Through The Bible - Communion With God MinistriesThrough the Bible “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you

Throughthe Bible

“This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but youshall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful todo according to all that is written in it; for then you will makeyour way prosperous, and then you shall have success.”

(Joshua 1:8)

Prayer“Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things from Thy Law…theunfolding of Thy words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

(Psalm 119:18,130)

To our parents, whosegodly lives and training

have given us a richheritage in the Lord, thismanual is lovingly andgratefully dedicated.

• Beginning with real life issues• Adding enlightenment from God• Experiencing transformation through

the power of the Holy Spirit

Lamad Curriculum r equiresthe reader interact with:

• Life• The Word• The Holy Spirit

[email protected] or 716-681-4896

Mark and Patti have been writing books together for nearly thirty years.Sometimes Mark is the main author and researcher, and sometimes Pattiis. Whichever of them does the actual writing, they are both whollyinvolved in each project, discussing, analyzing, adjusting, confirming,correcting and editing. They therefore consider all of their books as jointventures, and list themselves both as authors.

Copyright © 1992, 2004 by Mark and Patti Virkler

Table of ContentsWays This Text Is Designed To Be Used...................................................................... 7Preface.......................................................................................................................... 9Introduction................................................................................................................ 11Interpreting Scripture.................................................................................................. 15How to Receive Revelation Knowledge..................................................................... 17Master Overview of the Bible.................................................................................... 22Master Overview of the Old Testament...................................................................... 23Old Testament Timeline.............................................................................................. 24

Genesis....................................................................................................................... 26Exodus........................................................................................................................ 28Leviticus ..................................................................................................................... 32Numbers...................................................................................................................... 34Deuteronomy.............................................................................................................. 36Joshua......................................................................................................................... 38Judges......................................................................................................................... 40Ruth ............................................................................................................................ 42I Samuel...................................................................................................................... 44II Samuel..................................................................................................................... 46I Kings ........................................................................................................................ 48II Kings ....................................................................................................................... 52I Chronicles................................................................................................................. 54II Chronicles............................................................................................................... 56Ezra............................................................................................................................. 58Nehemiah.................................................................................................................... 59Esther.......................................................................................................................... 60

Review Sheet on Law and History............................................................................. 61Job............................................................................................................................... 62Psalms......................................................................................................................... 64Proverbs...................................................................................................................... 65Ecclesiastes................................................................................................................. 66Song of Solomon........................................................................................................ 68

Introduction to the Prophets....................................................................................... 69Isaiah........................................................................................................................... 71Jeremiah...................................................................................................................... 75Lamentations.............................................................................................................. 78Ezekiel........................................................................................................................ 79Daniel.......................................................................................................................... 82

Comparison of the Four Major Prophets.................................................................... 84Hosea.......................................................................................................................... 85

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Joel.............................................................................................................................. 87Amos........................................................................................................................... 88Obadiah....................................................................................................................... 89Jonah........................................................................................................................... 90Micah.......................................................................................................................... 91Nahum........................................................................................................................ 92Habakkuk.................................................................................................................... 93Zephaniah................................................................................................................... 94Haggai......................................................................................................................... 95Zechariah.................................................................................................................... 96Malachi....................................................................................................................... 97Summary Sheet — Old Testament.............................................................................. 98

Master Overview of the New Testament.................................................................... 99Matthew.................................................................................................................... 100Mark.......................................................................................................................... 102Luke.......................................................................................................................... 104John........................................................................................................................... 106A Comparative Chart of the Four Gospels............................................................... 108

Apostolic Ministry, particularly of Paul................................................................... 109Acts of the Apostles.................................................................................................. 110Romans..................................................................................................................... 112I Corinthians............................................................................................................. 114II Corinthians............................................................................................................ 116Galatians................................................................................................................... 118Ephesians.................................................................................................................. 120Philippians................................................................................................................ 122Colossians................................................................................................................. 123I Thessalonians......................................................................................................... 124II Thessalonians........................................................................................................ 124I Timothy .................................................................................................................. 126II Timothy ................................................................................................................. 126Titus.......................................................................................................................... 128Philemon................................................................................................................... 129Hebrews.................................................................................................................... 130James........................................................................................................................ 132I Peter........................................................................................................................ 134II Peter...................................................................................................................... 134I John........................................................................................................................ 136II John....................................................................................................................... 136III John...................................................................................................................... 136Jude........................................................................................................................... 138Summary Review of the Epistles.............................................................................. 139

Revelation................................................................................................................. 140A Review of What You Have Accomplished............................................................ 142

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Ways This Text IsDesigned To Be Used

This text may be used in Bible Schools, Sunday Schools, home cells, as well as in individual use. Acourse syllabus may be obtained from Christian Leadership University outlining the grading systemand listing required texts that complement this workbook.

Please order the following materials through Communion With God Ministries, 3792 Broadway St.,Cheektowaga, NY 14227. Order online at www.cwgministries.org, or call: 1-800-466-6961

Course syllabi on CD-ROM for Through the Bible I - VIII ............. $49.00Handbook of Answers for Through the Bible I - VIII ....................... $19.95Teacher’s Guide for Through the Bible I - VIII ................................ $29.95

Through the Bible cassettes:Pentateuch................................................................................... $19.95United Kingdom......................................................................... $19.95Divided Kingdom....................................................................... $29.95Poetry.......................................................................................... $19.95Major Prophets........................................................................... $15.95Life of Christ .............................................................................. $19.95Acts and Epistles........................................................................ $19.95Epistles and Revelation.............................................................. $19.95

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9

Preface

This Bible survey has come into being to help meet the following needs inThis Bible survey has come into being to help meet the following needs inThis Bible survey has come into being to help meet the following needs inThis Bible survey has come into being to help meet the following needs inThis Bible survey has come into being to help meet the following needs inthe Body of Christ:the Body of Christ:the Body of Christ:the Body of Christ:the Body of Christ:

A. A need for church-centered, systematic Bible education.

B. Something available for a family person who is limited to doing most of his Bible training athome, but needs some class or group time also.

C. A course that meets the needs of both the new and advanced Christian.

D. We recommend this eight-semester sequence be completed in three years, covering threesemesters per year. The three semesters should run from September to May, with the summermonths off. A group may begin with the New Testament, the Old Testament or Psalms. Aseach unit is self-contained, individuals may begin with any semester.

E. This may be used effectively in home cell groups, Bible Schools and industrious SundaySchool classes.

In developing this manual the following items were kept in mind:In developing this manual the following items were kept in mind:In developing this manual the following items were kept in mind:In developing this manual the following items were kept in mind:In developing this manual the following items were kept in mind:1. Because of time limitations the student cannot read everything. Therefore, the most important

must be read, the Bible.2. Courses should begin with Bible meditation, then go on to interpretation, and finally, applica-

tion.3. The two basic laws for interpreting any literature are the “Law of Relationship” and the “Law

of Proportion.” This manual should help the student engage these laws.4. A discussion leader using the Handbook of Answers makes sure important points are brought

out during discussion sessions.5. Testing will be used only on crucial, relevant material to ensure memorization of that which

should be memorized. Testing should be used because of the stimulus it provides and senseof accomplishment it leaves one with.

6. Final course grades can be given to ensure all students have received correct information anddoctrine. They can be given by the discussion leader (who has the Handbook of Answers).

7. This provides a unique new way of surveying the Bible using guided self-discovery andgroup discussion, allowing you to discover God’s fascinating truths.

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11

Introduction

AAAAA..... The NeedThe NeedThe NeedThe NeedThe NeedThis course is presented because of the need we see for Christians to read the entire Biblesystematically and devotionally. Only by so doing can we arrive at a balanced view of Godand His dealings with man. This biblical meditation is enhanced by participation with a groupof people under the oversight of a spiritual director.

B.B.B.B.B. The MethodThe MethodThe MethodThe MethodThe MethodWhen examining any literature, you must recognize the two most basic and fundamental laws.We must apply these laws to our Bible reading.

1. Law of Relationship - Everything written or spoken sustains some specific relationship tosomething else. It may be in conduct, repetition, cause and effect, means to an end, or someother relationship. We must consider these relationships to order our thought processes inlight of the passage.

2. Law of Proportion – An author reveals his emphasis, or lack of it, by the relative amountof treatment given to a specific subject. He may emphasize or omit certain parts completely,depending on how they relate to his development of thought. Examine people, places, timeevents and ideas.

As you prayerfully meditate on God’s Word with these two laws in mind, you acquire a firmgrasp of the author’s material. This manual puts these laws in clear view because it gives all theessential information to examine any unit of the Bible on a single page. It gives the historicalsetting, author’s purpose and viewpoint, and the relation and proportion of the material in thebook.

C.C.C.C.C. YYYYYour Graphsour Graphsour Graphsour Graphsour GraphsThese graphs become your graphs when you fill in the chapter titles as you read the book. Wewill be reading two to three chapters a day. As you fill in a chapter title, scan the graph andobserve the relationship of this chapter to the master outline of the book. As you work yourway through each chapter, read with this question in your heart, “Lord, what is the essence ofthis chapter?” Then, in a few words, fill in the chapter title that comes from your spirit. Whenyou review the graph, the chapter titles should remind you of the contents of the chapter. Thisgraph then becomes your permanent record of your meditations through the Bible.

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D.D.D.D.D. Why Use Graphs?Why Use Graphs?Why Use Graphs?Why Use Graphs?Why Use Graphs?1. Graphs appeal to the eye by providing for you a pictorial representation of the material.

Thus, they serve as an aid to the memory.

2. Graphs provide economy for the reader. They reveal many ideas at a glance.

a. They show pictorially the laws of proportion and the laws of relationship.b. Graphs move from detail to main ideas.c. Graphs show the over-all plan.

E.E.E.E.E. Helpful Hints for Understanding GraphsHelpful Hints for Understanding GraphsHelpful Hints for Understanding GraphsHelpful Hints for Understanding GraphsHelpful Hints for Understanding Graphs1. Start with any captions over or under the graph.2. Look at the largest divisions next.3. Then work toward smaller divisions noting relationships, and how parts fit together. Also

note the proportion of material the author has written on different topics.

FFFFF..... Memory WMemory WMemory WMemory WMemory WorkorkorkorkorkYou are to choose one especially relevant verse from your reading each week and memorize it.Write this verse on a card so you can carry it with you during the week. You should chooseverses to memorize that God is illuminating and applying to your life. Thus, they become lifeto you.

G.G.G.G.G. DatesDatesDatesDatesDatesEvangelical scholars basically agree on the order of biblical events. However, dates cannot beprecisely determined and there may be a discrepancy of up to one hundred years betweensources. The dates given in this manual are according to The Companion Bible.

H.H.H.H.H. Answering Discussion QuestionsAnswering Discussion QuestionsAnswering Discussion QuestionsAnswering Discussion QuestionsAnswering Discussion QuestionsTo help in answering discussion questions, you will need a Bible that has marginal or chainreferences. We highly recommend the cross-reference edition of the New American StandardVersion Bible. You will need a separate notebook to record answers to the discussion questions.

I.I.I.I.I. Collateral MaterialCollateral MaterialCollateral MaterialCollateral MaterialCollateral MaterialThere are no required collateral books. However, we strongly recommend the use of Halley’sBible Handbook and a complete concordance (e.g., Young’s or Strong’s).

J.J.J.J.J. LeaderLeaderLeaderLeaderLeader’s Guide’s Guide’s Guide’s Guide’s GuideIt is suggested this manual be used by getting into a group once a week and sharing answersand discoveries with others. A Handbook of Answers is available for group leaders, withsuggested answers, and ideas for leading group discussions.

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K.K.K.K.K. MeditationMeditationMeditationMeditationMeditationThe value of this workbook for you is dependent on 1) the time you spend meditating in theWord, and 2) your willingness to be taught by the Holy Spirit. If you meditate day and nightand obey all that is in the Word, what has God promised you? (See Joshua 1:8.)

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

L.L.L.L.L. Why Explore the Old TWhy Explore the Old TWhy Explore the Old TWhy Explore the Old TWhy Explore the Old Testament?estament?estament?estament?estament?1. Because these things happened as an example for us and were written for our instruction so

that we would not make the same mistakes and fall (I Cor. 10:11,12).2. Because many things are copies, shadows or types of the spiritual things we find in the New

Testament, and as such, help us in understanding the New Testament (Heb. 8:5).3. Because our faith is built up as we meditate on the provision of God for His people in the

Old Testament and the promises He made to them, while realizing that all these promisesare reaffirmed in Christ to us, because He has given us an even better covenant, whichhas been enacted on better promises (II Cor. 1:20; Heb. 8:6).

M.M.M.M.M. Note God’s VNote God’s VNote God’s VNote God’s VNote God’s View on the Importance of Wiew on the Importance of Wiew on the Importance of Wiew on the Importance of Wiew on the Importance of Writing and Meditating onriting and Meditating onriting and Meditating onriting and Meditating onriting and Meditating onScripture.Scripture.Scripture.Scripture.Scripture.Write Deuteronomy 17:18,19.

Therefore, let us write out (copy) the Word of God.

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15

Interpreting Scripture

AAAAA..... Basic principles of interpretation are needed:Basic principles of interpretation are needed:Basic principles of interpretation are needed:Basic principles of interpretation are needed:Basic principles of interpretation are needed:1. In order to explain seeming contradictions. For example, compare Proverbs 15:29 with Acts

17:27.2. To prevent being misled by the mere sound of words. For example, you could easily get the

wrong idea from John 6:53-56 unless it is coupled with Matthew 26:26-29.3. For the insertion of an explanatory word in some passages. For example, if some sort of

explanatory word is not inserted in Habakkuk 1:13 it would contradict Proverbs 15:3.

B.B.B.B.B. An interpreter of Scripture must have the following:An interpreter of Scripture must have the following:An interpreter of Scripture must have the following:An interpreter of Scripture must have the following:An interpreter of Scripture must have the following:1. A mind illumined by the Holy Spirit (Ps. 119:18,130; I Cor. 2:6-16; Eph. 1:17,18; Jas. 1:5).2. A humble, teachable, unprejudiced heart and mind (Matt. 5:3,11-25; Lk. 8:15; Jas. 4:6).3. The right motive, which is to get better acquainted with God and His will for your life (II

Thess. 2:10; I Tim. 2:4; II Tim. 2:15; 3:1-9, esp. verse 7).

C.C.C.C.C. Basic PBasic PBasic PBasic PBasic Principles for Interpreting Scripturesrinciples for Interpreting Scripturesrinciples for Interpreting Scripturesrinciples for Interpreting Scripturesrinciples for Interpreting Scriptures1. You must understand the similarities and differences between the Old and New Testaments.

The similarities are much greater and more vital than the differences. The New Testamentgrows out of, and is in many ways a continuation of, the Old Testament. Record what thefollowing verses teach concerning the similarities and differences between the two testa-ments.

Matthew 5:17-19____________________________________________________________

Matthew 5:20-22____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Matthew 7:12______________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

I Corinthians 10:11,12________________________________________________________

II Corinthians 1:20__________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Galatians _________________________________________________________________

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Galatians 3:24,25___________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Galatians 5:18______________________________________________________________

Hebrews 8:5; 10:1___________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Hebrews 8:6,13_____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

2. However the New Testament interprets an Old Testament verse is to be accepted as thecorrect interpretation.

3. No doctrine should be founded on a single passage (Jn. 5:31-39; 8:16-18).4. No important doctrine should be based alone on a type, figurative expression or parable,

but rather on plain and literal stories and teachings, allowing the former to illustrate thetruth (II Tim. 3:16).

5. Decide whether the verse is universal in its application or limited to those to whom it wasinitially addressed. The context and other teaching on the topic should make it clearwhether it is limited or universal. Do not presuppose any limits on Scripture that are notclearly taught in the Word of God.

6. Scripture should be used to interpret Scripture. Brief statements are to be interpreted byfuller ones.

7. The whole counsel of God concerning a subject is found by collecting and correlating allverses on that subject, attempting to see all sides of the truth.

8. Although generally speaking, Scripture is to be taken in its plain, simple, literal meaning,you should realize there is some non-literal language in the Bible. A rule of thumb to helpyou discern literal from non-literal is to take words in their literal sense when given theirplain and natural settings, and figuratively when the word is joined to an object to which itdoes not normally or naturally belong (e.g., Matt. 23:24).

9. You must properly recognize and interpret types. A type is a person or thing in the OldTestament that was divinely designed to be a foreshadowing of a person or thing in the NewTestament. Those things taught to be types by the New Testament are definitely types.However, in going beyond that to your own speculation you are on unsure ground. (Anexample of a type is found in Exodus 12:1-28; John 1:29; I Corinthians 5:6,7; and I Peter1:9-19.)

10. When interpreting parables you should: a) find the basic point the parable was meant tomake; b) realize that every other point of the parable does not necessarily have an appliedmeaning (or else in Luke 18:1-8, God would be considered the unjust judge); c) realize aparable only illustrates a subject partially; and d) understand that parables are designed toillustrate, not to teach directly.

11. Use the Law of Relationship as stated in the front of this manual.12. Use the Law or Proportion as stated in the front of this manual.13. Use the Law of First Mention, which states that since God knows the end from the begin-

ning, the first mention of a subject in Scripture will have in it the basic elements of thatsubject as it is further developed in Scripture. For example, trace the theme of the heartstarting from Genesis 6:5.

