Invitation to the New Testament: Participant Book

by David A. deSilva

Explore the writings of the New Testament using the story of Jesus as the starting point. This survey of the testament looks at how the early church took ownership of and was shaped by the story of Jesus and how the church learned how to develop as disciples and create communities of faith.

Participants find a deeper conversation with the writers of the New Testament and a renewal of our commitment to be shaped — personally and communally — by the story of Jesus. The study is accessible for adults with little prior Bible experience.

In the weekly video segments, listen as scholars fascinate you with facts and information that opens new understanding and enlightenment for your group. In the second video, sit in on a table conversation between guest scholars and debate key issues in the text.

Participants gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the New Testament as an integral part of the Christian Bible and a renewed discovery of our identity in God and God's vision for all things.

This eight-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations, a leader guide suggesting discussion activities for use in the 60–90-minute weekly meeting, and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts.


Jesus Calls Us Into God's Redemption Story
Jesus Calls Us to a Transformed Life
Jesus Calls Us to Minister to a Hostile World
Jesus Calls Us to Complex Communities of Faith
Jesus Calls Us to Serve One Another
Jesus Calls Us to a New Relationship With Tradition
Jesus Calls Us to Live in Light of His Coming Again
Jesus Calls Us to Experience the Gifts of His Dying and Rising

Genres: Christian

Paperback

First published July 1, 2005

About the author

David A. deSilva (PhD, Emory University) is Trustees’ Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. His numerous books include Introducing the Apocrypha and An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Formation.

Reviews

[Rusty del Norte · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent study of the New Testament. It uses the New Testament as the primary text. The commentary adds some depth. Don't mistake this for a in depth study but provides insight to the reader.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

We did this study in my church group, although the readings were very interesting (and make interesting group discussions) I think the instructional video was very much like a lecture (with bullet points etc), like a classroom setting where you find yourself dosing off. The 2nd part of each video is not so bad (where they have discussions). We had some interesting discussions in our group but I don't feel like I learned anything new - the end result is the same (as some previous studies). I did like the readings very much so.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting curriculum for a discussion class on the New Testament. Good amount of Bible reading assigned each week and a often thought provoking reading. Video that goes along with it is both interesting and odd - infused with a rather liberal and earnest Methodist perspective but still Biblically based.

[Ramona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good guide for studying the New Testament of the Bible. My women's bible study group modified the study of this book to meet our needs. It helped finding important common connections among the scriptures. Each time I study the various chapters in the Bible I learn something new & this was no exception. Depending on the type group you have this book is easily modified to your study schedule.