Your animals are dead. Your thousands of sheep and camels too. Your servants are killed, and not to mention your shepherds. And your children, all ten of them, are dead.
......
I am just starting to grasp the harsh severity of the tests Job had to face. We all know the pain of the death of a loved one, pain that tears our lives apart, as we desperately seek a way out of reality. Life at that point seems almost hollow, meaningless. Its as though a hole is dug into our souls; it cries out in a deep anguish, overwhelming us with grief.
Reading Job was like reading a story for me. It was intense, heartbreaking, and nerve wrecking. I can only imagine the pain Job felt, the thoughts running through his head. Countless days he must have woken up, begging for someone to run in and tell him that his children were still alive, that everything was just a dream. But it only became worse, as it became not only a emotional attack but also a physical attack. The next scene painted in this book, "Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes", is radical. How different from the man described in the beginning, the richest, most blameless man in his land!
But,
"In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God." That for me, was profound. To see faith this strong, that in whatever circumstance it will stand firm and not fall into sin; that, for me, is inspiration at its best.
Thursday 31 October 2013
Tuesday 22 October 2013
Text 30 Deuteronomy 31-34
Deuteronomy 31-34 http://www.biblica.com/bibles/chapter/?verse=Deuteronomy+31&version=niv
What do you think of the last song and words of Moses in today's reading.
We have come to the end of the first five what are your thoughts?
Text 29 Deuteronomy 27-30
Deuteronomy 27-30 http://www.biblica.com/bibles/chapter/?verse=Deuteronomy+27&version=niv
What strikes you in today's reading?
What strikes you in today's reading?
Text 28 Deuteronomy 19-26
Deuteronomy 20-26 http://www.biblica.com/bibles/chapter/?verse=Deuteronomy+19&version=niv
These are laws governing community life-- Some laws are interesting for example laws governing war (20:1-20), care for men and their families (20:5-10) and even trees (20:19-20). What are the recurring themes in the laws?
Text 27 Deuteronomy 12-18
Deuteronomy 12-19 http://www.biblica.com/bibles/chapter/?verse=Deuteronomy+12&version=niv
Do you notice the amount of repeated information from what you have read in the other books of the first five? This is the second giving of the law and in these chapters deal with the laws governing worship and leadership. The leaders had two crucial matters to look out for in the people's obedience to God: detesting idols and promoting social justice. What have you learnt today?
Text 26 Deuteronomy 4-11
Deuteronomy 5-11 http://www.biblica.com/bibles/chapter/?verse=Deuteronomy+4&version=niv
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is called the Shema. It is what drives this whole book-- an uncompromising love for God because of God's love and faithfulness towards His people. Yahweh, the one and only God, will dwell among his one people in one place; he is not like the many pagan gods who can be worshipped at many high places throughout the land.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is called the Shema. It is what drives this whole book-- an uncompromising love for God because of God's love and faithfulness towards His people. Yahweh, the one and only God, will dwell among his one people in one place; he is not like the many pagan gods who can be worshipped at many high places throughout the land.
What do these chapters tell you about what helps one generation after another sink roots into the ground? What do they tell you about God?
Text 25 Deuteronomy 1-3
Deuteronomy 1-3 http://www.biblica.com/bibles/chapter/?verse=Deuteronomy+1&version=niv
An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/deut/
The text of Deuteronomy has a concentric (chiastic) structure:
A The Outer Frame: A Look Backward (c1-3)
B The Inner Frame: The Great Exhortation (c4-11)
C The Central Core: The Stipulations of the Covenant (c 12-26)
B* The Inner Frame: The Covenant Ceremony (c27-30)
A* The Outer Frame: A Look Forward (c31-34)
The Outer Frames A repeats the essential narrative of Numbers where Moses is forbidden to enter the promise land and A* picks it up and concludes with Joshua's appointment , Moses' song, his blessings, and his death)
The Inner Frame B calls Israel to absolute devotion to God and concludes with the announcement that God is setting before them "a blessing and a curse" (11:26). B* picks up at this point by offering the content of the curses and blessings. (Taken from How to Read the Bible Book by Book)
At the end of Numbers, Israel is "on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho" (Nu 36:33) and at the end of Deuteronomy, the people are still there (Dt 34:8) waiting to cross the Jordan (see Jos 1:2). All that has happened is the transition from the ministry of Moses as God's spokesman and official representative to that of Joshua in his place (Dt 34:9; see Jos 1:1-2). But Moses' final acts as the Lord's appointed servant for dealing with Israel are so momentous that Deuteronomy's account of them marks the conclusion to the Pentateuch, while the book of Joshua, which narrates the initial fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs and the conclusion to the mission on which Moses had been sent (see Nu 17:15-23; Jos 21:43-45), serves as the introduction to the Former Prophets.