14. Use the lamad style of biblical meditation as taught on the following pages.

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Biblical MeditationResulting in illumination, revelation knowledge, anointed reasoning

Do Not Do This: But Do This:

LEFT-BRAIN WHOLE-BRAIN/HEART

STUDY/RATIONAL HUMANISM MEDITATION/DIVINE REVELATION

1. Have unconfessed sin 1. Be washed by Jesus’ blood

2. Have a pre-conceived attitude 2. Have a teachable attitude

3. Be independent: “I can...” 3. Pray: “Lord, show me”

4. Read quickly 4. Slow down, ponder, muse

5. Rely on reason & analysis only 5. Combine anointed reason,flowing pictures, music &speech

6. Read without specific purpose 6. Read with focused purpose

7. Take credit for insights 7. Glorify God for insights

How to receive revelationknowledge as you complete

the exercises in this bookAn example of revelation knowledge is when you are reading the Bible and a verse leaps off thepage, hits you between the eyes, and God says, “This is for you right now.” These are preciousexperiences for the believer. However, for many, they do not happen often enough. There are seventhings I do which allow me the privilege of receiving revelation knowledge every time I read theBible. Truth and insights leap off the page and an understanding of how they are to adjust my lifepermeates my spirit and soul. I love this experience and hunger for it every time I read the Scriptures.That is why I prepare myself by doing the following seven things. Prayerfully reflect on these stepsand determine which ones you do and don’t use. Make sure you use all of them as you complete theexercises in this book, as well as during your regular devotional times.

T H E S E V E N S T E P S O F B I B L I C A L M E D I T A T I O N E X P L A I N E D :

1. LORD, CLEANSE ME BY YOUR BLOOD: Since receivingdivine revelation is at the heart of biblical medita-tion, you must prepare yourself to receive from theHoly Spirit by repenting and being cleansed by the

blood of the Lamb. You must be obedient to previ-ous revelations from God (Matt. 7:6), and confessany sin in your life, so you are not cut off fromongoing revelation (Is. 59:1,2; I Jn. 1:9).

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2. LORD, GRANT ME A TEACHABLE ATTITUDE: Revelation isgiven to those who maintain an attitude of humility,and it is withheld from the proud and the arrogant.So keep an open, humble attitude before God,allowing Him the freedom to shed greater light onany ideas you currently hold and to alter them as Hesees fit (Jas. 4:6; II Pet. 1:19).

3. LORD, I WILL NOT USE MY FACULTIES MYSELF: You can donothing of your own initiative but only what youhear and see by the Spirit (Jn. 5:19,20,30). You donot have a mind to use, but a mind to present to Godso He can use it and fill it with anointed reason anddivine vision (Prov. 3:5-7; Rom. 12:1,2). If you useyour mind yourself, it is a dead work (Heb. 6:1,2).

4. LORD, I PRAY THAT THE EYES OF MY HEART MIGHT BE ENLIGHT-ENED: Slow down as you read, mulling the text overand over in your heart and mind, praying constantlyfor God to give you a spirit of wisdom and revela-tion in the knowledge of Him (Eph. 1:17,18; Ps.119:18).

5. LORD, I PRESENT THE ABILITIES TO REASON AND TO IMAGINE TO

YOU TO FILL AND FLOW THROUGH BY YOUR SPIRIT: Meditationinvolves presenting your faculties to God for Him tofill and use. These include your left-brain reasoningcapacities as well as your right-brain visual capaci-ties. Look for the river of God (i.e. “Spirit flow”) toguide and fill both hemispheres, granting youanointed reasoning and dream and vision (Jn. 7:37-39). Music can assist you, as can muttering, speak-ing, and writing as you go through the discoveryprocess (II Kings 3:15).

6. LORD, SHOW ME THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM I AM FACING:Focused attention brings additional energies ofconcentration of heart and mind, which help releaserevelation. For example, note the difference betweena ray of sunlight hitting a piece of paper, and sun-light going through a magnifying glass to hit a pieceof paper. The focused energy creates a ray so con-centrated that the paper bursts into flames. Whenyou have a hunger to master a new understandingand discipline, that hungry and searching heart willcause you to see things you would not normally see(Matt. 5:6).

7. THANK YOU, LORD, FOR WHAT YOU HAVE SHOWN ME: Realiz-ing that the revelation came from the indwellingHoly Spirit, give all the glory to God for what hasbeen revealed (Eph. 3:21).

THE HEBREW AND GREEK DEFINITIONS OF MEDITATION

According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance,there are several Hebrew and Greek words whichunderlie the words “meditate” and “meditation” inthe Old and New Testaments. The Strong’s numbersfor these words in the Old Testament are: 1897,1900, 1901, 1902, 7878, 7879, 7881. The NewTestament numbers are 3191 and 4304.

THE LITERAL MEANINGS OF MEDITATE AND MEDITATION aslisted by Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance are:

“To murmur; to converse with oneself, andhence aloud; speak; talk; babbling; communica-tion; mutter; roar; mourn; a murmuring sound;i.e. a musical notation; to study; to ponder;revolve in the mind; imagine; pray; prayer;reflection; devotion.”

LEFT-HEMISPHERE FUNCTIONS LISTED ABOVE INCLUDE:

study, revolve in the mind, murmur, mutter,converse, speak, talk, communication (Note:Reason and speech are left-brain.)

RIGHT-HEMISPHERE FUNCTIONS LISTED ABOVE

INCLUDE:

imagine, a musical notation, mourn, babbling(Note: Tongue speaking has been registered inexperiments at Fuller Theological Seminary astaking place in the right hemisphere. Pictures,music and emotion are also right-brain.)

HEART (OR THIRD-BRAIN) FUNCTIONS LISTED ABOVE

INCLUDE:

pray, prayer, devotion, reflection, ponder (i.e.enlightened reasoning by adding Spirit-flow tothe reasoning process - Eph. 1:17,18.)

Meditation results in illumined verses every timeone reads the Bible and every time he meditates onany subject. Illumination is experienced as insightsjumping off the page and hitting you between theeyes.

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MEDITATION IS A WHOLE-BRAIN AND HEART PROCESS, AND STUDY

IS OFTENJ LEFT-HEMISPHERE ONLY

I asked a pastor who scored as extremely left-brain(2.4) on the Brain Preference Indicator Test how hestudied the Bible. Did he use pictures a fair amount?He replied, “Never.” Then I asked a right-brainpastor (6.7) how he studied the Bible. Did he usepictures much? He said, “Always.” He had a con-stant stream of flowing pictures when he studied.(Note: 5.0 is perfectly balanced.)

Do you see that a left-brain person will tend to studythe Bible differently than a right-brain person? Wetend to miss this, because we assume that everyoneelse studies the way we do. This could not be furtherfrom the truth. Left-brain people study using prima-rily logic, reason, and analysis. Right-brain peoplestudy (or could we say, meditate) using primarilypictures and flow combined with reason, analysis,speech, and song.

REPENTING FOR STUDYING: So, in meditation, thewhole brain is being controlled and guided by theindwelling Holy Spirit, whereas in study, primarilythe left brain is being used, and it is under thecontrol of self. Wow! What a startling insight,especially when we realize that the Bible (NASB)

never encourages study, but 20 times doesencourage meditation. Look up the Greek in thethree instances that the King James Version uses“study,” and you will see that they are all inaccuratetranslations. So I, a left-brain individual, repentedfor studying, and purposed in my heart to onlymeditate from now on when I come to the Word ofGod or to any topic that God sets before me toexplore.

ANOTHER GREAT AID TO “SEEING”: WRITING OUT SCRIPTURE

When you write or type out a verse, you discoverwords which you otherwise might have missed.

The following is the law which God gave for newkings who had just been crowned and were coming tosit upon their throne for the first time:

“Now it shall come about when he sits on thethrone of his kingdom, he shall write for himself acopy of this law on a scroll in the presence of theLevitical priests” (Deut. 17:18).

Since we are kings and priests, are we to do any less (IPet. 2:9)? Let us make the writing out of Scriptures animportant part of our lives.

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Study(Greek/Western)

Study (My use of one part of one hemisphere of my brain)

1. Is nowhere endorsed in Scripture (II Tim. 2:15 is a mis-translation in the KJV Bible).2. Is self in action (Humanism - a false god).3. Is self using reason (Rationalism - a false god).4. Results in wisdom from below - earthly, natural, demonic (Jas. 3:15). For example, reason caused Peter

to be at odds with the purposes of God (Jn. 18:10,11).

Study violates the following biblical principles:

1. Gal. 2:20 - I resurrect self, which no longer lives.2. Rom. 12:1 - I am using my faculties rather than presenting them to God to use.3. Is. 1:18 - I’m reasoning, rather than reasoning together with God.4. Gen. 3:5 - I’ve fallen prey to the temptation of the Garden of Eden that “I can know good and evil.”

“Application of the mental facultiesto the acquisition of knowledge”

(Webster)

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Meditation(Hebrew/Lamad)

“To murmur; to converse with oneself, and hence aloud; speak; talk; babbling;communication; mutter; roar; mourn; a murmuring sound; i.e. a musical notation;

to study; to ponder; revolve in the mind; imagine; pray; prayer; reflection; devotion”(Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance*)

*Old Testament numbers: 1897, 1900, 1901, 1902, 7878, 7879, 7881; New Testament numbers: 3191, 4304

Meditation (God’s use of every part of both hemispheres of my brain as He

fills and flows out through my heart by His Spirit)

1. Is endorsed 18 times in the KJV Bible.2. Is God in action within the individual.3. Is God granting revelation through the heart and mind which has been yielded to Him.4. Results in wisdom from above - pure, peaceable, gentle (Jas. 3:17).

Meditation applies the following biblical principles:

1. Gal. 2:20 - I let Christ live through me.2. Rom. 12:1 - I am yielding my outer faculties to the indwelling Spirit (i.e. to “flow” - Jn. 7:38).3. Is. 11:2 When reasoning together with God, I receive a spirit of wisdom and understanding and knowledge.4. Jn. 5:19,20,30 - I’m living as Jesus did, out of divine initiative, doing what I see and hear my Father doing.

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Bible Sections Date Diagram of What’s Happening

11

GenesisChapters 1 - 11

2008

From Adam (4004 B.C.)

to birth of Abraham(1996 B.C.)

865

Genesis 12 -II Chronicles &Poetry books &

a number ofProphets

1469

From call ofAbraham in 1946

B.C. to captivity anddestruction ofJerusalem by

Nebuchadnezzar in477 B.C.

53

Ezra, Nehemiah,Esther, Haggai,

Zechariah, Malachi& 400 Silent Years

422

From Cyrus’decision to rebuildtemple in 426 B.C.to birth of Jesus in

4 B.C.

89

Four Gospels33

From birth to deathof Jesus

171

Acts to Revelation

1972+

From John 20:22 inA.D. 29 until Jesus’

return

Master Overview of the Bible

Total Chapters – 1189 Total Years – 6005

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Bible:eys to Unlock the Bible:eys to Unlock the Bible:eys to Unlock the Bible:eys to Unlock the Bible:A. Author - God (II Tim. 3:16,17; II Pet. 1:20,21)B. Purpose - (II Tim. 3:16,17)

1. For doctrine;2. For reproof;3. For correction;4. For instruction in righteousness; that every man of God may be adequate and equipped

for every good work.C. Writers - 35-40 different peopleD. Time span of writers - Over 1600 yearsE. Notice

1. More chapters talk about Jesus than any other man in history.2. Over three-fourths (865) of the chapters of the Bible talk about one-fourth of the years

(1469) of Earth’s history.

# C

h.

# yr

s.

The thread ofhistory = God’s

desire for a peopleto worship and

obey Him.

The problem witheach people isdisobedience.

These are allrecorded as

examples for us, sowe don’t fall also(I Cor. 10:11,12).

We still face thesame potential

danger(Rom. 11:22).

Adam

Nationsof theWorld

Abraham

Nationof

Israel

Remnant

JESUS

ChurchAge

out ofwhich God

called

which inthe fullness

of timebrought

forth(Gal. 4:4)

Whoushered in

the

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

23

Master Overview ofthe Old Testament

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Old Teys to Unlock the Old Teys to Unlock the Old Teys to Unlock the Old Teys to Unlock the Old Testament:estament:estament:estament:estament:A. Authors - Twenty known and a number of unknownB. Date Written - Over 1000 years, from 1400 B.C. to 400 B.C.C. Content - History of IsraelD. Purpose - To show God’s initial workings in bringing sinful man back to Himself.

# Name of Book DateWritten

1.

Law

History

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Pre-ExileRecords

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

Post-Exile16.

17.

18.

LifePoetry

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

Prophets

Prophecy

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

Prophets

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

24

Old Testament TimelineB

.C.

4000 1450 1000 700 400 0 B.C

.

PatriarchsPatriarchsPatriarchsPatriarchsPatriarchs Divided KingdomDivided KingdomDivided KingdomDivided KingdomDivided Kingdom Silent YearsSilent YearsSilent YearsSilent YearsSilent Years

(GLORY)

Sam

uel

- In

itia

tin

g t

he

pro

ph

etic

ord

er

Downward

Dow

nward

Israel disappears into Assyriancaptivity, never to return(i.e., the Ten Lost Tribes).

70 yearsof exile} Restoration

Judah (two southern tribes) is exiled in Babyloniancaptivity for seventy years. Judah then returns andis rebuilt under Ezra and Nehemiah. This is theend of Old Testament history.

Judges, Prophet, Kings - Acts 13:20,21

Overview of ThroughOverview of ThroughOverview of ThroughOverview of ThroughOverview of Through

the Bible I — VIIIthe Bible I — VIIIthe Bible I — VIIIthe Bible I — VIIIthe Bible I — VIII

Through the Bible II — UnitedKingdom and Through the Bible IV— Poetry cover this period of time.

Through the Bible I —Pentateuch coversthis period of time.

ADAMNOAH

ABRAHAMISAAKJACOB

JOSEPHMOSES

Through the Bible III —Divided Kingdom andThrough the Bible V —Major Prophets cover thisperiod of time.

BIR

TH

OF

JE

SU

S C

HR

IST

THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL, THE NATION THROUGH WHOM THE CHRIST-CHILD CAME.

Bringing forth the Nation

25

Notes

26

# Chapter Titles Notes1.

Adam

930+ Ancestors

ofAbraham

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Noah 950

7.

8.

9.

10. Birth ofNations11.

12.

Abraham 175

TheFamily

ofAbraham

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

Isaac25.

26.

27.

145

28.

Jacob

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

Joseph110

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

Genesis#

yrs.

Author:Moses(Lk. 24:44)

Date Written:1452 B.C.

Content:Book ofBeginnings

Time Limits:Expressed interms of men,not in years.Book covers4004 B.C. to1635 B.C.

Key Words:BeginningsGenerationsCovenants

Covenant toAbraham:

1. Great nation2. Bless the

world3. Land4. A son5. Ratified by

circumcision

Salvation:• It’s necessity• It’s method• Process

toward itsrealizationis begun -contrast toendings inRevelation

27

Discussion Questions — Genesis1. a. Record from Genesis chapter one the things God “created” versus the things He “made” or

let the earth bring forth. (To “create” means to bring something into being. To “make” meansto formulate from that which already exists.)

b. Record any conclusions or observations.

2. Examine the temptations of Eve in Genesis 3:1-6.a. Record the words of God in 2:16,17, and the way satan and Eve misquoted Him.b. Record principles of how satan tempts.c. Eve made several mistakes in her response to the tempter that caused her to sin. Notice verses

three and six and give some principles of how we should or should not meet temptation.

3. Genesis 2:21-24 tells of the first Adam and his bride. Christ is called the “Last Adam” (I Cor.15:45) and the Church, His Bride (Eph. 5:24-32). Meditate on the similarities between theserelationships and discuss them, using as much Scripture as possible. Include such concepts as:lack of a worthy bride; reigning together; and so on.

4. Trace the “Tree of Life” through Scripture, discussing your observations and conclusions.

5. Trace the Messianic prophecies through Genesis.

6. Genesis 3:15 is the first Messianic prophecy and tells of continuing enmity between the “Seed ofWoman” (Messiah) and satan. Trace this conflict through Genesis. (We will continue to trace thisthrough the whole Bible in future weeks.) For example, notice how satan uses events, wickedmen and/or nations to try to destroy the people who were carrying the seed. Revelation 12:1-5tells of the continuing warfare between satan and Israel (the woman).

7. Carefully read the story of the testing of Abraham in Genesis 22:1-18.a. What was the purpose of this testing? Notice verse 12 and also Matthew 10:37; 22:37,38.

They will be helpful in answering.b. What was Abraham’s attitude throughout the testing? (See Hebrews 11:17-19 and Genesis

22:5,8.)

8. Compare Isaac and Ishmael. Note Galatians 4:22-31 and other pertinent references. Also, noticethe contrast between law and grace, self-effort and divine initiative, etc.

9. Why does the book of Genesis single out and tell the stories of only six people from the wholehuman race during the 2000 years it covers?

10. It has been stated that God is either Lord of All or He is not Lord at all. Relate this statement andRomans 8:28 to the life of Joseph. Include Genesis 45:4-9 and 50:20.

11. It is interesting to see the similarities between Joseph’s life and Jesus’ life. Record as many asyou can find, using references as much as possible. (Joseph is considered a “type of Christ.”)

12. Record insights, observations, questions, and personal applications that the Holy Spirit is makingto your life.

28

Exodus

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Moses (17:14; 24:4)Date Written - 1452 B.C.Content - Deliverance of Israel from Egyptian slavery (12:51)Key Word - DeliveranceKey Expression - As the Lord commanded Moses

# Chapter Titles Yrs.1.

Preparationof Moses

God

Delivering

from

Egypt

1571B.C.

1491

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

The TenPlagues

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.The Exodus 1491

1490B.C.

14.

15.

WildernessExperience

16.

17.

18.

19.Moral Law

God

Legislating

at

Mount

Sinai

20.

21.

Civil Law22.

23.

24.

25.

CeremonialLaw

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.Law Brokenand Re-given

33.

34.

35.

Erection ofTabernacle

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.

