Re: Books Of The Old Testament There Meaning And Promise

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:17 pm

Ezra

"Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem." Ezra 1:3

When Cyrus the Persian emperor offered the Israelites in Babylon the chance to return to Jerualem and rebuild their shattered culture, most of them stayed put in their comfortable Babylonian homes. Instead of cities and villages, those who returned found weed-choked piles of rubble and neighbours who opposed their every move.

The Israelites who went home soon grew discouraged and wanted to give up. God wouldn't let them. He sent reinforcements in the persons of Haggai and Zechariah, two prophets , and Ezra who emphasized the laws of God.

No one is more interested in our success than God, and He alone is able to bring His will to pass in our lives. Even if others of our own sinfulness impede our progress. God is patient.

Our responsibility is to remain reliant upon Him and submissive to His commands. He promises that when we surrender our will to His, we will experiance the very best He has to offer-Himself.

For Consideration

How did God help the returning exiles?
Why was it important that the Israelites rebuild the temple?
What do you need to remind yourself when you fail?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:16 pm

2 Chronicles

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then i will hear from heaven, and will forgive there sin and heal their land." 2Chronicles 7:14

Prisoners of war survive by thinking about their families. Soldiers under extended combat conditions carve out moments in which to escape into pleasant memories of home and peace. Terminal patients linger over photographs that recreate for a moment days of joy and health. Severely depressed people find moments of hope in beautiful music.

The Israelite survivors of the Babylonian captivity found courage and hope in the stories of the heroic kings of 2 Chronicles. The eight good kings of Judah's history dominate the pages of this book. At the end, the story leaps over the 70 years of captivity to highlight the Persian decree to send the Israelites home at the goverments expense.

God is sovereign over all, and even the seemingly terrible circumstances that happen in our lives can be turned for good in God's hand, Israel had to endure significant hardship that resulted from their sins, even as we often make life harder on ourselves by our disobedience to God. The good news is that God promised them and us that if we repent, He will hear us and heal our land.

For Consideration

How do you deal with difficulties?
How can you keep your sights fixed on God when hard times come?
Why is it important to have a repentant heart?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:15 pm

1 Chronicles

"And David said to his son Solomon, "Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God-my God-will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord." 1 Chronicles 28:20

Most families contain at least one member who loves to trace the family tree. These people keep precise genealogical records and take delight in poking around obscure libraries, dusty courthouse records, and old cemeteries. Other family members may not appreciate all this work until that person finds something really interesting. Then all family members get excited. They're proud of the ancestor who sailed on the Mayflower. They want to meet the long-lost cousin who's a millionaire.

First Chronicles was written to the Israelites who survived the Babylonian captivity. It reads like a family history prepaired by the genealogy enthusiast. This record emphasizes how people are connected and who the old-time heroes were. Israelites raised in Babylon could read this book and come away with restored national pride as they remember there roots. It was refreshing for them to remember that God had chosen them to be His people long ago. Dispite there disobedience and resulting consequences, they knew He ultimately would be faithful to His promise to restore them through righteous leadership.

Often as we grow older and busier, we can forget our roots and the many ways that God has acted in our lives. It is good to slow down from time to time and recount God's blessings and interactions in our daily lives to sharpen our focus on what is truly important.

For Consideration

What do all these genealogies suggest about the impotance of ordinary people of God?
How does remembering the past help you embrace God's promises for the future?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:13 pm

2 Kings

"I have heard your prayer, i have seen your tears; surely i will heal you. 2 Kings 20:5

Children think of "grown ups" as people who are done growing and changing. They expect the big people in there lives to hum along day after day on an even keel, like well oiled machines that don't have problems. Boy, do they have a lot to learn!

Adult life is not a smooth interaction of totally mature indivduals with easy manageable responsibilities. Adult life is an unending rat race. Experiance teaches us that every adult will face at least two major crises, such as loss of employment, death of a loved one, divorce, or natural disaster. Each criis defines the next stage of life.

In 2 Kings, Israel faced two calamities that helped define its identity.
Seperated by about 150 years, two invasions of Palestine by world powers wiped Israel and Judah from the map, and scattered the Israelites among the conquerors.What did this mean for the future of this nation? How would the Israelites respond?

Trials in life are inevitable. But we do have a choice in how we face them; either in the power, strength, and protection of God which He promises His people, or we can go it alone. What a blessing we have God who not only knows our pain and hears our cries, but who cares enough to guide us through even the bleakest of life's circumstances.

