The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: History

  • Lesson 1: Power to be Witnesses: Acts 1-2

    Key Verse

    But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

    —Acts 1:8

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Use the following definitions to help you better understand this verse:

    • power means “the great power of God, meaning His almighty energy; of prophets and apostles as empowered by the Holy Spirit.”
    • witnesses means “one who has information or knowledge of something, and can give information, bring to light, or confirm something.”

    Recognize that the words in this verse are words that were spoken by Jesus. Jesus planned to give his followers “power” to be the witnesses the world needed – so that the world could know Jesus.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that each person who has Jesus in their heart has God’s Spirit who will enable them to be witnesses for Jesus. Just as the disciples started in Jerusalem (for that is where they were), we are to tell people in our hometown – beginning in our neighborhoods. We are to learn about Jesus and have Christian friends that can encourage us.

    Lesson Summary: We ended our study of Jesus’ life with His final words to His eleven disciples in Matthew 28:19-20. We also took a glimpse of Jesus’ plan for the furtherance of the Gospel message that is recorded in Acts 1:6-8 before He ascended into heaven. In this lesson, we will learn more about these verses as we begin our study of the book of Acts.

    Acts is the only book of History in the New Testament, and Luke, the physician who also wrote the Gospel of Luke, recorded it. In this lesson, we will learn that Jesus kept His promise of sending the Holy Spirit, which gave His followers power to be witnesses – beginning in Jerusalem. With that power, the people in Jerusalem were able to hear the gospel shared by Jesus’ followers in their own language – for there were people from many nations in Jerusalem.

    Peter preached Jesus to the Jews in Jerusalem – many of which had witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus. He declared that Jesus had died, was buried, and raised again – conquering death once and for all. After hearing this, the people were brought to a time of decision. Those people were given the choice to believe or reject, and three thousand of them believed. One of the most important things these new Believers did was that “they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 1 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 1 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children, here is an idea for a children’s craft to reinforce this lesson:

    We made a Bible marker with stickers and the verse Acts 2:42.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is available through Amazon.

  • The Biblical Path of Life

    Year Three, Quarter Two

    Now available on Amazon.

    The Biblical Path of Life is a clear and concise study that simplifies the understanding of how the Bible fits together as a whole. The lessons are organized into a few main points, with key verses explained helping one comprehend it better. It compares Scripture to Scripture, revealing that the entire Bible is to introduce one to Jesus and make known the need of Him in one’s life.

    In this third year of this three-year study through the Scriptures, we continue our study of the New Testament (having completed the Old Testament in Year Two). After looking at the life of Jesus as recorded in the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we reach the book of Acts. It is the only book in the New Testament division of History. As we learn about the early days of the church, the spread of the Gospel message is better understood. In those beginnings, thousands were saved at one time becoming disciples of Jesus. Once persecution began and people were killed for their faith, the Gospel message was spread into the known world, and the disciples of Jesus were called Christians. We will witness the great transformation of one of those persecutors as he, himself, became not only a Christian, but in our future studies we will learn that God used him, Paul, to write most of the books in the New Testament.

    This study is for:

    • An individual,
    • A family,
    • A small-group Bible study, or
    • A Sunday School program for all ages.

    The Bible is the most important thing we can to know, for it reveals what God expects from His people. In order to know how to live a Christian life that is pleasing to God, we must first understand what His Word says.

    A Review for The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two


    “The Biblical Path of Life” brings the Bible to life as you learn how wonderfully everything fits together and how it reveals God’s plan through the ages for man’s redemption.
    Even though I have taught and/or been a student of this study for many years I am constantly learning new things each time I go through the study. “The Biblical Path of Life” has truly grown my faith and matured my walk with the Lord over the years. The Lord is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him!

    ~Donna from Oklahoma

    Click here to learn how to be saved.

  • Know the Way and Live in It

    “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish”

    Psalm 1:6

    As you read through Israel’s history during the divided kingdom, one cannot help but notice how important it is to God that He be kept first in one’s life and even in the nation. At any point in Israel’s history, the kings could have sought God (remember the prophets constantly preached for the people to seek God!). The kings of Israel could have remembered God’s laws and commandments — and kept them. Instead, we read that they continued in the sin of Jeroboam I, who made Israel to sin. When the kings led the people to sin against God, He sent prophets to cry out to seek God; to return to Him. However, because they did not, the nation was not in favor with God. Read the following verses to remember this: “1. My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 3. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:1, 3–4).

    As you continue reading through the history of Israel, keep in mind that none of the kings of Israel were considered good because they led Israel to sin against God. Read what is recorded in Proverbs that they should have known: “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him” (Proverbs 11:27). Because they sought mischief, they got it. Mischief means: “bad; wicked; evil; of inferior quality.”

