Category: Charts

Charts are especially helpful for those who are visually oriented. Feel free to use these charts in any way that may be helpful to you. Please always refer to the originator of each chart – whether person, book, etc.

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Romans

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Romans

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from *Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Romans

Romans: Theme

Romans 6:23

“Death to Life”

Through Christ, God brings His chosen ones from death to life.

 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Christ-Focus in Romans

Implications from Romans

Hooks from Romans

Jesus died to sin and lives for the glory of God.

“For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.”

 

– Romans 6:10

We have died to sin through the death of Christ, and through the resurrection of Christ we live for God’s glory.

“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

 

– Romans 6:11

 

What harmful habits are you having a hard time kicking?

Why might that be?

What is standing in your way to a more fulfilling life?

How would you describe a more fulfilling life?

*Michael James Williams in his own words: “After my conversion in the U. S. Navy (in a submarine beneath the North Atlantic!), I entered Columbia Bible College, where I received a B.A. (1985). This was followed by an M.A. in Religion at Westminster Theological Seminary (1987) and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania (1999). In 2000, I was ordained in the Christian Reformed Church, and since 1995 have been teaching at Calvin Theological Seminary. I have also taught courses at Westminster Theological Seminary, the University of Pennsylvania, and brief stints in Limuru, Kenya; Donetsk, Ukraine; and Warsaw, Poland. In addition to articles on Old Testament topics in various reference works and academic journals, and contributing to and editing “Mishneh Todah: Studies in Deuteronomy and Its Cultural Environment in Honor of Jeffrey H. Tigay” (2009); I have authored “Deception in Genesis: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Unique Biblical Phenomenon” (2001); “The Prophet and His Message: Reading Old Testament Prophecy Today” (2003); and, most recently, “How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture” (2012). My amazing wife, Dawn, and I enjoy hiking and all things outdoors.”

Are You Man-Centered or God-Centered in Your View of Salvation? by Will Metzger

(Chart Adapted From Will Metzger’s book, pp.32-33 in Tell The Truth)

VIEW OF GOD:

Man-Centered

God-Centered
Point of contact with Christians is love (God loves you). Therefore, God’s authority is secondary. Point of contact with non-Christians is creation (God made you). Therefore, God has authority over your destiny (Romans 1:18-21).
Love is God’s chief attribute. Holiness and love are equally important attributes of God (Romans 2:1-5).
God is impotent before the sinner’s will. God is able to empower the sinner’s will (John 1:12-13).
The persons of the Trinity have different goals in accomplishing and applying salvation. The persons of the Trinity work in harmony—salvation accomplished for and applied to the same people (Ephesians 1:3-14).
God is a friend who will help you. God is a king who will save you (Zechariah 9:9; 1 Timothy 1:15-17).

VIEW OF

HUMANITY:

Fallen, yet has the ability (or potential to choose the good.

 Fallen, and will not come to God by own will power (John 6:44).

Seeks truth but lacks correct facts.

 Mind at enmity with God, none seek God (Romans 3:10-12).

Needs love, help, and friendship.

 Needs new nature (mind, heart, will) regeneration (Jn. 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Makes mistakes, is imperfect, needs forgiveness

 Rebels against God, has a sinful nature, needs reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19).

Needs salvation from the consequences of sin—unhappiness, hell

 Needs salvation from guilt and the power of sin.

Humanity is sick and ignorant

 Humanity is dead and lost (Eph. 2:1-6).

VIEW OF

 CHRIST

Savior from selfishness, mistakes, hell.

 Savior from sin and sinful nature.

He exists for our benefit.

 He exists to gather a kingdom and receive honor and glory (Revelation).

His death was more important than his life.

 His death and his life of obedience are equally important (2 Cor. 5:21).

Emphasize his priestly office.

 Emphasizes his priestly, kingly, and prophetic offices (Hebrews).

An attitude of submission to Christ’s lordship is optional for salvation.

 An attitude of submission to Christ’s lordship is necessary for salvation (Rom. 10:9-13).

VIEW OF

 RESPONSE TO CHRIST

Invitation waiting to be accepted now.

 Loving command to be obeyed now.

Our choice is the basis for salvation—God responds to our decision.

 God’s choice is the basis for salvation—we respond to God’s initiative.

We give mental assent to truths of the gospel—decision.

 We respond with our whole person (mind, heart, will)—conversion.

Appeal is made to the desires of the sinner.

 Truths are driven home into the conscience of the sinner.

Saved by faith alone—repentance omitted for it is thought of as “works”

 Saved by faith alone—saving faith is always accompanied by repentance.

Assurance of salvation comes from a counselor using the promises of God and pronouncing the new believer saved.

 Assurance of salvation comes from the Holy Spirit applying biblical promises to the conscience and effecting a changed life.

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Acts by Dr. Michael Williams

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Book of Acts

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from *Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Acts

Acts: Theme

Acts 1:8

“Witness”

God expands and empowers his church through his Spirit.

