Author's Note

Creation

  In general the text used in this study is the Authorized Version. At times, for accuracy we use the American Revised Standard Version. In some instances we use the paraphrased Version to make clearer the meaning. It is well to understand that the great truths taught in this course do not depend on the exclusive use of the Authorized Version of the Bible. Such truths would be equally clear in many other English versions. For Catholics, the most recent English versions are excellent.
  One of the first things that the new Christian must learn is to find each book in the Bible. You will also need to learn the system of abbreviating the names of the books. You will find the names of the books of the Bible and their abbreviations in most Bibles following the Introduction.
  References to scripture passages usually follow this order: First, the book; second, the chapter; third, the verse or verses. As an example, 2 Cor. 5:21, indicates the second epistle to the Corinthians, chapter five, verse twenty-one. Sometimes when an author wishes to indicate several chapters in a given book in the Bible he will write: 2 Cor. 5:6-11:9, meaning the second book of Corinthians, chapter five, verse six through second Corinthians, chapter eleven, verse nine.

How to Study the Lessons

  Read one lesson at a sitting. Return to it for a second time to study and look up all the scripture references. You should form the habit of making notes of insights you receive and the questions that may be gendered by your study. These notes can be clipped to the last sheet of the lesson for further study. You will find the following suggestions very helpful.

   1. You should begin each study session with prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to guide and teach you.
   2. Take your time; do not work too rapidly. Read the scriptures indicated in the lesson several times. Also read the context -- consider the setting by reading a few verses that precede and follow the text indicated.
   3. You should possess a Crudens Concordance and a Bible Dictionary.


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