Learn the New Testament Books

Why bother? In a Bible study or listening to a preacher, You have have experienced the awkward situation of hearing a biblical reference cited (usually book, chapter, and verse, as in "Romans eight, one and two"--book of Romans, chapter 8, verses 1 and 2) and not knowing where to find it in your Bible. Everyone else seems to turn to it instantly, while you fumble and stumble, searching back and forth from beginning to end. You might have the same difficulty when in reading, you come across a biblical reference, such as Rom. 8:1-2. Learning the books of the Bible in what is called "canonical order" will help you to turn to any passage quickly and easily. One way or another, you will have to memorize the books in order.

Singing is easier – Because rote memorization is so tedious, most of us avoid it if at all possible. Here is an easier way: you can sing the books of the New Testament. Singing a catchy song is not nearly so tedious; in fact, it can be fun. Here is the traditional song for learning the books of the New Testament.

• Books of the New Testament (Listen to the song)

  Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
  Acts, and the Letter to the Romans,
  First and Second Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians.

  Philippians, Colossians,
  First and Second Thessalonians,
  First and Second Timothy, Titus and Philemon.

  Hebrews, James,
  First and Second Peter,
  First and Second and Third John, Jude and Revelation.

• Books of the New Testament (Tune: The hymn "Bring Them In" | Sheet music)

  Matthew and Mark and Luke and John,
  Acts, Romans, two Corinthians,
  Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians,
  Colossians and two Thessalonians,
  First Timothy, Second Timothy,
  Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, and James,
  First Peter, Second Peter,
  Three Johns, Jude and Revelation.

If you have other tunes for learning the New Testament books, please contact me. Once you know the New Testament books, you should go ahead and learn the Old Testament books as well.