ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 16 WORKSHEETS

Israel’s Postexilic History:

Preparing for the Arrival of the Messiah

A Study of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

LESSON 16: THE ARK AND THE TEMPLE, SOLOMON’S PRAYER OF DEDICATION, AND A GREAT FESTIVAL (2 CHR. 5-8)

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 15 WORKSHEET

Israel’s Postexilic History:

Preparing for the Arrival of the Messiah

A Study of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

LESSON 15: SOLOMON’S KINGDOM, THE TEMPLE AND ITS FURNISHINGS (2 CHR. 1-4)

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 13 NOTES

LESSON 13: THE MUSICIANS, DOORKEEPERS, AND STEWARDS OF THE TEMPLE TREASURY (1 CHR. 25-26)

CHAPTER 25

As he had done on previous occasions, David gathered all of his counselors (captains of the host) to assist in the appointments of the musicians and singers.[1] This was not a military matter, but it did concern the princes, the heads of tribes and other principal leaders. Three important families among the Hebrews provided the personnel for the corps of musicians. Asaph was a Gershonite Levite. Heman belonged to the Kohathite family. Jeduthun was a Merarite. In these three men all of the tribe of Levi was represented. From these three branches of the tribe of Levi a choir numbering two hundred and eighty-eight was selected and trained (verse 7). The specific assignment for the musicians was that they should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals (verse 1). Their ministry is described as “prophesying.” Like the seventy elders who assisted Moses by prophesying when Israel murmured against Jehovah (Numbers 11:16-30), so these men were to speak out for Jehovah, to declare His wonder through sacred music and song. In like manner, Jeduthun’s six sons (verse 3), who with their father were master harpists “Prophesied in giving thanks and praising Jehovah.” Heman’s fourteen sons (verse 4) were trained in the use of the horn (or trumpet), These sons were under their father’s direction. Heman was also regarded as a seer. Samuel filled this office at the time when Saul sought his father’s lost asses (1 Samuel 9:9). The seer was able by divine help to give direction to men. All of these men and their sons were trained in “the words of God” (verse 5). Their music was useful only in connection with the “word.”[2]

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 12 NOTES

LESSON 12: DAVID’S ORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES (1 CHR. 23-24)

The Levites were numbered, according to the rule in Moses' time, from thirty years old to fifty (Num. 4:2-3). Their numbers in Moses' time, by this rule, were "eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore" (Num. 4:47-48). In 1 Chr. 23:24 we are told that the Levites were numbered "from the age of twenty years and upward." It appears that this was a different ordinance from that mentioned in Num. 4:3. At first he appointed the Levites to serve from thirty years and upward: now it was from twenty years. These were David's last orders: "For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above" (1 Chr. 23:27). Since this was by the direction of God this change was approved by God.[1]

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 11 NOTES

LESSON 11: A MILITARY CENSUS AND A PLAGUE (1 CHR. 21-22)

1 Chr. 21:1-17 – David Numbers Israel

We must remember that it was Satan who provoked David to number Israel. "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel" (1 Chr. 21:1). Joab, though guilty of some terrible crimes, in this incident gave David good advice, but the king was so determined to number Israel that he rejected Joab's advice. Joab attempted to reason with David but to no avail. "And Joab answered, The Lord make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? Why then doth my lord require this thing? Why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel?" (1 Chr. 21:3). That David sinned in numbering Israel is certain for we read: "And God was displeased with this thing: therefore he smote Israel" (1 Chr. 21:7). David also freely confessed that he had sinned: "And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant: for I have done foolishly" (1 Chr. 21:8). David further admitted his sin as the angel was about to destroy Jerusalem:

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 10 NOTES

LESSON 10: ISRAEL’s CONFLICT WITH AMMON AND THE CONQUEST OF THE PHILISTINES (1 CHR. 19-20)

Here is a man that not only showed kindness to those who were under him, but also to those (regardless of the generation) of the offspring of the one who had shown him kindness. Seemingly, David honored those who had honored him, and here he sends his messengers to comfort Hanun who had lost his father. Is it not true that we need to practice the practical principles of Christianity, and to all men? Comforting those who are in need, suffering from some personal loss, is seemingly, today, a challenge to a person's spirit and Christianity. God is the "God of all comfort" and we, his sons and daughters, ought to be the embodiment and personification, of the same (cf. 2 Cor. 1:3-8).[1]

