The Bible in a Day

THE BIBLE IN A DAY

The Big Picture

The Bible is mostly history.

The Bible is much more than history—it’s really God’s autobiography.

Because the Bible demonstrates God’s love for his people, it is called salvation history.

DISCUSS: How can words on a page change a person?

The main purpose of God’s revelation to his people: That we would know him and trust his character

The Bible was written over 2000-years, by 40 different authors, from different walks of life, expressing a variety of moods, in 3 different languages.

It is important to see the Bible as both a library and a story

AS A LIBRARY:

Old Testament Library:

TORAH HISTORY POETRY & WISDOM PROPHETS Genesis Joshua Job Isaiah Jonah Exodus Judges Psalms Jeremiah Micah Leviticus Ruth Proverbs Lamentations Nahum Numbers 1 & 2 Samuel Ecclesiastes Ezekiel Habakkuk Deuteronomy 1 & 2 Kings Song of Songs Daniel Zephaniah 1 & 2 Chronicles Hosea Haggai Esther Joel Zechariah Nehemiah Amos Malachi Ezra Obadiah 4

New Testament Library:

GOSPEL & ACTS LETTERS REVELATION Matthew Romans Titus Revelation Mark 1 & 2 Corinthians Philemon Luke Galatians Hebrews John Ephesians James Acts Philippians 1 & 2 Peter Colossians 1, 2, & 3 John 1 & 2 Thessalonians Jude 1 & 2 Timothy

AS A STORY:

“It’s one thing to go to your commanding officer first thing in the morning and have a string of commands barked at you. But what would you do if, instead, he began ‘Once upon a time…’?” -N.T. Wright, “How Can The Bible Be Authoritative?”

One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves as we study scripture is:

What is the overall story and goal of scripture as the biblical drama unfolds?

Some of the options...(answering the above question): The biblical drama is about getting souls saved and into the afterlife unscathed. The biblical drama is about teaching us rules by which we please God. The biblical drama is about giving us the good life right now.

The Big Story of Scripture:

CREATION FALL REDEMPTION VOCATION Genesis Israel & Christ Calling & Kingdom

"Redemption doesn't begin in the manger, but in the call of Abraham."

What’s the deal with the “Old Testament” and “New Testament?”

Hebrews 8:6-7 6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. 7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The whole Bible is about Jesus 5

So What’s the Big Deal About Inspiration?

Because the Bible is inspired by God there are no errors. It is the ultimate authority for the truth about

God and God’s eternal plan.

This means that when there is a conflict between:

 my feelings and the Bible—the Bible wins  my intellectual conclusions, opinions, or human reason and the Bible—the Bible wins  my personal experiences and the Bible—the Bible wins

THERE IS NO CONTEST WHEN SOMEONE OR SOMETHING TRIES TO GO AGAINST THE BIBLE!

Scripture is:  Authoritative for truth: includes theology, doctrine, and morality.  Universal: spans across all cultures and time.  Sacred: holy and inspired from God.  Normative: for ALL followers of Christ and the rest of the world.

OBSTACLES TO UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE

1. It’s OLD. The New Testament was written almost 2,000 years ago, and the Old Testament is even older. This naturally leads to some problems in our understanding of the text.

2. Differences in culture:  we’ve never had a king THREE STRIKES  we’ve (probably) never farmed or raised sheep If someone told you they  we’ve never performed an Old Testament sacrifice always strike out when they  we don’t live in tribes take a test, then you know that  we’ve never lived under the oppression of the Philistines they are terrible test takers.

 we don’t live in houses made of mud, straw, and brick Would you know what they  we don’t live in a Hellenistic culture meant if you had never heard  we don’t have a formal priesthood about the game of baseball?  we don’t travel by camel or donkey

 we don’t write on papyrus or clay tablets

3. We are filled with our own assumptions.

The key to understanding the Bible is to first understand it in its own context and then bring that truth into today.

Creation and Fall

INTRO TO THE PENTATEUCH

The Pentateuch = The first five books of the Bible

The importance of the Pentateuch can hardly be overemphasized. These five books create the foundation for understanding the Bible.

The Pentateuch sets the tone for the rest of Scripture. Every major teaching or doctrine has its roots in the Pentateuch. God’s love for humanity and our hope of redemption can be found on nearly every page.

Let’s brainstorm a list of bible concepts that show up for the first time in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy

HUGE IDEA:

God created everything perfect, without sin. And people are created in the image of God.

Genesis and sharing your faith…

Redemption Part 1: The Story of Israel

#1 - ABRAHAM: Election and Promise

Important to understanding OT theology is the concept of the election of Israel.

Out of all of the people in the world, God elected or chose Abraham for a specific task, for specific promises.

Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

John 15:16 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Election is God’s sovereign choosing of a person according to his eternal purposes.

HUGE IDEA:

“The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob…”

#2 - THE EXODUS: Redemption and Covenant

It is important to understand that God redeemed Israel before giving them the Law. The people’s salvation came before their lifestyle changed. God “gained credibility” before giving them guidelines for living.

Exodus 19:4-6 “‘4You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

Exodus 34:6-7 “6And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

John 1:14 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The Tabernacle

HUGE IDEA:

The Law (does it still apply to us?)

There are several ways to categorize, understand, and interpret the Laws found in the OT. Here are the two major ones:

(a) Traditional understanding TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. Moral laws: “you shall not” laws that are always true for all time 1. You must not have any other god but me. 2. Civil laws: given by government to ensure a smooth-running society 2. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind; 3. Ceremonial laws: dietary laws, laws about cleanliness, and so on you must not bow down to them or worship them.

For the Christian, this understanding usually views the ceremonial laws as no longer 3. You must not misuse the relevant. The civil laws change to the standard to existing government laws, and the name of the Lord your God. moral laws are still relevant. 4. Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. (b) “Relational” understanding 5. Honor your father and 1. Laws that deal with our relationship with God. For example: mother.

Commandments 1-4. 6. You must not murder.

2. Laws that deal with our relationship with people. For example: 7. You must not commit Commandments 5-10. adultery. 8. You must not steal. This second understanding seeks to look at God’s principle behind OT Laws and then apply that principle in today’s context. 9. You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.

For example: 10. You must not covet.

 LAW: “When you build a new house, you must build a railing around the edge of its flat roof. That way you will not be considered guilty of murder if someone falls from the roof” (Deuteronomy 22:8).