    Since we are to learn from history, we must notice the progression of sin in the nation Israel. One of the best examples of this progression is in Psalm 1. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm 1:1). Recognize what we are NOT to do: First, walk with sinners, then stop and talk with them, and finally to sit with them. Understand that desiring sin and walking with sinners begins with lust. Lust means “a strong desire; a longing; to satisfy carnal appetites.” Read what James 1:14–15 says, “14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

    Instead, read on in Psalm 1 to learn what one should do. “2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:2-3). Understand what happens when one does not do as one should. “4. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psalm 1:4-6).

    Remember the turning point in the nation Israel, the point from which they did not return: when they refused to hear the Word of the Lord from the prophets of God. Even with all of the warnings, we found they did not return to God, but “… walked in the statutes of the heathen …” (2 Kings 17:8). God had no choice but to fulfill His promise of discipline and judgment upon His people.

    As we have learned, the Israelites sinned against God when they forsook Him and worshiped creatures (golden calves, Baal, etc.). They also walked in the ways of the heathen (the wicked and idolatrous nations around) instead of walking in God’s Laws and statutes they had been taught. Notice that in the New Testament, Paul preached to people in the same condition. He warned that the wrath of God would fall upon those who knew the truth, but did not live it out in their lives: “18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools … 24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts … 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:18–19, 21-22, 24–25).

    What should we learn from Israel’s obstinacy? When we know the truth and what is right, we should do it. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Seek God if one is not sure — remember Amos’ plea, “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …” (Amos 5:6). We should never sin away our lives — as Israel did. For, “… There is a sin unto death …” (1 John 5:16).

    The following is an important question for each Christian to consider:

    Have you searched your heart to see if you are guilty of knowing the way of righteousness, yet not living in the truth of it?

  • How Can One Love Jesus?

    “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
    John 14:15

    Why is it so important to study the books of History and the Prophets in the Old Testament, along with the New Testament? “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). As we remember the history of Israel and Judah, we are to remember that God always dealt with his people. He warned of discipline for disobedience and promised restoration of His people when they repented. God is the same today. God disciplines Christians to bring them back to Him when they are not living according to the Bible’s teachings. “5. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:5-6). Remember, God loved us so much, He sent His only begotten Son to die upon the cross to pay for our sins. We are to show our love to Him by obeying His commands – remember Jesus’ words. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

    Recognize some things we just cannot help but notice. God has always warned His people to avoid sin and people who sin. “14. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:14-19). 

    God has always called people to turn from their sin toward Him. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). These were encouraging words for the Israelites in King Solomon’s day.

    God wants people to live a just life, not a wicked life. God also warned us in the following verses.  “23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life … 27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:23, 27). It is important to protect each heart – for what is placed in each individual’s heart will come out. Avoid wickedness and evil.

    Christians today are to recognize the destruction sin can do to a life. Remember what James teaches. “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15). Lust means “to satisfy the carnal appetites.” Christians are to choose to do what is right (what pleases God) over what we want to do. When we choose our own pleasures over God’s plan, it is sin and it brings death. Also, see the following verse. “As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death” (Proverbs 11:19). 

    Christians must also be careful that something that has the appearance of good is not just a form of godliness, denying the power of Jesus (never having known Jesus themselves). “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). We are to be cautious and make sure that what seems good is something that is truly from God.

    There is something else important to recognize. Once one becomes a Christian and begins to follow the Lord, that person must forsake all of the things of their past life. When Jesus called his disciples, they forsook all to follow Him. “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke 5:11). When the people in Ephesus believed in Jesus and confessed Him as their Lord. “And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds” (Acts 19:18). Deeds means “an act, practice; works; meaning conduct.” They had to remove their “deeds” from their sinful past. “Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver” (Acts 19:19). Curious arts means “a standard term for magic or black arts; pointing to the lengthy and various rituals involved in incantation ceremonies and the precision with which they were performed.” The people understood that they must eliminate theses wicked things from their lives. It did not matter to them the monetary cost.  They wanted to live a new life pleasing God. Once they did this, read what followed. “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed” (Acts 19:20). Many people were saved, and God’s Word was spread.

    Are you avoiding evil and eliminating wicked things from your life, choosing to obey Jesus’ commands?

  • Stephen

    “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.”
    Acts 6:8

    In the early church, the new Believers were encouraged to continue, “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). However, soon there were thousands of new Believers, and they chose men to help in the ministry of the church. Once they chose these men to be ministers, see what we read. “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). God blessed, and more people were saved. 