29

Discussion Questions — Exodus1. Discuss the Passover Lamb as a type of Christ our Redeemer. Use Exodus 12:1-28; John 1:29;

I Corinthians 5:6,7; I Peter 1:18,19 and as many others as you can find. A “type” is a person orthing in the Old Testament that the New Testament teaches was a foreshadowing of a person orthing in the New Testament. The Old Testament type could be likened to an architect’s plans,while the New Testament fulfillment could be likened to a completed building.

2. Continue your research on satan’s attempt to destroy the seed of Messiah.

3. Begin listing the Israelites murmurings against God and His servants, noting God’s response tothem. Give references and make applications to our Christian lives. (This assignment willcontinue through Numbers.)

4. Why did God give the Law? (See Galatians chapters three and four, Romans 9:30 - 10:11, andMatthew 5:17-20, as well as other references.)

5. Make a simple diagram of the tabernacle and its court, indicating the furniture in each part(Ex. 25 - 28; 35 - 40).

6. There are several possible symbolic meanings to the furnishings of the tabernacle. (For ex-ample, they may symbolize our way of approach to God or the various aspects of Christ’sperson and work.) Choose one possible interpretation and briefly discuss each piece of furni-ture and what it means in that interpretation.

7. Record insights, observations, questions, and any personal applications that the Holy Spirit ismaking to your life.

30

WWWWWater - minimumater - minimumater - minimumater - minimumater - minimum

One gallon / day / personTwo gallons / day / animal10,800,000 gallons / day = 1,080 railroad tank cars

The Astounding Facts of the Exodus

Each family taking six animalsequals 3,600,000 animals.

Area CoveredArea CoveredArea CoveredArea CoveredArea Covered50’ x 50’ / family50’ x 50’ / family’s livestock Total = 10.5 x 10.5 miles

MannaMannaMannaMannaMannaEach person received one omer (seven pints). Exodus 16:16Since extra was left over, we figure:

For the people = 123,000 cubic feetExtra (estimate) = 061,500 cubic feetTotal = 184,500 cubic feet or 46 box carsPlus animals = 461,250 cubic feet or 114 box cars(est. 2.5 / person)Total 645,750 cubic feet or 160 box cars

Crossing RCrossing RCrossing RCrossing RCrossing Red Seaed Seaed Seaed Seaed SeaTwo hundred abreast at 2.5 miles per hour = 12 hours, 15 minutesColumn would extend 30.75 miles into the wilderness

ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusionTo feed and water the Israelites for one day it would take a train consisting of 1,240 cars extending9.5 miles.

God provided this amount each day for 40 years.

How big is your God?

Numbers 1:45,46 = the number of men over 20 was 600,000Numbers 1:45,46 = the number of men over 20 was 600,000Numbers 1:45,46 = the number of men over 20 was 600,000Numbers 1:45,46 = the number of men over 20 was 600,000Numbers 1:45,46 = the number of men over 20 was 600,000Men 600,000Women 600,000Children 2,400,000

Total 3,600,000

31

Notes

32

Leviticus

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Moses (Rom. 10:5)Date Written - 1452 B.C.Theme - Holiness (stated 150 times)Key Ideas - Sin, death, guilt, confession, forgiveness, fellowship

OfferingsOfferingsOfferingsOfferingsOfferings

Sin Offering

Trespass Offering } When disturbed relationship between God and man

Burnt OfferingMeal OfferingPeace Offering

}When at peace with God

# Chapter Titles Yr.

1.

Typesof

OfferingsTheWayTo

GodThroughService

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.Laws of Offerings

7.

8.

The Priesthood9.

10.

11.

Lawsof

Purification

12.

13.

14.

TheWalkWithGod

ThroughSeparation

15.

16. Day of Atonement17.

Lawsof

Holiness

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23. The Feasts

24.

CivilLaws

25.

26.

27.

A

Wo

rs

hi

p

Ma

nu

al

1490

B.C

. (O

ne M

onth

at M

t. S

inai

)-

33

Discussion Questions — Leviticus1. List the offerings and their purpose or significance. Make any present applications to our lives.

Show the fulfillment in Christ of any that you can and be sure to give references for all yourfindings.

2. List the feasts and special years and their purpose or significance. Make any present applica-tions to our lives. Show the fulfillment in Christ of as many as you can. Note alsoDeuteronomy 16. Be sure to give references for all your findings.

3. Record insights, observations, questions, and any personal applications that the Holy Spirit ismaking to your life.

34

Numbers

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Moses (Lk. 24:44)Date Written - 1452 B.C.Content - Wanderings of Israel in the wilderness (14:33)Key Word - MurmurNote - The name of this book has its origin in the numbering of the tribes contained in it.

# Chapter Titles Yrs.

1.Order of Camp

Encampmentat

Sinai

1490B.C.

39years

1452B.C.

2.

3.Levites

4.

5.Laws

6.

7.Provision

for Service8.

9.

10. March

Sinaito

Plainsof

Moab

11.

Eight Murmurings

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

Balaam

AtPlains

ofMoab

23.

24.

25.

Instruction

and

Preparation

for

Entering

the Promised

Land

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

35

Discussion Questions — Numbers1. Continue your research on the murmurings that began in Exodus.

2. Make a diagram of the layout of the Israeli camp. Include references.

3. We Christians are to enter a land of rest in our lives just as Israel was to enter a land of rest intheirs. Using references and being as specific as possible, show why Israel did not enter theirrest, and what the life of rest is for a Christian. Meditate on Hebrews three and four, as well asany other related passages.

4. Record insights, observations, questions, and any personal applications the Holy Spirit ismaking to your life.

36

Deuteronomy

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Moses (31:24)Date Written - 1452 B.C.Content - Review of the Law (1:3). A long, varied plea for hearty obedience to God based on the

two grand motives of love and fear.Key Words - Remember, teachLocation - The speeches take place at the plains of MoabNote -Obedience = Blessing

Disobedience = CursingHistory can be interpreted from an economical, racial, or geographical point of view. The Bible

provides the theological interpretation. Notice especially chapter 28.

# Chapter Titles Yr.1.

Historical ReviewRemembrances

of the Past2.

3.

4.

5.

Moral Law

Commandments for thePresent

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Ceremonial Law13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

Judicial Law

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

Covenant Blessings& Curses

Concerningthe Future

28.

29.

30.

31.

Parting Words of Moses32.

33.

34.

1452

B.C

. (ap

prox

imat

ely

one

mon

th)

37

Discussion Questions — Deuteronomy1. What was Moses trying to teach the people in each of his six speeches? (Each major division

on the graph is one speech.) Give references and be specific.

2. Keep a catalog of specific references and passages that speak to your life or which are espe-cially meaningful to you.


38

Joshua

Event

Red SeaMoses’ RevelationEnemies DefeatedSpies Sent OutFarewell AddressCovenant ReaffirmedRaising Hands for Victory

Against Amalek

Chapters

Ex. 14Ex. 3Ex. 15Num. 13Deut. 34Deut. 29Ex. 17

Event

Jordan RiverJoshua’s RevelationJoshua’s VictoriesJoshua’s SpiesFarewell AddressCovenant ReaffirmedRaising Hands forVictory over Ai

Chapters

_______________________________________________________________

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Joshua (24:26)Date Written - Approximately 1434 B.C.Content - Possessing the land, climaxing in 21:43Key Word - PossessKey Expression - Be strong and courageousNote - The name Joshua means “Savior.”

Similarities between the lives of:Similarities between the lives of:Similarities between the lives of:Similarities between the lives of:Similarities between the lives of:

MosesMosesMosesMosesMoses JoshuaJoshuaJoshuaJoshuaJoshua


1.Preparation Entering

theLand

1451B.C.

1434B.C.

2.

3. Crossingthe Jordan4.

5. Preparation for Battle6.

First CampaignConquering

the Land

7.

8.

9.Second Campaign

10.

11. Third Campaign12. Summary13. East of Jordan

Settlement of theLand

14.

West ofthe Jordan

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Throughoutthe Land

21.

22.

Conclusion23.

24. Death of Joshua

39

Discussion Questions — Joshua1. Review the following passages that tell of some of Joshua’s association and service to Moses.

Exodus 17:8-16; 24:12,13; 33:11; Numbers 13:1-16; 14:6-10, 26-35; 27:18-23; Deuteronomy34:9.a. Record the major events in his apprenticeship to leadership.b. Do a character sketch of Joshua, showing what qualities made him a great leader. Include

references.

2. Using marginal references do a biographical sketch of Rahab throughout the Bible. Noteparticularly how her salvation from destruction typifies our salvation.

3. a. What do Proverbs 16:33 and 18:18 teach concerning the use of lots?b. Give references showing what lots were used for in Joshua.c. Why was such a practice valid?d. Using a good concordance find when the last lot was used in the Bible. What is the signifi-

cance of this?

4. Chapter 20 deals with cities of refuge. Describe how the system worked. Tie in Exodus 20:13.(Notice that the correct translation of that verse is “thou shalt not murder.”) Is there a differ-ence between “murdering” and “killing”? Note any present-day applications. Make free use ofother Scripture in your answer.


40

Judges

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Probably SamuelDate Written - Approximately 1045 B.C.Theme - The history of Israel during the times of the 12 Judges. “In those days there was no king

in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (21:25).

KKKKKey Expressionsey Expressionsey Expressionsey Expressionsey Expressions:Israel did that which was evil;The anger of the Lord was kindled;Israel cried unto the Lord;The Lord raised up [Judges] that saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

Observations:Observations:Observations:Observations:Observations:1. The introductory material in chapters 1-2 gives us:

a. a bird’s-eye view of Joshua in 1:1 - 2:10b. a bird’s-eye view of Judges in 2:11 - 3:7.

2. The book covers from 1434 B.C. to 1080 B.C. The people were in servitude about a third ofthe time. Even in these devastating conditions God’s grace is shown.

3. For a graphic description of these times read Psalm 106:34-36.4. Compare the opening verses of Joshua and Judges.

# Chapter Titles Enemy Yrs. Judge Yrs.

1.Introduction

2.

3.Mesopotamia 8 Othniel 40

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.Civil War

Tola 2310. Jair 2211.

Ammonites 18 Jephthah6

12. 2513.

14.

15.

16.

17.

Confusion & Anarchy18.

19.

20.

21.

41

Discussion Questions — Judges1. Finish filling in the blank sections on the graph.

2. a. Record what happened in Judges 2:8-11.b. What should have happened according to Deuteronomy 11:13-25?c. Wesley has noted that generally revivals do not last to the third generation. What lessons

must we learn and apply personally and to our churches?

3. a. What commands did God give concerning the inhabitants of the promised land? Givereferences.

b. Why was He so severe?c. Compare I Corinthians five, especially verse six, and related passages.d. Make present-day applications.

4. a. Note Judges 2:3 and the marginal references.b. Some theologians believe that these Old Testament references shed light on the correct

understanding of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (II Cor. 12:7). Using Scripture to interpretScripture in this way, what conclusions might be reached concerning Paul’s “thorn”?Drawing on your knowledge of Paul’s life and writings, be as specific as possible.


42

Ruth# Chapter Titles

1. In MoabChoice of Faith

2. In Bethlehem

3. Into Israel Venture of Faith

4. Into the Royal Line Reward of Faith

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - UnknownDate Written - Approximately 960 B.C.Content - Gentile ancestry of David, and therefore Christ (4:18 ff.)Historical Setting - Shows the domestic conditions during the time of the Judges; covers ap-

proximately eight years.

43

Discussion Questions — Ruth1. History teaches that a kinsman-redeemer (Boaz) must have certain qualifications and func-

tions. For example:a. He must be a blood relative.b. He must have the money to purchase the forfeited inheritance.c. He must be willing to buy back the forfeited inheritance.d. He must be willing to marry the wife of the deceased kinsman.Discuss Christ as a Kinsman-Redeemer. (See Leviticus 25:23-28 and Deuteronomy 25:5-9.)


44

I Samuel# Chapter Titles Yrs.

1.Tabernacleat Shiloh Youth

and Judgeshipof Samuel

1075B.C.

960B.C.

2.

3.

4.

The Ark5.

6.

7.

8. Demand King9.

Saul ElectedAnointing

and Rejectionof Saul

10.

11.Kingdom

Established12.

13.

14.Saul’s Wars

15.

16. David as aShepherd

Persecutionof Davidby Saul

17.

18.David as a Man

19.

20.

David

as a Fugitive

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Probably Samuel wrote the first 24 chapters until his death in 25:1. Then Nathan and

Gad finished it (I Sam. 10:25; I Chron. 29:29).Date Written - Approximately 980 B.C. - 920 B.C.Content - Lives of Samuel, Saul and DavidKey Verses - “And the Lord said to Samuel, `Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that

they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king overthem.’” (8:7); “But the Lord said to Samuel, `Do not look at his appearance or at the height ofhis stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at theoutward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” (16:7)

Historical Background - Samuel was born of Elkanah and Hannah (1:19,20). Sometimes he isreferred to as initiating the prophetic order, as in Acts 3:24 “all the prophets from Samuel, andthose who follow after “ (cf. Acts 13:20; Heb. 11:32). Samuel’s career forms the bridge con-necting the Judges with the establishment of the Davidic kingdom. (Read Acts 13:20,21 notic-ing these three words: prophet, judges, king.)

45

Discussion Questions — I Samuel1. Contrast Hannah and Eli as parents as seen in the opening chapters of I Samuel. Notice their

success or failure as parents and indicate probable causes. Give references and be specific.Include 1:28; 2:12,17,19,21-26,29,34,45; 3:1,19-21.

2. Trace the steps of Saul’s decline and give references. Draw applications for our lives.

3. Re-read the story of David and Goliath (chapter 17). Contrast David’s view of the situation tothat of his brothers and the rest of the army. Why did he go to battle and why was he victori-ous? Give specific references to support your answers. Relate your conclusions to the battleswe fight in our Christian lives. (I Corinthians 10:13 and II Corinthians 12:10 may be helpful.)


46

II Samuel# Chapter Titles Yrs.

1.

David’sTriumphs

Consolidation of the

Kingdom

David

King OverJudah

960B.C.

920B.C.

2.

3.

4.

5.

DavidKing Over All

Israel

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.David’s Sin

Civil War

12.

13.

David’sTroubles

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

KingdomRestored

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Possibly Nathan and Gad (I Chron. 29:29)Date Written - Approximately 920 B.C.Content - Righteous reign of DavidNote - The word “king” is found 278 times in this book, therefore II Samuel is often referred to

as the “Book of the King.”

47

Discussion Questions — II Samuel1. a. Why was the Lord so angry with Uzzah (6:1-11)?

b. Notice a similar situation in I Samuel 6:13-20. Why did God show such harshness to theseJews (I Sam. 6:19) while the Philistines seemed to incur a lesser punishment (I Sam. 5 - 6)?Also note Numbers 4:5-20, Luke 12:47,48 and James 4:17.

c. Is there indication that David learned from the experience?

2. a. Tell the story of Mephibosheth in your own words (II Samuel 4:4 and chapter nine).b. Why did David act towards him as he did? Give specific references. (Notice cross-refer-

ences, especially from 9:1.)c. Remember that Christ is our “representative head” in joining us in covenant to God (I Cor.

11:25). What parallels can you draw between our lives and circumstances and those ofMephibosheth?

3. Acts 13:22 states that David was a man after God’s own heart. Read it, as well as the OldTestament passage that it is quoting. Meditate on David’s life as revealed in II Samuel (or otherreferences) and explain why this was true. Make applications to your own life.

4. a. What actions of David’s in chapters 13-14 brought on the catastrophe that begins in chapter15?

b. How were David’s attitudes and actions as a parent similar to Eli’s (I Sam. 2:29)?c. What should have happened to his sons? (See Leviticus 18:9,29; Numbers 35:19; and

Deuteronomy 19:11,12; 21:18-21; 22:23-29.) Compare to what actually happened to them.(The story ends in 18:33.)

d. What was the woman of Tekoa referring to in 14:14b? To what extent were her words true?e. Although the specifics of childrearing have changed somewhat since Old Testament times,

the principles have not. Make a note of any personal applications the Holy Spirit makes toyour life as a result of this meditation.


48

I Kings

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Unknown; Jewish tradition says JeremiahDate Written - 477 B.C. - 426 B.C.Content - Establishment and decline of the kingdom

After just a short period of unity Israel divides into:After just a short period of unity Israel divides into:After just a short period of unity Israel divides into:After just a short period of unity Israel divides into:After just a short period of unity Israel divides into:Judah - Two tribes to the South (Jerusalem and Benjamin). Jerusalem is the capital.Israel - Ten tribes to the North. Samaria is the capital.

PPPPProblems of Solomon’s Kingshiproblems of Solomon’s Kingshiproblems of Solomon’s Kingshiproblems of Solomon’s Kingshiproblems of Solomon’s KingshipTaxes

Forced laborGreat court

Liberal religionForeign alliances

Dynastic ambition

Causes of the national split}


1.

Solomon’s Good

Beginnings

History ofSolomon’s

Reign

920B.C.

880

2.

3.

4.

5.

Building the Temple

and House

6.

7.

8.

9.

10. Solomon’s Poor End11.

12.Rehoboam

and Jeroboam

History ofJudah and

Israel

800B.C.

13.

14.

15.Nine Kings

16.

17.

Elijahand Ahab

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

49

Discussion Questions — I Kings1. Do a character sketch of Solomon, noting his strengths and weaknesses. Give references and

examples to prove your statements. What specific sin resulted in the division and loss of thekingdom? Did he have any reasons to expect such punishment?

2. Recall the promises given to Abraham when God entered into covenant with him in Genesis15:5, 18-21; 22:16-18. Following cross-references and noting I Kings 4:20-24, show whichparts were fulfilled by the end of Solomon’s reign. What promise(s) yet remained? Whenwould it/they be fulfilled?

3. James 5:17 says “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours.” Give examples from your currentreading that illustrate this.

4. Malachi said that Elijah was going to come again (Mal. 4:5). Using cross-references, discussthe fulfillment of this prophecy.

