New Testament Overview

Introduction (3 mins)

Q: so what did we learn about God from Our study in the O.T. ?(characteristics)

Creator, Perfect, Righteous, Holy, Hates sin, Loves man… Just ..

The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible, following the Old Testament.

It documents the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church over a period of about 100 years after Jesus' birth.

While the Old Testament lays the foundation with God's covenants and laws for His people, the New Testament reveals God's ultimate plan of redemption through the Messiah, Jesus Christ, for all people - Jews and Gentiles.

Q; How many human authors wrote the N.T.

The New Testament was written by nine different authors:

Q; Which NT book as an unknown author?

Hebrews

Q; Which ones of Jesus’s 12 disciples where authors in the N.T.? (Matthew, John, Peter, James)

Q; Who were the other known writers?

Mark, Dr. Luke, Paul, Jude, Unknown

the apostles Matthew, John, Paul, Peter, and James, along with Mark, Luke, Jude and the author of Hebrews.

All of the books of the N.T were composed between around 48-100 AD in Greek, the common language of the Roman Empire at that time.

Q: Why was it important for the New Testament to be written after the Old Testament?

Because it brought the fulfillment of the promised Messiah to fruition

Because without it we would still be under the law.

Q: How do the two Testaments relate?

The Gospels (10 mins)

The first four books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) are the Gospels, which chronicle the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

They were written by four of Jesus' closest followers - two of his 12 disciples (Matthew and John) and two other associates (Mark and Luke).

The Gospels reliably record Jesus' birth, His years of public teaching and miracle-working ministry, the claims He made about His identity as the divine Son of God, His sacrificial death on the cross to pay for sin, and His bodily resurrection three days later.

They reveal Jesus as fully God who created the universe and fully man who could die for humanity.

The Gospels highlight Jesus' compassion through His healings and deliverance of the oppressed.

But they also show His righteousness and firmness in condemning religious hypocrisy.

The Gospels climax with the truth that Jesus is the promised Messiah who came to inaugurate God's kingdom and save people from their sins by dying on the cross and rising again, enabling forgiveness and eternal life for all who believe in Him.

Q: Which details about Jesus' life and ministry in the Gospels are most significant to you and why?

Q: How do the Gospels reveal Jesus as fully God and fully man? Give some examples.

Revealing Jesus' Divinity (Fully God):

The Gospel of John opens by declaring Jesus as the pre-existent Word who was God and was with God in the beginning (John 1:1-3)

Jesus performed many miraculous signs that only God could do, like feeding the 5,000, walking on water, calming storms, healing the blind/deaf/paralyzed, and raising the dead (John's gospel emphasizes these)

Jesus claimed divine qualities like being one with the Father (John 10:30), being before Abraham (John 8:58), having authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-10), and being the I AM (John 8:58; Exodus 3:14)

At His transfiguration, God's voice from heaven called Jesus "my beloved Son" (Mark 9:2-8)Jesus predicted His death and resurrection, something only God could speak of doing (Mark 8:31)

Revealing Jesus' Humanity (Fully Man):

The Gospels give details of Jesus' human birth, childhood and growth (Luke 2:40-52)

Jesus experienced full human experiences like hunger (Matt 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), fatigue (John 4:6), sorrow and anguish (John 11:35; Luke 22:44)

He was referred to as a "man" by people who knew Him (John 8:40; 10:33; 19:5)

As a man, Jesus had a human body that could suffer and die (Luke 23-24)

Yet while being fully man, He lived a sinless life, unlike any other human (Hebrews 4:15)

So in both word and deed, the Gospels demonstrate Jesus as undiminished deity who created all things, and as unmistakable humanity who could die for our sins - the God-man Himself.

Q: Why was Jesus' death on the cross necessary for our salvation? What did it accomplish?

It satisfied God's justice and paid the penalty for sin.

From the beginning, God warned that the penalty for sin is death (Genesis 2:17, Romans 6:23). As perfect, holy God, He cannot simply overlook sin. His judgement against sin had to be carried out through death. But rather than judging us directly, God sent His own Son Jesus to take our guilt and bear our penalty on the cross (Romans 5:8).

It provided atonement and forgiveness of sins.

The New Testament repeatedly states that Jesus' death was a sacrificial offering for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7). Just as the Old Testament sacrificial system covered sins temporarily, Jesus' death on the cross covered sins permanently and completely for those who believe in Him (Hebrews 9:11-14, 10:10).

It defeated Satan, sin and death.

Through Jesus' perfect life, sacrificial death and resurrection, He disarmed and triumphed over the powers of evil (Colossians 2:15). His resurrection displayed victory over humanity's ancient foes - sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

It reconciled us to God.

