What's in the Bible: A One-Volume Guidebook to God's Word

I would like to have had this book when I was a young Christian. Noted Biblical scholar and theologian R.C. Sproul and popular Bible teacher and best-selling author Robert Wolgemuth have assembled an outstanding overview of the events, activities, and purposes of God in their popular book entitled "What's in the Bible." Most new believers are directed to the New Testament first by well-meaning disciplers, usually to the Gospel of John and the First Epistle of John, to start their study of the Bible. However, unless the young believer is already acquainted with the scriptures (I wasn't), this method can be initially exhilarating and also thoroughly frustrating at the same time. Trying to grasp the full impact of the sayings of Christ (which often have their roots in the O.T.), and words like propitiation, justification, incarnation and sanctification can be confusing. Who are the Patriarchs and what is the Exile? I can still remember the first time I ran across terms like circumcision (that one really threw me for a loop--was it real or just a metaphor). These concepts can unintentionally derail the enthusiasm of a young Christian. Can you remember when you first realized the Bible consisted of 66 different books, written by 45 writers covering a period of 1,500 years, and that they are all bound in a single volume? The first word that came to my mind was...Help! Well Sproul and Wolgemuth obviously heard those cries and understood that what a new believer needs most is an easy to read, Big Picture view of the Bible first, starting with Genesis. In their handbook-sized hardbound volume, Sproul and Wolgemuth took their shared vision and created an overview that highlights the essence of what God has said, his activities, and very importantly, his purpose throughout the Old and New Testaments and all in a very readable format. In 17 chapters, they group the books of the Bible, breaking each one down into smaller sections which focus on a specific period of time, an important theme, or a key character. Each chapter contains simple outlines showing where the reader is headed and closes with a brief summary of the chapter so the reader can also look back as a reminder of what they have just studied. This book can be read cover to cover, or as an indispensable guide to the scriptures. Either way, Sproul and Wolgemuth have provided new believers an invaluable road map, and the more seasoned disciple with a refresher course to help them understand and enhance their study of God's eternal love letter. It can be used as a study tool for individual study, or as an excellent guide for a group study. Either way, you can't go wrong. This volume may be an overview, but it is not a casual meandering through the scriptures. Packed in its 351 pages is a wealth of essential Bible truth. It is not intended to take the place of time spent in the Word of God. It is simply an aid, a supplement that can keep you on track in your journey in God's story through time an

With the Bible being God's inerrant, inspired message to us of course being THE #1. RC Sproul is the preeminent theologian of our time. This volume absolutely revolutionized and galvanized my thinking and understanding of God's holy Word! I found it, interestingly, because it was the required text book for two college courses I took this year .. in a STATE college! WOW! Every chapter reveals more and more of God's character, His eternal plan. Sproul, who is a reformed theologian, brings to light insights about our purposeful God from eternity past to eternity future in a compelling and understandable way. Although I have been a Christian for many! years, this book has done more to enlighten me than all the sermons I have heard in my 30 year journey with Christ!! I purchased additional copies of this volume for friends and family and will personally continue to use it (as dog eared as it has become)in my life long quest to know and understand God's purposes...and His heart!..as I continue to study His Word. In closing, I have a two word suggestion for you: BUY IT!

I am currently teaching through this book. The ladies in our class are profiting from it greatly. It is a good "overview" of Scripture.

A basic overview of the major points of the entire bible. R.C. Sproul has the give of making things relative and memorable. This Book is great for new believers.

Noted Reformed theologian R.C. Sproul and Robert Wolgemuth (formerly of Wolgemuth & Hyatt Publishers) provide for the beginner a helpful and reliable introduction to the Bible. This is a book that can be read by anyone, regardless of their religious background (or even lack thereof). Sproul and Wolgemuth focus on the content of the Bible, following the narrative from creation in Genesis to the new earth in Revelation. Outlines throughout make sure that no reader gets lost in the middle.This is not a book about the doctrine of Scripture, nor about hermeneutics (the science and art of biblical interpretation). For those looking for the deep theological reflection Sproul usually offers, this may be something of a disappointment. The book is written with the beginner in mind--though more advanced students of Scripture will benefit from it.Though an introduction to the Bible, this is not a "biblical introduction." You won't find extensive background on biblical authors or discussion of the dating of specific books--the types of dreadfully boring content on which a more "academic" book would concentrate. Instead, you will find a delightful summary of the best selling book of all time, one loaded with theolgocial and practical reflection at every step. New Christians, young believers, and seekers will all profit their souls with this gem of a book.