5. Begin filling in the chart on the following page. You are asked to give the references to thepassages of Scripture that speak about each king, a word to describe his character, and thelength of his reign. This activity will continue through II Chronicles.


50

Kings of Israel (Northern) Kings of Judah (Southern)

King Character/Reference King Character/Reference

1 * *

2 *

3 * *

4 *

5 *

6 *

7 Athaliah (Queen) 6 BadII Kings 8 - 11

* * II Chron. 22 -23

* *

* *

* *

Jehoahaz 17 Bad II Kings 13:1-9 *

* *

*

*

*

*

17 *

18 * *

19 *

20 *

Total = 19 Kings of IsraelTotal = 20 Kings of Judah

* When you come to II Chronicles look for a secondreference to this king.

Yea

rsR

eign

Yea

rsR

eign

51

52

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Unknown; Jewish tradition says JeremiahDate Written - 477 B.C. - 426 B.C.Content - Decline and fall of the kingdomNote - Most of the major and minor prophets prophesied during the time period covered in this book.

II Kings# Chapter Titles Yrs.

1.Elijah

ContemporaryHistory ofIsrael and

Judah

799B.C.

611

2.

3.

Elisha

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.Jehu

10.

11.Joash

12.

13.

Kings ofIsrael &Judah

14.

15.

16. Captivityof Israel17.

18.

15 Kingsof Judah

Declineof Judah

477B.C.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24. Captivityof Judah25.

53

Discussion Questions — II Kings1. Continue filling in the chart on the kings of Israel and Judah.

2. Read the story of the four lepers in II Kings chapter seven. Show the similarities between theirexperience and our salvation experience.

3. State the teaching of Psalm 75:6,7 and Romans 13:1,2. Illustrate how the Lordship of God isrepeatedly shown throughout II Kings.

4. The larger northern nation of Israel lasted from 880 B.C. to 611 B.C., a total of 269 years,while the smaller, weaker nation of Judah lasted from 880 B.C. to 477 B.C., a total of 403years. Prayerfully examine any reasons the Bible gives as to why the nations stood and fellwhen they did. (Hint: Refer to your chart on the kings.)


54

I Chronicles

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Probably Ezra (cf. II Chron. 36:22,23; Ezra 1:1,2)Date Written - Early 400’s B.C.Content - Sacred history of the kingdomKey Idea - The sovereignty of GodNote - I & II Chronicles provides a supplement to I & II Samuel and I & II Kings.

I & II Samuel-KingsI & II Samuel-KingsI & II Samuel-KingsI & II Samuel-KingsI & II Samuel-Kings102 chapters598 yearsHistoryJudah-Israel

I & II ChroniclesI & II ChroniclesI & II ChroniclesI & II ChroniclesI & II Chronicles65 chapters534 yearsReligious recordJudah


1.

Adamto

Saul Genealogy

4004B.C.2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10. Saul’s Death11. Accession to

the Throne

TheReign

of David

960

920B.C.

12.

13.

The Ark14.

15.

16. Religious Affairs17.

18.

Wars19.

20.

21. Domestic22.

ReligiousAffairs

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

55

Discussion Questions — I Chronicles1. What does I Chronicles teach us about ministering to God in praise and worship?

2. It has been suggested that the Chronicles relate the history of Israel from God’s perspectiverather than man’s as the books of Samuel and the Kings did. Begin noting incidents (withreferences) that attribute seemingly natural or man-made occurrences to God’s direct action.Apply your findings to your own life.


56

II Chronicles

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Probably Ezra (cf. II Chron. 36:22; Ezra 1:1,2)Date Written - Early 400’s B.C.Content - Sacred history of the kingdomKey Idea - The sovereignty of GodNote - I & II Chronicles form one book in the original Hebrew manuscripts. It is a supplement to

I & II Samuel and I & II Kings.


Solomon’sReign

UnitedKingdom

920B.C.2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Rehoboam

Kingsof

Judah

880

426B.C.

11.

12.

13. Abijah14.

Asa15.

16.

17.

Jehoshaphat18.

19.

20.

21.

Jehoramto

Ahaz

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

Hezekiah30.

31.

32.

33.Manassehto Josiah

34.

35.

36. To Captivity

57

Discussion Questions — II Chronicles

1. Note Solomon’s request in 1:7-12 and God’s pleased response. Elaborate on the biblicalprinciple found here using any other related Scriptures. Make applications to your own life.

2. Make a diagram of Solomon’s temple. Note contrasts and comparisons with the tabernacle inthe wilderness.

3. Continue filling in the chart on the kings of Israel and Judah.

4. It has been suggested that the Chronicles relate the history of Israel from God’s perspectiverather than man’s as the books of Samuel and the Kings did. Continue noting incidents (withreferences) that attribute seemingly natural or man-made occurrences to God’s direct action.Apply to your life.

5. Meditate on why God included this book in the Bible. What lessons did He want us to learnfrom it? What applications can we make to our lives today?

6. Examine one of the following revivals: Jehoshaphat - chapter 20; Joash - chapters 23, 24;Hezekiah - chapters 29 - 31; Josiah - chapters 34, 35. Discuss:a. What is/are the element(s) that bring(s) about a revival?b. What is the effect of the revival upon a person or community?c. What must we do to have a revival?d. Can one live continuously in revival?


58

Ezra

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - EzraDate Written - 400 B.C.Content - The return of the remnantKey Verse - “For Ezra had set his heart to study (lit. “seek”) the law of the Lord, and to practice

it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” (7:10)Note - Ezra and Nehemiah take place about the same time and Jews regard them as forming one

book. Scholars disagree as to how exactly the two books fit together.

Discussion Questions

1. Do a character sketch of Ezra.

2. Ezra brings us to 403 B.C. which is, in essence, the end of Old Testament history. The poetryand prophecy books all fit into the history we have already examined. After meditating, statebriefly what you have learned about:a. Manb. Godc. The role of Israel in the fulfillment of God’s purposes.Be able to support your conclusions with illustrations.



1. The PeopleReturn

UnderZerubbabel

AReturnfrom

Captivity

426B.C.

403B.C.

2.

3.

TheBuilding

4.

5.

6.

7. Ezra

UnderEzra

8.

TheReform

9.

10.

59


1. Many efforts were made to hinder the work God had set before Nehemiah and the Jews.Record these hindrances and the steps that were taken to overcome each.

2. Do a character sketch of Nehemiah.

3. Again, Nehemiah brings us to the end of Old Testament history in 403 B.C. Refer to Genesis3:15 and the research you did in Genesis and Exodus on the conflict between Messiah andsatan and satan’s continued attempt to destroy “the Seed.” Meditate on the events of the historyof Israel and record instances of this continuing conflict.


Nehemiah

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Probably NehemiahDate Written - 400 B.C.Content - Political restoration of JudahKey Verse - “…I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop

while I leave it and come down to you?” (6:3)


1. Prayer

Rebuildingthe City

455B.C.

403B.C.

2. Work UponWalls3.

4.

Opposition5.

6.

7. FirstReformation

Re-establishingthe People

8.

9. Covenantwith God10.

11. Inhabitingthe Land12.

13.Second

Reformation

60


1. Do a character sketch of Esther.

2. Compare Esther with Ruth.

3. Although neither God nor satan are mentioned in this book, their influence can be clearly seen.List all seemingly natural events in Esther that you perceive are of spiritual origin. Note appli-cation to your life.

4. List the events of this story showing the rise of the opposition against the Jews, the turningpoint, and the removal of opposition.


Esther

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Unknown; possibly MordecaiDate Written - 400’s B.C.Content - Occasion of the Feast of PurimKey Verse - “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews

from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether youhave not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (4:14)

Historical Background - Esther (which means “star”) closes the historical section of the OldTestament. King Ahasuerus was Xerxes, the King of Persia. The Jews were living in exile inPersia at this time.


1. Feast ofAhasuerus

GraveDangerto theJews

489B.C.

477B.C.

2.

3. Sin

Feastof

Esther

4.

Justice5.

GreatDeliverance

of theJews

6.

7. Victory

8.

Feast ofPurim

9.

10.

61

Review Sheet on Law and History

In your future Bible meditations it will be of extreme value for you to memorize the material you fillin on this sheet. It will also help prepare you to take the final test.

Also, write your ten memory verses, with references, from this last semester.

# Name of Book Theme or Content Important Person / Event

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

62

Job# Chapter Titles

1. The Problem2.

Eliphaz,Bildad

&Zephar

DialoguewithJob

PoorCounsel

(Job 42:7-9)

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

ElihuSpeaks

GoodCounsel

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.TheLord

Speaks

39.

40.

41.

42. Repentance and Restoration

63

Discussion Questions — Job

1. a. What caused Job’s sickness?b. What did his friends think caused it?c. Is the same kind of counsel given today?

2. Using a concordance and your knowledge of Scripture, discuss:a. God’s will for you concerning health and sickness. (Use Deuteronomy 28.)b. As many reasons as you can find as to why you might become sick.c. What you should do if you find yourself sick.Make sure you support everything you say with Scripture.

3. In Job 1:8 and 2:3 God announces that Job is “blameless, upright and God-fearing.” However,in 42:5,6 after God finishes speaking to Job, Job repents in dust and ashes. Therefore, betweenchapters 2 and 42 Job became involved in sin. Find and record what his sin(s) was.

4. From your knowledge of the New Testament, does God still allow the same things to happen tous as happened to Job? If so, how are we to react to them?


More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - UnknownDate Written - UnknownContent - The problem of Job’s sufferingPlace - The land of UzNote - God specifically rejects the counsel given by Eliphaz, Bildad and Zephar in Job 42:7-9.

However, the counsel of Elihu was accepted and God Himself built upon it as He spoke to Job.

64

PsalmsKKKKKeys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:

Authors - Seventy-three psalms are ascribed to David, who was known as “the sweet Psalmist ofIsrael” (II Sam. 23:1). Other authors include: descendents of Korah, Asaph, Solomon, Ethan,Herman and Moses.

Date Written - 1000 B.C. - 500 B.C.

Content - The Psalms are the cries of the human heart as it reaches out to God. Thus, they arevery practical and applicable to our own lives. Read them with this in mind.

Note - The Hebrew meaning for the word “psalms” is “praise songs.” The Greek meaning is“songs to the arrangement of stringed instruments.”

Also, as you meditate on the Psalms you can discern basic types of psalms:1) teaching; 2) history, 3) praise and thanksgiving; 4) confession of sin; 5) supplication; 6)Messianic; 7) God’s handiwork in nature; 8) psalms of ascents as Jews made their pilgrimageup to the Temple (120-134); 9) imprecatory or cursing psalms.


1. What does Psalm 51 teach concerning the character of David?

2. Discuss the teaching of the Psalms concerning ascending into God’s presence.

3. Prayerfully reflect on the following concepts as found in the Psalms: praise, worship, confes-sion and communion.

4. What do the Psalms teach concerning prosperity?

5. What do the Psalms teach concerning God revealed in nature?

6. What do the Psalms teach concerning the importance of the Word of God?

7. What do the Psalms teach concerning deliverance from the enemy?


65

ProverbsKKKKKeys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:

Author - Solomon is the main author (1:1)

Date Written - Approximately 880 B.C.

Note - A proverb is a short wise saying to rule and govern life. These proverbs are considered tobe divine rules from heaven, to earth.

Content - The book is full of short proverbs giving rules for many areas of life. Create your ownindex of the book by listing the reference of each proverb in the following categories:

1. What is wisdom? (Wisdom defined.)

2. How wisdom is obtained - it’s source.

3. The value of wisdom (and its comparison to foolishness).

4. Wisdom concerning friends.

5. Wisdom concerning God.

6. Wisdom concerning violence and oppression.

7. Wisdom concerning lust, immorality and prostitution.

8. Wisdom concerning discipline, instruction and correction.

9. Wisdom concerning money.

10. Wisdom concerning the tongue (gossip, strife, wholesome words).

11. Wisdom concerning good character.

12. Wisdom concerning gentleness, harshness, anger and strife.

13. Wisdom for a godly woman.

14. Wisdom concerning strong drink.

15. Wisdom concerning laziness and labor.


1. List any proverbs that are especially meaningful to you at this time in your life. Write eachproverb and expand on what it is speaking to your heart.

66

Ecclesiastes

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Solomon (1:1). A man who had everything the world could offer: money, women, fame,

and every possible comfort. In one year he took in over 300 million dollars in gold alone (IIChron. 9:13).

Date Written - During Solomon’s reign (920 B.C. - 880 B.C.)Content - Solomon’s reasonings about life from a worldly view.Key Verses - “The conclusion, when all has been heard is: Fear God and keep His command-

ments.” (1:13; 12:13)Key Words - Vanity (37 times); labor (23 times); evil (22 times)Key Expressions - Vexation of spirit (9 times); under the sun (29 times)Note - The name of this book comes from the Septuagint version (Greek Old Testament), and

means “Assembler.”

# Chapter Titles

1.

All IsVanity

Solomon’sSearch forMeaningin Life

2.

3.

4.

5.

Proverbsin Lightof Life’sVanity

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12. Conclusion

67

Discussion Questions — Ecclesiastes

1. What things did Solomon try in his search for meaning in life and find to be meaningless?Apply to your life: Are you, or have you ever been, tempted to find meaning in life by any ofthe dead-end routes?

2. What proverbs does Solomon give in light of the vanity of life that especially speak to you? Becareful - some of the proverbs are man’s wisdom, not God’s.

3. Compare David’s view of life with that of his son, Solomon. Also compare their “lots” or“fortunes” in life. Apply any truths to your life.


68

Discussion Questions1. What are you learning about God’s view of wedded love, and what are the important elements

of it?

2. As the Church is the Bride of Christ, what truths are especially meaningful to you concerningyour relationship with Christ?


Song of SolomonKKKKKeys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:

Author - Solomon (1:1)Date Written - During Solomon’s reign (920 B.C. - 880 B.C.)Content - A joyous expression of pure marital love expressed by Solomon’s devotion to his

bride, the Shulamite.Allegorical View - Since it speaks of love between a bride and bridegroom, it also speaks of the

love of God for His bride, Israel (Jer. 3:1) and the love of Christ for His bride, the Church (IICor. 11:2; Rev. 19:6-9).

Note - The set up of the book is difficult to understand because it moves rapidly and withoutwarning among three speakers:

1. the bride, a Shulamite;2. the king, Solomon;3. a chorus of palace ladies called “the daughters of Jerusalem.”

The following is a suggested identification of speakers.

1:1 Title1:2-5a Bride1:5b Solomon1:6,7 Bride1:8-11 Solomon1:12,13 Bride1:14-17 Solomon2:1 Bride2:2 Solomon2:3 - 3:5 Bride3:6-10 Daughters of Jerusalem3:11 Bride4:1-15 Solomon4:16 Bride5:1a Solomon5:1b Daughters of Jerusalem

5:2-8 Bride5:9 Daughters of Jerusalem5:10-16 Bride6:1 Daughters of Jerusalem6:2,3 Bride6:4-10 Solomon6:11,12 Bride6:13a Daughters of Jerusalem6:13b Bride6:13c - 7:9 Solomon7:10 - 8:4 Bride8:5a Daughters of Jerusalem8:5b Solomon8:6-8 Bride8:9 Solomon8:10-14 Bride

69

Introduction to the ProphetsThe three world empires during the time of the PThe three world empires during the time of the PThe three world empires during the time of the PThe three world empires during the time of the PThe three world empires during the time of the Prophets:rophets:rophets:rophets:rophets:

1. Assyrian Empire

The Assyrian Empire, with its capital at Nineveh, took the ten tribes of Israel into captivity in611 B.C. They never returned and have been called the “ten lost tribes.”

2. Neo-Babylonian Empire - Chaldeans

The Babylonians (Neo-Babylonians) destroyed Assyria and became the next world empire.Nebuchadnezzar took the two southern tribes into captivity in 477 B.C.

3. Medo-Persian Empire

After Judah had been in captivity for 70 years, Babylon fell to Cyrus, King of Persia, whoallowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem.

Israel

HoseaAmosMicah

Judah

IsaiahJeremiahJoelZephaniahEzekielDanielHaggaiZechariahMalachi

Gentiles

JonahNahumHabakkukObadiah

A prophet is defined as “one called by God to proclaim a message from God to man.” Mostly it tookthe form of forth-telling, although foretelling was also involved. Prophets were also called “men ofGod,” “seers” and “servants of Jehovah.” God viewed them as men of whom the world was notworthy, wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground (Heb. 11:38).

The prophets’ messages were characterized by the following:

1. Instruction of great truths about God and man.

2. Warning and appeal to those living in sin.

3. Comfort and exhortation to those trusting and obeying God.

4. Prediction of events to come.

5. An understanding of God’s holiness.

The span of the PThe span of the PThe span of the PThe span of the PThe span of the ProphetsrophetsrophetsrophetsrophetsFour major prophets and 12minor prophets prophesied over aperiod of 316 years from 690B.C. to 375 B.C., their ministrybeing directed primarily to thefollowing groups:

70

PP PPProp

hets

roph

etsrop

hets

roph

etsrop

hets

Returned by order of

Cyrus under Z

erubbabel,E

zra and Nehem

iah.

Never R

eturned.B

ecame the Ten

Lost Tribes.

TIM

ELIN

E340

360380

400420

440460

480500

520540

580

B.C

.B

.C.

Jehoahaz, Jehoiachin, Zecharias and S

hallum are not included because each of their reigns w

as six months or less.