Our sins had separated us from holy God, provoking His wrath (Romans 5:10-11). But Christ's death to pay for those sins has made peace with God possible. We can now be forgiven, adopted, and brought into intimate relationship with God (Colossians 1:19-22).

It displayed God's love for the world.

The cross is the ultimate exhibition of God's merciful, self-giving love (Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:10). He took on human form and allowed His own Son to be crucified so that we could experience salvation and eternal life.

So in short, Jesus had to die on the cross as the sinless sacrifice to uphold God's justice, remove our guilt, defeat evil, reconcile us to God, and demonstrate divine love. No other way could provide what His death accomplished!

The Book of Acts (8 mins)

After the Gospels comes the book of Acts, written by Luke. It records the birth and explosive growth of the Christian church after Jesus' resurrection, ascension to heaven, and sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Acts shows how the disciples, after being empowered by the Holy Spirit, began preaching the good news about Jesus first in Jerusalem, then spreading out to Judea, Samaria, and ultimately to the ends of the inhabited Roman world.

Key events include the bold preaching of Peter and the apostles, the welcoming of Gentile believers like Cornelius, and the dramatic conversion of Paul.

Acts also features the missionary journeys of the apostle Paul as he traveled around the Mediterranean planting churches in key cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus.

Through opposition and adversity, Acts demonstrates the gospel's transformative power as the Holy Spirit works through believers to advance God's kingdom.

Q: What are some of your favorite stories in the book of Acts?

Q: In what ways do we see the Holy Spirit empower the disciples to be witnesses for Christ?

The book of Acts provides several examples of how the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to be bold and effective witnesses for Christ:

The Holy Spirit was poured out on them at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), filling them and giving them the ability to powerfully preach the gospel in other languages. This miraculous sign represented the outpouring of the Spirit promised by Jesus (Acts 1:8).

The Holy Spirit gave the disciples boldness and courage to preach publicly about Jesus, even in the face of opposition and threats from the religious authorities (Acts 4:8-12, 4:31).

The Spirit guided and directed the missionaries like Paul and Barnabas, opening doors for the gospel message to spread strategically into new regions (Acts 13:2-4, 16:6-10).

The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to perform miraculous signs and wonders, which validated their message about Jesus (Acts 3:1-10, 5:12-16, 8:6-8).When facing persecution, the Holy Spirit gave them wisdom to defend their faith articulately before officials (Acts 4:8, 6:10).

The Spirit granted special revelations, visions and words of prophecy that guided the church in critical decisions (Acts 10 - Peter's vision, Acts 16:9 - Paul's Macedonian vision).

Fundamentally, the Holy Spirit was the constant source of power, filling, teaching and guidance for the apostles as they carried out the Great Commission (Acts 1:8, John 14:26).

So in every way - from the initial outpouring at Pentecost to the daily enabling and directing work of the Spirit - the book of Acts shows it was the Holy Spirit who divinely equipped the first followers of Jesus to be his witnesses "in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth."

Q: What parallels can we draw between the spread of the gospel then and today?

The Promise of Empowerment Just as the disciples received power from the Holy Spirit to be Christ's witnesses (Acts 1:8), so believers today are empowered by that same Spirit to share the gospel locally and globally.

The Method of Personal Witness In Acts, the gospel advanced primarily through one-on-one personal testimonies and preaching, not mass evangelism events. Similarly today, faith is spread most effectively person-to-person.

Facing Opposition and Persecution The early believers faced much opposition, ridicule and even persecution for proclaiming Christ (Acts 4,5,7). Likewise, in many parts of the world today, Christians face hostility and suffering for their witness.

The Centrality of Prayer We see the early church constantly devoting themselves to pray, seeking the Spirit's guidance and power to spread the gospel (Acts 1:14, 4:31). Fervent prayer must likewise undergird modern mission efforts.

Taking the Gospel to New Frontiers Just as the apostles brought the gospel to unreached places like Samaria and Asia Minor, so today's missionaries are focusing on the remaining "unreached" people groups.

Raising Up Local Leaders in the church Apostles like Paul established local churches with their own elders/leaders (Acts 14:23). Modern missions aims to plant self-sustaining churches led by indigenous believers.

While contexts and methods change, the core elements of Spirit-empowered believers taking the gospel to new frontiers through evangelism, discipleship and establishing local churches remains the same pattern we see modeled in Acts.