What do you learn from Deuteronomy?
The text of Deuteronomy has a concentric (chiastic) structure:
A The Outer Frame: A Look Backward (c1-3)
B The Inner Frame: The Great Exhortation (c4-11)
C The Central Core: The Stipulations of the Covenant (c 12-26)
B* The Inner Frame: The Covenant Ceremony (c27-30)
A* The Outer Frame: A Look Forward (c31-34)
The Outer Frames A repeats the essential narrative of Numbers where Moses is forbidden to enter the promise land and A* picks it up and concludes with Joshua's appointment , Moses' song, his blessings, and his death)
The Inner Frame B calls Israel to absolute devotion to God and concludes with the announcement that God is setting before them "a blessing and a curse" (11:26). B* picks up at this point by offering the content of the curses and blessings. (Taken from How to Read the Bible Book by Book)
At the end of Numbers, Israel is "on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho" (Nu 36:33) and at the end of Deuteronomy, the people are still there (Dt 34:8) waiting to cross the Jordan (see Jos 1:2). All that has happened is the transition from the ministry of Moses as God's spokesman and official representative to that of Joshua in his place (Dt 34:9; see Jos 1:1-2). But Moses' final acts as the Lord's appointed servant for dealing with Israel are so momentous that Deuteronomy's account of them marks the conclusion to the Pentateuch, while the book of Joshua, which narrates the initial fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs and the conclusion to the mission on which Moses had been sent (see Nu 17:15-23; Jos 21:43-45), serves as the introduction to the Former Prophets.
What do you learn from Deuteronomy?
Text 24 Numbers 33-36
Numbers 33-36 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2033&version=NLV
What are your thoughts on this book as a whole and how it fits into the first five?
Text 23 Numbers 27-32
Numbers 27-32 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2027&version=NLV
What did you learn today?
Text 22 Numbers 21-26
Numbers 21-26 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2021&version=NLV
What did you learn about God and his people today's chapters?
Text 21 Numbers 13-20
Number 13-20 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2013&version=NLV
What did you learn about God today?
What memory aids help the Israelites remember to obey God?
Text 20 Numbers 10-12
Numbers 10-12 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2010&version=NLV
Today's reading seems to be a list of sins. What did you learn from how God deals with sin?
Text 19 Numbers 1-10
Numbers 1-10 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%201&version=NLV
An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/numbers/
How was the camp kept pure? Why are these practical details be of importance to God? What does it tell us about God's interest in mundane details like where we live, numbers of things or how we organise ourselves?
What is a blessing?
This is one view http://www.bible-reflections.net/articles/what-is-a-blessing/2265/ (Disclaimer: I have only read this page in this website.)
An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/numbers/
How was the camp kept pure? Why are these practical details be of importance to God? What does it tell us about God's interest in mundane details like where we live, numbers of things or how we organise ourselves?
What is a blessing?
This is one view http://www.bible-reflections.net/articles/what-is-a-blessing/2265/ (Disclaimer: I have only read this page in this website.)
Text 18 Leviticus 23-27
Leviticus 23-27 http://www.esvbible.org/Leviticus+23/
What is the role of feast and festivals in drawing a community together? How do such events draw people to God?
Text 17 Leviticus 18-22
Leviticus 18-22 http://www.esvbible.org/Leviticus+18/
Do we pick and choose from this list of items in Leviticus? How do we decide what is still applicable?
Do we pick and choose from this list of items in Leviticus? How do we decide what is still applicable?
Text 16 Leviticus 11-17
Leviticus 11-17 http://www.esvbible.org/Leviticus+11/
A short video of the Day of Atonement
Do you think the maker of the video is stretching the text in order to apply it? How does putting aside one day a year to observe a particular event do to a group of people? What have you learnt?
A short video of the Day of Atonement
Do you think the maker of the video is stretching the text in order to apply it? How does putting aside one day a year to observe a particular event do to a group of people? What have you learnt?
Text 15 Leviticus 8-10
Leviticus 8-10 http://www.esvbible.org/Leviticus+8/
What does consecration mean to you? Why were priest and important? What have you learnt?
Text 14 Leviticus 5-7
Leviticus 5-7 http://www.esvbible.org/Leviticus+5/
The offerings are a gift to express commitment, a means of fellowshipping with God and the way to healed a break in relationship. Why do you think the priest had specific instructions? What have you learnt about God?