How would this law apply to us today with a “relational understanding” of the Law? 9

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

GUIDED BY A CLOUD Understanding the OT brings light to understanding the New Testament: Exodus 13:14

1 Corinthians 10:1-13: I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the SPIRITUAL FOOD wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, Exodus 16; Numbers 11 and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. All of them ate the same spiritual food, SPIRITUAL ROCK and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock Exodus 17; Numbers 20 that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as BODIES WERE SCATTERED Numbers 14:29 some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. Nor should CELEBRATED, INDULGED we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. And Exodus 32 don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.

These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. If you think you are standing strong, be careful not 23,000 DIED Numbers 25 to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. PUT CHRIST TO THE TEST Numbers 21

MAJOR PENTATEUCH PASSAGES

A suggested reading list to get you started in your journey into the Old Testament.

Genesis 1–3 Creation, fall of man 6–8 Flood 12 Call of Abraham 16–17 God’s covenant with Abraham

Exodus 1–2 Oppression of Israelites; birth of Moses 3 Moses meets God 11–12 Passover and Exodus 19–20 Israel receives Law at Mount Sinai 24 Covenant confirmed by people 26 Making of the Tabernacle 32–33 Israel rebels 40 Setting up the Tabernacle

Leviticus 1–7 Five major offerings 16–17 Day of Atonement 26 Consequences for action (see also Deuteronomy 28)

Numbers 6 Nazarite vow 9 Passover celebration 13 Spies inspect the Promised Land 14 Rebellion of Israel

Deuteronomy 1–3 Historical recap 5 Ten Commandments 6 Loving God 12 One place of worship 17 Instructions for kings (vs. 14-20) 18 The prophet 26 First fruits and tithes to the Lord 30 Offer of life 34 Death of Moses

#3 - HISTORY BOOKS: Faithfulness

Genesis to Deuteronomy  Adam and Eve  Noah  Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob  12 Tribes move to Egypt (for 400 years)  Exodus (redemption from slavery)  Mount Sinai (giving of the Law)  Wanderings (punishment for disobedience)

Joshua to Esther  Conquest and settlement of Canaan  Period of the Judges (downward spiral of wickedness)  United monarchy (Saul, David, Solomon)  Divided monarchy (Northern Kingdom, Israel; Southern Kingdom, Judah)  Fall of Samaria (Assyria), 722 B.C.  Fall of Jerusalem (Babylon), 586 B.C.  Babylonian exile (40 years)  Return to the land to rebuild

Modern history writing attempts to accurately reflect events through the causes and effects of this world. In other words, it assumes that God doesn’t directly intervene in the course of human events.

Biblical history assumes God is involved. That’s why these books comment on people’s inner thoughts and judge their motives. Biblical history records events that actually happened from God’s point of view.

Understanding the context is important to discovering the meaning of any type of communication. Each of the historical books was written to the people after the period it describes:

Historical Conquest Judges Monarchy Exile Return period: Book(s) Joshua Judges Samuel – Kings Chronicles written:

HUGE IDEA:

“As goes the king…”

HUGE IDEA:

Everyday Faithfulness (Ruth and Esther)

#4 - POETRY and WISDOM

One major component of Hebrew poetry is parallelism:

HUGE IDEA:

“Rhyming Ideas”

Laying two concepts side by side is a hallmark of Hebrew poetry. Knowledge of the three basic types of parallelism will lead to good interpretation:

(a) Synonymous (identical) Parallelism: Two or more lines express essentially the same concept.

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him (Psalm 24:1).

(b) Antithetic (opposite) Parallelism: Two (or more) lines are set in contrast to one another.

For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction (Psalm 1:6).

(c) Synthetic (progression) Parallelism: One line builds upon the previous concept, taking it further and providing additional meaning.

Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble (Psalm 41:1).

HOW TO READ THE PSALMS WELL

The Bible is God’s Word, and people assume that Scripture contains only communication from God to us.

 God’s revelation always invokes a response from people; it does not return to God empty (see Isaiah 55:11 and Hebrews 4:12). Psalms is a collection of the responses of God’s people to his revelation.

 Reading the book of Psalms well begins with a fundamental understanding and awareness of their dual nature: The writings are both communication from God to humanity (revelation), and communication from humanity to God (response).

 This is why many mature Christians don’t just read and study the psalms but actually pray through them to God.

Each psalm should be read and studied as a single unit. A single verse should be understood within the greater context of the entire song.

TYPES OF PSALMS

1. Hymns (songs of praise)

 These enthusiastic songs center on who God is, God’s greatness, salvation of Israel, God’s creation of the world, and God’s place as the Lord of history. 13

 (Examples of hymns include Psalms 8, 19, 33, 66, 100, 104, 113, 117, 145–146, 148)

2. Laments (complaints to God)

 The lament psalm is the most common (more than 60). These psalms cry out to God out of the depths of human sorrow, expressing struggle, oppression, or disappointment with God.

 Many laments end with thanksgiving to God. This change of mood is anticipation for deliverance.

 (Examples of laments include Psalms 3, 12, 13, 22, 31, 44, 80, 90, 139)

3. Thanksgiving Psalms

 The opposite of laments, these psalms express joy in response to God’s deliverance.

 The thanksgiving psalm is different from the hymn psalm. The thanksgiving psalm praises God for a “particular action in a concrete situation,” whereas the hymn is usually more general in character.

 (Examples of thanksgiving psalms include 32, 34, 92, 103, 107, 116, 118, 124, 138)

4. Other Minor Types of Psalms

 Salvation History Psalms. These focus on a review of Israel’s history, usually the deliverance from slavery in Egypt.  Wisdom Psalms. These focus on instruction for wise and effective living.  Songs of Trust. These focus on the fact that God can be trusted at all times of our lives.  Royal and Enthronement Psalms. These focus on Israel’s king or on God’s kingship over Israel.

PSALM EXERCISE Read Psalm 1 1Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. 4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

1. What type of psalm is this? (circle one) Hymn Lament Thanksgiving Other

2. What key words, phrases, or verses support the reason for the type you identified?

3. Make a list of word pictures or imagery used in this psalm.

4. List two examples from this psalm of the following types of parallelism (your psalm may not contain all three types):

(a) Synonymous parallelism

(b) Antithetic parallelism

5. What theology does this psalm teach? (What does this psalm teach us about God?)

6. What does this psalm say about how we ought to live our lives? (What lessons have you learned?) 15

THE BASICS OF HEBREW WISDOM

“A Proverb is a short statement based on a long experience.” -Warren Wiersbe

Wisdom arises from the human need for:

 Things to make sense—understanding our present experience

 Things to be familiar—stereotyping our past experiences

It is helpful to note the two basic types of wisdom:

(a) Proverbial wisdom: Short, easily remembered statements about the reality of life. This kind of wisdom is found in the book of Proverbs.