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 12 WORKSHEET

Israel’s Postexilic History:

Preparing for the Arrival of the Messiah

A Study of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

LESSON 12: DAVID’S ORGANIZATION OF THE LEVITES (1 CHR. 23-24)

LESSON 12 QUESTIONS:

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 9 NOTES

LESSON 9: DAVID AND THE TEMPLE—ISRAEL GOES TO WAR (1 CHR. 17-18)

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 11 WORKSHEET

Israel’s Postexilic History:

Preparing for the Arrival of the Messiah

A Study of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

LESSON 11: A MILITARY CENSUS AND A PLAGUE (1 CHR. 21-22)

LESSON 11 QUESTIONS:

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 8 NOTES, PART 1

LESSON 8: the Ark of the Covenant BROUGHT TO JERUSALEM (1 CHR. 15-16)

In spite of the reverses suffered in his previous attempt to locate the ark in the capital city, David was determined to complete this project. He fortified Jerusalem and continued to build “houses” in the city. These houses would be directly related to his government. As the king directed all of this activity Jerusalem came to be known as “the city of David,” peculiarly identified with him. As he was caught up in the business of establishing his government in Jerusalem David could [and would] not forget the ark of the covenant. A special tent was constructed in the city to serve temporarily as a shelter for the sacred vessel.[1]

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 7 NOTES

LESSON 7: David and the Ark of the Covenant, His Family, and War with Philistia (1 CHR. 13-14)

David’s desire to make Jerusalem a holy city is now evident, so the ark was brought to Jerusalem. The Philistines were never victorious in their encounters with David. Their gods failed them and they fled before the mighty invisible army of Jehovah.[1]

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 6 NOTES

LESSON 6: The Life and Times of David and His Warriors (1 CHR. 11-12)

Upon the overthrow of Saul and his house David was anointed king in Hebron. David’s tribe was Judah and Hebron was a principal city in that territory.[1]

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 10 WORKSHEET

Israel’s Postexilic History:

Preparing for the Arrival of the Messiah

A Study of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

LESSON 10: ISRAEL’S CONFLICT WITH AMMON AND THE CONQUEST OF THE PHILISTINES (1 CHR. 19-20)

LESSON 10 QUESTIONS:

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 9 WORKSHEET

Israel’s Postexilic History:

Preparing for the Arrival of the Messiah

A Study of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

LESSON 9: DAVID AND THE TEMPLE—ISRAEL GOES TO WAR (1 CHR. 17-18)

LESSON 9 QUESTIONS:

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 8 WORKSHEET

Israel’s Postexilic History:

Preparing for the Arrival of the Messiah

A Study of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

LESSON 8: the Ark of the Covenant BROUGHT TO JERUSALEM (1 CHR. 15-16)

LESSON 8 QUESTIONS:

SEVEN ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRISTIANITY: ONE GOD

by J. K. Gossett [Note: This is a reprint from J.K. Gossett's book The Gospel in Newsprint]

Today we present for your consideration the eighth article on the seven basic pillars of Christianity as set out in Ephesians 4:4-6. Just as there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, there is one God. This has been the case from eternity. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth,” is the first sentence in the Bible, a majestic statement indeed. 

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 5 NOTES

LESSON 5: THE RETURN FROM CAPTIVITY, TRIBAL SETTLEMENTS, AND THE OVERTHROW OF SAUL’S HOUSE (1 CHR. 9-10)

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 7 WORKSHEET

Israel’s Postexilic History:

Preparing for the Arrival of the Messiah

A Study of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

LESSON 7: David and the Ark of the Covenant, His Family, and War with Philistia (1 CHR. 13-14)

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 6 WORKSHEET

Israel’s Postexilic History:

Preparing for the Arrival of the Messiah

A Study of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

LESSON 6: The Life and Times of David and His Warriors (1 CHR. 11-12)

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 4 NOTES

LESSON 4: THE DESCENDANTS OF ISSACHAR, BENJAMIN, NAPHTALI, MANASSEH, EPHRIAM, AND ASHER (1 CHR. 7-8)

The representatives of other tribes of Israel clearly identifiable in David’s day are mentioned in this section. Joshua and Saul are prominent names appearing in this account.