Text 13 Leviticus 1-4
Leviticus 1-4 http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/r/rsv/rsv-idx?type=DIV1&byte=397408
An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/lev/
Were all the offerings burnt? If they were not, they would be eaten by the priest and worshippers.
Why are these instructions on how to make offerings written this way?
Were all the offerings burnt? If they were not, they would be eaten by the priest and worshippers.
Why are these instructions on how to make offerings written this way?
Text12 Exodus 35-40
Exodus 35-40 http://biblehub.com/nlt/exodus/35.htm
A fun look at the tabernacle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN1P4qD_Xn0
The tabernacle is a constant visible reminder to the people of God's presence. The Jewish people are distinguished as God's people because God is in dwelling their midst. The divine presence is no longer distant on the mountain of God but in the Tent of Meeting. What have you learnt about God today?
A fun look at the tabernacle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN1P4qD_Xn0
The tabernacle is a constant visible reminder to the people of God's presence. The Jewish people are distinguished as God's people because God is in dwelling their midst. The divine presence is no longer distant on the mountain of God but in the Tent of Meeting. What have you learnt about God today?
Text 11 Exodus 30-34
Exodus 30-34 http://biblehub.com/nlt/exodus/30.htm
What happens when Israel breaks the covenant? How can the relationship be restored?
Text 10 Exodus 21-29
Exodus 21-29 http://biblehub.com/nlt/exodus/21.htm
"The laws are patterned after ancient covenants known as "suzerainty treaties", where a conqueror made a treaty with the conquered in which he benefited them with his protection and care as long as they would abide by treaty stipulations. There are six parts to such covenants:
1. Preamble, which identifies the giver of the covenant ("the LORD your God," 20:2)
2. Prologue, which serves as a reminder of he relationship of the suzerain to the people ("who brought you out of Egypt", 20:2)
3. Stipulations, which are various laws/ obligations on the part of the people (20:3-23:19; 25:1-31:18)
4. Document clause, which provides for periodic readings and relearning of the covenant
5. Sanctions, which describes the blessings and curses as incentives for obedience
6. List of witnesses to the covenant."
(Taken from How to Read the Bible Book by Book by Gordon Fee)
Why does writing down of laws provide a sinking down of roots for a people travelling? What have you learnt about God?
1. Preamble, which identifies the giver of the covenant ("the LORD your God," 20:2)
2. Prologue, which serves as a reminder of he relationship of the suzerain to the people ("who brought you out of Egypt", 20:2)
3. Stipulations, which are various laws/ obligations on the part of the people (20:3-23:19; 25:1-31:18)
4. Document clause, which provides for periodic readings and relearning of the covenant
5. Sanctions, which describes the blessings and curses as incentives for obedience
6. List of witnesses to the covenant."
(Taken from How to Read the Bible Book by Book by Gordon Fee)
Why does writing down of laws provide a sinking down of roots for a people travelling? What have you learnt about God?
Text 9 Exodus 16- 20
Exodus 16-20 http://biblehub.com/nlt/exodus/16.htm
The Ten Commandments and other Laws are given to us to reveal what God is like and to protect us from one another while we are shaped into his likeness. What have you learnt about God from the chapters?
If you would like to watch the cartoon version The Prince of Egypt.
Text 8 Exodus 7-15
Exodus 7-15 http://biblehub.com/nlt/exodus/7.htm
The Passover and the parting of the Red Sea becomes a significant event in the life of the Jewish people. In what manner, does this defining moment shape the people's relationship to God? Moses and Miriam take time to thank God for their deliverance, sinking this event in their collective memory. What have you learnt from today's reading?
If you would like to watch the rather long 3hour Ben Kingsley version of Moses.
The Passover and the parting of the Red Sea becomes a significant event in the life of the Jewish people. In what manner, does this defining moment shape the people's relationship to God? Moses and Miriam take time to thank God for their deliverance, sinking this event in their collective memory. What have you learnt from today's reading?
If you would like to watch the rather long 3hour Ben Kingsley version of Moses.
Text 7 Exodus 1-6
Exodus 1-6 http://biblehub.com/nlt/exodus/1.htm
An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/exodus/
The young Moses tries to lead his people on the basis of his Jewish heritage but is rejected. From the Egyptian palace he could have used his influence to help his people but God had other plans. What did you learn from Moses relationship with God?