(b) Speculative wisdom: Long discourses that probe the common questions of human existence. (What is the meaning to life? Why do bad things happen to good people?) This kind of wisdom is found in the books of Job and Ecclesiastes.

Nearly all wisdom literature is written in the form of poetry. Most of the discussion on the basics of Hebrew poetry earlier also applies to the wisdom literature.

PROVERBS

It is important to remember that the proverbs commonly found throughout wisdom literature are not promises from God—they are not universal truths.

Although there are many black-and-white statements—indeed a “guidebook for the godly”—Proverbs doesn’t contain magical recipes for success.

TWO MAJOR TYPES OF PROVERBS:

(a) Wisdom Admonition

(b) Wisdom Sayings

PROVERBS EXERCISE

1. Take turns reading (out loud) all of the proverbs below.

The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights (Proverbs 11:1).

A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout (Proverbs 11:22).

An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies (Proverbs 12:17).

Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil (Proverbs 15:16).

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart (Proverbs 17:3).

Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes (Proverbs 19:2).

Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice (Proverbs 23:9).

Remove the impurities from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith. Remove the wicked from the king’s court, and his reign will be made secure by justice (Proverbs 25:4-5).

Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick! (Proverbs 25:16).

Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart (Proverbs 26:22).

Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble (Proverbs 28:14).

2. With your partner, select three of your favorite verses in Proverbs and write them down.

3. Are these proverbs “wisdom sayings” or “wisdom admonitions?”

4. Choose one of the three (above) and explain how parallelism affects or enhances the proverb’s meaning:

5. Choose one of the three (above) and explain how its teaching can apply to your life: 17

JOB, ECCLESIASTES, SONG OF SONGS

M. Sadgrove has written:

 Job explores the riddle of suffering

 Ecclesiastes explores the riddle of existence

 Song of Songs explores the riddle of love

Proverbs Proverbs teaches that human wisdom discovers the order in the world: Good actions lead to good consequences. Although human wisdom is limited, it can discover good conduct.

Job Job questions the order Proverbs upholds: Good actions don’t always lead to a happy life. This question is never answered with logic or words, but with the divine presence. God should be worshipped for who he is, not what he gives.

Ecclesiastes Ecclesiastes affirms the questions of Job and argues that most people don’t get the answers of Job—most people don’t experience the divine presence. Human perception isn’t just limited, it’s flawed; the only thing certain is death.

#5 - PROPHETIC LITERATURE

Amos 3:8 The lion has roared—so who isn’t frightened? The Sovereign Lord has spoken—so who can refuse to proclaim his message?

Jeremiah 20:9 But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!

God gives the Law and he enforces it.

UNDERSTANDING THE PROPHETS

A common problem we have in understanding the prophetic literature is that we focus on too narrow of a definition of the word “prophecy.”

Less than 2% of OT prophecy is Messianic Less than 5% specifically describes the new-covenant age Less than 1% specifically concerns events yet to come in our time

“Generally in the narrative books of the OT we hear about prophets and very little from prophets. In the Prophetic Books, however, we hear from God via the prophets and very little about the prophets themselves. This single difference accounts for most of the problems people have in making sense of the Prophetic Books in the OT.” -Gordon Fee

Historical context is key:

“God spoke in history and about history. To understand God’s Word we must know something of that history.” -Gordon Fee

THREE GROUPS OF PROPHETS

In this study, we’re going to look at the prophets in chronological order, because a familiarity with their historical backdrop will aid in understanding message. The prophets can be grouped easily according to three major time periods.

The Assyrian Prophets (during the divided kingdom before the fall of Israel) Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah

The Babylonian Prophets (between the fall of Israel and Judah) Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Jeremiah, Nahum, Ezekiel, Obadiah, Lamentations

The Persian Prophets (during the exile) Daniel, Haggai, Zechariah, Joel (?), Malachi

FORMS OF PROPHETIC UTTERANCE

 The Lawsuit In this type of oracle, the prophet describes a courtroom scene where a nation is on trial and God is the persecuting attorney and judge. These texts make a case against Israel, convicting the people for not following the covenant previously accepted.

 The Woe In this type of oracle, the prophet announces destruction and doom that is coming upon a nation for (usually) a specific reason.

 The Promise (or Salvation Oracle) In this type of oracle, the prophet holds out the hope that deliverance will come, and that the Lord has not totally forgotten his people.

PROPHECY GROUP EXERCISE #1 (PT. 1) Take the next few minutes to read the following passages and answer the questions.

Habakkuk 2:6-8 “But soon their captives will taunt them. They will mock them, saying, ‘What sorrow awaits you thieves! Now you will get what you deserve! You’ve become rich by extortion, but how much longer can this go on?’ Suddenly, your debtors will take action. They will turn on you and take all you have, while you stand trembling and helpless. Because you have plundered many nations; now all the survivors will plunder you. You committed murder throughout the countryside and filled the towns with violence.”

What type of oracle is this? Circle your answer: lawsuit woe promise

Underline the words and phrases that support your choice.

Make a list of all the things the prophet says the people have done wrong.

PROPHECY GROUP EXERCISE #1 (PT. 2)

Amos 9:11-15 “In that day I will restore the fallen house of David. I will repair its damaged walls. From the ruins I will rebuild it and restore its former glory. And Israel will possess what is left of Edom and all the nations I have called to be mine.” The Lord has spoken, and he will do these things. “The time will come,” says the Lord, “when the grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested. Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel will drip with sweet wine! I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again. They will plant vineyards and gardens; they will eat their crops and drink their wine. I will firmly plant them there in their own land. 20

They will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God.

What type of oracle is this? Circle your answer: lawsuit woe promise

Underline the words and phrases that support your choice.

Make a list of all the things the prophet says the people have done wrong.

PROPHECY GROUP EXERCISE #1 (PT. 3)

Isaiah 3:13-26 The Lord takes his place in court and presents his case against his people! The Lord comes forward to pronounce judgment on the elders and rulers of his people: “You have ruined Israel, my vineyard. Your houses are filled with things stolen from the poor. How dare you crush my people, grinding the faces of the poor into the dust?” demands the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

The Lord says, “Beautiful Zion is haughty: craning her elegant neck, flirting with her eyes, walking with dainty steps, tinkling her ankle bracelets. So the Lord will send scabs on her head; the Lord will make beautiful Zion bald.”

On that day of judgment the Lord will strip away everything that makes her beautiful: ornaments, headbands, crescent necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and veils; scarves, ankle bracelets, sashes, perfumes, and charms; rings, jewels, party clothes, gowns, capes, and purses; mirrors, fine linen garments, head ornaments, and shawls.

