his guide takes readers on a journey through each book of the Bible, while focusing on how Christ is revealed and pointed to throughout the Scriptures and how each individual book relates to the larger redemptive narrative of the entire Bible.Each biblical book is covered in a chapter of the Jesus Lens book. Each chapter includes an introductory overview of the biblical book(s); a statement describing the theme; a verse or passage to memorize; a description of how the teaching of the book(s) relates to the Person of Jesus; as well as some contemporary applications and questions to help readers connect the message of the biblical book(s) with their own experiences in today's world. These components are also summed up in a handy chart at the back of the book covering all of the Old and New Testaments.
The overviews in each chapter give readers a short introduction to each biblical book, which is especially helpful for books with which they may not be as familiar. Williams' book also is helpful in getting readers to understand that the messages of these biblical books are still relevant in today's world. This book can help readers to cross the cultural divide and apply the messages and principles of the Scriptures to life today. Although I believe it is important that we do not neglect the original meaning and context of the Scriptures for the original audience, seeing how each book relates to Christ is helpful for us as Christians today, living under the new covenant. Jesus Himself acknowledged that the Scriptures testify about Him (see John 5:39).
I decided to focus my study and review on the books of Psalms and Hebrews, two that I have been studying this year.
Old Testament: Psalms
The Old Testament is sometimes seen as irrelevant in today's culture. However, Williams' book helps readers to see how the prophecies, teachings and laws in the Jewish Scriptures were ultimately fulfilled in Christ. It also provides contemporary applications for the teachings found in these books.
In the book of Psalms, we get a glimpse into a genuine, intimate relationship between a human and God. We learn that we too can pour out our honest feelings before God. Williams' book described the movement of the psalms from lament to praise. Because of God's goodness, we can always end up in praise.
The Jesus Lens: According to Williams, the relationship with God we see depicted in the Psalms was exhibited in Jesus' own relationship with His Father. Christ, who has revealed the Father to us, is also the Way by which we can have this relationship with God as well.
New Testament: Hebrews
The New Testament book of Hebrews was written to an audience of Jewish Christians. These believers were struggling somewhat with this new faith. It seems that the author of Hebrews is trying to get his audience to see the ancient teachings they knew through the "Jesus lens." He seeks to help them realize that the teachings of the Scriptures have been fulfilled in Christ. He wants them to understand their need for continual faith in Jesus, so that they will not give that up and turn back to the legalism of the old covenant.
The Jesus Lens: The Law and its teachings and observances were only a shadow of things that were to come, but Christ and His sacrifice are far better and eternal. In the book of Hebrews, readers are reminded that Christ is the mediator of our relationship with the Father and we must continue steadfastly in our faith in Him.
In the application section for Hebrews, Williams wrote that contemporary readers may not be struggling with the idea of turning back to Jewish practices as the original audience was; however, there may be other things to which we may be tempted to return. Yet, we too must hold firmly to our faith in Christ.
Conclusion
I believe that Williams' book provides a good introduction to each book of the Bible and is helpful for readers who are interested in digging into the Scriptures and discovering how they can be applied to the lives of Christians today.
I decided to focus my study and review on the books of Psalms and Hebrews, two that I have been studying this year.
Old Testament: Psalms
The Old Testament is sometimes seen as irrelevant in today's culture. However, Williams' book helps readers to see how the prophecies, teachings and laws in the Jewish Scriptures were ultimately fulfilled in Christ. It also provides contemporary applications for the teachings found in these books.
In the book of Psalms, we get a glimpse into a genuine, intimate relationship between a human and God. We learn that we too can pour out our honest feelings before God. Williams' book described the movement of the psalms from lament to praise. Because of God's goodness, we can always end up in praise.
The Jesus Lens: According to Williams, the relationship with God we see depicted in the Psalms was exhibited in Jesus' own relationship with His Father. Christ, who has revealed the Father to us, is also the Way by which we can have this relationship with God as well.
New Testament: Hebrews
The New Testament book of Hebrews was written to an audience of Jewish Christians. These believers were struggling somewhat with this new faith. It seems that the author of Hebrews is trying to get his audience to see the ancient teachings they knew through the "Jesus lens." He seeks to help them realize that the teachings of the Scriptures have been fulfilled in Christ. He wants them to understand their need for continual faith in Jesus, so that they will not give that up and turn back to the legalism of the old covenant.
The Jesus Lens: The Law and its teachings and observances were only a shadow of things that were to come, but Christ and His sacrifice are far better and eternal. In the book of Hebrews, readers are reminded that Christ is the mediator of our relationship with the Father and we must continue steadfastly in our faith in Him.
In the application section for Hebrews, Williams wrote that contemporary readers may not be struggling with the idea of turning back to Jewish practices as the original audience was; however, there may be other things to which we may be tempted to return. Yet, we too must hold firmly to our faith in Christ.
Conclusion
I believe that Williams' book provides a good introduction to each book of the Bible and is helpful for readers who are interested in digging into the Scriptures and discovering how they can be applied to the lives of Christians today.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Zondervan as part of the Jesus Lens blog tour.
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