The young Moses tries to lead his people on the basis of his Jewish heritage but is rejected. From the Egyptian palace he could have used his influence to help his people but God had other plans. What did you learn from Moses relationship with God?
Text 6 Genesis 43-50
Genesis 43-50 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2043&version=NLV
Joseph saves his family from famine because he sees a bigger redemptive purpose in his life. Yet it is Judah, not Joseph, which is the line from which Jesus will come. What does Judah do in the story? What have you learnt about God ?
Text 5 Genesis 37- 42
Genesis 37-42 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2037&version=NLV
Often Joseph is seen as the hero, as in the cartoon Joseph the dreamer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28h0Rk5qreg or Joseph and the amazing technicolour dream coat.
Trace Jospeh's relationship with God, what do you learn?
Often Joseph is seen as the hero, as in the cartoon Joseph the dreamer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28h0Rk5qreg or Joseph and the amazing technicolour dream coat.
Trace Jospeh's relationship with God, what do you learn?
Text 4 Genesis 28-36
Genesis 28-36 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2028&version=NLV
What strikes you about Jacob's relationship with God? What role does forgiveness play in the reconciliation of the two brothers? What gives depth to our relationship with God and each other, allowing us to sink roots?
What strikes you about Jacob's relationship with God? What role does forgiveness play in the reconciliation of the two brothers? What gives depth to our relationship with God and each other, allowing us to sink roots?
Text 3 Genesis 20-27
Genesis 20-27 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2020&version=NLV
Have you noticed a recurring sub plot in the story of God choosing the younger, weaker and more unlikely over the stronger and culturally sanctioned older child. God chooses Abel (not Cain), Isaac (not Ishmael), Jacob (not Esau) and Judah (not Reuben). Violence and rivalry often occurs amongst siblings who belong to the same family. Likewise amongst the women, the wives who are loved are barren for a long while before they received their promised child. (Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel) What do these chapters tell you about God?
Text 2 Genesis 10-19
Genesis 10-19 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2010&version=NLV
One way to sink your roots into a relationship is to make a promise to someone. God calls and promises Abraham a blessing. One way to describe a love relationship based on binding promises has been to call it a covenant. What do the chapters show about God?
To watch a clip about Abraham http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgSZbIC40DA
* The idea of biblical covenants can be complex. If you are interested here are a few views (not exhaustive) as you read the 1st five decide for yourself : http://carm.org/christianity/christian-doctrine/covenant , http://www.reformationtheology.com/2006/12/what_is_covenant_theology.php,
and https://bible.org/question/how-many-types-covenants-are-recorded-bible
To watch a clip about Abraham http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgSZbIC40DA
* The idea of biblical covenants can be complex. If you are interested here are a few views (not exhaustive) as you read the 1st five decide for yourself : http://carm.org/christianity/christian-doctrine/covenant , http://www.reformationtheology.com/2006/12/what_is_covenant_theology.php,
and https://bible.org/question/how-many-types-covenants-are-recorded-bible
Text 1 Genesis 1-9
Genesis 1-9 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1&version=NLV
An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/genesis/
What do the verses tell you about God?
Sinking into the 1st five
The first five books of the bible are interesting because these books are shared by the Jewish faith in the Torah , the Muslims in the Tawrat and the Christians in the Pentateuch. Yet, unlike the history books, these are not always plot-driven, easy books to read books. Many who begin reading the bible from Genesis, start sinking around the end of Exodus. So the challenge of the 1st five books is to press on, perhaps skip the list of names or measurements if necessary but keep going. We hope to complete one book every six days and really get a sense of why these books were so important to Christians and others. So for half an hour each day, let's sink our teeth into the first five books of the Old Testament.
The five books of the Torah are known in Judaism by their incipits, the initial words of the first verse of each book. For example, the Hebrew name of the first book, Bereshit, is the first word of Genesis 1:1:
- Bereshit (בְּרֵאשִׁית, literally "In the beginning")
- Shemot (שִׁמוֹת, literally "Names")
- Vayikra (ויקרא, literally "And He called")
- Bəmidbar (במדבר, literally "In the desert [of]")
- Devarim (דברים, literally "Things" or "Words")
- Genesis: "origin"
- Exodus: Exodos, "going out"
- Leviticus: Leuitikos, "relating to the Levites"
- Numbers: Arithmoi, contains a record of the numbering of the Israelites in the wilderness of Sinai and later on the plain of Moab.
- Deuteronomy: Deuteronomion, "second law", refers to the fifth book's recapitulation of the commandments reviewed by Moses before his death.