Instead of smelling of sweet perfume, she will stink. She will wear a rope for a sash, and her elegant hair will fall out. She will wear rough burlap instead of rich robes. Shame will replace her beauty. The men of the city will be killed with the sword, and her warriors will die in battle. The gates of Zion will weep and mourn. The city will be like a ravaged woman, huddled on the ground.

What type of oracle is this? Circle your answer: lawsuit woe promise

Underline the words and phrases that support your choice.

Make a list of all the things the prophet says the people have done wrong.

Make a list of all the things the prophet says will happen as a result of the people’s actions.

PERSONAL REFLECTION FROM THE PROPHETS

JONAH

Jonah’s message of destruction was given to the “great city” of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians were brutal conquerors, which is probably why Jonah ran in the opposite direction; he wanted them to be destroyed.

Do you ever find yourself becoming selfish with God’s love, not wanting people you don’t like to experience God? Do you ever let your personal feelings get in the way of serving others?

AMOS

Amos was a shepherd and fig tree farmer from a town called Tekoa, located near Jerusalem. Amos wasn’t educated or trained to be a priest; he was a blue-collar guy whom God used to change a nation.

During the time of Amos, Israel was all talk but no action. Does your life ever fall into this trap? It’s easy to tell others that we believe in Jesus; it’s difficult to live it in our everyday lives.

HOSEA

Like many of the prophets, Hosea had a tough call to fulfill. In the midst of a period of Israel’s prosperity, he delivered God’s message of anger with Israel’s unfaithfulness—a message the Northern Kingdom wasn’t willing to accept.

Hosea’s life also communicated his message of his words: God commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute, Gomer, and to remain faithful to her despite her unfaithfulness.

Why do you think God demands to be the first priority in our lives? What are the results when a person has divided loyalties? In your own life, do you have people, priorities, or possessions that hinder your pure worship of God?

MICAH

God is both merciful and righteous. God continually offered his forgiveness, and it was God’s desire to accept back his disobedient people. However, Israel and Judah would have nothing to do with God, and Micah told them of the coming destruction.

In light of the definition of justice given above, what do think would be “just” in your life? How does the reality of Jesus affect justice?

ZEPHANIAH

The fall of Samaria should have been a constant reminder of God’s power, but an evil king (Manasseh) ruled in Jerusalem after Hezekiah (the godly king who saved Jerusalem from the Assyrians).

Josiah followed Manasseh and began a widespread series of religious and social reforms. Zephaniah began his ministry before Josiah reformed the kingdom. His message focused primarily on Judah but also included words against some 22 surrounding nations.

A major cause of judgment for Judah was that the people had chosen to “sit complacent in their sins” (1:12), yet God made a promise: “With his love, he will calm all your fears” (3:17). In your life, what makes the difference between being complacent and being calm? How do God’s promises in Zephaniah calm your heart?

HABAKKUK

Habakkuk’s prophecy was delivered during the decline of Judah, before the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Conditions during the life of the prophet would have progressed from excellent—with considerable material prosperity and even the promise of spiritual revival—to the height of desperation as the net was drawn around the hapless capital [Jerusalem].

God didn’t strike Habakkuk down for his questions; instead, God answered them. How does this give you confidence in your prayers? What will you ask God during your next time of prayer and quiet reflection?

JEREMIAH

God called Jeremiah to go and speak to the leaders of Judah and Babylon when he was still very young (1:6). Jeremiah struggled inwardly with his call to prophetic ministry, and often found the job to be overwhelming:

My heart, my heart—I writhe in pain! My heart pounds within me! I cannot be still. For I have heard the blast of enemy trumpets and the roar of their battle cries (Jeremiah 4:19).

Despite much hardship and abuse by those he ministered to, Jeremiah remained faithful to God’s calling. Because of this, we think of him as a model of perseverance and devotion.

Jeremiah was the son of a priest and was a contemporary of Zephaniah, Ezekiel, and Habakkuk.

Nobody really listened to Jeremiah, and he was often plunged into situations that he didn’t choose for himself: accused of being a traitor, his intentions misunderstood, thrown into jail, kidnapped to Egypt, and more. Life frequently brings us situations we don’t choose for ourselves. Considering Jeremiah’s life, how can you be encouraged as you plod through these seasons? What sort of strength does knowing the Word of God give to you?

NAHUM

Nahum is virtually unknown as a prophet. Even the location of his birthplace, Elkosh (1:1), is in doubt. It’s thought that he wrote the book under the reform of King Josiah in 622 B.C.

This is the second book of the Bible centered on Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. In the book of Jonah, the people repented when they were warned of God’s judgment, and God demonstrated compassion by not destroying the city. However, their repentance was short-lived, and within the century, evil once again reigned in the city. This time, the people ignored God’s prophet Nahum when he came to warn them.

Consider how the book of Nahum stands alongside Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Although Jesus spoke of loving our enemies, he also warned of coming judgment. How does this motivate you to develop and display compassion toward people you know who are without God?

EZEKIEL

Ezekiel, the son of a priest, was taken captive to Babylon along with thousands of his countrymen in 597 B.C. He enjoyed a lot of freedom even while in captivity, and we know that he was married and owned a house. Ezekiel spoke in visions, a literary type that was common in Babylon and was familiar to his hearers. He also performed 10 peculiar object lessons in order to get the attention of his hearers, including shaving and burning his hair in thirds, and lying on his side for a total of 430 days while playing with a model city and miniature armies.

It’s easy to blame our leaders for the sins we get involved with, especially when they legitimately are at fault. How can you avoid being led into sin by others?

OBADIAH

The book of Obadiah is addressed entirely to the nation of Edom, the descendants of Esau, who had been feuding since ancient times with Israel, the nation descended from Esau’s twin brother, Jacob. Instead of helping the people of Israel and Judah during their times of distress when Babylon attacked, the people of Edom gloated and raided their homes. Some Edomites even murdered Jewish refugees—their own distant relatives!

The defining characteristic of the nation of Edom was pride. Have you ever hurt somebody by allowing your pride to get the best of you? With God’s help, what steps can you take to make it up to that person?

LAMENTATIONS

Although no author is named for Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah is traditionally considered to have written the book; he was known as a composer of laments (2 Chronicles 35:25). Jeremiah witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem firsthand and knew the pain of rejection by the people he’d tried to warn.

Because God is faithful, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel of our sorrow. Think about the times that you have come through pain and have been restored.

DANIEL

Daniel was just a young man during the Babylonian invasion of Judah and Jerusalem. He was taken captive along with other Jewish teenagers who were chosen for their nobility, appearance, intelligence, and potential to lead. Upon arrival at their new home in Babylon, these youngsters were enrolled in special training to prepare them for future roles as diplomats and leaders. Daniel and his small group of friends worked diligently and eventually became governors under King Nebuchadnezzar.

