Guest Author - Diana Pederson

Our Bible can be a confusing book to the new Believer, the unbeliever, and even those who have studied it for years. If you need a book that will help you identify the main themes of the Bible so you can study them thoroughly, Williams book, Making Sense of the Bible, is written for you.

Williams clearly states a goal for this book:

The goal of Making Sense of the Bible is to illustrate how the Old and New Testaments are interwoven in significant ways. Themes that are developed in the Old Testament can be traced in the New Testament. Moreover, what has been written in the Old Testament substantially influences our understanding of the New Testament. This continuity and coherence can be seen in the examination of ten central themes: creation, covenant, idolatry, the Messiah, Law, salvation, kingdom, the Holy Spirit, the People of God, and prophecy …. [Page 8]

In order to accomplish his stated purpose, Williams dedicates a chapter to each of the ten central themes. Each of the chapters follows a similar format, leaving you with a clear understanding of that chapter’s content. Let’s look closely at chapter two on “Covenant” as an example of this author’s ability to explain eternal truths.

Chapter two on “Covenants”, starts out with the story of a man going to some islands off the coast of Scotland to preach the word to them. This man asked God to fill him, an empty vessel, so that he could preach. An earthquake happened while he prayed and he walked out of the building to find people attributing it to God. They were ready to listen to God’s word and a revival resulted.

Next, the author discusses what a covenant is and shows us several covenants in both testaments of the Bible. I enjoyed reading the words of the hymn that ended the chapter. Once you have read through this chapter, you have a clear understanding of what a covenant is and why it is important.

Recommendation

I believe the author accomplished his clearly stated goal. In fact, I would like to see all new Believers handed this book immediately! It will clearly and concisely introduce them to basic themes of the Bible. Too often, we tell new converts to start “reading your Bible and praying” without explaining what is meant. Perhaps this book could be used in a Sunday School class or midweek Bible Study geared towards new believers. Of course, it should be followed up by a class teaching them “how to study the Bible” and “how to pray”.

H. H. Drake Williams III. Making Sense of the Bible. Kregel Publications. 2006.