Adventure 30 Esther
Challenged to read Esther http://www.biblestudytools.com/parallel-bible/passage.aspx?q=esther&t=nrs&t2=bbe
An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/esther/
Esther is female, an orphan, powerless and foreign. God uses her to save the Jewish nation. It is an adventure of great service and influence. What have you learnt about going on such an adventure?
Esther is female, an orphan, powerless and foreign. God uses her to save the Jewish nation. It is an adventure of great service and influence. What have you learnt about going on such an adventure?
Adventure 29 Nehemiah 7-13
Challenged to read Nehemiah 7-13 http://www.biblestudytools.com/parallel-bible/passage.aspx?q=nehemiah+7&t=nas&t2=esv
Nehemiah has been used as a text to teach principles of leadership. Principles like
cooperation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Qtzu83nMk and others http://www.slideshare.net/elizach/nehemiah-leadership-principles-presentation
In these verses, Nehemiah leads his people to organised Thanksgiving and rest in God after the work is done. The adventure of thanking, resting and enjoying God is important too. What have you learnt today?
Nehemiah has been used as a text to teach principles of leadership. Principles like
cooperation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Qtzu83nMk and others http://www.slideshare.net/elizach/nehemiah-leadership-principles-presentation
In these verses, Nehemiah leads his people to organised Thanksgiving and rest in God after the work is done. The adventure of thanking, resting and enjoying God is important too. What have you learnt today?
Adventure 28 Nehemiah 1-6
Challenged to read Nehemiah 1-6 http://www.biblestudytools.com/parallel-bible/passage.aspx?q=nehemiah&t=nas&t2=esv
Nehemiah's adventure begins when he moves from being a servant of the King to be a leader who has to manage and defend a building site. How does Nehemiah cope with his adventure and what do you learn about God?
An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/neh/
Nehemiah (/ˌniːəˈmaɪə/ or /ˌniːhəˈmaɪə/; נְחֶמְיָה, "Comforted of/is the LORD (YHWH)", Standard Hebrew Nəḥemya, Tiberian Hebrew Nəḥemyāh). In the 20th year of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, (445/444 BC), Nehemiah was cup-bearer to the king. Learning that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down he asked the king for permission to return and rebuild them, and Artaxerxes sent him to Judah as governor of the province with a mission to rebuild the walls. Once there he defied the opposition of Judah's enemies on all sides—Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabs and Philistines—and rebuilt the walls within 52 days, from the Sheep Gate in the North, the Hananel Tower at the North West corner, the Fish Gate in the West, the Furnaces Tower at the Temple Mount's South West corner, the Dung Gate in the South, the East Gate and the gate beneath the Golden Gate in the East.
Adventure 27 Ezra
Challenged to read Ezra http://www.biblestudytools.com/interlinear-bible/passage.aspx?q=Ezra+1&t=nas
An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/ezra/
Ezra (/ˈɛzrə/; Hebrew: עזרא, Ezra;[1] fl. 480–440 BC), also called Ezra the Scribe (Hebrew: עזרא הסופר, Ezra ha-Sofer) and Ezra the Priest in the Book of Ezra.The Book of Ezra describes how he led a group of Judean exiles living in Babylon to their home city of Jerusalem (Ezra 8.2-14) where he enforced observance of the Torah and cleansed the community of mixed marriages. Ezra's adventures involved the challenging and growing of a new community to live in accordance with God's word; in an academic and theological sense. What have you learnt about God?
Ezra (/ˈɛzrə/; Hebrew: עזרא, Ezra;[1] fl. 480–440 BC), also called Ezra the Scribe (Hebrew: עזרא הסופר, Ezra ha-Sofer) and Ezra the Priest in the Book of Ezra.The Book of Ezra describes how he led a group of Judean exiles living in Babylon to their home city of Jerusalem (Ezra 8.2-14) where he enforced observance of the Torah and cleansed the community of mixed marriages. Ezra's adventures involved the challenging and growing of a new community to live in accordance with God's word; in an academic and theological sense. What have you learnt about God?
Adventure 26 2 Chronicles 29-36
Challenged to read 2 Chronicles 29-36 http://www.bartleby.com/108/14/29.html
Re-discovering the relevance of God's word for each generation is an exciting adventure. This video is an attempt to link the text with American culture http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZmdwls8g4E
This video is trying to teach American kid's the story of King Hezekiah http://vimeo.com/23161959
How can you take part in this adventure of discovering the relevance of God's word for your generation and within your culture? What have you learnt about God?
