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Definitely, the more we know of something, the more we enjoy it. Be it a hobby, a skill, a sport, a profession. The same goes with Bible study. It is a life guide from where we draw truth. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.¹

A practical approach to the daily study of Scripture would be to see the big picture. The Bible is actually a compilation of different books by different authors through the years. It is divided into 2 time zones—the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books). Understand that it depicts God’s holiness, righteousness, and justice; and his unwavering faithfulness and unconditional love for man expressed through the Word² who was made flesh³ that he may live with us, then die on the cross, and be raised to life, that we may have eternal life.

The 39 books of the OT is comprised of the Law called the Pentateuch (5 books)—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (The 5^th book summarizes Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers); the History books (12)—Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. Written to depict an era as it was (warning it may be gory); the Wisdom books (5)—Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. They were composed poetically and not to be taken literally; the Major Prophets (5)—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel; the Minor Prophets (12)—Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. The prophets were sent to a chosen people during their decline calling them to change their ways (e.g., Isaiah spoke the word of God to a people who were “deaf and blind”⁴ who refused to listen to his warnings of impending disaster. Trivia: Chapter 1-39, spoke of God’s judgment; 40-66, redemption. Like 39 books of the OT; and 27, NT). The OT is a preparation for the coming Messiah, whom God covenanted from the beginning—the Lord and Savior to be revealed in the fullness of time.⁵

Whereas, the 27 books of the NT has the 4 Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each book written for a particular audience (e.g, Matthew for the Jews, and the 3 other books for the Gentiles—the non-Jews; particularly, Mark for the Romans; Luke, the Greeks as he was well versed in it; John, the Gentiles in general); 1 History book—Acts; 21 Letters—those written by Paul: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon; by an unknown author, Hebrews (although accepted as Canon); by James and Jude, brothers of Jesus;⁶ by Peter, 1 & 2 Peter; by John, 1-3 John ; lastly, likewise authored by John, a Book of Prophecy—Revelations.

Jesus said, I will build my church.⁷ As the Gospel was preached many believed and were saved; with it came healing, signs and wonders.⁸ Those saved were added to the body of Christ. Naturally, with growth came problems; thus, the need for the Letters to remind them of their changed status—yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ . . .⁹

Although all Scripture is truth not all is the Good News; not all carry the same weight. Of first importance is the Gospel—Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For, I delivered to you as of FIRST importance . . .¹⁰ But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.¹¹ Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.¹²