For Consideration

What were the causes of the crises Israel and Judah faced in 2 Kings?
How would Israel and Judah have responded to there crises?
How can you express confidence in God even in the face of a terrible situation?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:12 pm

1 Kings

"So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days." 1 Kings 3:14

In the classic Christmas movie It's a Wonderful Life, George Baily is allowed to climpse the way his quaint hometown of Bedford Falls would have been if he had never lived. Instead of a decent community in which goodness held it's own against greedy Mr Potter, Bedford Falls had become a sleazy town where all wealth went into Mr Potter's pockets.

In 1 Kings, the Bible tells the story of Israel as it changes from a decent nation to a greedy one. Under Solomon's rule Israel reached world renown and general prosperity. But near the end of his life, Solomon changed and as a result, Israel fell apart.

After a civil war split the country, many of the kings in the north were like Mr Potter. In the south, some were like George Bailey, but many others were like Mr Potter. Both nations were in big trouble. it was almost as if Solomon had never lived.

Lasting success in life depends on remembering what's important to the very end. Solomon started off strong, but allowed his entanglements in the world to turn him away from God. God's promise of protection and blessing are strong, but mixed with a warning: Dont turn away from the Lord! It is in His presence and under His protection alone that we are truely safe and blessed.

For Consideration

What successes have you had or do you want to achieve?
What things do you think could tempt you to turn your back on God?
What happens in the lives, families, and careers of people who forget God?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:11 pm

2 Samuel

"As of God, His way is perfect, the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust Him." 2 Samuel 22:31

Think about a time in your life when you felt you were on top of the world. Perhaps you've successfully completed a big project at work, or have gotten a promotion. Once you've reached a peak, though, there is often a time when you come back down to earth.

King David soared to great hights of military and political accomplishment in ancient Israel. he wrote exquisite poetry and played the harp. He was the most popular ruler Israel ever had.

Then David commited adultery and tried to conceal it with murder. His personal life, his family relationships, and his kingdom never completely recovered. God freely forgave David, but he still experienced the consequences of his sin.

Fortunately for God's people, God is faithful-even when we are not. As David must have shouted, "For when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign Lord, it is an eternal blessing!" As God's children, we are to walk in obedience and enjoy the blessings obedience brings. But when we sin, we can turn to God and repent, knowing that He promises to make us clean and renew our eternal relationship with Him.

For Consideration

What do you think led to Davids Fall?
How did he demonstrate humilty after his sin?
If God completely forgave him, why did David still suffer the consquences of his sin?
How does knowing God's promise of forgiveness make us run to Him for shelter?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:10 pm

1 Samuel

"For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Napoleon was a little Corsican who never looked like a world conqueror. Many of the people he routed and ruined, however, did look like leaders. Francis II, emperor of Austria, had the Hapsburg chin-Europe's most famous mark of royalty-but Napoleon smashed his forces at Austerlitz. Alexander I, czar of Russia, may have been the most dashing of Napoleons opponents, but he ended up signing a most humiliating treaty at the Neman River.

No, appearance dosen't determine a person's significance. In 1 Samuel regal-looking King Saul learned this the hard way. Both Samuel (the old man) and David (the youngster) were much more significant than Saul because they trusted God without panicking under pressure.

How do you hold up under pressure? Can you keep trusting God for His help and peace, or do you panic and try to handle the tough situations on your own? In 1 Samuel. God reminds us that neither our appearance nor our level of strength matter. What does matter is our trust and reliance on Him to accomplish His will through us.

For Consideration

Why do you think the world places so much value on externals?
What concerns God the most?
What is God able to accomplish through a surrendered life?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:08 pm

Ruth

"So Boaz took Ruth and she became His wife; and when he went to her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son." Ruth 4:13

Can you imagine losing everything you have? In Florida, a hurricane can turn a beautiful community with semitropical vegetation into a scene from a war zone. Drifts of insulation, shards of plywood, framing, and aluminium siding litter rows of foundations lining streets blocked by utilty poles and overturned vehicles.

In California, a major earthquake can leave a city fractured and helpless. Broken buildings aren't habitable. Highways and streets are buckled and split. Gas and water mains snap. Fires fed by gas blaze next to hydrants that can't be reached because the streets are impassable.

The book of Ruth is a tale of two women who had lost everything. Naomi lost her home and family because of famine and death. Ruth gave up her life in Moab to accompany Naomi. In despair, Naomi claimed that God hated her, but she was wrong. The loyalty of Ruth paved the way for the loyalty of God to show itself to Naomi.

Do you ever feel like you are losing everything? God promises that even when the situation looks grim, He is still in control and will work it out for the best possable outcome for His children. We don't know how He will manifest His blessing, but we can be confident that He will.

