About 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible

The development of the 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible
The 10 key concepts presented in the 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible
The three distinctives of the 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible approach

The 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible material was developed by Pastor Colin Smith at the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church in the Chicago area. Over a two year period, Pastor Smith preached through both the Old and New Testaments while more than half of the church also read through the Bible themselves using the One Year Bible. This journey through the Bible is now available in a four volume set, Unlocking the Bible Story available from Moody Publishers.

Some time after this, staff members of the church began exploring the possibility of summarizing the contents of the larger four volumes into a shorter ten-week course that could be used to explain the gospel from Genesis to Revelation. This gave birth to the 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible book and subsequent course. Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church piloted the 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible study in winter of 2003. Over two hundred attended the original study with a significant number making professions of faith. Newer Christians found that the material strengthened their spiritual foundation and more serious Christians were also encouraged.

The Total Living Network in Chicago took an interest in the 10 Keys For Unlocking the Bible concept, filmed the original presentation and produced the videos in the 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible Leaders' Kit from Moody Publishers. Moody Publishers produced the rest of the contents of the kit including the 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible book, the participants and leaders guide and miscellaneous promotional items. See the Resources section to order these materials.

In January of 2004 churches and media throughout Chicago teamed up to use the 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible materials to reach out to seekers in their city. Over 70 churches joined in with nearly 1,000 small groups being launched and somewhere around 5,000 participating in studies. WMBI Radio promoted the citywide study. It was a virtual crusade without walls. The Total Living Network broadcast the material. Moody Publishers developed materials and provided promotional support.

After the success of this campaign in Chicago, organizers decided to take the concept nationally. That gave birth to Unlocking the Bible Across America. The vision is to link media, churches and individual believers together to bring the message of the Bible to seekers.

Here Are the 10 Key Concepts Covered in the
10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible Study:

1. The Garden: Genesis 2-3

God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they chose to disobey Him, gained the knowledge of evil and were evicted from paradise.

2. The Law: Exodus 20

The Ten Commandments reflect the character of God, identify our greatest struggles, and demonstrate our need for Jesus Christ.

3. The Sacrifice: Leviticus 16

Through the Day of Atonement, God restored His relationship with sinful people by diverting their sin and judgment onto an innocent animal.

4. The Invitation: Isaiah 55

God offers to meet the deepest needs of the human heart through Jesus Christ but this offer must be received with empty hands.

5. The Manger: Luke 1

Jesus Christ is fully God, fully man, and He is holy. This uniquely qualifies Him to reconcile men and women to God.

6. The Cross: Luke 23

Christ's death released forgiveness as the judgment due us was diverted onto Him.

7. The Tomb: Luke 24

Jesus' resurrection demonstrates that He has overcome the power of death and that He is able to give eternal life to your soul and body.

8. The Spirit: Acts 2

The Holy Spirit makes us alive to God and empowers us to serve God in the world.

9. The Fight: Romans 7-8

The Christian life is a winnable war. The Holy Spirit enables you to make progress in the battle to live a life that is pleasing to God.

10. The City: Revelation 21-22

Jesus Christ will lead all who follow Him into the joys of a perfect life in the presence of God.

There Are Three Distinctives that Define the 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible Approach and Make it Effective:

1. Opening the Bible
10 Keys is designed to open up the Bible to people with little or no prior knowledge of it. Mature Christians will benefit from it, but it was conceived with the beginner in mind. Many people in our culture know very little about the Bible, but have a general respect for it. They believe the Bible has something important to say but they are unsure where to begin to look for it.

The 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible gives them a brief overview of the key concepts that tie the entire Bible story together. All of these concepts point to Jesus Christ and His work on the Cross.

The 10 Keys Study makes no attempt to defend the Bible or to argue that it is true. It simply explains what the Bible says in its own terms. God's Word is like a living seed and where it is sown it will bring a harvest.

2. Building Relationships
10 Keys offers the opportunity for small groups either in homes or at round tables in the larger format to discover the Bible together. These groups provide an open atmosphere where people can freely share their own questions, issues and insights.

Over the ten weeks of the course, group members build a trust and openness with one another that will help them in their spiritual lives. Some of their greatest insights will be gained from one another. Sharing a meal, or at least a dessert together, is an important part of the 10 Keys experience. Food fosters friendship and helps to build a sense of community together.

3. Developing a World View
The 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible Study traces the Bible story from Genesis to Revelation and shows how the whole Bible points to Jesus Christ. The Old Testament builds a framework or world view in which the good news of Jesus can be understood. It begins with God. It tells us who He is and who we are. Then it conveys what our problem is, and what needs to be done to put it right. When someone grasps those things they will be in a good position to understand why they need Jesus Christ.

back to top