 “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Christ-Focus in Acts

Implications from Acts

Hooks from Acts

The Spirit of the risen Christ empowers witness about him.

 And Jesus said to them,

“Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

 – Mark 1:17

Let the Spirit of the risen Christ empower our witness to the gospel.

 “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.”

 – 2 Timothy 1:7-8

 

When was the last time you told someone the good news of salvation in Christ?

 What prevents you from doing so more often?

 How did you hear the gospel?

 Is the effectiveness of your witness of Christ ultimately up to you?

 How do you acknowledge and draw on the strength of the indwelling Spirit for your witness to life in Christ?

 In your present circumstances, what is one way you could make the gospel clear to others?

 

*Michael James Williams in his own words: “After my conversion in the U. S. Navy (in a submarine beneath the North Atlantic!), I entered Columbia Bible College, where I received a B.A. (1985). This was followed by an M.A. in Religion at Westminster Theological Seminary (1987) and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania (1999). In 2000, I was ordained in the Christian Reformed Church, and since 1995 have been teaching at Calvin Theological Seminary. I have also taught courses at Westminster Theological Seminary, the University of Pennsylvania, and brief stints in Limuru, Kenya; Donetsk, Ukraine; and Warsaw, Poland. In addition to articles on Old Testament topics in various reference works and academic journals, and contributing to and editing “Mishneh Todah: Studies in Deuteronomy and Its Cultural Environment in Honor of Jeffrey H. Tigay” (2009); I have authored “Deception in Genesis: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Unique Biblical Phenomenon” (2001); “The Prophet and His Message: Reading Old Testament Prophecy Today” (2003); and, most recently, “How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture” (2012). My amazing wife, Dawn, and I enjoy hiking and all things outdoors.”

The “Jesus Focus” in the Gospel of John by Dr. Michael J. Williams

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in the Gospel of John

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from *Dr. Michael Williams Book

*After my conversion in the U. S. Navy (in a submarine beneath the North Atlantic!), I entered Columbia Bible College, where I received a B.A. (1985). This was followed by an M.A. in Religion at Westminster Theological Seminary (1987) and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania (1999). In 2000, I was ordained in the Christian Reformed Church, and since 1995 have been teaching at Calvin Theological Seminary. I have also taught courses at Westminster Theological Seminary, the University of Pennsylvania, and brief stints in Limuru, Kenya; Donetsk, Ukraine; and Warsaw, Poland. In addition to articles on Old Testament topics in various reference works and academic journals, and contributing to and editing “Mishneh Todah: Studies in Deuteronomy and Its Cultural Environment in Honor of Jeffrey H. Tigay” (2009); I have authored “Deception in Genesis: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Unique Biblical Phenomenon” (2001); “The Prophet and His Message: Reading Old Testament Prophecy Today” (2003); and, most recently, “How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens: A Guide to Christ-Focused Reading of Scripture” (2012). My amazing wife, Dawn, and I enjoy hiking and all things outdoors.

Title for John

John: Theme

John 1:1

“Union with God”

Jesus, the Word, is God.

 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Christ-Focus in John

Implications from John

Hooks from John

Jesus and the Father are one.

 “I and the Father are one.”

 – John 10:30

We have union with the Father through Jesus Christ.

 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,

 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

 The glory that you have given me I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one,

 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”

 – John 17:20-23

How close do you feel to God?

 What enhances your relationship with God?

 What interferes with it?

 How closely do people associate you with God?

 What is one attribute or activity in your life that makes your union with God most visible to others?

 How does your union with God affect your behavior?

 Is your union with God reflected in your union with other believers?

 Is your union with God producing any fruit?

The “Jesus Focus” in the Gospel of Luke

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in Luke

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Chart adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Luke

Luke: Theme

Luke 19:10

“Costly Saving”

The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Christ-Focus in Luke

Implications from Luke

Hooks from Luke

Jesus came to give his life to bring life to sinners.

 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying,

“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”

 – Luke 22:19-20

With the strength God provides, we must be ready to endure hardship to bring the gospel to the lost.

 “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”

– 2 Timothy 2:1-10

How much would you pay for your salvation?

 Do you regard Jesus’ sacrifice for you as helpful, or necessary, for life?

 Has your faith cost you anything?

 How would you respond if it did?

 How much would you pay for someone else’s salvation?

 Jesus was willing to give his life to save us; would we be willing to do that for someone else (especially our enemies)?

 

Profile of A Spiritually Mature Disciple of Jesus by Ron Bennett


 Chart Below Adapted from Ron Bennett’s excellent book, Intentional Disciplemaking, NavPress, p. 31

 

Trait Indicators: Child/Infant Adult/Mature Parent/Leader
Commitment (to) To God’s Word – Truth (2 Tim. 3:16) Christ as leader of life (Matt. 4:19) Discipling others (Matt. 28:19-20)
Competence (in) Fellowship with God through the Word and prayer & with others in God’s family (1 John 1:1-3);

 

Shares their personal faith story with others.