AN AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY

I am the one sitting near the back of the building. I am not there every time the saints meet, but I am trying and I am doing better. I haven’t been a Christian long and when I see the same people worshiping God each week, I am encouraged to be more faithful. I know I am missed when I get phone calls or cards in the mail. Thank you for being friendly and encouraging, and caring.

SEVEN ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRISTIANITY: ONE FAITH

by J. K. Gossett [Note: This is a reprint from J.K. Gossett's book The Gospel in Newsprint]

In previous articles consideration has been given to the one body, one Spirit, one hope, and one Lord. Today our focus is upon the one faith. This one faith is in the context of six other subjects, each one being preceded and defined by the word one. The full text states: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one FAITH, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). These seven ones combined are characteristics of true Christianity and of no other religion.

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 3 PART 2

REUBEN

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 5 WORKSHEET

LESSON 5: THE RETURN FROM CAPTIVITY, TRIBAL SETTLEMENTS, AND THE OVERTHROW OF SAUL’S HOUSE (1 CHR. 9-10)

LESSON 5 QUESTIONS:

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 4 WORKSHEET

LESSON 4: THE DESCENDANTS OF ISSACHAR, BENJAMIN, NAPHTALI, MANASSEH, EPHRIAM, AND ASHER (1 CHR. 7-8)

LESSON 4 QUESTIONS:

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 3 PART 1

LESSON 3: THE DESCENDANTS OF JUDAH, SIMEON, REUBEN, GAD, MANASSEH, AND LEVI (1 CHR. 4-6)

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 2 NOTES PART 3

WHY STUDY THESE GENEALOGIES AND LONG NAMES?

Since we have had a break from the study, let us remind ourselves why we need to study these things, the Old Testament and this list of long, unpronounceable, and seemingly unimportant names to those of us that are in the New Testament church.

SEVEN ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRISTIANITY: ONE LORD

by J. K. Gossett [Note: This is a reprint from J.K. Gossett's book The Gospel in Newsprint]

This “One Lord” is Jesus Christ. “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many and lords many), but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; AND ONE LORD JESUS CHRIST BY WHOM ARE ALL THINGS, AND WE BY HIM” (I Corinthians 8:6). 

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 2 NOTES PART 2

CHAPTER 1:29-33: THE SONS NOT OF PROMISE OF ABRAHAM

Here in this section we have the records of the sons of Abraham other than Isaac. These are:

SEVEN ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRISTIANITY: ONE HOPE

by J. K. Gossett [Note: This is a reprint from J.K. Gossett's book The Gospel in Newsprint]

In the context of seven pillars of Christianity, Paul by inspiration wrote, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in ONE HOPE of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4). 

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOKS OF 1 AND 2 SAMUEL

TEXT: “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22).

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 2 NOTES PART 1

LESSON 2: THE DESCENDANTS OF ADAM, NOAH, ABRAHAM, ESAU, JACOB, JUDAH, AND DAVID (1 CHR. 1-3)

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 3 WORKSHEET

LESSON 3 QUESTIONS:

SEVEN ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRISTIANITY: ONE SPIRIT

by J. K. Gossett [Note: This is a reprint from J.K. Gossett's book The Gospel in Newsprint]

In this series the seven ones of Christianity, as set forth in Ephesians 4:4-6, are under consideration. They are: 

SEVEN ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRISTIANITY: ONE BODY

by J. K. Gossett [Note: This is a reprint from J.K. Gossett's book The Gospel in Newsprint]

“There is one BODY…” (Ephesians 4:4-6).

SEVEN ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRISTIANITY

by J. K. Gossett [Note: This is a reprint from J.K. Gossetts book The Gospel in Newsprint]

“There is one BODY, and one SPIRIT, even as ye are called in one HOPE of your calling: one LORD, one FAITH, one BAPTISM, one GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). 

