Genesis is the book of beginnings. It is true, as the study states, that every major doctrine in Scripture is first set forth in Genesis. Without a good knowledge of Genesis, we are lost. The book’s title and sub-title say it all, Genesis: Let Grace Begin, The Beginning of God’s Covenant Relationship with His People. There are twenty-five short chapters in the study covering the fifty chapters of Genesis. The book lends itself to personal study, inductive study, and interactive group study. It is in a workbook format designed to take you into God’s Word and encourage your spiritual growth in “an adventuresome study.”

The second adult study is entitled Great Words by the late Jack L. Arnold. The book is accompanied by an excellent leader’s guide written by Jack’s wife Carol and his son Dean. Jack was known as a faithful and effective teacher of the Word. Some of you may remember that Jack went to be with the Lord while he was preaching on heaven.

Jack’s ministry touched many people. His wife Carol, a faithful helpmeet and a key player in CEP’s women’s ministry, has also impacted many lives. Richard Pratt commented that “the theological reflections in this book radically changed my life.” Dominic Aquila said, “During the 35 years I knew Jack, he always impressed me as a model pastor and premier teacher.” Arnold had a worldwide notes ministry, now available on www.thirdmill.org, which is being used in theological training by extension in many developing countries. In the later years of his life and ministry Arnold was the president and founder of Equipping Pastors International, a missionary organization developed to train pastors the world over.

The beginning chapter, “Predestination,” sets the stage for the following chapters on various aspects of atonement and salvation. In the original manuscript, there were thirty-six words from which we chose twelve for this first volume. These twelve words teach us about the order of salvation. The book, along with the user friendly leader’s guide will make this the basis of profitable studies for all the groups mentioned above.

The third new study is year two of the curriculum for teen girls entitled TRUE 2: Becoming a True Woman By Living in the Light of God’s Word . The author is Susan Hunt, consultant and writer for CEP and author of several books dealing with the role of women in the church in ministering to women and making kingdom disciples within the covenant family of God. This three year curriculum takes the concepts of Hunt’s books, used by many women in the church in the PCA and beyond, and adapts them for teenage girls. It is published in a discipleship journal format that makes using, studying, and applying the truths within easy. True 2 draws primarily from the book, By Design, written by Hunt and published by Crossway Books.

Year one was designed with an accompanying pre-teen version; however, it was determined that year two could be used not only by teens but older preteens as well. The journaling concept is used to make the study practical and fun for teen girls to work through. Not only does it set forth basic biblical concepts, but there are many personal stories and places for journaling and prayer request.

We were pleased with the response to the first year of the curriculum; and we are excited about offering the second year. Year three of the study is scheduled to be published in June 2009. We hope to offer studies for teen boys in the near future.

- Charles Dunahoo,
  Coordinator of Christian Education & Publications