For Consideration

At what points in your life do you tend to feel wiped out and deserted by God and people?
How can you best remind yourself of God's promises?
How does Ruth's story give you hope?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:07 pm

Judges

"Up! for this is the day in which the Lord has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the Lord gone out before you?" Judges 4:14

If you have ever read Treasure Island, you've probably wondered what to make of Long John Silver. He was intelligent, witty, clever, charming, and likeable. He was a "natural-born" leader. He even spared Jack Hawkins life. In the end, you may have hoped he would escape from the good guys. But no matter how you slice it, Long John Silver was a pirate. He could kill a man without blinking. He didn't deal in truth; he spun stories slanted to his advantage. Was he heroic? Yes. Was he a hero? definitely not.

Judges is a book of heroes, but many of the heroes aren't very admirable. It's as if Israel is a vat of milk and the judges are the cream. Unfortunatley, the milk is going bad, and the cream that rises to the top stinks a little. As Judges progresses, the relationship of Israel to God is souring more and more. And the events in the final chapters show the moral climate curdling under the influence of greed and violence.

Just like the leaders in Judges, apart from God, we will not succeed. But when we move forward in obedience to His call, He promises to go before us preparing the way to make it smooth and grant us succes.

For Consideration

In what ways are you tempted to "go it alone"?
How can you surrender your agenda to God?
What promise can you claim if you keep by God's side?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:06 pm

Joshua

"Have i not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Athletes know that that practice should be harder than the game. In practice things are supposed to go wrong; the team repeats fundamental skills and plays over and over to elminate mistakes on game day. Practice sessions are where stamina is built up so that players are in shape for the real contest.

Consider the book of Numbers as Israel's 40-year practice session in the desert, and Joshua is their seven-year game in the land of Canaan. Numbers recorded dozens of mistakes as Israel tried to get ready; Joshua records victory in Cannan. This is a story of strength and courage, a tale of faith and obedience.

Israel had finally begun to understand that God meant what He said. He does love them. He will provide for them. He will be with them wherever they go, and they will experiance His blessings as they obey Him. Joshua provides an exciting testimony to God's faithfulness. Because we are His children, too, we can claim the same promises as the Israelites, and look to God for victory in our lives as we learn to trust Him.

For Consideration

What part of your life most nearly resemble a battleground or a war?
How can you turn your struggles over to God?
How does knowing and trusting in God's promises alleviate your fears?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:05 pm

The Historical Books

Joshua-Judges-Ruth-1 Samuel-2 Samuel-1 Kings-2 Kings-1 Chronicles-2 Chonicles-Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther

The historical books include Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. In the Jewish canon, the books are split into two categories. (1) Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings are called "The Former Prophets." (2) All the rest are included in "The Writings," the third major collection of the Hebrew Scripture.

These books are history in the best sense, that is, they do more than present day data about events. They present the data in a form that tries to explain what the events mean and how God was working in them.

The former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings) record the history of the period from the death of Moses to the fall of the southern kingdom of Judah, from somewhere before 1400 b.c to 586 b.c. This period includes the settlement of Israel in the land, the tribal goverment under the Judges, the time of seeking a king, the golden age under David and Solomon, the division and downfall of the kingdoms. All through the narrative runs the understanding of God's judgement and redemption in political and social life.

1 and 2 Chronicles cover much of the same history from a different perspective. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah pick up the account of Israel and Israel's God in the period after the exile, the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the renewing of the covenant in a harsh new time.

Joshua-Marks the end of the Exodus period. Israel enters the land under a new generation of leaders, conquers the hill country, and enters into a great ceremony of covenant in a harsh new time.

Judges-Is a collection of accounts of tribal heroes and heroines from the period between the time of Joshua and the time of Samuel. These are accounts of charismatic leaders who, in time of crisis, were called by God to save part of the tribe from the oppression of an enemy. They teach an understanding of history in a pattern of faithfulness, unfaithfulness, judgement, and salvation in the political world.

Ruth-Emphasizes God working through a foreign woman to bring forth king David. It carries a strong warning against excluding anyone from a place among God's people.

First and 2 Samuel-Record the end of the period of the judges and the rise of the kingship in Israel, with all the accompanying tensions between old ways and new ways. The narrative include the lives and rules of Samuel, Saul, and David.

First and 2 Kings-Are the history of the monarchy from Solomon to the Exile. Solomon's glory, the building of the temple, the division of the kingdom, the destruction of the 2 kingdoms, and the rise of prophecy (Elijah and Elisha) are important themes in these books. Faithfulness to God is defined in social and political terms as well as religious.