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 1 NOTES

INTRODUCTION

In a study of the Old Testament we usually lump the books above together with Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings to form the section of Scripture we refer to the Old Testament Historical books. Within this group of books 1 and 2 Chronicles is quite often overlooked as there is much, as we see it, duplicate material with 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings. While this is somewhat true, a proper background and perspective for these writings will do much to enhance our understanding and hopefully pick our interest in looking into these books.

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 2 WORKSHEET

LESSON 2 QUESTIONS:

WHY ARE WE LOSING OUR CHILDREN?

Our latest bulletin article is a reprint from Apologetics Press. Click here to see the complete article.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Have we considered what our own path and curriculum as parents, grandparents, and others that are spiritual fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters is? Are we learning, expressing, and living the Bible as God presented it or do we want basic Bible teachings long after we have become one that is indeed an influence to those children that we are losing? And because of our failure to grow and study ALL ABOUT the Bible so that we can prove it—the existence of God, the inspiration of the Bible, etc.—are we losing our children? Can we prove why we believe God exists or do we just assume that to be true? If we cannot prove it then we have lost. We have become as those described in Hebrews: “(11) Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. (12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:11-14).]

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: LESSON 1 WORKSHEET

LESSON 1 QUESTIONS

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: OUTLINE

The High-Level Outline:

I. THE GENEALOGIES FROM ADAM TO DAVID (1 Chr. 1:1-9:44)
II. THE HISTORY OF KING DAVID (1 Chr. 10:1-29:30)
III. THE HISTORY OF KING SOLOMON (2 Chr. 1:1-9:31)
IV. THE HISTORY OF THE KINGS OF JUDAH (2 Chr. 10:1-36:23)
V. THE FIRST RETURN OF THE EXILES (Ezra 1:1-2:70)
VI. THE RESTORATION OF THE WORSHIP OF JEHOVAH (Ezra 3:1-6:22)
VII. THE ACCOUNT OF ESTHER (Est. 1:-10:3)
VIII. THE SECOND RETURN UNDER EZRA (Ezra 7:1-10:44)
IX. THE RESTORATION OF THE CITY WALLS (Neh. 1:1-7:73)
X. THE REFORMS OF EZRA AND NEHEMIAH (Neh. 8:1-13:31)

ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: SYLLABUS

NEW BIBLE STUDY--"ISRAEL'S POSTEXILIC HISTORY: PREPARING FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE MESSIAH"

The Wednesday night adult class will begin a new Bible study June 8 and 29 -- why June 8 and 29? VBS and then the preacher's vacation will between those two dates. So June 8 a very high-level introduction and then the true introduction June 29.

What will we be studying? "Israel's Postexilic History: Preparing for the Arrival of the Messiah" - A Study of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.

I will aim to make two posts a week for this study: 1) A worksheet for the week's topic, and then 2) a concise version of the notes after the study.

Please consider joining us every Wednesday night for this study!

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF RUTH

TEXT: "An Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God" (Ruth 1:16).

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF JUDGES

TEXT: "Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them" (Jud. 2:16).

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF JOSHUA

TEXT: "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses" (Jos. 1:3).

PUNCHING THE CLOCK (Part 9)

ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD (continued)

The Christian and Spreading the Gospel (God's Work) at Work

PUNCHING THE CLOCK (Part 8)

ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD (continued)

The Christian, Civil Law, and God

COMFORT

COMFORT

I think that God is proud of those who bear

A sorrow bravely -- proud indeed of them

Who walk straight through the dark to find him there,

And kneel in faith to touch his garment's hem.

Oh, proud of them who lift their heads to shake

Away the tears from eyes that have grown dim,

Who tighten quivering lips and turn to take

The only road they know that leads to him.

How proud he must be of them -- he who knows

All sorrow, and how hard grief is to bear!

I think he sees them coming, and he goes

With outstretched arms and hands to meet them there.

And with a look, a touch on hand or head,

Each finds his hurt heart strangely comforted.

(by Grace Noll Crowell, found in Victory Over Trials by Lottie Beth Hobbs)

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY

TEXT: "O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!" (Deu. 5:29).

PUNCHING THE CLOCK (Part 7)

ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD (continued)

The Christian Doing the Work of God in the Work Place

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF NUMBERS

TEXT: "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out" (Num. 32:23).