The Epistles (10 mins)

The next 21 books are letters (called epistles) written by apostles like Paul, Peter, John, James and Jude to instruct the rapidly-growing first-century Christian churches across the Roman empire about theology and holy living. Paul's epistles make up the bulk, including Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 & 2 Thessalonians.

In these letters, the apostles expound on the person and work of Jesus Christ - His deity, His perfect life, His substitutionary death on the cross to pay for sin, His resurrection which guarantees eternal life, and His position as the exalted King and Lord. Core Christian teachings like salvation by grace through faith alone, the way to live a Spirit-filled and sanctified life, the structure and roles of church leadership, ethics for marriage and family, and teachings about Christ's second coming are all found here.

The epistles also address key issues the early church was facing, like the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, confronting false teachers and unhealthy philosophies, dealing with persecution, and maintaining doctrinal purity. The epistles aim to provide solid doctrinal instruction as well as practical, counter-cultural guidance for holy living amid a pagan society.

Q: What are some of the key doctrines and teachings about Jesus that the epistles explain?

The epistles of the New Testament provide rich explanations and expansions on several key doctrines and teachings about the person and work of Jesus Christ:

Jesus' Deity

The epistles clearly affirm Jesus as being fully God - equal to the Father in nature, eternally pre-existent, the Creator, and worthy of worship (John 1:1-3, Philippians 2:6, Colossians 1:15-17, Hebrews 1:8)

Jesus' Humanity

While being fully divine, Jesus also took on full humanity - being born as a man, living a sinless life, and experiencing human limitations and suffering (Romans 1:3, Philippians 2:7-8, Hebrews 2:14-18)

Jesus' Atoning Death

The epistles expound on Jesus' death as being a substitutionary sacrifice to atone for sins. His shed blood on the cross provides redemption, justification, and reconciliation with God (Romans 3:24-25, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter 2:24)

Jesus' Resurrection

The epistles greatly emphasize the historical reality and significance of Jesus' bodily resurrection, which defeated death, proved His deity, and guarantees the believer's own resurrection (1 Corinthians 15, Romans 1:4, 1 Peter 1:3)

Jesus' Exaltation

After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to the right hand of God as the exalted Lord and King over all. He now reigns, intercedes, and is the head over the church (Ephesians 1:20-23, Philippians 2:9-11, Colossians 1:18)

Jesus' Return

The epistles look ahead to Jesus' future return in glory to judge the world, defeat all enemies, and usher in the fullness of His eternal kingdom (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10, 1 Timothy 6:14-15)

By unpacking these Christological doctrines in theological detail and practical application, the epistles provide the church with a rich understanding of the person and multi-faceted work of the Lord Jesus.

Q: How do the epistles instruct believers to live out their faith practically?

Q: Which ethical/lifestyle issues facing the early church still challenge believers today?

The epistles addressed several ethical and lifestyle issues facing the early church that still challenge believers today:

Sexual Immorality

The epistles condemned sexual immorality like fornication, adultery, homosexuality and porneia (sexual sin) which were rampant in Greek culture (1 Cor 6:12-20, Eph 5:3, Col 3:5, 1 Thess 4:3-8). Maintaining biblical sexual ethics is still a battle.

Marriage & Family Issues

Instructions were given on godly marriages, roles of husbands/wives, parenting, and household management (Eph 5:22-6:4, Col 3:18-21, 1 Pet 3:1-7). Upholding biblical family values is counter-cultural today.

Materialism & Greed

Warnings against the love of money, greed, and trusting in riches rather than God still apply (1 Tim 6:6-10, Heb 13:5, Jas 5:1-6). The lure of materialism remains strong.

Worldly Influences

The church was taught to reject influences of the world's sinful values, philosophies and practices (Rom 12:2, Col 2:8, Jas 4:4, 1 Jn 2:15-17). Guarding against worldliness is ongoing.

Ethical Integrity

Calls for honesty, hard work, ethical business practices as a witness (Rom 12:17, Eph 4:28, 1 Thess 4:11-12) contrast a culture of compromise.

Unity & Divisions

Disunity, quarrels and divisions plagued churches (1 Cor 1:10, 3:3, Gal 5:19-21). Maintaining doctrinal and behavioral unity is hard.

Persecution

Many faced suffering and persecution for their faith (2 Cor 4:7-12, 2 Tim 3:12, 1 Pet 4:12-19). Standing firm under opposition is difficult.

So while contexts change, the ethical issues of sexual morality, materialism, worldliness, ethical living, church unity, and perseverance in suffering remain great challenges for believers in any era.

The Book of Revelation (8 mins)

The final book, Revelation, is an apocalyptic book of prophecy written by the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. It uses vivid, symbolic language and striking imagery to portray spiritual realities and coming events at the end of the age.