Daniel became a close confidant of the king. Later, he gave advice to King Belshazzar. And when the Persians captured Babylon, Daniel served King Darius and King Cyrus closely in official capacities.

Daniel had a huge impact on the spiritual and political direction of the Babylonian government, and he may have been responsible for orchestrating the return of the Jews to their homeland under the rule of Cyrus (see Ezra 1:1-4). God gave Daniel the ability to interpret dreams, boldness to gently confront kings about their pride, and courage to live righteously even when faced with death by lions.

Daniel was not called to a special “ministry;” God simply expected him to be faithful and truthful in the situations that life brought him. Because of Daniel’s obedience, powerful kings came to know God. What are simple ways that you can live 24 faithfully and honestly at school, among your social groups, and in your other daily interactions? How does prayer play a part in your witness?

HAGGAI

All of Haggai’s messages were given in the short span of just four months. Haggai is mentioned briefly in the book of Ezra as an associate of the prophet Zechariah (see Ezra 5:1; 6:14). Both men served the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem after the captivity. The name Haggai means “festival,” which is an appropriate meaning considering his primary work of restoring temple worship.

God brought many blessings to the returned Jews after they got their priorities straight and finally began work on the temple. In what ways might you need to reorder your priorities in order to receive God’s blessings?

ZECHARIAH

Zechariah was one of three prophets, along with Haggai and Malachi, who ministered to Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem. His name means “YHWH remembers,” a powerful phrase filled with hope.

The book of Revelation is full of references to Zechariah’s messages, where he is the second-most quoted prophet, after Ezekiel. His predictions of Christ’s crucifixion are also quoted extensively throughout the four Gospels.

Zechariah encouraged the people to complete the job that God had entrusted to them. In their case, repentance was necessary for their previous negligence. During your next time of prayer or quiet reflection, ask God what job he has for you that you might have missed—and ask for God’s strength to accomplish it.

JOEL

The Day of the Lord is a major topic in Old Testament prophetic literature; 13 of the 16 prophets speak about it, and it is a big focus of Joel’s message. Rather than being a single day or isolated event in history, the Day of the Lord has referred to periods in Israel’s early history, Judah’s invasion by Babylon, the first coming of Jesus, and Jesus’ future Second Coming. Although prophecy about the Day of the Lord typically includes judgment, it also includes promises of deliverance and restoration.

Joel 2 begins with these words: “Sound the alarm in Jerusalem! Raise the battle cry on my holy mountain! Let everyone tremble in fear because the day of the Lord is upon us.” Although there will be judgment and destruction on this day, there will also be blessing and hope for those who love God. How can you be ready for his coming?

MALACHI

By the time of this book, the Jewish people had returned to their homeland and were trying to rebuild their lives. They paid regular taxes to the Persians but were otherwise left alone.

Malachi addresses many of the same issues that were concerns to Nehemiah, who had governed the land about 30 years previously: marriages to foreign women, not paying tithes, neglecting to keep the Sabbath, injustice, and a corrupt priesthood. Once again, the people were spiritually apathetic, and God sent Malachi to rouse them back to true worship.

The only place where God explicitly tells us to test him is in Malachi 3:10. God promises to pour out lavish blessings if we are faithful to give him our best. Do you need to change your habits in order to give God your best? 25

PROPHECY GROUP EXERCISE #2

Break into four groups. Each group will be assigned one passage. As a group, discuss and create a list that describes the Suffering Servant based on your passage.

Group 1: Isaiah 42:1-7

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”

God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. And it is he who says, “I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.”

Group 2: Isaiah 49:1-9

Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.” I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.”

And now the Lord speaks—the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength. He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” The Lord, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, says to the one who is despised and rejected by the nations, to the one who is the servant of rulers: “Kings will stand at attention when you pass by. Princes will also bow low because of the Lord, the faithful one, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”

This is what the Lord says: “At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them. Through you I will reestablish the land of Israel and assign it to its own people again. I will say to the prisoners, ‘Come out in freedom,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Come into the light.’ They will be my sheep, grazing in green pastures and on hills that were previously bare.”

Group 3: Isaiah 50:4-11

The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away. I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting.

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame. He who gives me justice is near. Who will dare to bring charges against me now? Where are my accusers? Let them appear! See, the Sovereign Lord is on my side! Who will declare me 26 guilty? All my enemies will be destroyed like old clothes that have been eaten by moths!

Who among you fears the Lord and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God. But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon fall down in great torment.

Group 4: Isaiah 52:13–53:12

See, my servant will prosper; he will be highly exalted. But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man. And he will startle many nations. Kings will stand speechless in his presence. For they will see what they had not been told; they will understand what they had not heard about.

Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave.

But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.

Redemption Part 2: The Story of Jesus

THE CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS SETTING

HELLENISM

The spread of Greek culture, philosophy, language, and style that began with Alexander the Great continued through the Roman period.

Alexander spread Hellenism to make his rule manageable. Imposing his Greek culture on others made it possible for him to govern such a huge empire. (And it later benefited the Romans when they conquered the world.)

Greek influence spread across the entire spectrum of human society: from “surface” areas like clothes and language to “deep” areas like religion and philosophy.

For many conquered people groups, Hellenism was an enlightenment compared to their own culture. The Greeks were very advanced in scholarship, art, and medicine.

For some, like the Jews, it was an imposition and a curse. Immorality was also characteristic of Hellenism.

Here lies the problem for the Jews. Hellenism became a huge dividing factor for the once unified people who sought to follow the Old Covenant.

Some Jews accepted and desired Hellenism, others rejected and fought against it.

JUDAISM IN THE TIME OF JESUS

By the time of the New Testament, the Jewish faith was far different than 400 years prior (during the time of the prophets).

The exile and utter defeat of the Jewish nation (fall of Samaria and Jerusalem) took many Jews out of their homeland. When Jesus walked the earth, more Jews lived outside of Israel than inside.

Without the temple in which to worship God, the Jews had to find new ways to worship and keep their identity as a people. Two major developments occurred:

a) Learning and studying the Torah became the highest “calling” for a Jew.

b) The “Synagogue” was created and became the place to worship, instead of the Temple. For worship, animal sacrifices were replaced by learning.

Without these developments, the culture and beliefs of the Jewish people could have been lost to history. These changes ensured the survival of Jewish culture and identity.

Jewish Religious Movements:

Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots

THE LIFE OF JESUS

(See Timeline)

THE MIRACLES OF JESUS

Miracles are acts of God that deviate from our understanding of the laws of nature.

