Scofield Reference Bible
The Use of the Index

Its Value to the Preacher, Sunday School Teacher, Evangelist, Christian Worker.

The Index covers all of the editorial matter in the Scofield Reference Bible except the Introductions to the Books and the running Analysis which constitutes the new system of paragraphing, and which has been one of the most acceptable features of this Bible.

In arranging the Index the Editor, who is himself a preacher, has had largely in view the helping of preachers to sermonic material. Experience had taught him the need and the best way to meet the need.

These main features are prominent:—

1. The suggestion of a theme. The demands upon the time of the modern minister are so various as to leave the mind, often, in some measure of distraction when the time comes for preparing the two inevitable sermons for the Lord's day.
   It will be found that simply to go over the Index thoughtfully will afford a wealth of suggestion for topical, expository, and thematic sermons, from which the preacher may choose.
2. The editorial notation to which the Index gives reference will often be found to suggest at once the logical and biblical outline which a sermon on that theme should follow, while the passages referred to in the note or summary will give both the background and a wealth of biblical illustration.
3. But perhaps the best service of the Index to the Bible preacher is in the suggestion of series of sermons on the great themes of Scripture. The experience of the great constructive ministers is conclusive that no other form of teaching so permanently interests congregations. They soon come to feel that they are "getting somewhere."

Take, for example, the central theme of the Bible-Christ. The Index will be found to refer to one hundred and thirty-four distinct lines of truth concerning Christ. From these may be selected series of sermon subjects which will enable the preacher to give connected studies of that supreme Person once a year through many years without repetition. And this is true of the Holy Spirit, as also of all the great words of the Bible.

And not the preacher only, but the Sunday School teacher, or Evangelist—indeed any Christian worker, will find the Index the open door to the mighty riches of the Bible.