Uzziah

Jotham

Ahaz

HO

SE

A

NA

HU

M

Kin

gs of Ju

dah

Kin

gs of Ju

dah

Kin

gs of Ju

dah

Kin

gs of Ju

dah

Kin

gs of Ju

dah

560620

600660

640700

680

JO

NA

H

AM

OS

ISA

IAH

MIC

AH

JE

RE

MIA

H

ZE

PH

AN

IAH

HA

BA

KK

UK

DA

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L

JO

EL E

ZE

KIE

L

OB

AD

IAH

HA

GG

AI

ZE

CH

AR

IAH M

ALA

CH

I

Hezekiah

Manasseh

Am

on Josiah

Jehoiakim

Zedikiah

Kin

gs of Israel

Kin

gs of Israel

Kin

gs of Israel

Kin

gs of Israel

Kin

gs of Israel}

70 Years ofB

abylonianS

ervitude

Pekahiah

Menahem

Jeroboam II

Pekah

Hoshea

Into Captivity in A

ssyria

71

Isaiah# Chapter Titles Yrs.

1.

PropheciesConcerningJudah andJerusalem

Prophecies

of

Judgment

(Prior toCaptivity)

649B.C.2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

PropheciesConcerningSurrounding

Nations

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.Future

Judgment andReign of God

25.

26.

27.

28. Prophecies:Woes UponEphraim &Jerusalem

29.

30.

31.

32.

Promise of aRighteous King

33.

34.

35.

36.

Historical Transition /Hezekiah

37.

38.

39.

(graph continued next page)

72

Isaiah (continued)

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Isaiah (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 580 B.C.Content - The great Messianic prophecyKey Expression - Righteous KingHistorical Background - Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and

Hezekiah. During the early part of this period both Judah and Israel were politically and eco-nomically prosperous, resulting in the usual social and moral evils, especially carnal self-confidence. Isaiah predicted the overthrow of Israel by Assyria and Judah by Babylon.

Note - Isaiah has been called the “Gospel of the Old Testament.”

Impor tant - Remember that prophecy should be allowed to speak first of all to the prophet’sown time and then, if required, to another future time.


40.

RedemptionPromised(Cyrus &Christ)

Prophecies

of

Consolation

Dealingwith

Captivityand

Beyond

588B.C.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

RedemptionProvidedThroughChrist

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

55.

56.

57.

58.

FutureKingdom

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

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Discussion Questions — Isaiah

1. Deuteronomy chapter 28 is a list of God’s covenant blessings and curses to His people.a. List all the blessings God will provide for the obedient.b. List all the curses that follow disobedience. (See also II Corinthians 1:20.)c. Do you feel America’s history has also been an outworking of the promises of this chapter?d. Notice in the months to come how the prophets show Israel’s history as an outworking of

the promises in Deuteronomy 28.

2. Read the historical background for the book of Isaiah in II Kings 15:1 - 20:21 and IIChronicles 26:1 - 32:33.a. List the events that were taking place in both Israel and Judah during the time Isaiah was

prophesying.b. Did Isaiah prophesy before, during or after the captivity of Israel and/or Judah?c. What group of people (nation) did Isaiah basically prophesy to?

3. The preparation and calling of Isaiah as a prophet is recorded in Isaiah 6:1-9. Record anddiscuss what you see to be the important elements in being prepared for, and being commis-sioned to, a ministry by the Lord.

4. Isaiah is prophesying the judgment of God against Israel and Judah in chapters 1- 12.a. List the different judgments or calamities God said He was going to bring upon Israel and

Judah.b. Compare this to what God said He would do in earlier covenants with them if they forsook

Him. Use Deuteronomy 28 and any other passages you desire.

5. As you read try as best you can to determine and list what parts of the book fall in each of thefollowing categories:a. From time of writing until going into captivity;b. From time of captivity until birth of Christ;c. From birth of Christ until second coming of Christ;d. After the second coming of Christ.As much as possible show biblical fulfillment of prophecies that you feel deal with the ChurchAge. Cross reference and set up a horizontal page with four lists.

6. In chapters 13 - 23, Isaiah is prophesying the judgment of God against the nations surroundingIsrael.a. Chart1) the nations being cursed;

2) the specific reason(s) for the judgment, if given;3) the major elements of the curse.

b. After completing the chart, consider and discuss any applications that could be made to ournation. Use this format:

Nation Cause Curse

(continued next page)

74

7. Isaiah 35:8 speaks of the “highway of holiness.” This concept can be found throughout theentire book. Using cross-references and other verses you may discover, trace this theme of ahighway, road, or path and discuss the meaning of the phrase. (See also Isaiah 26:7; 42:16; and43:19.)

8. In chapter 35, Isaiah speaks of a future time of blessing characterized by (among other things)streams in the desert and the desert blooming. Using cross-references in this chapter and Isaiah44:3, trace this theme throughout Isaiah. Discuss the meaning of the metaphor and the fulfill-ments you find in Scripture.

9. The sovereignty of God is set forth in many passages of Isaiah.a. Prayerfully reflect on Isaiah 10:5-19; 45:1-25; and 46:8-11.b. Note phrases and passages that signify God’s control over various people and events.c. What principles can be drawn from these statements?d. What effect do these facts have upon your response to life?

10. In Isaiah 56:1-6, the Lord seems to be summarizing some of the requirements for those whowould be blessed by Him. One phrase that is used repeatedly is “who keeps from profaning MySabbath.” In light of the New Testament teaching concerning Sabbath rest, discuss the NewCovenant meaning of this requirement. (See also Hebrews four.) Make application to your life.

11. Isaiah 45:15 states an important truth concerning the nature of God. Discuss the meaning andsignificance of this verse using as much other Scripture as you can. (See also II Chronicles15:15; Psalm 119:18; Proverbs 25:2; Jeremiah 29:12-14; Matthew 13:10-16; and Ephesians1:17,18.)

12. Isaiah, prophesying about 600 years before Jesus was born, tells us many details of Christ’slife. Meditate closely on the following four prophecies, recording the things Isaiah tells usabout Christ: 42:1-4; 49:1-13; 50:4-11; 52:13 - 53:12. As much as possible, show how theywere fulfilled in Jesus’ life.

13. Isaiah chapter 58 contains some of the most important teaching in the Bible on fasting. Medi-tate on this passage and answer the following questions.a. In verse three, Israel asks God, “Why have we fasted and Thou doth not see?” In His

answer, what does God say constitutes an unacceptable fast?b. In your own words, what kind of fast does God desire?c. What results does God promise through a proper fast? (Put it in words that are meaningful

to you.)d. Make any pertinent applications to your own life.


75

Jeremiah

(graph continued next page)


1. Commission

Jeremiah wasappointed to:

1. Pluck Up

2. Break Down

3. Destroy

4. Overthrow

5. Build

520B.C.2.

PublicSermons

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Propheciesand

PersonalExperiences

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

PropheciesConcerningCertainty of

Captivity

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

Prophecies ofRestoration

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.Final

EventsBefore

Captivity

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

Captivityand

Flightto Egypt

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45. Baruch

76

Jeremiah (continued)# Chapter Titles Yr.

46.

Prophecies toSurrounding

Nations

6. Plant

Jer. 1:10440B.C.

47.

48.

49.

50.

51.

52. Appendix

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Jeremiah (1:1), the weeping prophet (Lam. 3:48,49). God did not allow Jeremiah to

marry (16:2) or enter the house of joy or feasting (16:8).Date Written - Parts of the book were committed to writing in 495 B.C. (36:1)Content - Prophecies of judgment and captivity for rebellious Judah. Of the elements of

Jeremiah’s ministry, four of them are tearing down and two are rebuilding (1:10).Key Words - Sword, famine, pestilenceHistorical Background - II Kings 22 - 25 and II Chronicles 34 -36. Israel had been taken into

captivity by Assyria almost 100 years earlier. Judah has continued to sin and the time of God’sjudgment has come upon her. Part way through the book, Judah is taken into captivity byNebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. However, God does not allow the wickedness ofNebuchadnezzar to go unpunished. In the last few chapters, judgment is predicted againstBabylon also.

Note - Jeremiah is not written in chronological order.


1. Read the historical background for the book of Jeremiah in II Kings 22 - 25. List the eventsthat were taking place in Judah during the time Jeremiah was prophesying.

2. Meditate on the call of Jeremiah in 1:4-10, and see also 20:7-9.a. What facts do we learn about the ministry of Jeremiah?b. What principles can be applied to your life concerning the call of God upon you?

3. God uses many “object lessons” in the book of Jeremiah. List those found in your reading, aswell as their meanings (e.g., 1:11,12, 13-16).

77

4. Consider Jeremiah 11:1-10. From the list of blessings and curses you compiled for your firstquestion on Isaiah, show how throughout Jeremiah, God is keeping the promises ofDeuteronomy 28.

5. Using Jeremiah chapter 10, record the comparisons between idols and the true God. Prayer-fully reflect on the differences, recording the results of your meditation. (You may also wish touse Jeremiah 51:14-18, Isaiah 44 and other references.)

6. In the Law and History books, the longsuffering of God was clearly seen. The Prophets revealmore of His righteous judgment. Meditate on the following verses and summarize what theyteach concerning God’s holy balance of love and justice: Jeremiah 7:16; 11:14; 14:10-12; 15:1;18:1-11; 26:2,3 as well as any other references you may wish to include.

7. What does Jeremiah teach concerning good and evil shepherds? (See chapter 23 verses onethrough eight and cross-references.) Make any applications today.

8. What does Jeremiah teach concerning true and false prophets in 20:9 and 23:9-40? Use cross-references also, and make any applications for today.

9. Chapters 29 - 33 deal with the restoration of Israel. Many of these prophecies also find fulfill-ment in Christ and the Church.a. Prayerfully reflect on these chapters with this in mind and list those passages that fall in this

category.b. Discuss their fulfillment using as much New Testament Scripture as possible.

10. The Lord is pictured in Jeremiah in many ways.a. Record the way pictured in each of the following verses: 2:13; 23:5,6; 30:9; 31:10 and

50:34.b. For as many as possible, record a New Testament verse that shows Christ as the fulfillment.c. Apply to your life by discussing the effect each of the pictures has on you.

11. The sovereignty of God is set forth in many passages in Jeremiah.a. Meditate on Jeremiah 25:9; 27:6; 43:10,11; 50:18,45; 51:1,2,6,11,20-26; Romans 13:1,2

and any others you may wish to include.b. Note phrases and passages that signify God’s control over various people and events.c. What principles can be drawn from these statements?d. Make applications to your life.

12. What are the basic themes repeated over and over in Jeremiah? Why do you think God spendsso much time repeating these themes?


78

Lamentations# Chapter Titles Yr.

1. SorrowfulZion

477B.C.

2.

3.

AfflictedZionist

4.

5.

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Jeremiah, the weeping prophet (Lam. 3:48,49). God did not allow Jeremiah to marry

(16:2) or enter the house of joy or feasting (16:8)Date Written - Approximately 477 B.C.Content - The sorrows of Zion and miseries of her departed people.Key Words - Mourning, sorrow, weepingHistorical Background - The Septuagint version has the following introduction. “And it came to

pass after Israel was led into captivity that Jeremiah sat weeping and lamenting and lamentedthis lamentation over Jerusalem.”

Note - Lamentations is set up as a series of dirges in the form of an acrostic, written as if for anational funeral, portraying the capture and destruction of Jerusalem. In Hebrew Scriptures,chapters one, two and four each have 22 verses and each verse begins with one of the 22 lettersof the Hebrew alphabet in order. In chapter three, the first three verses begin with aleph, thesecond three with beth, and so on. The fifth chapter has 22 verses, but no acrostic.


1. a. State the teaching of Hebrews 10:26,27,31.b. Discuss how Lamentations is an illustration of this teaching.c. List the types of things God may use as judgment against us if we go on sinning willfully

(as recorded in Lamentations).d. Evaluate your life in light of this truth. Has God had to speak to you through discipline?


79

Ezekiel# Chapter Titles Yrs.

1.Call &

CommissionProphet’s

PreparationThe GloryAppears

484B.C.2.

3.

4.Jerusalem

DestructionPredicted

PropheciesBefore

theSiege

ofJerusalem

TheGlory

Departs

5.

6.

7.

8.Vision ofSin and

Judgment

9.

10.

11.

12.

Symbols,Sermons

andPredictions

forJerusalem

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

JudgmentsAgainstForeignNations

DuringSiege

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

Restorationof Israel

Restorationto

Come

TheGlory

Returns

477

462B.C.

35.

36.

37.

38. EnemiesDestroyed39.

40.

RedeemedCommunity

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

7 yr

s.15

yrs

.

80

Ezekiel (continued)More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:

Author - Ezekiel, a priest, the son of Buzi (1:3)Date Written - Approximately 450 B.C.Content - Prophecies of judgment for sin and of restoration to comeKey Expressions - Son of Man (93 times); the word of the Lord came unto me (49 times); they

shall know that I am the Lord - or equivalent - (70 times); Lord God (200 times)Historical Background - Judah was carried off into Babylonian captivity in several deportations

(Jer. 52:27-30). The first was in 496 B.C., the second in 489 B.C., and the third - which in-volved the destruction of Jerusalem - in 477 B.C.Ezekiel prophesies for 22 years during the Babylonian captivity beginning in 484 B.C., just fiveyears after King Jehoiachin was carried to Babylon in the second deportation. Jerusalem wasstill standing and as Ezekiel proclaimed its destruction from Babylon, his contemporaryJeremiah was preaching its destruction from Jerusalem itself.

Note - Ezekiel describes in detail a vision that he received several times of four living beings. Itappears that these beings are not to be analyzed or interpreted, but rather seen as an attempt todescribe the glory of God and His “attendants” in human terms (Ezek. 1:28).

Discussion Questions — Ezekiel

1. Since Ezekiel was a contemporary of Jeremiah, go back and review the historical backgroundin your first question for Jeremiah.

2. Prayerfully reflect on the call of Ezekiel in chapters one through three.a. What facts do we learn about the ministry of Ezekiel?b. What principles can be applied to your life concerning the call of God upon you?

3. God uses many “object lessons” in Ezekiel. List those found in your reading, as well as theirmeanings.

4. a. List the places where the refrain “Then you (or they) shall know that I am the Lord” isrepeated, and discuss what it is that will make people recognize God’s sovereignty.

b. What is your understanding of God’s sovereignty in your world?

5. a. What are God’s four severe (or evil) judgments as recorded in chapter 14?b. Does this truth affect your view of world “catastrophes” and life in general? Why or why

not? Use Scripture to support your answer.

81

6. As you read, attempt to discern which phrases or passages are Messianic prophecies. Recordthem, as well as their meanings, and as much as possible, a New Testament confirmation.

7. Meditate on Ezekiel 9:10; 11:21; 22:31 and Romans 1:24-32.a. Discuss the truth expressed in these passages.b. Discuss the ramifications of this as applied to: 1) your life; 2) the life of an unrepentant

sinner; and 3) the nation.

8. In chapters 25 - 33, Ezekiel is prophesying God’s judgment on the nations surrounding Israel.a. List the nations and the reason given for God’s judgment upon them.b. How should this affect our dealings with nations who are reaping God’s curse for their

idolatry?

9. Ezekiel 34 discusses shepherding.a. What had the shepherds of Israel done (or failed to do) that made them evil in God’s sight?b. What would the good shepherd do?c. Apply these truths in practical terms to the New Testament ministry of shepherding or

pastoring.

10. Ezekiel 37 is the famous vision of the valley of dry bones. Discuss what you believe this visionsymbolized using the text and cross-references as well as any other Scripture you desire tosupport your statements

11. In Ezekiel 40 - 48 we have a lengthy vision describing in detail a temple and its accompanyingrituals. Discuss what you believe this vision is referring to. Use specific references and anyother Scripture you desire to support your statements. (Revelation chapters 21 and 22 may behelpful.)

12. In Ezekiel 40 - 48 there is a large emphasis on ritual. Prior to the fall of Jerusalem, Isaiahspoke of God’s disgust with formality. Why is there a return of it in this passage? Record anyapplication to your life.


82

Daniel

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Daniel (12:4). He was among the Jewish captives of the first deportation. He lived in

Babylon throughout the entire 70-year captivity period.Date Written - Approximately 405 B.C.Content - The great prophecies of world empiresKey Expression - The Most High is Ruler over the realm of mankindHistorical Setting - During Babylonian captivity. The four rulers that play an important part in

the book are Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar of the Neo-Babylonian Empire and Darius andCyrus of the Medo-Persian Empire. The Medo-Persians overthrew the Neo-Babylonian Empireand Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Israel.

Historical overview of some of Daniel’s propheciesHistorical overview of some of Daniel’s propheciesHistorical overview of some of Daniel’s propheciesHistorical overview of some of Daniel’s propheciesHistorical overview of some of Daniel’s propheciesChapter 2 - The four kingdoms (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome) and then God’s

everlasting kingdom.Chapter 7 - A continuation of chapter two detailing particularly the Roman Empire. Thus, Daniel

was given a bird’s-eye view of world history from his time to the time of Christ.Chapter 8 - Contains further details about the second and third world empires, Medo-Persia and

Greece.Chapter 9 - The “seventy weeks” covers the time from Daniel to the Messiah, 69 weeks ending

in A.D. 26 when Jesus began His ministry and the sacrifices ceasing in the middle of the 70th

week, or 3 ½ years later at Christ’s crucifixion in A.D. 29. The last half of the week is notclearly revealed in Daniel 9:27.

Chapter 11 - Covers the troubles of the Holy Land during the inter-testamental period, from 400.B.C. - 4 B.C.

Chapter 12 - Signs of the time of the end.

For a more detailed, yet concise, study of the historical fulfillment of Daniel, read the section onDaniel from Halley’s Handbook.


1.

Nebuchadnezzar MainlyHistoricalNarratives

495B.C.

424B.C.

2.

3.

4.

5. Belshazzar6. Darius7. Future of

World Empires MainlyPredictiveVisions

8.

9.

Future of Israel

10.

11.

12.