PUNCHING THE CLOCK (Part 6)

ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD

Here is the key to successful--that is truly successful, not success measured by man's standards--life. What are the proper attitudes to be shown toward God? First, within the subject at hand, the Christian must remember they are doing what they do ... "as unto Christ," "as the servants of Christ," "as to the Lord," "fearing God," "as to the Lord," "for ye serve the Lord Christ" (Eph. 6:5, 6, 7; Col. 3:22, 23, 24). The Christian is to have a relationship of respect, obedience, trustworthiness, and diligence toward the job, the employer, and the fellow-employee for "this is acceptable with God" (1 Pet. 2:20).

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS

TEXT: "Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy" (Lev. 19:2).

PUNCHING THE CLOCK (Part 5)

ATTITUDES TOWARD THE EMPLOYEE

The Christian has two types of relationships in view under this heading. First, the Christian may be an employer, or manager, or some other authoritative role over other employees. What are the attitudes a Christian then should possess as the employer? Second, the Christian has a relationship with his fellow employees. What are the attitudes a Christian should possess as a fellow employee?

PUNCHING THE CLOCK (Part 4)

ATTITUDES TOWARD THE EMPLOYER (continued)

DEBORAH'S DELIVERANCE

The time of the judges was a period when the Israelites went about doing what was right in their own eyes, then crying unto the Lord because of the oppression they were experiencing wanting deliverance. "Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them" (Jud. 2:16). There were a total of 15 judges. One of those judges was a woman and her name was Deborah.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF EXODUS

TEXT: "For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you" (Exo. 12:23).

PUNCHING THE CLOCK (Part 3)

ATTITUDES TOWARD THE EMPLOYER

Closely associated with one's attitudes toward the job are one's attitudes toward the employer; in fact the two are inseparable. One's attitudes toward the employer will and does directly affect the attitudes toward the job. One may truly enjoy the work that they are employed for but with wrong attitudes toward the employer the job will become drudgery. How does one avoid this and what should one's attitudes be toward the employer?

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF GENESIS

TEXT: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Gen. 1:1).

PUNCHING THE CLOCK (Part 2)

ATTITUDES TOWARD THE JOB

God created man with the ability to work. In the beginning God gave man only three commands and one of those was to maintain the Garden. Upon man's explusion from the Garden his burden - the amount of work required - was increased: "...cursed is the ground for thy sake...Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee...In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread..." (Gen. 3:17-19). And so, should one's attitude toward the job be one of drudgery? What does God say about one's attitude toward the job one has?

THE BIBLE-AN INTRODUCTION

TEXT: "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of woman, made under the law" (Gal. 4:4).

INTRODUCTION

1. The Bible is a collection of letters and individual books into one all authoritative inspired Book (2 Tim. 3:16).

2. The Bible has a purpose and each section of the Bible has a specific purpose leading to that overall purpose:

• The overall purpose of the Bible is "Redemption"-the buying back of man.
• The overall purpose of the Old Testament is to teach man "Obedience."
• The overall purpose of the New Testament is "Victory"-the victory found in Christ.

3. The theme of the Bible is Christ!

• The Old Testament: Christ will come.
• The Gospels (Matthew-John): Christ has come.
• Acts-Revelation: Christ will come again.

4. An overview of the Bible:

• THE PARTS OF THE BIBLE
• THE BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF THE BIBLE
• THE ONE WORD THEME FOR EACH BOOK
• THE PICTURE OF CHRIST IN EACH BOOK

PUNCHING THE CLOCK (Part 1)

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it (Gen. 2:15).

From the very beginning God has intended for man to work. While some may attempt to deny that the Bible has anything to say about secular things (that is things “Pertaining to the present world, or to things not spiritual or holy” [Webster]) the position is untenable to a true student of the Bible for we find that it is a Scriptural subject. Paul sets an attitude toward work that all Christians, and in acceptance of absolute truth all men, must have, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 The. 3:10). Much could be said to define the context of the passages, the words used (such as the difference between slave, servant, and bond[man, woman, servant]), and the like, but this manuscript will concentrate on the common thread of Scripture: The principles that should be applied to our relationships.