Jesus used miracles to increase or create the faith of other people. Miracles were the proof that Jesus was from God. They are snapshots of the supernatural allowing us to see God’s glory.

NATURE MIRACLES The following is the list of nature miracles Jesus performed:

- water into wine John 2:1-11 - feeding of the 5,000 Matthew 14:15-21; Mark 6:35-44; Luke 9:12-17; John 6:5-15 - stilling a storm Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25 - walking on water Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52 - tax money from a fish Matthew 17:24-27 - feeding of the 4,000 Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-9 - withering of the fig tree Matthew 21:17-22; Mark 11:12-14, 20-25 - big catch of fish Luke 5:1-11 - another big catch of fish John 21:1-14

HEALING MIRACLES The following is the list of healing miracles Jesus performed:

- nobleman’s son John 4:46-54 - blind man Mark 8:22-26 - another blind man John 9:1-41 - raised Lazarus from the dead John 11:1-45 - cast out demons Matthew 8:28; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39 - raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:35-43; Luke 8:49-56 - invalid John 5:1-13 - bleeding woman Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48 - paralytic Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26 - leper Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-15 - Peter’s mother-in-law Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-39 - withered hand Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11 - demon possessed child Matthew 17:14-29; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43 - cast out another demon Matthew 12:22; Luke 11:14 - 2 blind men Matthew 9:27-31; Matthew 20:29-43 - cast out another demon Matthew 9:32-34 - deaf-mute Mark 7:31-37 - blind man Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-42 - sick Syro-Phoenician girl Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30 - centurion’s servant Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10 - cast out another demon Mark 1:23-27; Luke 4:33-36 - raised widow’s son from the dead Luke 7:11-16 - crippled woman Luke 13:10-13 - man with dropsy Luke 14:1-6 - 10 men with leprosy Luke 17:11-19 - man with his ear cut off Luke 22:49-51; John 18:10-11

OT PROPHECIES ABOUT JESUS

Jesus fulfilled over 300 different prophecies written in the Old Testament.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS

The Dead Sea Scrolls are ancient Hebrew documents that contain large portions of the Old Testament.

The Dead Sea Scrolls date back to 250 years before Jesus. The Scrolls contain hundreds of prophecies about Jesus. Other than the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Old Testament evidence we have was written two centuries after Jesus. Aside from the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest complete Hebrew Old Testament was written 10 centuries after Jesus.

Dead Sea Scrolls Jesus Evidence of Hebrew O.T. Complete Hebrew O.T. 250 B.C. 3rd Century A.D. 11th Century A.D.

A prophecy isn’t very authoritative if it was written after the events which it was predicting.

HUGE IDEA:

“Fulfilled” Prophecy (What does this mean?)

“Fulfilled” = Fuller Meaning (example: “Jesus is the Rock”)

Unless the NT makes a fuller meaning clear, we shouldn’t try to identify one on our own authority.

Examples:

Matthew 1:22-23 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Isaiah 7:10-14 10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test.” 13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also?14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you[c] a sign: The virgin[d] will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Matthew 2:15 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.

Hosea 11:1 “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”

(The second example has FOUR “levels” of meaning by the time of the NT!)

THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS

PARABLES

Parable comes from a combination of words that literally mean “to throw alongside.”

A Parable is a historical story that is thrown alongside a truth to teach it. Usually these stories described situations that were very familiar to the original readers or listeners.

Parables are different from allegories in that every detail in the story doesn’t necessarily have hidden meaning.

Why did Jesus use Parables? (a) Parables are easy to remember.

(b) To communicate truth to believers, but hide it from people with hard hearts. 31

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

What is the Kingdom of God?

The term “Kingdom of God” captures all that Jesus was about: his identity, his ministry, and his teaching.

The Kingdom of God is everything that is under God’s rule and has God’s presence.

Where is the Kingdom of God?

Rule of God in the heart . . .

(a) is moral (attitudes and actions), not legal (actions only);

(b) is spiritual, not physical;

Rule of God in the world...

(a) community, not individuals only;

(b) for every person, not a select few;

When is the Kingdom of God?

The kingdom is here now because it came with Jesus, and currently exists within every believer.

The kingdom is not yet fully here because there are people without the kingdom, and Jesus has not yet returned.

The kingdom of God, that is here now, is an anticipation and guarantee of the kingdom to come.

Vocation: The Church

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

Acts is really part two of a two-volume work. The first volume is the Gospel of Luke.

Why was Acts written?

From Rome’s perspective, Christianity was: (a) founded by a convicted criminal who was put to death;

(b) rejected by the Jews as heresy;

Rome’s question: Was Christianity a Jewish sect or a new religion?

If it was a Jewish sect, then Christianity was okay, and the Jews weren’t being fair to faithful Jewish followers.

If it was a new religion, then Christianity could not be trusted, and should possibly be outlawed.

Rome’s final answer: new religion.

Acts enters this debate before the conclusion was reached.

Luke argued that Christianity was not a new religion, but a true continuation of the Jewish faith.

One way to divide the book of Acts is based upon Acts 1:8. This verse traces the growth and spread of the Gospel.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

(See Acts Timeline)

PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY #1: THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BOOK OF ACTS

Take some time on your own to read through the following verses. Take notes on what they teach about the Holy Spirit. If a verse seems confusing, look up the reference in your Bible and read the surrounding context. If it is still difficult to understand, make a note and ask someone about it, or do a little more study on your own. Remember, this isn’t a race, work through these verses at your own pace. Don’t forget to start with prayer!

Acts 1:2 - . . . until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

Acts 1:5 - “For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 1:8 - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:16 - “Friends, the scripture had to be fulﬁlled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus . . .”

Acts 2:4 - All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:17 - In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Acts 2:18 – Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

Acts 2:33 - Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Acts 2:38 - Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 4:8 - Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!”

Acts 4:25 - You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?”

Acts 4:31 - After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 5:3 - Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?” Acts 5:9 - Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

Acts 5:32 - “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Acts 6:3 - “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them . . .”

Acts 6:5 - This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 34

Acts 6:10 - . . . but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

Acts 7:51 - “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”

Acts 7:55 - But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Acts 7:59 - While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Acts 8:15 - When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit . . .

Acts 8:16 - . . . because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into[c] the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 8:17 - Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:18 - When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money . . .

Acts 8:19 - . . . and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 8:29 - The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Acts 8:39 - When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

Acts 9:17 - Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord— Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 9:31 - Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

Acts 10:19 - While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you.

Acts 10:38 - . . . how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. Acts 10:44 - While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.

Acts 10:45 - The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.

Acts 10:47 - “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”

Acts 11:12 - The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house.