First and 2 Chronicles-Were written after the destruction of Jerusalem to try to answer the question "Why did God choose to punish His people in such a way?" The answer is found in history. God's people were unfaithful and what happened in social and political history is an expression of God's judgement on an unfaithful people.

Ezra-Picks up the themes of Chronicles and argues for national purity and exclusiveness.

Nehemiah-Is the account of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of the covenant. It, too, argues for exclusiveness.

Esther-Is a delightful account of a Jewish heroine whose faithfulness saved her people from certain death.

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:04 pm

Deuteronomy

"Therefore you shall keep every commandment which I command today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land which you cross over to possess." Deuteronomy 11:8

When a pilot wants to take his private plane for a ride on a sunny afternoon, he goes through a preflight checklist. A commercial airline pilot about to take a 747 loaded with passengers from New York to Los Angeles talks his crew through a much more elaborate preflight ritual. The astronauts flying a space shuttle mission endure days of preflight preparation. Pilots gladly endure all of these precautions in order to fly and land safely at their destinations.

Deuteronomy is like a preflight checklist for one of the most important adventures in Biblical history. Moses led Israel through everything they needed to know to live successfully in Canaan. Then he warned them about the extreme dangers associated with deviating from the plan.

Again and again, God encourages His people to move forward in faith. Possess the land that He will give them. He promises to provide, protect, and bless His children. But to remain under the umbrella of His blessing, we must obey Him. His laws provide a safety net of protection-both for the Israelites in Canaan back then, and His people all around the world today.

For Consideration

Why do you think God gives us His laws?
Why is it important to obey God?
What kinds of blessings does He promise come through obedience?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:03 pm

Numbers

"The Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression." Numbers 14:18

"I dont get mad; i get even," proclaimed a particulary nasty bumper sticker a few years ago. The bumper sticker may have gone, but the attitude is still around. Run for political office, and watch your opponent try to destroy your reputation.

Struggle through medical school, and practice in fear that a patient will sue for malpractice. We live in a difficult world, and some people even claim God is vengeful. But they fail to see His hand of discipline as necessary to provide the relationship we desperately need with Him. He is actually out to bless and protect us as we learn to trust in His goodness, particulary in hard discouraging times.

Throughout Numbers, we witness the Israelites' failure to remember God, to give Him thanks, or to trust Him with their future. But despite their shortcomings, God proves patient and faithful. What a blessed promise for them and for us today, that our God "is longsuffering and abundant in mercy"-even though we don't deserve it!

For Consideration

Do you ever percieve difficulties as punishment from God?
In light of God's love and mercy, how should you view trials?
What are some things God has taught you through difficulty that you wouldn't have learned any other way?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:01 pm

Leviticus

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and i have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls." Leviticus 17:11

Does Leviticus seem intimidating because "holiness" is its main theme? People who set out to read the Bible straight through often stop at Leviticus. To many, this book is like a stretch of desert where the bones of their good intentions bleach in an endless wasteland of ancient sacrifices and strange laws.

But the shock value of Leviticus is worth noting. God is holy-and man is not. If it were not for His intervention, we would be lost in a world of unattainable laws, unable to live up to God's inherent perfection. But because God is love as well as holy-He provides the ultimate sacrifice through His Son. Jesus fulfilled every scrupulous detail of the law through His perfect life of obedience, and then shed His blood for us that we might be covered by His perfection.

In Leviticus, God promises to provide the blood His people need to be holy. Because of Christ, we can celebrate God's promise of provision, and look to Him to flesh out His holiness in our lives.

For Consideration

What do you think was God's point with all the rituals and sacrifices?
How does God's promise of provision for your atonement affect your view of the law?
Why should Christians still obey God's Word if their sins are already forgiven?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 9:00 pm

Exodus

"And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses." Exodus 33:9

Some events are turning points in life. The day the Wright brothers flew for the first time. The Enola Gay's atomic bombing of Hiroshima. September 11th . In an instant, millions of lives changed, and the atmosphere of the world was altered forever.

Once the Israelites encountered God in Egypt and on mount Sinai, they could never go back to being unbelieving slaves. They became free people who had entered a binding contract with God. Ahead of them lay an adventure that would be shaped at every turn by there connection to the God of the Ten Commandments.

The message of Exodus is clear: Encountering God is a watershed event. Everything in you lif changes. God gives you His all, and He requires the same in return. And what a great exchange! He promises protection in place of fear. Hope instead of dispair. A place at the family table instead of alien status. He draws us close to Himself, and promise that throughout life's challenges, He will be our escort, protector, and friend.

