INTRODUCTION
For too long the Church has ignored the fact that when Jesus was only 12 years old, He not only listened intently when He was at the temple, but astounded the priests with "…His understanding and answers" (Lk.2:46-47). Whether you are a new believer, or a long time church member who has recently experienced the phenomenal difference which comes from making Jesus Lord of your life in addition to having Him as your Savior, our prayer is that this book will open up a whole new world of Bible study for you. One that will help meet the mandates of both II Tim.2:15 (KJV) and Col.3:16. Remember, all believers, young and old alike, share both the privilege and the obligation to diligently study the Word, and be prepared in season and out of season to share the truth of God's Word.
Bible study is not intended to be a mere intellectual exercise. The word of God is living and active (Heb.4:12), and is intended to be a lamp by which we can guide our life. We cannot expect to be like the noble Bereans in Acts 17:1 unless we are filled with the Word to such an extent that we also can judge what we hear by the unfailing integrity of Scripture. With this in mind, please note that Scripture references are provided not only throughout the text of each chapter in this book, but every other publication of this ministry as well.
While the topics addressed in this book are foundational in nature, they are covered in a greater depth than is usually encountered in such studies. In addition to revealing basic Biblical truths, the reader will also be introduced to the interrelationships which exist between these Biblical principles, and shown how these principles relate to our walk with the Lord today.
Having said all that, it is absolutely essential for the reader to remember that we must not become complacent in our study of the Word. While the truths presented herein are indispensable for the overcomer to walk in, a thorough understanding of them is not the end of our journey, but rather the beginning (Heb.5:11 - 6:1). Therefore, after you have become familiar with these principles, ie. After the written Word referred to herein has becoming the living Word in you, move on to the companion volumes to this book, A Closer Walk, The Last Enemy, God's Pattern, and Studies in Revelation.
Our publications are in no way intended to be a substitution for your own personal reading of the Bible. It is our prayer that these works will merely encourage you in your individual Bible study. They are intended to bring into sharp focus Scriptural principles and concepts which you may not have been aware of before. In so doing, we believe that you will gain a deeper appreciation for both the depth and beauty of God's Word. At the same time, as you become aware of the intricacy with which God has interwoven these truths throughout the Old and New Testaments, your appreciation of His awesome majesty will encourage you to seek the spiritual maturity to which He has called you (Eph.4:11-13).