Acts 11:15 - “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.”

Acts 11:16 - “Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’”

Acts 11:24 - He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Acts 11:28 - One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)

Acts 13:2 - While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Acts 13:4 - The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.

Acts 13:9 - Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas . . .

Acts 13:52 - And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 15:8 - God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.

Acts 15:28 - It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements . . .

Acts 16:6 - Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.

Acts 16:7 - When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.

Acts 16:16 - Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling.

Acts 16:18 - She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

Acts 19:2 - There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

Acts 19:6 - When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:15 - (One day) the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”

Acts 19:16 - Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

Acts 19:21 - After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.”

Acts 20:22 - “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.”

Acts 20:23 - I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 36

Acts 20:28 - Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

Acts 21:4 - Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:11 - Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ “

Acts 23:8 - (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)

Acts 23:9 - There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”

Acts 28:25 - They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet . . .

PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY #1: BAPTISM IN THE BOOK OF ACTS

Take some time on your own to read through the following verses. Take notes on what they teach about baptism. If a verse seems confusing, look up the reference in your Bible and read the surrounding context. If it is still difficult to understand, make a note and ask someone about it, or do a little more study on your own. Remember, this isn’t a race, work through these verses at your own pace. Don’t forget to start with prayer!

Acts 1:5 - For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 1:22 - “. . . beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

Acts 2:38 - Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:41 - Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 8:12 - But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:13 - Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

Acts 8:16 - . . . because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 8:36 - As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?”

Acts 8:38 - And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

Acts 9:18 - Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized…

Acts 10:37 - You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached…

Acts 10:47 - “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”

Acts 10:48 - So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Acts 11:16 - “Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’”

Acts 13:24 - “Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel.”

Acts 16:15 - When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Acts 16:33 - At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.

Acts 18:8 - Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.

Acts 18:25 - He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.

Acts 19:3 - So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied.

Acts 19:4 - Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

Acts 19:5 - On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 22:16 - “‘And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’”

PAUL

A BACKGROUND OF PAUL

PAUL’S LIFE BEFORE CHRIST:

Paul was born in the Greek city of Tarsus (in what is today southeastern Turkey). His mother was Jewish and his father was a Roman citizen.

In his early youth, Paul was sent to Jerusalem to become a student of the Jewish laws. His teacher, Gamaliel, was a very famous Rabbi (see Acts 22:3).

At some point in his life, Paul also learned the trade of tent making. Every Jewish Rabbi was expected to learn a practical trade (Acts 18:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:9, 3:8).

Paul was a zealous Jew, eager to live according to strict moral laws. When the Church came into existence, Paul was quick to begin persecution of what he saw as a perversion of the Jewish faith. Stephen was the first Christian martyr put to death for his faith, and his execution was under the approval and direction of Paul (Acts 8:1).

On his way to persecuting the Christians at Damascus, Paul was struck blind by Jesus who asked, “Why do you persecute me?” This event was so important to Paul’s life that Luke mentions it three times in the book of Acts (9:3-19; 22:6-16; 26:9-23).

After his conversion, Paul began to preach the Gospel of Jesus boldly to non-believers.

In summary, it is important to understand Paul as:

(a) Roman citizen: he was familiar with Hellenistic language, culture, and government; he made several appeals to his citizenship during his journeys (Acts journeys - Acts 16:37; 22:25; 25:11).

(b) Pharisee: Jewish sect which emphasized obedience to Jewish Law (Mosaic Law, combined with tradition).

(c) Apostle of Jesus: the death and resurrection of Jesus forced Paul to reinterpret his vast understanding of the Old Testament.

PAUL THE APOSTLE:

Most of Paul’s life as an Apostle was spent traveling great distances to preach the Gospel. After his conversion, his life consisted mostly of three missionary journeys and his trip to Rome as a prisoner.

Paul started many churches but did not stay at any one church for a long period of time. Although he tried to visit them as often as he could, it wasn’t enough; the churches had many questions and problems.

Thus, as Paul traveled the world preaching, he also wrote many letters to the churches to encourage and instruct.

PAUL’S MISSIONARY JOURNEYS

FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY

Acts 13 Antioch (Syria) Lystra Seleucia Derbe Cyprus (island) Lystra -Salamis Iconium -Paphos Antioch (Pisidia) Antioch (Pisidia) Perga Iconium Seleucia

Acts 14 Antioch (Syria) - Galatians written Jerusalem Council

SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY

Acts 15 Antioch (Syria) 49 AD Berea Derbe Athens Lystra Corinth - 1 & 2 Thessalonians written Iconium Cenchrene Antioch (Pisidia) Ephesus Troas Caesarea Phillippi Jerusalem Thessalonica

Acts 18 Antioch (Syria) 52 AD

THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY

Antioch (Syria) 53 AD Athens Derbe Corinth - Romans written Lystra Macedonia Iconium Troas Antioch (Pisidia) Miletus Ephesus - 1 Cor. written Tyre Macedonia Caesarea Phillippi Jerusalem 57 AD Thessalonica Berea

PAUL’S JOURNEY TO ROME AND BOTH IMPRISONMENTS

Caesarea Crete Malta Rome (house arrest) - Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians & Philippians written Macedonia - 1 Timothy written Nicopolis - Titus written Rome - 2 Timothy written

A CHRONOLOGY OF PAUL’S LIFE

AD 36 Paul’s conversion AD 45 Famine visit to Jerusalem AD 46-48 First missionary journey AD 49 Jerusalem council (Acts 15) AD 50-52 Second missionary journey AD 53-57 Third missionary journey AD 57-60 Paul’s arrest at Jerusalem; imprisonment at Caesarea AD 61-63 First imprisonment in Rome AD 63-66 Visits churches in Macedonia AD 66-67 Second imprisonment in Rome AD 68 Death of Paul

THE LETTERS OF PAUL The letters of Paul that survived were collected and are in the New Testament.

They are: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon.

His letters are arranged roughly by size, largest to smallest.

Chronologically, his letters were probably written in the following order: Galatians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Romans, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, 1 Timothy, Titus, 2 Timothy.

ROMANS

Paul clearly intended this epistle to prepare the Church in Rome for his visit. This epistle contains Paul’s most detailed description and explanation of the Gospel. Paul wanted to make sure the Church in Rome had a complete and full understanding of the Gospel. He didn’t start this church, so perhaps he wasn’t confident in their understanding of the major tenets of the faith.

1 CORINTHIANS

Paul wrote this first letter to correct some serious doctrinal and moral sins (things that were dividing the Church).

First Corinthians is an excellent, practical document teaching about the daily living of individual Christians, corporate worship, and other key issues.

