Unlocking the Bible Story, Volume 1: Old Testament
Overview
The first of this four volume study depicts God setting the stage and introducing Himself as the screenwriter of human history. Each chapter in the two-part Old Testament provides a “Spotlight on Christ” which will help you see how the whole Bible points us forward to Jesus Christ.
What began as a sermon series by Colin Smith to be preached over a period of two years at Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church in Illinois—in order to teach the story of the Bible—quickly became the Unlocking the Bible Story series. Smith provides a big picture view of Scripture. This volume packs the main themes and concepts of the Bible onto its pages, providing the reader with rich encouragement and life-changing truths.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Top Highlights
“Since we already know his primary offensive tactics, it will not be difficult to organize our defense. We must take the Word of God seriously. We must listen to what He says, refusing to twist the meaning of His Word to make it more convenient. We must recognize that sin always brings its consequences and that when God speaks about judgment, He is not making idle threats. We must let God be God. What God has declared good is good, and what God has declared evil is evil.” (Page 34)
“God was not saying, ‘I’m giving you these commandments, so that by keeping them you may become My people.’ He was saying, ‘I am giving you these commandments because you are My people.’ The message of the Law to us today is not that we must keep these laws in order to be saved, but rather that because we are saved, we should keep these laws. The Law tells us how people who belong to God ought to live.” (Pages 79–80)
“The Law of God was never a ladder for unsaved people to climb up to heaven. It was always a pattern of life for God’s people who had been saved from judgment by the blood of the Lamb.” (Page 79)
“God is eternal and invisible, and He wants to establish a relationship with the man and the woman so that they may know Him and enjoy Him. Later in the Bible story, we will see that God became a man, so it should not seem strange that in the Old Testament He should appear in a visible form. These theophanies show us the intense desire in the heart of God to establish fellowship with man.” (Page 24)
“An image is a reflection, and so God is telling us that He made us in such a way that we would be able to reflect something of His own nature and glory.” (Page 23)
In a postmodern age where many know only of the stories of the Bible, but little of a comprehensive view of Scripture and a biblical worldview, Colin Smith's Unlocking the Bible Story is a breath of fresh air. Read it to understand how God has worked throughout history and through the ages to provide salvation and redemption for fallen man.
—Joseph Stowell, President, Moody Bible Institute
This is a satisfying and insightful overview of Scripture that tells 'the old, old story' in a fascinating way. Even seasoned Bible students will find their eyes opened and their hearts warmed as they read it.
—Warren Wiersbe
Unlocking the Bible Story explores the mountain peaks of Scripture, helping us trace the Bible's story line form beginning to end. I promise, it does unlock the Bible, showing us the unity of God's revelation. Best of all, it shows that Christ is the central theme, as the biblical narrative moves from one event to another. Excellent for those who want to 'get into' the Bible.
—Erwin W. Lutzer, Senior Pastor, Moody Church
Unlocking the Bible Story flows from the pen of a pastor who understands how important it is to encourage God's people to read and discover the power of the Bible. Colin Smith has written a practical tool to facilitate the wonderful adventure of reading and understanding the Bible. I recommend that every pastor and church consider deepening their Bible knowledge by utilizing this tool that has produced incredible results in the church Pastor Smith leads.
—William Hamel, President, Evangelical Free Church of America
- Title: Unlocking the Bible Story, vol. 1
- Author: Colin S. Smith
- Publisher: Moody
- Publication Date: 2002
- Pages: 297
Colin Smith was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He came to personal faith in Christ at the age of six, and has sensed God's call to pastoral ministry since early in life. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Master of Philosophy from London Bible College. Before coming to the States in 1996, Colin served as the Senior Pastor of the Enfield Evangelical Free Church in London for 16 years. While in London, he was very active in the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches in England; and has served the Fellowship as president.
Colin currently serves as Senior Pastor of the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He is committed to preaching the Bible in a way that nourishes the soul by directing attention to Jesus Christ.