aware Be Diligent VERSES 1 3 Contending for the VERSES 4 19 Exposing False Teachers VERSES 20 25 Building up Your THE NEW TESTAMENT THE END OF THE WORLD REVELATION JESUS REVEALED AND RETURNING John sees visions of Christ s present glory, his future triumph over evil, and his re-creation of the world. The Things You Have Seen CHAPTERS 2 3 The Things Happening Now CHAPTERS 4 22 The Things To Soon Take Place