83

Discussion Questions — Daniel

1. A major theme of Daniel is expressed in the repeated phrase “the Most High is Ruler over therealm of mankind.”a. Meditate on the book and record phrases and passages that express the sovereignty or

control of God in man’s affairs.b. After seeing God’s sovereignty, our hearts echo Paul’s exultation of Romans 11:33-36!

2. Daniel 2:31-45 tells of a dream given to Nebuchadnezzar and its interpretation. Discuss inyour own words this unique Messianic prophecy.

3. In Daniel 9:2, Daniel had been meditating on his “Bible” (the Prophets) and discovers that thetime has come when God promised He would move.a. Prayerfully reflect on the passage following this discovery and discuss Daniel’s response to

God’s promise.b. Make any pertinent applications to your own life.c. Ponder the prayer of intercession found in 9:4-20, noting prominent elements of it.d. Draw out any general principles you see.

4. Daniel is presented to us in this book as a godly man to whom the Lord revealed mysteries ofthe future. Do a character sketch of Daniel, giving specific references that show the kind ofman God used in this way.


84

Comparison of the Four Major ProphetsIsaiah Jeremiah Ezekiel D aniel

Location of

Prophet

Prophesied to:

Political

Scene

Religious

Condition

Time Relationship

to Babylonian

Captivity

Content

Key Words or

Expressions

85

Hosea

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Hosea (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 611 B.C.Content - God’s divine love for backslidden IsraelKey Words - Mercy, love, return, IsraelHistorical Background - Hosea was the only writing prophet of Israel, to Israel. He was the

final prophet to Israel, and was ministering to them at the time the Assyrian invaders conqueredIsrael.


1.

God’s LoveSymbolized

Hosea’sSymbolicMarriage

689B.C.

611B.C.

2.

3.

4.

SinsRebuked

SymbolismApplied

toIsrael

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

PunishmentPronounced

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

86

Discussion Questions — Hosea

1. II Kings 14 - 17 gives the historical framework in which Hosea prophesied. Read these chap-ters and record major events of the period.

2. State and discuss the symbolism of Hosea’s wife and children found in Hosea one throughthree.

3. Hosea 4:6a states a theme of chapters four and five.a. State the theme.b. Discuss how the theme is expanded in these two chapters, showing specific illustrations

and consequences that are given. (Use references.)c. Discuss how Romans 10:2 and the surrounding verses relate to this theme.d. Make application to your own life and other current situations.

4. Prayerfully reflect on Hosea 13:4-8.a. Record the sequence of events that are shown here.b. Verse six summarizes the pattern of the history of Israel that was repeated over and over.

Give at least one specific example of this from the History books.c. Observe your own life in relation to this sequence of events. At what stage do you find

yourself?


87

Joel


1. Judah(Present) The Day

of the Lord

488B.C.

477B.C.

2.New Israel

(Future)3.

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Joel, the son of Pethuel (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 477 B.C.Content - Prophecies concerning the day of the LordKey Expression - Day of the LordHistorical Background - There are various opinions as to the placement of Joel. We prefer to

place him from 488 B.C. - 477 B.C. which would mean there had already been one deportationby the Babylonians, but Jerusalem had not yet been destroyed.


1. Discuss the meaning of “the day of the Lord” as found in Joel’s prophecies. (Cross-referencesmay help give you greater understanding.)


88

Amos

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 680 B.C.Content - Prepare to meet GodKey Expression - For three transgressions and for four, I will not revoke its punishment


1. For the historical background, review your answer to the first question on Hosea.

2. a. In chapter four, list the judgments God brought against Israel because of her sin.b. Do you see similar situations on the world scene today?

3. Read Amos 5:21-27.a. What does God hate in this passage?b. Why?c. What does He want?d. Apply to your life today.

4. In chapters seven through nine Amos receives five visions: locust, fire, plumb line, summerfruit and God beside the altar. What is the message that surrounds each of these?



1.

JudgmentAgainstNations

689B.C.

687B.C.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. SymbolicVisions8.

9. Blessings

89

Obadiah

KKKKKeys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Obadiah (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 480 B.C.Content - Doom of EdomKey Idea - Possess EdomHistorical Background - Written to Edom, a hostile kingdom southeast of Judah. Their city was

built in steep mountains that resulted in a militarily arrogant and self-confident attitude.Obadiah prophesied during the year of 482 B.C.


1. Record the sins that are listed against the Edomites and their consequences.


90

Jonah


1. FirstCommission Jonah

Prophesiesto Nineveh

690B.C.

2.

3. SecondCommission4.

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Jonah, the son of Amittai (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 690 B.C.Content - God’s mercy to the GentilesKey Words - Great, prepared, repentKey Expression - Word of the LordHistorical Background - Jonah was the earliest recorded prophet, coming one or two years

before Amos and Hosea. The three basic geographical points are 1) Israel - Jonah’s homeland;2) Tarshish - the place he tried to flee to, possibly in southwestern Spain; and 3) Nineveh - agreat city about 500 miles northeast of the Sea of Galilee on the banks of the Tigris River.Nineveh was the capital of Assyria.


1. Discuss the lesson God taught Jonah in chapter four.

2. Reconcile the book of Jonah with the teaching in Deuteronomy 18:22. (A consideration ofJeremiah 18:1-10 may be helpful.)


91

Micah# Chapter Titles Yrs.

1.

JudgmentProminent The

Goodnessand

Severityof God

(Rom. 11:22)

632B.C.

603B.C.

2.

3.

4. MessianicKingdomProminent5.

6. CovenantControversies7.

29 y

rs.

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Micah of Moresheth (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 600 B.C.Content - Judgment for sin and Messiah’s kingdomKey Words - Zion, righteousness, hear, walk, remnantHistorical Background - Micah is prophesying before, during, and after the fall of Israel to

Assyria. The prophecies are primarily to Israel, although some are to Judah.


1. Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and Hosea. Therefore, review the historical backgroundby reading your answers to question one for Hosea.

2. List the prophecies in Micah that are fulfilled in Jesus or the Church. Show by using Scripturehow they are fulfilled.

3. Meditate on Micah 6:8 and any cross-references or other Scriptures that relate. Record theresults of your meditation.

4. Prayerfully reflect on Micah 7:18 and any cross-references or other Scriptures that relate.Record the results of your meditation.


92

Nahum# Chapter Titles Yr.

1.Doom ofNineveh Woe

toNineveh

603B.C.

2.Assault upon

Nineveh

3.Ruin ofNineveh

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Nahum the Elkoshite (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 600 B.C.Content - Doom of the Assyrian kingdomKey Expression - I am against theeHistorical Background - A sequel to Jonah, written mainly to Nineveh describing its destruc-

tion. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, the nation that took Israel captive about seven yearsearlier. Nineveh was conquered and demolished by the Babylonians, Medes and Scythians afterNahum prophesied. Incidentally, it was a flood caused by the Tigris River overflowing thatwashed away a section of the wall that surrounded the city and allowed its capture. (See Nahum1:8 and 2:6.) The Assyrians had boasted that Nineveh was impregnable since the width of thewall surrounding the city allowed for six chariots to ride abreast on top of it.


1. Prayerfully reflect on the wrath of God (or an element of it). Start with Nahum 1:2,3.

2. Notice that even in the midst of judgment God offers mercy and hope to the righteous. Givereferences and illustrations of this truth.


93

Habakkuk# Chapter Titles Yr.

1.Habakkuk’sComplaint The Righteous

Will Live byHis Faith(Hab. 2:4)

518B.C.

2.God’s

Answer

3.Habakkuk’s

Praise

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Habakkuk, a prophet (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 500 B.C.Content - Doom of the Chaldean kingdomKey Word - WhyNote - The Chaldeans are the Babylonians.


1. Read the historical background for the book of Habakkuk in II Kings 22 - 25. List the eventsthat were taking place in Judah during the time Habakkuk was prophesying.

2. Trace the train of thought through the book of Habakkuk by answering the following:a. Who is speaking? (God and Habakkuk are carrying on a conversation.)b. Briefly summarize the content of each speech.c. Apply it to today.


94

Zephaniah# Chapter Titles Yr.

1. Wrath upon Judah

518B.C.

2. Judgment upon Nations

3.Woe to Jerusalem

Deliverance for Remnant

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Zephaniah (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 500 B.C.Content - Desolation and restoration of JudahKey Word - DesolationKey Expression - Day of the Lord


1. To understand the historical framework in which Zephaniah was writing, review your answerto discussion question one for Habakkuk.

2. Meditate on Zephaniah’s prophecies concerning the promised remnant. Show how they findone level of fulfillment in the Church. Give specific references.

3. a. List the various kinds of sins exposed in Zephaniah 3:1-5b. Are such sins common today?


95

Haggai# Chapter Titles Yr.

1. Rebuild the Temple(Hag. 1:8)

410B.C.2.

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Haggai (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 400 B.C.Content - Rebuilding the TempleKey Expression - Consider your ways


1. Read Ezra one through six and list the major events of the chapters in order to gain an under-standing of the background from which Haggai prophesied.

2. Discuss how the events of chapter one flow out of the principles of Deuteronomy 28.


96

Zechariah

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Zechariah the prophet (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 400 B.C.Content - Prophecies of the Messianic kingdomKey Words - Branch, King, ShepherdNote - Zechariah was written to the returned exiles.


1. In order to understand the historical background in which Zechariah prophesied, review youranswer to question one for Haggai and read Ezra seven through 10, listing major events.

2. As you read through the book, list all the prophecies that were definitely fulfilled in Christ orin the Church. Use cross-references as much as possible.

3. Zechariah receives eight visions from the Lord. List the visions, with references, and give theircontent and any interpretation of them that is given to Zechariah.

4. Meditate on Zechariah chapters seven and eight. List the commands on how to live that aregiven. Let them speak to your life.



1.

EightVisions

DuringBuilding

ofTemple

410B.C.

403B.C.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. PresentCommands8.

9.

Prophecy

AfterTemple

WasCompleted

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

97

Malachi# Chapter Titles Yr.

1.

FormalismRebuked 374

B.C.

2.

3.

4. Coming Christ

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Malachi (1:1)Date Written - Approximately 360 B.C.Content - Formalism rebukedKey Expression - ‘Wherein?’ you sayHistorical Background - God’s last message to the exiles who have returned to Israel before

400 years of silence.


1. a. List the sins for which the priest and the people were rebuked.b. Apply to your life as the Holy Spirit directs.

2. Meditate on the Poetry and Prophets deciding what the basic truths and themes of their mes-sages are. What have you learned about God, man, and God’s workings with mankind and thisworld? Record the results of your meditation using examples and Scripture where necessary.


4. Fill in the summary sheet on the following page.

98

Summary Sheet — Old Testament

# Book Basic Theme or Content

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

39.

Law

His

tory

Poe

try

Maj

orP

roph

ets

Min

or P

roph

ets

99

Master Overview of theNew Testament

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the New Teys to Unlock the New Teys to Unlock the New Teys to Unlock the New Teys to Unlock the New Testament:estament:estament:estament:estament:Authors - Probably nine: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, James, Peter, Jude and the writer of

HebrewsDate Written - A.D. 48 (Galatians); A.D. 95 (Revelation)Written to - Those in the “Church Age” or the “Last Days”Purpose - The New Testament (cannon) was compiled as a measuring stick or standard for the

early Church to refute the radical teaching of their time.Content - It contains God’s special revelation of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ,

and it unfolds the great mystery of the Church Age.

# Name of Book Date

1.

GospelsHistorical

2.

3.

4.

5. Acts6.

13PaulineEpistles

Epistolary(Church Age)

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

EightGeneral

(Catholic)

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27. Apocalyptic Future

100

Matthew

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Matthew (called Levi) was a tax collector, a Galilean, a slightly liberal and well-educated JewDate Written - A.D. 60Purpose - To prove to unbelieving Jews that Jesus was the promised Christ of the Old Testament.Presents Jesus Christ as KingSymbol of Christ - Lion (Ezek. 1:10; Rev. 4:6,7)Key Word - Kingdom (52 times)Key Expression - Kingdom of heaven (34 times)Note - This gospel is set up systematically and it teaches five main blocks of material. Matthew

has been called the “Most Important Book in the World.”

Give chapters and subject titles for five main teachings.Give chapters and subject titles for five main teachings.Give chapters and subject titles for five main teachings.Give chapters and subject titles for five main teachings.Give chapters and subject titles for five main teachings.1. ____________________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________________________________

4. ____________________________________________________________________________

5. ____________________________________________________________________________

# Chapter Titles1.

StoryEarly Life

30 Years2.

3.

TheKing’s

Ministryin Galilee

4. One Year5.

Teaching

Year ofPopularity

6.

7.

8.Story

9.

10. Teaching11.

Story12.

13. Teaching14.

Story15.

16. Phoenicea

Year ofOpposition

17. Decapolis18. Teaching Galilee19.

StoryPerea

20.

21.

JudeaOne

Week

22.

23.

Teaching24.

25.

26.

Story27.

28.

101

Discussion Questions — Matthew

1. Why was Matthew made the first book of the New Testament if it wasn’t the first one written?

2. What is the overall theme of the Sermon on the Mount?

3. Matthew has been called the “Jewish Christian Gospel.” Find some evidence that Matthewwas seeking to prove Jesus was the promised Messiah.

4. Matthew 5:3-10 lists eight types of people that Jesus says will be blessed. Choose three ofthese and expand upon each one, its deeper meaning and also what it means to you personally.Give an example from your own life and also from the Scriptures of the potential outworkingof the three beatitudes that you have chosen (i.e., an Old or New Testament character who, inyour opinion, exemplifies these traits).

5. a. What is the meaning of the “kingdom of heaven” in Matthew’s gospel? (See also Romans14:17.)

b. How do you enter the kingdom of heaven (chapter 18)?c. What is the lifestyle of a citizen of the kingdom of heaven? (See also Psalm 15.)d. Record in your own words the basic truth Jesus is teaching in each of the parables in Mat-

thew 13.6. Write a parable and come to class prepared to share it with the rest of the students. They will

be given the opportunity to interpret it.

7. Evangelical scholars through the centuries have assigned to each gospel an animal they feelrepresents the way Christ is presented by that author. Why is the symbol for Christ in Matthewconsidered to be the Lion?

8. What period of Christ’s life did Matthew feel was most important? How do you know?

9. Jesus often used teachings of the Scribes and Pharisees as a backup for His own teachings,contrasting the narrow and distorted views that they presented to the truth and insights He waspresenting. Meditate on the following passages and relate the differences in their teachings:

a. Matthew 9:1-7b. Matthew 12:1-14

c. Matthew 12:22-37d. Matthew 15:1-20

e. Matthew 16:1-4f. Matthew 23:1-36

10. State and discuss as many principles as you can find within the story of the transfiguration(Matt. 17:1-13). Consider other examples from Scripture and life that support these principles.

11. State and discuss as many principles as you can find concerning church discipline and forgive-ness from Matthew 18:15-35.

12. Discuss Jesus’ teaching concerning divorce, drawing especially from Matthew 5:31,32 and19:1-12.

13. State and discuss the principles found within the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30).Discuss how they have been applied in your life.

14. Discuss and apply the principles found in the teaching of Matthew 25:31-46.

15. Discuss how Jesus fulfilled Matthew 27:40 in His death and resurrection. Compare Hebrews10:19-22. Discuss the impact His fulfillment has on your life.


102

Mark

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - MarkDate Written - A.D. 60’sWritten to - The Romans

1. Very practical and interested in law and order.2. Similar to Americans, therefore, the most American gospel.

Purpose - To show the redemptive activity of Jesus.Presents Jesus Christ as a ServantSymbol of Christ - OxKey Words - Immediately, straightway, forthwith

# Chapter Titles

1.The Servant Announced One Year

EasternGalilee The

Servantat Work

Year ofPopularity

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

NorthernGalilee

7.

Year ofOpposition

8.

9.

Servingunto

Death

10. Perea

11.

JudeaOne

Week

12.

13.

14.

15.

16. A New Day

103

Discussion Questions — Mark

1. Why does Mark exclude the genealogy and early years of Jesus’ life?

2. Why is the symbol of Christ in Mark an ox?

3. In Mark 10:35-45 (especially verses 42-45) Jesus states a principle for leadership in the king-dom. Contrast the style of leadership with the type of leadership that we often see in the worldaround us. List some practical ways in which God has taught, or is teaching you, this principle.

4. Note the differences between Matthew and Mark (style of writing, emphases purpose, presen-tation of Christ, etc.).

5. The parable of the “growing seed” found in Mark 4:26-29 is unique to Mark’s gospel. Whatdoes this parable mean to you?

6. Jesus often encountered demonic activity in His ministry. His demonstration of authority andpower served as a witness to the people. Reflect upon the following Scriptures from Mark,giving your answers and insights to the questions that follow.

a. Mark 1:23-27,39 - Demons aggressively initiate the battle for souls. Are we to be offensiveor defensive in our spiritual warfare?

b. Mark 7:24-30 - Can deliverance be ministered to someone involuntarily? How important iswillingness and desire? (See also Matthew 12:43-45.)

c. Mark 9:14-29 - Will some deliverance be harder than others? Is perseverance required inour lives to attain spiritual victory?


104

Luke

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Luke

1. Luke is an historian.2. The book of Luke is the longest and most comprehensive gospel.

Date Written - A.D. 60’s - A.D. 80’sWritten to - The GreeksPurpose - To give an orderly account of all things (1:3).Presents Jesus Christ as the Son of ManSymbol of Christ - ManKey Expression - Son of ManNote - Luke has been called:

1. The Gospel of Prayer - Luke emphasizes the praying Christ;2. The Gospel of the Sinner (gives second chances/stresses universalism);3. The Gospel of the Poor -

a. Shepherds first to see Jesus;b. Widowed woman greets infant Jesus in the Temple;c. Luke alone gives the account of the rich man and Lazarus and the rich fool.