Revelation reveals the ongoing cosmic conflict between God and His adversary Satan.

It unmasks the powers behind the persecution of the church and depicts the Tribulation period of judgment preceding Christ's return.

Q: so who is the central figure in the Book of Revelation?

Jesus Christ- the divine warrior-king who will return victoriously to defeat evil, judge humanity, and establish His everlasting kingdom.

While its symbolic visions can be challenging to interpret, at its core Revelation reveals that regardless of current sufferings, Jesus has already triumphed over sin, death and evil through His death and resurrection.

The Book of Revelation offers sobering warnings about compromising with the world, but also courage, hope and motivation for believers to remain faithful and persevere until the end by looking to the magnificent future coming when Christ makes all things new.

Q: From what you know of Revelation, what does it reveal about spiritual realities and the end times?

Spiritual Realities

It reveals the ongoing spiritual battle between God and the forces of evil led by Satan (Revelation 12:7-9)

It unmasks the deceptive power behind world systems, cultures and leaders that are influenced by demonic forces in opposition to God (Revelation 13)

It shows the prayers of the saints being offered before God's heavenly throne, and the saints being engaged in spiritual warfare (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-5)

It depicts the glory, majesty and worthiness of Christ the Lamb who was slain but now reigns over all (Revelation 5:6-14)

The End Times

It previews the coming 7-year Tribulation period of catastrophic judgments that will be poured out on the rebellious world (Revelation 6-16)

It describes the Antichrist figure who will rise to power and the False Prophet who will promote his evil agenda (Revelation 13)

It foretells the climactic Battle of Armageddon when Christ will defeat the Antichrist's armies (Revelation 16:16, 19:11-21)

It reveals that Christ will then bind Satan and establish His 1,000-year millennial kingdom on earth (Revelation 20:1-6)

After a final conflict, it shows the present heavens and earth being destroyed and remade into the new, eternal kingdom where God and the redeemed will dwell forever (Revelation 21-22)

So Revelation gives believers a behind-the-scenes look at the invisible spiritual war raging, as well as a breathtaking preview of the upheaval surrounding Christ's second coming and final victory in ushering in His everlasting kingdom.

Q: What encouragement or warnings does Revelation give to prepare for Christ's return?

Encouragements:

Jesus promises to keep believers firm until the end if they remain faithful (Rev 2:25-26, 3:10-11)

There are great rewards awaiting those who overcome trials and persevere (Rev 2:7, 2:17, 3:21)

Though suffering may occur, believers will be protected from God's judgments (Rev 3:10)

Christ will return victoriously to judge evil and establish His reign forever (Rev 19:11-16, 22:20)

A glorious new heavens and new earth awaits the redeemed to enjoy eternally (Rev 21-22)

God's grand story culminates with evil being forever banished (Rev 20:10, 21:8)

Warnings:

Don't compromise with immoral cultural influences of "Babylon" (Rev 18:4)

Wake up from spiritual lethargy and be alert, as the time is near (Rev 3:3, 16:15)

Do not worship the Beast/Antichrist or receive his mark, no matter the cost (Rev 14:9-11)

Persevere in faith, for falling away results in being overcome by God's judgments (Rev 2:5, 3:16)

Be holy, for the unholy and unbelievers have no place in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:8, 27)

Overall, Revelation exhorts believers to remain steadfastly faithful, morally pure and alert in the midst of an evil world system, keeping their eyes fixed on Christ's soon return and the promise of eternity with Him.

The Role of Prayer (5 mins)

Prayer is a constant thread woven through each part of the New Testament:

In the Gospels, we see Jesus Himself modeling a life of constant prayer and communion with the Father. He often withdrew to pray before major events and decisions.

In Acts, the disciples relied on prayer as they waited for the Holy Spirit, selected leaders, made decisions, and faced persecution. Prayer sustained the embryonic church.

Throughout the Epistles, the apostles urged believers to be devoted to prayer - for power, protection, wisdom, and strength to live faithfully. Corporate prayer was vital.

In Revelation, we see the prayers of the saints before God's throne, and their prayers playing a role in God's future judgments. Prayer is linked to perseverance until Christ's return.

Q: How have you seen prayer make an impact in your own life and walk with God?

Q: What struggles do you face in developing a consistent, passionate prayer life?

Q: How can we as a group encourage one another to make prayer more of a priority?

Conclusion (2 mins)

From the Gospels to Revelation, the New Testament guides us into a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. May we embrace its teachings, follow its model for spiritual growth through prayer, and join in the mission of witnessing about Christ until He returns.