 Feed themselves on God’s Word; abiding in Christ (John 8:31-32; Hebrews 5:12);

 

Shares the gospel with lost people, guiding them to personal faith in Christ (Rom. 1:16).

 Follow up of new believers in Christ (Heb. 5:12);

 

Use their spiritual gifts effectively (1 Cor. 12:12-13).
Character (internal – leading to external) Sensitivity toward sin – an honesty to own up to the realities of falling short of God’s glory and His standards for us (1 John 1:9);

 

A genuine love for Christ (John 14:21).

 Love for others, others focus; and a servant spirit (John 13:34-35);

 

Self-control – exercising spiritual and personal disciplines (1 Tim. 4:7-8).

 Self-sacrificing (1 Thess. 2:8-9);

 

Godliness (1 Tim. 4:12; 6:11).
Conviction (in) Identity with Christ; loved, valuable in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17);

 

Belief in the Authority and reliability of the Word (1 Pete 2:2; Hebrews 4:12)

 Living by faith and the power of His Holy Spirit (Heb. 11:6);

 

Character of God; confident in His promises (2 Peter 1:3-4).

 Worth of every individual (Rom. 12:3-4);

 

Value of spiritual generations; spiritual heritage (3 John 4; 2 Tim. 2:2).

The “Jesus Focus” in the Gospel of Mark

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in Mark

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Charts adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Mark

Mark: Theme

Mark

“Suffering Servant”

Jesus is the suffering Son of Man.

 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Christ-Focus in Mark

Implications from Mark

Hooks from Mark

God became flesh in Christ to suffer for our sake.

 “To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

 – Acts 26:22-23

We should be willing to suffer as a consequence of our faith in Jesus Christ and our service to him.

 “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.”

 – Philippians 1:29

Do hard times cause you to question your faith?

 Is it right for God to allow his children to experience trouble?

 Was it right for God to allow his own Son to experience trouble?

 Can suffering ever be good?

 How does suffering fit into your understanding of salvation and service?

 Does suffering result in salvation?

 Does salvation result in suffering?

 

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Matthew

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in Matthew

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Charts adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Matthew

Matthew: Theme

Matthew 28:18-20

“Torah Fulfillment”

Jesus is the new Moses who reinterprets Torah.

 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Christ-Focus in Matthew

Implications from Matthew

Hooks from Matthew

Jesus fulfills the Torah of Moses.

 “Do you think that I have come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

  Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

 – Matthew 5:17-20

Our Faith in Christ satisfies the demands of the Torah.

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them.

But the righteousness based on faith says,

“Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) or

“Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say?

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

 – Romans 10:4-13

Are you a good person?

 What is good?

 Do you describe “good” in terms of actions or of being?

 Can someone do enough good things to compensate for not being good?

 How good is good enough?

 What is the standard?

 Is it possible for you to meet you of God’s standards?

 What is the goal of the standards?

 How is that goal accomplished in Christ?

 Is there any use for the law of God in a Christian’s life today?

 Why might Jesus command his disciples “to obey everything I have commanded you?

 

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Malachi

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in Malachi

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Charts adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Malachi

Malachi: Theme

Malachi 3:7

“Honor God”

When he comes to judge, God will spare those who honor Him.

 “Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty.

Christ-Focus in Malachi

Implications from Malachi

Hooks from Malachi

The Father honors Jesus, who honored him with faithful service.

 “who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house.

 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.

 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.

 Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later

 But Christ is faithful in all God’s house as a son.  And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.”

 – Hebrews 3:2-6

By the power of the Spirit of Christ, we must strive to honor God with our lives.

 “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”

 – John 12:26

 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

 – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Does your life bring honor to God?

 Have you allowed the demands of your immediate circumstances to crowd out the joys and responsibilities of a God-centered life?

 What is the ultimate end of a life focused on something other than God?

 What one thing could you do right now in your present circumstances to honor God?

 What is keeping you from doing it?

 Where can you find the strength to do it?

 

 

The “Jesus Focus” in the Book of Zechariah

Reading The Bible Through The Jesus Lens in Zechariah

“From Biblical Book to Biblical Hook”

Charts adapted from Dr. Michael Williams Book

Title for Zechariah

Zechariah: Theme

Zechariah 1:16

“Temple Building”

God uses apocalyptic, eschatological imagery to encourage his people to complete the rebuilding of the temple.

 This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt And the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem,” declares the LORD Almighty.

Christ-Focus in Zechariah

Implications from Zechariah

Hooks from Zechariah

Jesus is the ultimate temple in which God’s presence dwells with his people.

 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

 Jesus answered them,

“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

 – John 1:14, 2:19

We join in the building of God’s new temple as we seek to expand the church by the Spirit’s power.

 “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”

 – 1 Corinthians 3:16

In the building of God’s new temple, are you more a craftsman builder or a construction-site golfer?

 Do you ever recognize that you are on God’s construction crew, building a glorious temple whose building site is the whole earth?

 What kind of building materials should we use for this new temple?

 Where do we get them?