    Stephen was one of the seven men chosen who stood out in his service to God. “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). Recognize that when God begins to work, Satan likes to stir trouble. “Then there arose certain of the synagogue … disputing with Stephen” (Acts 6:9). The religious leaders began to argue with Stephen. Understand something important. “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:10). Consider what Jesus had taught his followers. “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist” (Luke 21:15). Gainsay means “contradict.”  They may not have received the truths that Stephen taught about faith in Jesus, but they could not refute those truths either.

    Because the religious leaders did not like what Stephen was doing, or what he was saying, read the following to understand what they did next. “Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God” (Acts 6:11). Suborned means “to introduce underhandedly; to make a secret agreement; to suborn in the legal sense means to induce a person to make a false oath; to commit perjury.” They not only stirred up all of the people, but they set up false witnesses, erroneously accusing Stephen. These men brought Stephen before the council and accused him of speaking against the Temple and the Law of Moses (see Acts 6:12-13).

    When that happened, Stephen preached the Gospel message to them, which in essence, was a fulfillment, or completion, of the Law of Moses. He explained to them from the Old Testament Scriptures, in a review of their history, a bold defense of the Christian faith. He offered to the religious leaders a Biblical theology in his examination of the Old Testament in light of Jesus’ coming. In his remembrance, he made it a point to remind them that throughout their history, there was never a time that the entire nation worshiped God – but there was always a remnant of true Believers.

    Stephen began with Abraham, a true man of faith! For when God told him to leave his family and walk with God, Abraham followed God’s Word. When God told Abraham He would bring forth a great nation from him (even though he was old and childless), Abraham believed God. God proceeded to give Abraham a son, Isaac, who fathered the sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel.

    Stephen reminded them of Joseph (who was initially rejected by his brothers), and Moses (who was initially rejected by his people). Even though both of these men were rejected at first, they were received as leaders the second time. It was then that they were able to save God’s people in that time in history.

    Yet as Stephen reminded the religious leaders of these great men of their history, these religious leaders (who knew the history in the Old Testament) had rejected the greatest deliverer presented to them – Jesus. For Jesus had come to, “… save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Stephen rebuked these religious leaders for their unbelief. Remember, it was some of these same religious leaders who had not only rejected Jesus, but had demanded His death.

    What was their response to Stephen’s presentation of Jesus? “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” (Acts 7:54). These religious leaders were “cut to the heart,” but instead of repenting and turning to Jesus (as we saw many people had done), they ran upon Stephen and bit him with their teeth. Notice that Stephen did not fight back, but looked up and saw into heaven. When Stephen declared that he saw Jesus, “Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord” (Acts 7:57). They put their hands over their ears and ran upon him, hostilely. They proceeded to stone Stephen. Yet Stephen had forgiven his enemies, and Jesus received him into heaven.

    These religious leaders, who had studied the Old Testament Scriptures, yet they had not kept the words recorded therein – for they rejected Jesus, the One of whom it was all written. Remember what Jesus replied to the High Priest before His death. “… Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Matthew 26:64). Then, they will believe in Jesus.

    Have you believed upon Jesus whom the Old Testament history presents as our Saviour?

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 5: 2 Chronicles 1-9 Solomon and the Temple

    Key Verse

    Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

    —Psalm 33:12

    Key Verse Thought: After reading the key verse, understand that God has promised to bless the nation who acknowledges God as supreme, and where the people establish a relationship with Him. How can one have a relationship with God? (i.e.:  first, ask Jesus in one’s heart; spend time with Him; pray; read the Bible; obey God’s commands and encourage others to obey Him as well; etc.)  In this lesson, we will see how God blessed the nation, Israel, who made God the Lord of their nation – and obeyed Him! 

    Emphasis: Christians are to choose to obey God, doing what He wants over what self wants, understanding that God will bless those who put God first.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that David prepared greatly for the building of the Temple. He declared that his son, Solomon, would succeed him as king, and Solomon would build the house of the Lord. In this lesson, we will learn about Solomon as he becomes king of Israel.

    Solomon returned to the tabernacle Moses had built in the wilderness and offered great sacrifices to God. God came to Solomon that night, asking what he desired. Solomon took his father’s advice and asked for wisdom to rule God’s people. God not only promised him wisdom, but riches and fame as well. 

    Solomon immediately set about to build the Temple for God. Once it was completed (and the furnishings were made and placed inside), he had the Ark of the Covenant brought into the Temple, addressed the people, and prayed to God. When Solomon finished praying, God answered his prayer by sending fire from heaven that consumed Solomon’s sacrifice. The glory of the Lord so filled the Temple that no one could enter. God then gave many promises, and warnings, to Solomon.