For Consideration

What experiances have been turning points in your Life?
Have you ever encountered God?
How does surrendering to God affect the rest of your life?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 8:59 pm

Genesis

"And i will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendents after you."

Have you ever felt like everything in your life is falling apart? Rumors of war unsettle the nerves. A promotion you were hoping to get at work went to someone else. You find out that your friend has a terminal illness. No matter what you do, nothing seems to go right, " Where is the hope?" you may ask yourself. Fortunately, God has an answer.

In Genesis, we see how God created a good world populated by creatures and humans of His own handywork. But everything veers of course. Disobedience, pride, and anger bring a slew of repercussions that seem to seperate man from God forever. But God's love for us rekindles hope-hope in the form of a promise.

It began in the beginning, with Adam. He reiterates it through His covenant with Abraham, extending to his son, Isaac, and then Jacob, Issac's son, all twelve of Jacob's sons-and ultimately everyone who would become a child of God. His promise is this; salvation and reconciliation to God. Through a Savior who was to come. He would cover a multitude of sins, bringing His beloved people back into relationship with Him.

And His promise lasts for us today. It's not that we won't experiance sin or it's consequenses. Disasters still happen. Tragedy still strikes. But we can rest in God's promise that he offers hope through is Son, the Savior-hope that our lives find purpose through a relationship with Him, and hope that we'll spend eternity with Him in heaven.

For Consideration

What evidence of chaos and violence in the world troubles you the most?
What events in your life seem to indicate that God is showing interest in you?
How can knowing God is both loving and sovereign give you hope in the present?

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 8:57 pm

The Pentateuch

Genisis-Exodus-Leviticus-Numbers-Deuteronomy

The Pentateuch is the first five books of the Bible, called "Torah" in the Hebrew Scriptures. Though we often call these books "The Law," Torah does not mean "Law," but "Teaching." Basic to the Torah is the idea of the covenant. A covernant is an agreement. In the Bible covenants are special, because God is one of the parties to the covenant. Biblical covenants have three parts:
A statement about God's saving act (what God brings to the agreement);
A statement about what God expects from humanity in response;
A sign or symbol as a reminder of the covernant.
The Torah is, in part, a record of God's covenant and the implications of the covenant for human life in society.

Genesis- Begins with the creation, setting the covernant in the context of God's rule over the entire universe. The first covenant is with Adam and Eve and, through them, with all humanity, and includes the understanding that human beings will be responsible stewards of all creation. The second covenant is with Noah, the promise that the world will never again be destroyed by flood. Then the Biblical account focuses on one particular person. Abraham, who enters into covenant with God and is given the promise that he and his decendants will become a blessing to all humanity. Through the narratives dealing with Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Leah and Rachel, and Joseph, the questions of faithfulness to the covenant and hope for the fulfillment of God's promises take concrete form.

Exodus- Centres on the escape of God's people from Egypt under the leadership of Moses and the making of the great covenant at Mount Sinai. The parts of the covenant are clear: God's gracious saving act is seen in Passover and Exodus; the expectation of human response is summerized in the Ten Commandments; and the Feast of Passover is the great sign and reminder. Moses, Aaron, and Miriam are both the leaders of God's people and the models of struggle and faith.

Leviticus-Takes its name from the Latin word for "book of the Levites." The major concern of the book is the holiness of the community of Israel. Holiness means to be set apart by God for a special purpose. Holiness is expressed in proper forms of worship and the living out the love of God in the routine of daily life. The "Holiness Code"(chs 17-27) is a good example of how worship and justice mingle together in the life of Israel.

Numbers- Is named for the census that begins the book. The narrative part of the book is the wilderness journey from Kadesh Barnea to the Promised Land. Included are the accounts of the spies entering Canaan, the forty years of wandering, and the miracles of Moses. Finally come the conquests of the kingdoms of Sihon and Og in the Transjordan, and the story of Balaam. The book ends with Israel prepaired to enter the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua.

Deateronomy- Is written as Moses' farewell speech before the tribes enter the Land. It reviews God's acts of salvation and the implications of salvation for life. The book itself was apparntly found in the temple in the reign of Joshua (621 b.c). The discovery sparked a great religious reform. One of the real concerns of Deuteronomy is how to make old traditions relevant for a new time. The most important statement of belief is the "Shema,"found in 6:4,5

Bertie Mon 08 Dec 2008, 8:51 pm

When we read our Bible do we really understand the promises that are made, and the reason behind each book.

Here are some explanations taken from God's Promises Bible (New King James Version).

I hope you enjoy reading them, as much as i have enjoyed bringing them to you.
God Bless and may the Peace of Our Lord Jesus be with you all.
Bertie

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