God has one destined end for mankind - holiness! His one aim is the production of saints. God is not an eternal blessing- machine for men. He did not come to save men out of pity. He came to save men because He had created them to be holy.
Oswald Chambers

Intro to Foothold Series

Intro to Foothold Series

  • Used with permission of Scripture Union, Adelaide South Australia. Copyright holder. Original edition (C) 1986.
  • Designed for the Christian setting out to read the Bible for the first time.

    F O O T ================================

    • H O L D

You are about to begin an exciting 100 days journey … a trek through the Bible. FOOTHOLD is an introduction to the message of the Bible. It will give you a good grip on some important themes for living … a foothold for your faith.

Although FOOTHOLD is ideal for use with the GOOD NEWS BIBLE, it can be easily used with other modern versions.

Set time aside and establish a simple pattern for using this book.

Happy travelling!

Acknowledgments … Originally prepared by Jacqueline Sibley and John Lane for Scripture Union. Prepared in electronic format by UNITED CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATIONS and THE WORD BBS, Adelaide South Australia.

HOW TO USE FOOTHOLD BEFORE The Bible is no ordinary book. YOU BEGIN It is full of historical events, but it is not a history book. It touches subjects studied by scientists but it is not a science handbook. It introduces the big questions of philosophers but it is not a phiosophical work. It contains some great and beautiful amterial but it is not a literary masterpiece. The Bible is a book about God. It tells us what he is like. It is a book about people – the kind of people God wants us to be and the kind of life he wants us to lead. You can try to read the Bible like an ordinary book, if you like. But if you seriously want to meet God and find his help in your life, you will find this book reading you! Open your eyes and your mind as you explore new territory! FOOTHOLD will help you sample the main themes of the Bible. Remember three things.

  1. ASK Christians describe the Bible as INSPIRED. It is true that it THE communicates deep insight in powerful and inspiring ways. But more GUIDE important, we can say it is inpired because it comes from God as

    his message. God is the primary Author, the Biblical writers are authors in a secondary sense.

So the Bible is both human and divine. It is God’s own witness to himself. So when you begin to read, settle your mind to meet the Author! Ask him to help you understand his message.

2. EXPLORE As you read, look around, take in the view. Explore! Ask

THE yourself the THINK questions listed for each reading. LANDSCAPE

TO PROBE SOME MORE USE THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

What is the main point? What does it teach about God – the Father, his Son Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit? Is there a special command, promise, warning or example that you should note? What fresh insight does the passage give into yourself, your situation or your relationship? Jot down your thoughts in a notebook. Chart your progress. Use it as a journal of your trek through the Bible. 3. FOLLOW Take your discoveries seriously. THROUGH If you are prompted to act on the teachings of the Bible, take steps to do what you know is required. Turn intentions into action. If you are left with further questions, follow them up. Ask a more experienced Christian for help or for some advice about a helpful book to read. If there are things you should confess or put right, don’t delay. It may seem hard but it will be an important growth experience for you. If you think we can help, call or write your nearest Scripture Union office.