Perhaps you have said to yourself that you really ought to learn more about the Bible. But you just never get around to it. Then, this study is for you.

In a recent survey at a Christian college, a majority of students were ignorant of an appropriate Christian answer to these four very basic questions:

1.  What is the origin of mankind—where did we come from?
2.  What is our purpose in life?
3.  How do we know how to live our life?
4.  How do we get to heaven (and avoid hell)?

In this study we will answer these and many other questions. The purpose of the course is to guide you through some of the highlights of the Bible. While it is only a brief overview covering a small portion of Scripture, this outline covers most of the basic concepts of the Christian faith.

You may be coming to this study from a particular perspective. You may have a curious or an academic approach, seeking to find some intellectual satisfaction in religion. Or you may even be an atheist, looking for ways to satisfy your previously conceived ideas.

Perhaps you are broken and hurting, and desperately need spiritual help. Or perhaps you are self-assured, confident in where you are at this time—but an examination of your weaknesses would actually help you deal with your selfishness and lack of concern for others.

Our study will jump around throughout the Bible to focus on important themes. We suggest that you read every verse listed in this study that has the notation Read immediately in front of it; others may be skipped to speed up the study. While we will offer our commentary as an aid, the important thing is for you to let the words of the Bible speak to you. You can complete the study, if you choose to do so, in one sitting—in less than a day. Set aside a few hours one day to go through the entire study. Or you might want to break it up into two or three parts.

The Bible is an amazing document: an incredibly rich book of books: 66 books from approximately 40 different writers in 3 different languages over a span greater than 1500 years, all with a consistent theme. It is certainly the most influential book in history. Whether Christian or not, one’s education is incomplete until you have studied this book.

There is tremendous misinformation over what is actually in the Bible. Sadly, many people who have gone to church for years still do not have a comprehensive understanding of the Bible. Lifelong Christians still learn much and deepen their knowledge of God by reading Scripture. The Bible reveals God’s thoughts, His heart, His plans.