FORWARD

When we hear a well-made point made during a sermon or Bible class, most of us highlight the scripture or struggle to make a note in the limited margin of our Bibles. When I turn to that page weeks later, I usually cannot recall why that scripture is highlighted or the excellent point I wanted to remember!

Even more frustrating, when preparing for a Bible class or sermon, I vaguely remember the discussion associated with the scripture I have marked, but can’t remember the context and application of the point that impressed me. Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, commentaries and topical Bibles are not much help in jogging my memory and recalling the very point I wanted to remember.

Instead of highlighting scriptures and making notes in my Bible, I began grouping scripture references by topical or subject headings. Eventually, I had pages and pages of these study helps, but then thumbing through my Bible for the scriptures became time-consuming. So I took the effort one step further and copied scriptures from a computerized Bible beneath the topical groupings. The result is The Truth Seekers Topical Bible.

What is wrong with Nave’s Topical Bible and why didn’t it serve my needs? Nave’s Topical Bible is limited because it is not comprehensive and it avoids controversial topics. For example, Nave’s doesn’t address “Infant Baptism” or “Denominationalism”.

Most Bible student reference aids do not incorporate the important interpretation principle, “Be silent where the Bible is silent.” Many of today’s religious issues, though not addressed in the Bible, are nevertheless important topics that should be included in a topical Bible for those seeking the truth.

The American Standard Bible of 1901 is used because it is public domain and does not require permission. Although it is unquestionably a literal translation, the wording sometimes needs explanation in light of today’s usage. Italicized parenthesis are inserted with alternate, more modern translations of archaic wording.

Where it may not be obvious as to why I grouped a scripture passage with a topic, I inserted italicized comments or explanations. Of course, the opinions behind these comments are my own.

Many topical headings have references to other topics. Consider these to be synonyms or antonyms. For example, the topic “HUMILITY” suggests that you see the topics “SERVICE” and “ARROGANCE”.

. . . if ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free — John 8:31-32

The Truth Seekers' Topical Bible isn’t formally published.  For now, I’m making this available digitally, in portable document format (.pdf), free of charge. 

J. David Derryberry
Colorado Springs, Colorado

New for 2009!
Truth Seekers' Topical Bible (Entire)
(pdf reader required; Click here for free reader download)