This video is trying to teach American kid's the story of King Hezekiah http://vimeo.com/23161959
How can you take part in this adventure of discovering the relevance of God's word for your generation and within your culture? What have you learnt about God?
Adventure 25 2 Chronicles 21-28
Challenge to read 2 Chronicles 21-28 http://www.bartleby.com/108/14/21.html
Yup, the video is pitched at an 8-year-old American boy, so it is not particularly nuanced. The text is definitely better. In your mind, at what age do most people embark on adventures? What did you learn today?
Adventure 24 2 Chronicles 11-20
Challenged to read 2 Chronicles 11-20 http://www.bartleby.com/108/14/11.html
The tone and style of Chronicles seems well suited to the audience of returned exiles living in the time of Nehemiah and Ezra and also to those still exiled in Babylon. They deal with many tough issues and are probably having an adventure they would rather not have. On one hand, they face enemies who seemed more powerful, on the other hand they are trying to return and re-establish their home in Canaan.The book of Chronicles contains all the elements/doctrines that are contained in Kings concerning both the legal and Levitical codes, but it also stresses the elements of faith, humility, and hope. Do you see these elements in the chapters you read today?
The tone and style of Chronicles seems well suited to the audience of returned exiles living in the time of Nehemiah and Ezra and also to those still exiled in Babylon. They deal with many tough issues and are probably having an adventure they would rather not have. On one hand, they face enemies who seemed more powerful, on the other hand they are trying to return and re-establish their home in Canaan.The book of Chronicles contains all the elements/doctrines that are contained in Kings concerning both the legal and Levitical codes, but it also stresses the elements of faith, humility, and hope. Do you see these elements in the chapters you read today?
Adventure 23 2 Chronicles 1-10
Challenged to read 2 Chronicles 1-10 http://www.bartleby.com/108/14/1.html
An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/2chron/
What are the adventures involved in a building project? How does Solomon organise national worship of God? What does it show you about God?
Adventure 22 1 Chronicles 21-29
Challenged to read 1 Chronicles 21-29 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%2021&version=WEB
David purchased a threshing-floor for the site of the Temple (1 Chronicles 21–22), but then Yahweh told him that he would not be permitted to build a temple. The task of building therefore passed to David's son and successor Solomon. 1 Kings 6:1–38, 1 Kings Chapter 7, and Chapter 8 describe the construction and dedication of the Temple under Solomon. If you are interested in music of that time read http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/jamieson-fausset-brown/1-chronicles/1-chronicles-25.html
How can building a Grand Design be an adventure? What does the detailed preparation tell you about David and God?
David purchased a threshing-floor for the site of the Temple (1 Chronicles 21–22), but then Yahweh told him that he would not be permitted to build a temple. The task of building therefore passed to David's son and successor Solomon. 1 Kings 6:1–38, 1 Kings Chapter 7, and Chapter 8 describe the construction and dedication of the Temple under Solomon. If you are interested in music of that time read http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/jamieson-fausset-brown/1-chronicles/1-chronicles-25.html
How can building a Grand Design be an adventure? What does the detailed preparation tell you about David and God?
Adventure 21 1 Chronicles 11-20
Challenged to read 1 Chronicles 11-20 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%2011&version=WEB
How do adventures and adventurers get idealised in our memories? How could draw us closer to God?
Adventure 20 1 Chronicles 1-10
Challenged to read 1 Chronicles 1-10 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Chronicles%201&version=WEB
An overview http://www.ivpress.com/bible/1chron/
There is lots of genealogies in the first nine chapter that have 3 functions: the familial or domestic, the legal-political, and the religious.
In the domestic area an individual’s social status, privileges and obligations may be reflected in his placement in the lineage (see 7:14–19); the rights of the firstborn son and the secondary status of the children of concubines are examples from the Bible.
In the political sphere genealogies substantiate claims to hereditary office or settle competing claims when the office is contested. Land organization and territorial groupings of social units may also be determined by genealogical reckoning—e.g., the division of the land among the 12 tribes. In Israel military levies also proceeded along genealogical lines; several of the genealogies in Chronicles reflect military conscription (5:1–26; 7:1–12,30–40; 8:1–40).
Genealogies function in the religious sphere primarily by establishing membership among the priests and Levites (6:1–30; 9:10–34; Ne 7:61–65).
Taken from http://www.biblica.com/niv/study-bible/1-chronicles/
What do all the names tell you about God?
There is lots of genealogies in the first nine chapter that have 3 functions: the familial or domestic, the legal-political, and the religious.