4. The Gospel of Infancy and Womanhood;5. The most literary gospel;6. The Gospel of Praise and Joy.


Early Life 30 Years

MinistryThroughService

4B.C.

A.D.29

2.

3. Baptism One Year4.

Ministryin Galilee

Year ofPopularity

5.

6.

7.

8.

9. Third Tour

Year ofOpposition

10.Galilee toJerusalem

11.

12.

13.

PereanMinistry

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.To Jerusalem

19.

20.

At Jerusalem One Week

Sufferingand

Triumph

21.

22.

23.

24.

105

Discussion Questions — Luke

1. Give evidences, with references from the gospel, that Luke was an historian.

2. Give references that show why Luke is called the “Gospel of Infancy” and the “Gospel ofWomanhood.”

3. a. In Luke 3:7-14 John the Baptist is addressing those who came to him for baptism, tellingwhat is expected of them. What general requirement did he demand?

b. Luke 3:10-14 is unique to Luke’s gospel. Here John the Baptist is addressing specificgroups and professions, clarifying his requirements in their particular circumstances.Imagine that you have come seeking baptism and John is addressing you. What might hesay to you in your profession?

4. Luke is called the “Gospel of Prayer.” Meditate on the following passages and list one or moreprinciples of prayer found in each passage: Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8 and 18:9-14.

5. Both Matthew and Luke give a detailed account of Christ’s temptation in the wilderness.Examine Luke 4:1-14 and give your answer to the following questions.a. Why did Jesus need to spend such a long time in the wilderness? (Read also Hebrews

4:15,16.)b. Is it necessary to confront the enemy head-on in order to overcome him? (Read I John 3:8.)

What did Jesus establish by meeting His archrival at the beginning of His ministry?c. If we are to model ourselves after the example of Jesus, what can we learn from this pas-

sage that would be helpful to us in our own warfare against satan?

6. As you meditate on the book of Luke, notice and record details that indicate Luke wanted hisreaders to know and be convinced that Jesus was fully human.


106

John

1. _________________________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

4. _________________________________

5. _________________________________

6. _________________________________

7. _________________________________

1. _________________________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

4. _________________________________

5. _________________________________

6. _________________________________

7. _________________________________

Presents Jesus Christ as the Son of GodSymbol of Christ - EagleNotice -Development of unbelief, chapters 1-11 with climax in 11:53

Development of belief, chapters 12-20 with climax in chapter 20“Mine hour is not yet come” (2:4; 7:8); “My hour is come” (13:1; 17:1).

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - John, a well-educated GalileanDate Written - A.D. 90’sWritten to - The whole worldPurpose - “These signs are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,

and that believing ye might have life through His name.” (20:30,31)

The Seven Great SignsThe Seven Great SignsThe Seven Great SignsThe Seven Great SignsThe Seven Great Signs The Seven Great ClaimsThe Seven Great ClaimsThe Seven Great ClaimsThe Seven Great ClaimsThe Seven Great Claims

# Chapter Titles

1. PrologueGalilee

Public

2. 1Year of

Obscurity3. Jerusalem4. 2 Samaria5. 3

Year ofPopularity

Jerusalem6. 4,5 1 Galilee7.

Jerusalem

8. 2

Year ofOpposition

9. 6

10. 3,4

11. 7 5

12.

13.

OneNight

Upper Room

Private

14. 6

15. 7Crossingthe City

16.

17.

18. Gethsemane19.

Approx.One Week

Jerusalem Planetary20.

21.

Cla

ims

Sig

ns

107

Discussion Questions — John

1. Compare the genealogies of Matthew, Luke and John. What is the significance of the differ-ences you find?

2. Read John 4:1-24.a. Briefly describe the historical background of the Jew/Samaritan conflict (i.e., verse 9 - Why

did the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans?)b. What truth does Jesus convey regarding worship? What does it mean to you to worship in

“spirit and in truth”?

3. a. Memorize the key verse of John (the purpose).b. Memorize the seven great claims of Jesus (I AM…”).c. Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World.” Do a meditation on the word “light,” tracing its

usage in John and other places in the New Testament, giving at least three examples wherelight is used as a metaphor to illustrate spiritual truth. In each example, make application toyour own life.

4. John devotes five entire chapters (13-17) of his book to one night of Christ’s life, commonlyknown as the Last Supper. From your meditation on these chapters, choose at least three of thetopics or teachings of Jesus during this intimate evening that He spends with His disciplesprior to His death. Summarize them in your own words and relate their practical importance toyour own life.

5. As you prayerfully reflect on the book of John, note passages that indicate one of John’spurposes was to prove the deity of Jesus.


108

A Comparative Chartof the Four Gospels

Gospels Matthew Mark Luke John

Author

ProbableDate ofWriting

Written to

Purpose

(Key Verse)

KeyWords or

Expressions

PresentsJesus as

Symbolof Christ

10

9

Apostolic Ministry, particularly of Paul

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65A.D.

Dates may vary by ayear or two depending onthe source. However, theorder of events remainsbasically unchanged.

Write the name ofeach book below thedate that it was written.

Crucifixion, R

esurrection, Pentecost

Acts 1 — 8 9 10 11 12 13 — 14 15 16 — 18 19 — 21 22 — 26 27 — 28

Paul in Damascus& Arabia

Paul in Tarsus Paul inAntioch

FirstMissionary

Journey

SecondMissionary

Journey(18 mos.Corinth)

ThirdMissionary

Journey(2 yrs., 3 mos.

Ephesus)

In CaesareaPrison

First

Roman

Imprisonment

FinalTravels

“Afterthreeyears”

(Gal. 1:18)

“14 years after” (Gal. 2:1)

Martyrdom

of Stephen

Conversion of S

aul

Paul’s first visit to Jerusalem

Martyrdom

of James

Fam

ine relief visit to Jerusalem

Jerusalem C

ouncil

Arrest in Jerusalem

Voyage to R

ome

Release from

Prison

Martyrdom

of Peter &

Paul

110

# Chapter Titles East

1.Birth of Church A.D.

29

32

JerusalemJewishPeriod

2.

3.

GrowthThroughTesting

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.Great Persecution 33

44

Judea &Samaria

Transition9.

10.Gospel to Gentiles

11.

12. Persecution13.

First Journey 45

5960-62

UttermostPart

of theEarth

GentilePeriod

14.

15. Jerusalem16.

Second Journey(v. 22)17.

18.

Third Journey19.

20.

21.Jerusalem

22.

23.

Caesarea24.

25.

26.

27.To Rome

28.

West

Acts of the Apostles

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Luke; Luke wrote two volumes, the first records the events of the 33 years of Christ’s life,

and the second records the 33 years immediately after Christ’s death. Total = 66 years of records.Date Written - A.D. 61 - A.D. 64Purpose - 1. Wanted Theophilus to know how Christianity started and grew.

2. Wanted readers to know that as Christianity grew, it was not a dangerous religion tothe Romans.

Key Verse - “…but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and youshall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the utter-most part of the earth.” (1:8)

Two Great Personalities in Acts - Peter and PaulPaul’s missionary journeys all started in Antioch of Syria.

First: A.D. 45 - A.D. 48Second:A.D. 50 - A.D. 54Third: A.D. 55 - A.D. 58

Note - The Judaizers were Jewish Christians who wanted the ceremonial laws of Moses imposedon Gentile Christians.

Pau

lP

eter

111

Discussion Questions — Acts

1. Why is 1:8 considered the key verse of Acts?

2. What new relationship does the Holy Spirit have with the Church in Acts 2:1-4 which He didnot have earlier? (Compare Luke 24:49, John 14:17; 20:21,22 and Acts 1:8.)

3. What principles of evangelism do we find in the life of Philip? How does this affect yourconcept of evangelism?

4. What was the effect of persecution on the early Church?

5. Discuss Paul’s missionary methods. How does this alter your concept of missions?

6. What aspects of Paul’s character helped him “turn the world upside down” for the Lord(17:6b)?

7. “Local church sovereignty” is the idea that each church should be governed by the eldershipwithin their own body rather than coming under the authority of anyone outside their geo-graphical area. Does the Council at Jerusalem destroy the concept of local church sovereignty(Acts 15)? Explain your answer.


112

Romans

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Paul, a well-educated Jew who was converted by a vision on the road to Damascus (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 56Written to - The saints in Rome (1:7)Theme - The righteousness of God revealed: Salvation - its root (chapters 1-8); Salvation - its

fruit (chapters 12-16).Key Words - Sin, law, righteousness, obedience, faith, spiritOpinions on this letter:“The profoundest book in existence.” - Coleridge“The chief part of the New Testament and the perfect gospel. If a tyrant should succeed in de-

stroying the Holy Scriptures, and only a single copy of the Romans and the Gospel of Johnescaped him, Christianity would be saved.” - Luther

# Chapter Titles

1.World

Under Sin

Doctrinal

A

Theological

Masterpiece

2.

3.

SalvationProvided

4.

5.

6.

Sanctification7.

8.

9.

God’sSovereignty

JewishUnbelief

10.

11.

12.

Service Practical

13.

14.

15.

16.

113

Discussion Questions — Romans

1. In what way is Romans 3:23 a summary of the preceding chapters?

2. Discuss the tension revealed in Romans seven and eight and the solution to that tension in thebeliever’s life.

3. Discuss the doctrine of water baptism using Romans six and the cross-references from it.

4. Discuss the believer’s relationship to government and the reasons why we are to have a submis-sive attitude toward authority.

5. Discuss the doctrine of salvation by faith alone.

6. State and prove your position on predestination.


114

I Corinthians

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Paul, a well-educated Jew who was converted by a vision on the road to Damascus (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 56Written to - The church at Corinth (1:2)

1. Reports of dissensions received from Chloe’s people (1:11)2. A letter received from the believers in Corinth seeking guidance on a variety of

questions (7:1)Theme - Christian conduct

# Chapter Titles

1.Introduction

Reportedto Paul

by Servants

ChurchDivisions

2.

3.

4.

5. Moral Disorder6.

7.

Difficulties inSocial Life

Paul Repliesto Lettersof Inquiry

8.

9.

10.

11.Disorders in

Public Worship

12.

Spiritual Gifts

13.

14.

15. Resurrection

16. Conclusion

115

Discussion Questions — I Corinthians

1. What was the cause of the church divisions discussed in I Corinthians? In the last 2,000 yearshas the Church applied Paul’s instructions?

2. Why does Paul tell the Corinthian church they are carnal?

3. What does Paul teach concerning church disciplinary action?

4. What principles of Christian conduct does Paul lay down in chapter eight of I Corinthians?

5. What principles for the use of spiritual gifts are given in I Corinthians chapter 14?

6. What proofs are given for the resurrection in the flesh of Jesus Christ and of us?


116

II Corinthians

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Paul, a well-educated Jew who was converted by a vision on the road to Damascus (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 57Written to - Christians at Corinth (1:1)Theme - Vindication of Paul’s apostleshipPaul’s arguments that he was a true apostle:

1. He had worked harder and suffered more for Christ than others (ch. 10, 11).2. God gives visions to those who are in great standing (e.g., Peter). Paul had received a

vision (12:1-7).3. Paul was able to do miracles like the other apostles (12:11,12).

# Chapter Titles

1.Introduction

Thankfuland

ConciliatorySection

Paul’s DelayExplained2.

3. Paul’sApostolicMinistry

4.

5.

6. Paul’s Renewalof Bonds with

Corinthians7.

8. Collectionfor Poor atJerusalem9.

10. Paul’sDefenseof His

ApostolicMinistry

SevereSection

11.

12.

13.

117

Discussion Questions — II Corinthians

1. Refresh your memory on Paul’s experiences in Asia (II Cor. 1:8-10) by re-reading Acts 19:21-41. Jot down any relevant facts.

2. What does Paul teach concerning church disciplinary action in II Corinthians?

3. Verses three through seven of II Corinthians chapter one are considered to be a key thought inthis book.a. State the key thought.b. Trace the thought throughout the book.c. Apply it to your life.


118

Galatians

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Paul, a well-educated Jew who was converted by a vision on the road to Damascus (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 48 - A.D. 60 (Placed differently by scholars.) Many lean toward A.D. 48

right after Paul’s first missionary journey, but before the Jerusalem Council, because this issue(of Gentile freedom) was decided at the Council.

Written to - The churches in GalatiaTheme - Salvation by graceNote - The Judaizers were Jewish Christians who wanted the ceremonial laws of Moses imposed

on Gentile Christians.

# Chapter Titles

1. The TrueApostle Paul

Fightsthe

Judaizers’Doctrine

2.

3. TheTrue Gospel4.

5. TheTrue Ethics6.

119

Discussion Questions — Galatians

1. What new fact concerning the chronology of events following Paul’s conversion do we learn ofin Galatians that is not revealed in Acts?

2. Record the major points of Paul’s teaching concerning the law.

3. Give the references in Galatians that allude to or refute the Judaizers.

4. It was common for Pharisees and Judaizers to add their own laws to God’s law.a. Can you think of some modern-day examples of this being done?b. How can you avoid it in your own life?

5. Define and defend your belief in justification by faith.


120

Ephesians

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Paul, a well-educated Jew who was converted by a vision on the road to Damascus (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 60Written to - The saints in the region around EphesusTheme - Spiritual privileges and responsibilities of the ChurchEphesians:

1. is a twin to Colossians;2. is the most general epistle;3. stresses the unity of the Church;4. is called the “Epistle of the Heavenlies.”

The Christian - Ready for Battle:1. Helmet - Salvation2. Breastplate - Righteousness3. Loins girded - Truth4. Feet shod - Gospel of Peace5. Sword - Spirit6. Shield - Faith7. Power supply - Prayer

# Chapter Titles

1. In Him Doctrinal:Our

Privileges

2.

God in Us3.

4. Walk and Service Practical:Our

Responsibility

5.

Walk and Warfare6.

121

Discussion Questions — Ephesians

1. What “mystery” does Paul reveal in Ephesians?

2. Give references and illustrate how Paul urges the unity of the church in Ephesus.

3. Ephesians has been called the “Epistle of the Heavenlies.”a. Note the things that take place “in the heavenlies” or “in heavenly places.”b. What significance do these facts have in your life?

4. One commentator has condensed the book of Ephesians into three words: “Sit, Walk, Stand.”Expand each word into a phrase that gives Paul’s complete command (or declaration). Givespecific references. (Hint: “Sit” - chapters one and two; “Walk” - chapters four and five;“Stand” - chapter six.) What practical significance do these three postures have in your life?


122


1. What challenges are presented to us in the “Kenosis passage” (2:5-11) and the prelude to it inverses 1-4? (Kenosis is from the Greek meaning “to empty.”)

2. What keys to living the abundant life are given in Philippians chapter four?


Philippians

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Paul, a well-educated Jew who was converted by a vision on the road to Damascus (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 61Written to - Christians in Philippi (1:1) who Paul met in Acts 16:12,40; 20:2,6.Purpose - Gratitude for financial assistance, personal news and exhortationsKey Words - Joy and rejoice (16 times)

# Chapter Titles

1.

A Spiritual Love Letter

2.

3.

4.

123


1. How does Colossians show the preeminence of Christ?

2. Note Colossians 2:20-22 and chapters three and four. How can these be reconciled (i.e., norules vs. a list of rules)?


Colossians

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Paul, a well-educated Jew who was converted by a vision on the road to Damascus (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 60Written to - Christians in Colossae (1:2), a church Paul had never met personally. This shows

that Paul had a concern for Christians everywhere.Theme - The preeminence of ChristThe Great Mystery -

Hidden from all ages;Is now made manifest to the saints;Is recorded in Colossians 1:27 __________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Note - Colossians is the sister book of Ephesians (i.e., they contain almost identical sections ofmaterial).

# Chapter Titles

1.Doctrinal Christ

the Headof the

Church

2.

3.Exhortation

4.

124

I Thessalonians

II Thessalonians

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:Author - Paul, a well-educated Jew who was converted by a vision on the road to Damascus (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 50 - A.D. 51 (during second missionary journey)Written to - The church of the Thessalonians (1:1). Paul founded this church in Acts 17:1-15.Purpose - I Thessalonians: Congratulations and comfort (I Thess. 1:2,3)

II Thessalonians: Correction on the second coming (II Thess. 2:1,2)

# Chapter Titles

1.

Congratulations The Lord’sComingin Glory

2.

3.

4.Practical

5.

# Chapter Titles

1. Consolation The Lord’sComing inJudgment

2. Instruction

3. Exhortation

125

Discussion Questions —I & II Thessalonians

1. Read Acts 17:1-15 and note important incidents in the founding of the Thessalonian church.Record briefly.

2. Prayerfully reflect on I and II Thessalonians. What seem to be the strong points of the church?The weaknesses? Compare the strengths and weaknesses to your own life.

3. Discuss what II Thessalonians 2:10-12 teaches concerning truth and delusion. Apply to yourown life.


126

I Timothy

II Timothy

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:Author - Paul, a well-educated Jew who was converted by a vision on the road to Damascus (1:1)Date Written - I Timothy: A.D. 62

II Timothy: A.D. 63Written to - Timothy in Ephesus (1:2). Paul met Timothy in Acts 16:1-5.Purpose - I Timothy: The organization and administration of churches by Timothy (I Tim. 3:15)

II Timothy: The commission of Timothy to carry on Paul’s work (II Tim. 4:1,2)

# Chapter Titles

1. Heresy

2. Organizationof Church3.

4.

Administrationof Church

5.

6.

# Chapter Titles

1.

Commissionof Timothy

2.

3.

4.

127

Discussion Questions — I & II Timothy

1. The Greek word translated “bishop” is the same word that is also translated “overseer,” “pas-tor,” “shepherd,” and “elder.” List the qualifications for a person who functions in this role asoutlined in I Timothy.

