A Precept is a rule or principle for living a moral life, or following a prescribed course of action and conduct. For the past 18 years, I have been studying the Bible Precept Upon Precept. It is always fascinating to me that I learn even more from the lessons when I am leading discussions than I do studying on my own. (Would accountability have something to do with that?) I thought I might write tiny summaries of what I have learned from some of the individual books I have studied so far.
The Gospel According to John
Jesus did so many more things than are recorded here, so many more things, it would take many, many books to tell all about it. These things are written that you might believe Jesus is who He said He is, the Son of the Living God, the Saviour, the Christ, the Messiah, and that believing, you would have eternal life.
The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus teaches us about God the Father and calls us to believe He is Who He says He is. Jesus asks us to become His disciples: love one another as I have loved you, forgive one another as you have been forgiven, treat others as you would like to be treated, love your enemies.
The Letter of Paul to Titus
Speak sound doctrine, do good deeds.
The Letter to the Hebrews
Consider Jesus, who is better than angels, better than Moses, better than Melchizedek, a better sacrifice. He is the perfect High Priest, He has a better ministry, He identifies with us as brothers. He is our perfect example, the authour and perfecter of faith. Listen to Him. Follow Him.
The Letter of Paul to the Galatians
The good news of Jesus is that people are not made righteous by their own good works, or by following laws and commandments. Being made just comes from faith in Jesus, being made sons and daughters of God thru faith in His work alone.
The Acts of the Apostles
This book begins with Jesus' return to heaven after His Resurrection. It then recounts the travels and teachings of the 12 Apostles as they share the gospel, first with the Jews and on throughout the known world, sharing and teaching faith in Jesus to Gentiles. This is how the Christian Church began and how we aspire to live out our Christian faith today.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
Many people are afraid of this book. The imagery can get overwhelming, the plagues are terrifying, the promise of judgment is daunting. But guess what? If you know the Lord as your Saviour, this book is full of good news and wonderful hope. This is a book every Christian will love to study and come away from full of faith and purpose to share the warnings and promises with others. God is true to His word and everything written in the Bible will come to pass (as most of it already has!) Time is short. He is coming again and this time He will come as Judge and King, not a baby in a manger.
There you have it...for now.
Comments always appreciated.