In the domestic area an individual’s social status, privileges and obligations may be reflected in his placement in the lineage (see 7:14–19); the rights of the firstborn son and the secondary status of the children of concubines are examples from the Bible.
In the political sphere genealogies substantiate claims to hereditary office or settle competing claims when the office is contested. Land organization and territorial groupings of social units may also be determined by genealogical reckoning—e.g., the division of the land among the 12 tribes. In Israel military levies also proceeded along genealogical lines; several of the genealogies in Chronicles reflect military conscription (5:1–26; 7:1–12,30–40; 8:1–40).
Genealogies function in the religious sphere primarily by establishing membership among the priests and Levites (6:1–30; 9:10–34; Ne 7:61–65).
Taken from http://www.biblica.com/niv/study-bible/1-chronicles/
What do all the names tell you about God?
Adventure 19 2 Kings 19-25
Challenged to read 2 Kings 19-25 http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-kings/19.html
What did you learn from what happened to Judah?
What did you learn from what happened to Judah?
Adventure 18 2 Kings 9-18
Challenged to read 2 Kings 9-18 http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-kings/9.html
What happens to Israel after Elisha dies? What does it tell you about God?
How does this song compare to the account you have read about the fall of Israel?
Adventure 17 2 Kings 1-8
Challenged to read 2 Kings 1-8 http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-kings/1.html
An overview 2 Kings http://www.ivpress.com/bible/2kings/
During the time of Jehoram in Israel (2:1 to 8:15) who did Elisha meet? How did their lives change?
How is a changed life an adventure? What have you learnt?
During the time of Jehoram in Israel (2:1 to 8:15) who did Elisha meet? How did their lives change?
How is a changed life an adventure? What have you learnt?
Adventure 16 1 Kings 16-22
Challenged to read 1 Kings 16-22 http://www.esvbible.org/1+Kings+16/
The New Testament describes how both Jesus and John the Baptist are compared with Elijah and on some occasions thought by some to be manifestations of Elijah, and Elijah appears with Moses during the Transfiguration of Jesus. If you are interested in the New Testament references this article is interesting http://www.thywordistruth.com/Elijah/less11cn.pdf.
What have you learnt about God from today's verses?
Adventure 15 1 King 8-15
Challenged to read 1 Kings 8-15 http://www.esvbible.org/1+Kings+8/
How does the heightened emotion of conflict bring a sense of danger and excitement? 1 Kings appears to follow a common regal formula.
1. when a king came to reign (in Israel or Judah) in relation to another king
2. how long he reigned and in what capital
3. (for Judean kings) the name of his mother.
4. his religious policy: for the northern kings this consistently takes the form of following in "the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat."; for Judah the issue was whether the king followed Yahweh and whether or not he removed "the high places."
5. often the source for further information about the king
6. at the end, information about his death/burial and who succeeded him
(taken from How to Read the Bible Book by Book by Gordon Fee)
What do you learn about God in times of conflict?
1. when a king came to reign (in Israel or Judah) in relation to another king
2. how long he reigned and in what capital
3. (for Judean kings) the name of his mother.
4. his religious policy: for the northern kings this consistently takes the form of following in "the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat."; for Judah the issue was whether the king followed Yahweh and whether or not he removed "the high places."
5. often the source for further information about the king
6. at the end, information about his death/burial and who succeeded him
(taken from How to Read the Bible Book by Book by Gordon Fee)
What do you learn about God in times of conflict?
Adventure 14 1 Kings 1-7
Challenged to read 1 Kings 1-7 http://www.esvbible.org/1+Kings+1/
An overview of 1 Kings http://www.ivpress.com/bible/1kings/
The story starts an adventure with God granting Solomon a wish. He chooses wisely, unfortunately a wish fulfilled doesn't guarantee right living. How does this story affect our view of wishes? What does it tell you about God?
The story starts an adventure with God granting Solomon a wish. He chooses wisely, unfortunately a wish fulfilled doesn't guarantee right living. How does this story affect our view of wishes? What does it tell you about God?
Adventure 13 2 Samuel 18-24
Challenged to read 2 Samuel 18-24 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%2018&version=NLV
What is the difference between the biblical text and the Youtube clip? What does this story show you about taking advice and the cost involved?
Adventure 12 2 Samuel 9-17
Challenged to read 2 Samuel 9-17 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%209&version=NLV
King David appears bored and irresponsible. He embarks on an adventure that leads to serious consequences. What kind of adventures seem alluring but dangerous? What do these verses tell us about God?