2. List the qualifications for a deacon found in I Timothy.

3. What two principles of church disciplinary action are given in I Timothy chapter five?

4. What cautions does Paul give concerning “theological discussions” in I Timothy chapter oneand II Timothy chapter two?


128

Titus


1. What principles of church disciplinary action are given in Titus chapter three?

2. In chapter three, what relationship does Paul show between faith and works?


More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Paul, a well-educated Jew who was converted by a vision on the road to Damascus (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 62Written to - Titus, whom Paul had left on the island of Crete to organize a church (1:4)Purpose - To establish church order (1:5)

# Chapter Titles

1.Godliness

in the Church

2.Godliness

in the Home

3.Godliness

in the World

129

Philemon


1. What example does Paul give in his actions concerning Onesimus and Philemon? What can welearn from Onesimus’ action in returning to Philemon?

2. What principle can we learn about the Church’s activity in social reform from Paul’s letter toPhilemon?


More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Paul, a well-educated Jew who was converted by a vision on the road to Damascus (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 60Written to - Philemon, his family and the church (1:1,2). Philemon was a slave-owner, a resident

of Colossae, and had become a Christian through Paul’s preaching.Purpose - Mercy for a runaway slave who had become a ChristianNote - Philemon is Paul’s most personal epistle.

# Titles

v.1-3 Introduction

Concerninga Runaway

Slave

v.4-7 Thanksgiving

v.8,9

Plea forOnesimus

v.10-16

v.17-22

v.23-25 Salutations

130

Hebrews

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Unknown; possibly Paul or ApollosDate Written - A.D. 60’sWritten to - Jewish Christians probably living in either Rome or PalestinePurpose - To show the superiority of Christ as a deterrent against apostasy from Christianity

back to Judaism. Christ is greater than the angels, Moses, Melchizedek, Aaron, and Abraham.Key Words - Better (13 times); priest (36 times); faith (34 times); covenant (19 times)Theme - The finality of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ His Son (1:1-3).

# Chapter Titles

1.The

Personof

Christ

Doctrine

2.

3.

4.

5.

TheWork

ofChrist

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.The

Responseof the

Christian

Practical11.

12.

13.

131

Discussion Questions — Hebrews

1. What points and lessons are brought out concerning “entering into rest” in chapters three andfour?

2. Learn more about Melchizedek in Genesis 14:18-24. In what ways is Christ “after the order ofMelchizedek” (Heb. 6:20)? (Also, compare Hebrews five and seven.)

3. Notice the posture of Christ at the right hand of the throne. What is the significance of this?

4. At least seven comparisons are made in chapters one through ten. To whom and to what isJesus shown to be superior?

5. Show the ways that Christ is superior to the Levitical priesthood and give references (chaptersfive through ten).

6. Chapter 11 - “The Faith Chapter.” Note that faith is always active, never passive. “By faith, [heor she] did something!” (No answer required.)

7. What is the “cloud of witnesses” referred to in Hebrews 12:1?


132

James

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - James, the half-brother of Jesus (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 45 - A.D. 50Written to - Jewish Christians of the dispersion (1:1)Theme - Practical Christian livingNote - James jumps from one topic to another and back again. The following is a summary of

subjects found in James:1. Temptations and trials - 1:2-4,12-15.2. The rich man and the poor man - 1:9-11; 2:1-13; 4:13-16; 5:1-6.3. Faith and works - 1:19-25; 2:14-26; 3:13-18; 4:1-7,17.4. The use and abuse of the tongue - 1:26ff; 3:1-12; 4:11ff; 5:12.5. Wisdom: true and false - 1:5-8; 3:13-18.

# Chapter Titles

1.

VariousAdmonitions

2.

3.

4.

5.

133

Discussion Questions — James

1. Some people have felt that there is a conflict between Paul’s emphasis on salvation by faithand James’ stress on salvation by works. Prayerfully meditate on Paul’s and James’ writings onthe subject and decide whether or not they agree. Give specific references to support yourconclusions.

2. Compare the two kinds of wisdom discussed by James in 3:13-17, including their sources,symptoms and results.

3. What definition(s) of sin are given in James?


134

I Peter

II Peter

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:Author - Peter (1:1), a fisherman called by Jesus who became one of His greatest disciples (e.g.,

Acts 2:14ff).Date Written - I Peter: A.D. 63

II Peter: A.D. 63 - A.D. 65Written to - Christians on Asia Minor who were apparently going through a time of persecution

(1:1)Theme - I Peter: Victory over suffering as exemplified in the life of Christ (I Pet. 4:1)

II Peter: A warning against corrupt teachers and scoffers (II Pet. 3:1,2)Key Word - I Peter: Suffering (15 times)

# Chapter Titles

1. The Believer’sInheritance

To a PersecutedChurch:

An Epistle ofLiving Hope (1:3)

2. Submission of Christians

3.Suffering

of Christians4.

5. Exhortation

# Chapter Titles

1. Precious PromisesForetoldApostasy

2. Seducers

3. Second Advent

135

Discussion Questions — I & II Peter

1. I Peter 1:1 states that Peter is writing to “strangers” (KJV) or “aliens” (NASB) in severalprovinces. Who are these people and why does Peter address them in this way? Give refer-ences to support your conclusions.

2. Meditate on II Peter chapters two and three. List the characteristics of the righteous and wickedman. Evaluate your life in light of these. If you find areas that need changing, go to God inrepentance, asking for His strength to make the change possible.


136

I John

II John

III John

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:eys to Unlock the Books:Author - John (the same apostle that wrote the gospel)Date Written - Late A.D. 80’s or early A.D. 90’sWritten to - I John: Christians around Ephesus

II John: The elect lady, possibly the pastor of a house-church who had believersmeeting in her home

III John: GaiusPurpose - I John: The criteria of true Christian belief and practice over against Gnosticism

II John: Christian love and truthIII John: An ecclesiastical dispute involving Gaius, Diotrephes, Demetrius and John

himselfKey Words - I John: Fellowship, know, love

II John: Love (4 times); truth (5 times)

# Chapter Titles

1. God is Light

Epistleof

EternalLife

2.

God is Love3.

4.

5.TruthLife

# Titles

v.1-6 Walking in

Truthv.7-11 Wandering from

v.12,13 Joy

# Title

v.1-14 By Love Serve One Another

137

Discussion Questions — I, II, II John

1. Compare the purposes for writing the gospel of John (Jn. 20:30,31) and I John (I Jn. 5:13).

2. List the tests that I John gives for knowing whether we have eternal life.

3. John says, “God is Light” (1:5) and “God is Love” (4:8,16). What are the practical implica-tions for Christian living that John draws from these two truths?

4. What definitions of sin are given by John (3:4; 5:17)?


138

Jude

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - Jude, the half-brother of Jesus (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 60’s or 70’sWritten to - Christians everywherePurpose - To warn the Church against false teachers (1:3,4)

# Titles

v.1-16 The Apostate Church

v.17-25 The True Church

139

Summary Review of the EpistlesBook Author Date Written to Theme or Purpose

140

Revelation

More KMore KMore KMore KMore Keys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:eys to Unlock the Book:Author - John (1:1)Date Written - A.D. 95Written to - Seven churches in AsiaKey Verse - “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bondservants

the things which must shortly take place; and He sent and signified it by His angel to Hisbondservant John.” (1:1)

Theme - Consummation

# Chapter Titles

1. First Vision

TheRevelation

ofJesusChrist

inSymbols

(1:1)

2. SevenChurches3.

4.Throne

5.

6. SevenSeals7.

8.

SevenTrumpets

9.

10.

11.

12.

Conflict ofGood and Evil

13.

14.

15. SevenVials16.

17.

FinalVictories

18.

19.

20.

21. FinalBlessings22.

141

Discussion Questions — Revelation

1. Revelation opens by declaring that it is written in signs and symbols. The key to the meaningsof these symbols can be found in Revelation itself and in the rest of the Bible. To help youaccurately interpret the symbols and the book, as you read Revelation, make a list of people,(e.g., angel of the covenant), beasts (e.g., dragon), and things (e.g., holy city). Using the text ofRevelation, cross-references and concordance, define as many as you can. Minimum - 10.Maximum - ??????


142

A Review of WhatYou Have Accomplished

For each one who has successfully completed Through the Bible I - VIII, it is a good time to pauseand reflect on what has been accomplished in your life over the last two or three years.

1. A basic working knowledge of the Bible:a. Intellectually - intelligent grasp of God’s purposes;b. Historically - understanding of historical setting;c. Devotionally - application to your life.

2. The ability to begin grasping the whole counsel of God on topics because you:a. Have a basic understanding of God’s workings with man.b. Have learned the art of meditating.c. Have become proficient with the use of cross-references and concordances.

KKKKKeep your manuals for review and future meditation.eep your manuals for review and future meditation.eep your manuals for review and future meditation.eep your manuals for review and future meditation.eep your manuals for review and future meditation.You may now desire to begin discipling others by putting together a small group of believers or newChristians in your home and taking them through the three-year Bible survey series you have justcompleted. A Handbook of Answers may be purchased for your assistance.

Two basic needs must be met to maintain your walk with God:

1. Be a stream of God’s blessing by giving out what you have received from Him.

2. Continue to grow and feed yourself, or you will dry up.

Many options are open to you. Let God guide you in the fulfillment of each of these needs.

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For $1 a day, you can have your own spiritual “coach”! Everyone needs mentoring—someone who will take time to check in, be a sounding board, make suggestions and keep you motivated to attain your goals. But modern daily life is busy and it’s hard to find someone who can make that kind of commitment to you. is is why Life Coaching has become such a large trend—professional advisors who make a career of personal, focused attention and guidance. ey’re very effective, but not everyone can afford them.

Now you can have your own Personal Spiritual TrainerCommunion With God Ministries is making it possible for anyone who can afford a dollar a day to get the one-on-one input needed to master an area of spiritual growth, be it Bible knowledge, walking in the Spirit, leadership skills, finances, prophecy, parenting, vision and life purpose…whatever area you’re ready to work on and master, you can have a Personal Spiritual Trainer to see you through to your goal.

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Master an area of growth in just 3 monthsWe have created a full slate of specialized training modules (over 100 of them!) that will give you the materials and personal input you need to master an area of spiritual growth—not just “know something about it”, but master it. In just 90 days.

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Personalized goals, personalized attentionYou know what you need most, what inspires you most, what lines up with your overall goals. When you choose from over 100 Spirit-anointed training modules, you’ll also be assigned a Personal Spiritual Trainer who will connect with you every week to assist you in grasping and applying the truths and experiences you are absorbing as you work through the material. If you can carve out just 50 minutes a day and a weekly appointment with your Personal Spiritual Trainer—via phone or email, your choice—you’ll see breakthrough in that area of your life.

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Affordable training, manageable commitment, high-quality coachingWe are committed to the equipping and growth of Christians around the world, moving in the flow of the Holy Spirit’s counsel and life-changing power. So we are making key materials available to believers for an enrollment that works out to:

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More details of how your 3-month training worksFor a complete list of training modules, or to read our section of Frequently Asked Questions, go to www.cwgministries.org/pst. You’re sure to find helpful, practical material that will propel your spiritual growth in just 3 months. You’ll have a spiritual breakthrough in your daily walk for less than a lot of people spend each day on a cup of coffee!

Let’s Get Started!e core module for all of our trainees is Communion With God. Everyone begins their training here, as it teaches you to clearly hear God’s voice, to see vision and to do two-way journaling. ese skills will revolutionize your devotional life and are used in every subsequent training module.

You can also purchase the module that corresponds with the teaching in this book at the same time, or as a follow-up. You can find the module listed together with the book on our website, or call us for assistance at 1-800-466-4941 (U.S. only) or 716-681-4896.

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4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice – 10 sessionsWouldn’t it be wonderful to clearly hear God’s voice every single day for the rest of your life? Did you know that God is always speaking to you? Do you know what His voice sounds like? You can receive daily counsel from the Wonderful Counselor Who teaches you how to live in faith, hope and love and Who guides you in cultivating great relationships with family and friends. Discover divine patterns for approaching God and four vital keys that will allow you to clearly hear His voice every day. Intimacy with God will be enhanced as you learn how to discern His voice from other voices which clamor for your attention and to record what God reveals to you using two-way journaling as you confirm it through a variety of methods. You WILL experience Jesus’ promise that, “My sheep hear My voice” (Jn. 10:27). Your life will be transformed!

Discover 11 Spirit-Anointed Training ModulesDVDs – CDs – Books – Workbooks: Available individually or as discounted bundles

Prayers at Heal the Heart – 13 sessionsAre you tired of ineffective prayers for healing? Learn how you can experience complete healing of the wounds in your heart by applying specific prayers to each heart wound. These seven supernatural prayers will allow you to use the language of the heart to break generational sins and curses, sever ungodly soul ties, replace negative beliefs with God’s promises, renounce inner vows, receive divine visions, break word curses spoken over you, and cast out every demonic stronghold that has connected itself to these inner wounds. We will teach you how to stay healed by guiding you in an intensive Bible meditation experience where you receive revelation knowledge from God, which closes the door so the adversary cannot return.

Hear God rough Your Dreams – 5 sessions plus follow-up practice sessionsWouldn’t it be nice if you could receive counsel from God every night of your life, even while you sleep? You can, because the Bible declares that God counsels us at night through our dreams (Ps. 16:7)! We will examine the dreams in the Bible to see how they illustrate this principle, and how God speaks to His children through their night visions (Num. 12:6; Acts 2:17). We will explore our own dreams, learning the symbolic language of our hearts in order to discern the divine wisdom they are revealing to us. Let the Holy Spirit be your Teacher as you learn to interpret His messages to you through your dreams!

Spirit-Anointed Teaching – 3 sessionsDiscover how you can be a Spirit-led communicator. As a parent, a co-worker or a friend, you want the skill of sensing another’s heart and communicating directly, heart to heart. This training is for everyone! When you teach, you are to make classtime a time of experiencing God and sensing the transmission of the life flow of the precious Holy Spirit among the participants. Learning is to be much more than a study about God. It is to be an experience with God. This training will teach you how to make every learning experience or class a time of encounter with the Lord, where each one receives an impartation of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Ideal for personal and small group use! The DVDs bring an anointed teacher to your group, while the books and workbooks ensure you internalize the new skills being learned and are completely transformed by them. The CDs allow you to review while driving, working or exercising, and you can even hire a Personal Spiritual Trainer to coach you through the entire training process for $1 a day. Or take it one step further and become a distance learning college student with our instructors!

Available at: www.CWGMinistries.org Phone: 1-800-466-6961 or 716-681-4896

Five Fold Team Ministry: Unique Gifts Make Winning Teams! – 1 session You will become much more successful by learning to surround yourself with fivefold teams. The Bible declares that in the multitude of counselors there is safety (Prov. 11:14). Discover a practical way to create teams who advise you in every area of your life and to ensure that these people together manifest the five heart motivations of Ephesians 4:11 (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher). When you draw out the input from everyone on your team, you receive a variety of perspectives and a much better overall revelation of how to move forward effectively in whatever area you are pursuing.

Counseled by God – Emotional Wholeness rough Hearing God’s Voice You do not have to hurt forever. There is an end to the pain. A genuine word from the Lord heals the broken-hearted. All the “how to” books can never do what a rhema word from God can do for the inner man. We will let God speak to our hearts and counsel us about the basic emotional pressures of life. These include anger, doubt, depression, condemnation and inferiority. We will learn to let God replace these with His opposites, as His voice releases His grace within our hearts. Those whom the Son sets free are free indeed.

13 sessions – Average length: 30 Minutes

Divine Healing Toolbox – Make Healing Prayer More EffectiveDiscover a host of practical suggestions for how to make prayer for physical healing more effectual. This DVD assumes you believe in divine healing and are interested in learning about specific prayer approaches and tips which have been found to increase the healing anointing.

1 session – Length: 26 Minutes

Purchase CDs, DVDs, Workbooks and Small Group Curriculum from www.CWGMinistries.org

Order Line: 1-800-466-6961 (716-681-4896 outside USA)

Check back regularly to discover new DVD series as they become available, or sign up for our FREE monthly email newsletter to hear about new products as they are released!

Session titles and lengths listed at: www.CWGMinistries.org (Small Group Curriculum)

Naturally Supernatural – Releasing Christ Continuously, Easily, PowerfullyHow do we naturally let Jesus live through us? How do we “abide in Christ” (or “let go and let God”)? How do we move from “self-consciousness” to “Christ-consciousness”? In this series you will discover how to return to God’s original design for mankind as was demonstrated by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Four key truths are discussed in the three sessions, and two journaling times are included in the training experience.


How to Speak in Tongues – It’s Easier than Most People Make It! Mark Virkler shares what God taught him that released the gift of speaking in tongues in his life and leads you into receiving this gift as well.

1 session – Length: 26 Minutes

How to Walk by the Spirit – Defining Spirit Sensations So We Can Walk in the SpiritIt is only as we minister in the anointing of the Holy Spirit that we can effectively touch the hearts of others. This practical course trains you how to sense the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, how to get to know Him as a Person, and how to release His power to heal a hurting people.


e Life of Christ Explore in depth the greatest life ever lived, that of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Learn what He taught. See how He lived. Walk with Him along the Sea of Galilee. Let Him speak directly into your heart as you journey with Him. As the disciples on the Emmaus road walked with Jesus they said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” Likewise, the Holy Spirit can explain the Scriptures to us today, and grant us insight and revelation (Eph. 1:17, 18) as we meditate through the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. May we learn to radiate Christ! (Note: Being developed 2011-2012.)

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4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice

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The personal value of taking a CLU course:The personal value of taking a CLU course:The personal value of taking a CLU course:The personal value of taking a CLU course:The personal value of taking a CLU course:When you meditate on revelation truths in the context of a CLU course, you are required tofully integrate the life-changing principles. Nothing is left to chance. You will learn whatyou are supposed to learn and your life will be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Documents

Through The Bible - Communion With God MinistriesThrough the Bible “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you