Here's my list of important parts of the Bible. This is not intended to undermine other books in the Bible - I could fully subscribe to chapter 1 of the Westminster Confession of Faith. But the list below will be my guide if and when I take on the task of teaching the Bible as a teaching minister in a church. I would also base most of my preaching on these books too. Possible qualifications to this strategy would arise if: 1) I use the Common Order Lectionary for a year or two 2), I decide thematic preaching is needed at some stage in my ministry.
Any thoughts on the list? I've just noticed that leaving out Matthew is a shocker, and perhaps 1 2 Peter deserve a place too. But I'm happy to defend my choices in public!
Genesis
Exodus
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Ruth
1 2 Samuel
1 2 Kings
Nehemiah
Psalms
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Daniel
Hosea
Jonah
Micah
Malachi
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
Ephesians
Philippians
1 Thessalonians
1 2 Timothy
Hebrews
James
1 John
Revelation
2 comments:
not sure why you should restrict yourself to just certain books of the bible. is the not a role for the Holy Spirit to guide you as a minister to preach on a certain book? maybe one that is not on your list.
Why leave out Jude, it's the most important! (Am I joking or not...?)
Seriously though, surely 1 & 2 Corinthians will have something to say to most church congregations? Why omit Ezra and include Nehemiah?
Ezekiel?
Unfortunately, the very act of highlighting 'important' books is bound to undermine the others as 'less important'. Isn't that what most Biblical, Source, Tradition, Literary... Critics do - pick and choose which bits to emphasise. OK so do most preachers. In fact 'most people' might be the best description.
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