Monday 21 October 2013
Adventure 11 2 Samuel 1-8
Challenged to read 2 Samuel 1-8 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Samuel%201&version=NLV
An overview of 2 Samuel http://www.ivpress.com/bible/2samuel/
One of the concerns of Deuteronomic history, is the true worship of God at the place of his dwelling. The capture of the ark of the covenant means that the glory has departed from Israel and bringing it back is a central feature in King David's reign. How is worshipping God and being aware of his presence an adventure?
An overview of 2 Samuel http://www.ivpress.com/bible/2samuel/
One of the concerns of Deuteronomic history, is the true worship of God at the place of his dwelling. The capture of the ark of the covenant means that the glory has departed from Israel and bringing it back is a central feature in King David's reign. How is worshipping God and being aware of his presence an adventure?
Sunday 20 October 2013
Adventure 10 1 Samuel 23-31
Challenged to read 1 Samuel 23-31 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2023&version=TLB
What kind of king did God want? Why do you think this transition period between one king to another is given so much space in the bible? How can transition periods be seen as adventures? What have you learnt about God?
Adventure 9 1 Samuel 17-22
Challenged to read 1 Samuel 17-22 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2017&version=TLB
Why is this contest between David and Goliath a great adventure? What happens after this contest? Why is an adventure with God often unexpected? What have you learnt about God?
Adventure 8 1 Samuel 8-16
Challenged to read 1 Samuel 8-16 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%208&version=TLB
How is this account of King Saul different from normal history books? The tension in the story lies between monarchy and covenant loyalty. If Saul were an ancient king would he be considered a successful king? What is Saul's relationship with God like?
How is this account of King Saul different from normal history books? The tension in the story lies between monarchy and covenant loyalty. If Saul were an ancient king would he be considered a successful king? What is Saul's relationship with God like?
Adventure 7 1 Samuel 1-7
Challenged to read 1 Samuel 1-7 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%201&version=TLB
What do you learn about God from today's reading?
Quiet time material on 1Samuel http://www.ivpress.com/bible/1samuel/
For a quick overview of 1 Samuel
What do you learn about God from today's reading?
Quiet time material on 1Samuel http://www.ivpress.com/bible/1samuel/
For a quick overview of 1 Samuel
Adventure 6 Judges 16-21 and Ruth
Challenged to read Judges 16-21 and Ruth http://biblehub.com/niv/judges/16.htm
The tribe of Benjamin, was where deliverer Ehud came from (3:15). The tribe of Dan, was where deliverer Samson came from (13:2,5). In the light of today's reading, what does it tell you about the people from the tribe?
For more material on Ruth http://www.ivpress.com/bible/ruth/
What adventure does Ruth have?
The tribe of Benjamin, was where deliverer Ehud came from (3:15). The tribe of Dan, was where deliverer Samson came from (13:2,5). In the light of today's reading, what does it tell you about the people from the tribe?
What adventure does Ruth have?
Adventure 5 Judges 8-15
Challenged to read Judges 8-15 http://biblehub.com/niv/judges/8.htm
Do you find this cartoon convincing? What adventure did Jephthah have?
What adventure did Samson have?
What do the passages tell you about God?
Adventure 4 Judges 1-7
Challenged to read Judges 1-7 http://biblehub.com/judges/1-7.htm
Here is an outline of the Book of Judges http://www.biblica.com/niv/study-bible/judges/
What adventures do the Judges have?
Adventure 3 Joshua 17-24
Challenged to read Joshua 17-24 http://biblia.com/books/esv/Jos17
The Israelites had been slaves, then had been wandering round the desert, this is the first time they owned land in a region promised to them by God. How do you the people felt being part of this pioneering adventure?
Adventure 2 Joshua 9-16
Challenged to read Joshua 9-16 http://biblia.com/books/esv/Jos9
More on the brick testament http://www.thebricktestament.com/joshua/index.html#executed_kings_hung_on_display
The people of Israel are on an adventure, what do they learn?
If you have time, you might like to watch this documentary on Joshua. How does it square with the bible?
More on the brick testament http://www.thebricktestament.com/joshua/index.html#executed_kings_hung_on_display
The people of Israel are on an adventure, what do they learn?
If you have time, you might like to watch this documentary on Joshua. How does it square with the bible?
Adventure 1 Joshua 1-8
Challenged to read Joshua 1-8 http://biblia.com/books/esv/Jos1
What adventure did God send Joshua on?
What was Rahab's adventure like?
What do these stories tell you about God?
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