2 CORINTHIANS

Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to:

 express delight/relief at the Corinthians positive response to the “severe letter”;

 remind the church to complete their collection of relief money to help the Christians in Jerusalem;

 prepare them for his upcoming visit by having them engage in self-examination.

GALATIANS

Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

Christianity was just beginning to take root in the Gentile world because the earliest church members were Jewish. An important problem arose: Would Gentiles have to take on Jewish cultural and religious practices, such as circumcision?

Paul teaches that if a person follows the Mosaic Law, it will lead to spiritual death. Salvation is only through God’s grace. Although the cornerstone of Christianity is by faith, Paul explains the meaning of Christian freedom:

EPHESIANS

This letter was especially intended for general circulation and does not deal with particular church issues. Paul uses this letter to explain the fellowship Christians are to have within the Church. Although most of the major Pauline themes are reflected in the epistle, its main theme is the unity of believers, which comes through Christ.

This unity includes not only the Church, but will also include all creation at the end of time.

PHILIPPIANS

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Of all the letters Paul wrote to churches, Philippians stands out as the most personal. Paul had no sharp words of rebuke, only encouragement. This epistle screams joy to the reader. Although Paul is in chains and some are preaching the Gospel with bad motives, he still is filled with joy. He wants the Philippians to also be filled with joy—no matter what!

COLOSSIANS

Paul wrote Colossians to:  express his interest in the Church

 warn them against returning to their old ways; and

 refute the so-called Colossian Heresy. 43

1 THESSALONIANS

In response to a report from Timothy, Paul sought to:  express thanks to God for the Church’s health;

 argue against those who sought to undermine his work;

 suggest some specific ways the Church could live better lives.

2 THESSALONIANS

In response to reports of increased persecution in Thessalonica, Paul sought to:  encourage the Church to hang on through their persecutions;

 correct their bad theology concerning the return of Christ, and

 exhort the Church to keep away from people who quit their jobs.

1 TIMOTHY

1 Corinthians 4:17 For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord .

Paul begins his first epistle to Timothy by warning him against false teachers. After thanking God for the amazing work He has done in his life, Paul moves on to some specific guidelines for worship, conduct, and church leadership.

2 TIMOTHY

Paul urges Timothy to remain strong to his faith and strong in his sufferings. Paul warns yet again about false teachers and the need to be the Lord’s servant. In the third chapter, Paul teaches about the last days and the godlessness they will bring. Then Paul gives his final charge to Timothy.

TITUS

Titus 1:4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith.

Titus was in a place that was famous for its sinful, pleasure-seeking lifestyle. Paul knew this and wrote Titus to encourage and re-establish him as pastor. Paul lays down some guidelines for church leadership (similar to what he did with Timothy) and warns him to refute the false teachers. Then Paul gives several instructions concerning living a godly lifestyle. Of the three Pastoral Epistles, Paul stresses Christian conduct the most in Titus.

PHILEMON

Paul wrote this letter so that Philemon would accept his slave back without harsh punishment.

THE GENERAL LETTERS HEBREWS

Hebrews 12:28-29 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”

The epistle to the Hebrews is unique among the letters. It dives deep into Jewish theology and redefines it from the inside out, making Jesus the center.

JAMES

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

This letter does not emphasize the theological aspects of Christianity (although it is not empty of truth about God). Instead, James turns his attention to practical Christian living.

1 PETER

1 Peter 2:5 You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

This letter addresses common problems Christians were facing everywhere. Living in a pagan society where few knew God, the Christians were often misunderstood and faced persecution.

Major themes include:  salvation: plan and responsibilities included;  submission: Christian duty to authority;  suffering: what happens when Christians live a holy life;  sanctification: process through which Christians become more like Christ.

2 PETER

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Although this letter is short (3 chapters), its message is still important. Some major themes include: - the call for spiritual maturity; - prophecy is a reality because it comes from God; - warnings against false teachers; - waiting for the coming Day of the Lord.

1 JOHN

1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Internal evidence in 1 John suggests there was division within the Christian community, and John wrote this letter to reaffirm the truth about Christian community.

2 JOHN

2 John 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

In the early days of the Church, wandering teachers spread the Gospel. Christian communities were to welcome them into their homes and provide them with food, shelter, etc. False teachers also made use of their hospitality to spread lies.

3 JOHN

3 John 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

The 13 verses of 3 John are addressed to Gaius. This letter also deals with Christian hospitality with traveling missionaries.

JUDE

Jude 20 But you, dear friends build yourselves up in the most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

Some major themes include:  warnings against false teachers;  examples from Jewish history: unbelieving Israel, fallen angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah;  the call to build up in the faith.

REVELATION

The language and symbolism are difficult for the modern reader to understand.

The most important question to ask when reading Revelation:

Did God intentionally choose to make His message obscure? Or, could the original intended readers understand it?

It was not difficult for the original readers, they were familiar with literature which used imagery like that found in Revelation.

Another unique element of Revelation is found in its use of the Old Testament. Although there are no direct quotations, in the 404 verses of Revelation, 278 contain references to the Old Testament.

One common pitfall to the interpretation of Revelation is focusing on prophecy and not on Jesus Christ.

HUGE IDEA:

The central image of the book: The Slain Lamb

There are four major ways to understand and interpret Revelation:

Futurist: Everything in Revelation describes the future, specifically, events preceding and following the return of Jesus. This view holds that no events described in Revelation have happened yet.

Historicist: This view sees Revelation as describing historical events beginning with the time of the apostles. Thus many of the events described have already occurred. There is not much agreement amongst scholars on how specific passages in Revelation correspond to historical events.

Preterist: This view sees the entire book of Revelation as a description of events only within John’s time. This means everything described in Revelation has already happened.

Idealist: Revelation is seen as poetry, symbolic, and spiritual in nature. This view finds a spiritual lesson in every verse, and sees Revelation as having nothing to do with actual history.

Ultimately, John was a pastor, and he wrote Revelation to encourage and correct the churches. Not only did they need to correct their behavior, but they needed to know the hope that God will one day defeat evil. Life was difficult (and still is). Without hope it is impossible. The devil won’t exist forever, Jesus will return for his church, and believers will live eternally in Heaven. The central purpose of Revelation is to communicate a message of hope.

Revelation 21:1-4: Then I saw a new Heaven and a new earth, for the first Heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 47

Resources

Life of Paul http://www.paulonpaul.org/

Bible Maps http://www.bible-history.com/geography/

RightNow Media http://www.tenmilecc.com/right-now-media/

The Bible Project https://www.jointhebibleproject.com/

“Rooted: Old Testament” and “Rooted: New Testament”

The Story