    Solomon’s kingdom increased, and his fame extended. The Queen of Sheba heard of King Solomon and came to meet him herself. She recognized that God had given him this great wisdom.  Solomon’s fame continued to spread, and many kings gave him great gifts – increasing his wealth.

    Remember: The books of the Chronicles do not dwell upon the wrongdoings of the kings, but what good they accomplished for Judah.

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 5 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are doing this with younger children, the following area craft ideas to go with this lesson:

    We decorated a frame with the verse 2 Chronicles 7:14 in it to remind them of King Solomon’s prayer.
    This is another idea of a decorated frame with 2 Chronicles 7:14 in it to remind them of King Solomon’s prayer.

  • Be Not Deceived

    “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
    Galatians 6:7

    If you read the history of Israel (the Northern Kingdom) in the Old Testament, keep in mind that none of the kings of Israel was considered good because they led Israel to sin against God. They had established a religion worshiping golden calves in Dan and Bethel, not the one true God. The Israelites sinned against God when they forsook Him and worshiped creatures (golden calves, Baal, etc.) like the nations around them. They also walked in the ways of the heathen (the wicked and idolatrous nations around) instead of walking in God’s Laws and statutes they had been taught. At any point in Israel’s history, the kings could have sought God (remember the prophets constantly preached for the people to seek God!). Instead, we read that they continued in the sin of Jeroboam I, who made Israel to sin. Read what is recorded in Proverbs that they should have known: “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him” (Proverbs 11:27). Because they sought mischief, they got it. (Mischief means: “bad; wicked; evil; of inferior quality.”) Remember the turning point in the nation Israel, the point from which they did not return: when they refused to hear the Word of the Lord from the prophets of God. At any point, the kings of Israel could have remembered God’s laws and commandments, kept them, and encouraged the people to keep them. They lived the way they wanted instead of the way God taught them. Because of this, they were conquered, losing their kingdom. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

    Since we are to learn from history, we must notice the progression of sin in the nation Israel. One of the best examples of this progression is in Psalm 1. First, one walks with sinners, then stops and talks with them, and finally sits with them. Desiring sin and walking with sinners begins with lust. Lust means “a strong desire; a longing; to satisfy carnal appetites.” Read what James 1:14–15 says, “14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” This is a great reminder to seek the things of God, not the things of this world. When we know what is right, we should do it. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). If one is not sure, seek God. Remember Amos’ plea, “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live …” (Amos 5:6). We should never sin away our lives — as Israel did. For, “… There is a sin unto death …” (1 John 5:16).

    Notice that in the New Testament, Paul preached to people in the same condition. He warned that the wrath of God would fall upon those who knew the truth, but did not live it out in their lives: “18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 21. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 1:18–19, 21–25). Search your heart to see if you are guilty of knowing the way of righteousness, yet not living in the truth of it. This is an important question for each Christian to consider!

    Do you live out the truth of God’s Word in your life?

  • Remembering the History

    “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent …”
    Revelation 3:3a

    Do you remember anything you have learned from the Bible? It is important to daily read God’s Word. If you do not read it, you will not remember it. Remember is the key word. If we do not remember and hold fast to what we learn from God’s Word, we will never grow in Christ. The more we learn about God’s Word, the more we will want to be like Him. By learning the history in the Bible, we will understand the significance of why things happened. God had a plan, which is hard to understand unless you learn the Old Testament history. While it was happening, men did not fully understand what that plan was, but through faith, they believed. The more we learn, the more pieces of the puzzle we can fit together. Each piece helps us become better students of God’s Word, which helps us become better Christians.

    For instance, remember the book of Judges. The dominant theme within the book is this: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Notice that it doesn’t say they did wrong, men thought what they were doing was right. But also notice this: “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves” (Judges 3:7). Although it didn’t appear wrong to them, it was wrong in God’s eyes. They did not obey the commands God had given them.

    There was a vicious cycle that occurred in Judges:

    • The people forsook God.
    • God allowed the enemy to oppress the people.
    • The people cried out to God.
    • God sent a deliverer (a judge) to end the oppression.

    In Judges, the people as a whole rejected God.

    But then we remember the book of Ruth. It is a breath of fresh air in a time of turmoil in the nation of Israel, for it is a picture of redemption. Ruth was a Gentile (a Moabitess) who lived in a pagan land. She did not know the true God. When an Israelite family moved to Moab because of a drought in Israel, Ruth married into this family and heard of God. When her husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law died, she returned with her mother-in-law to the land of Israel. Because she had recognized a light in her dark world, she wanted to follow that light. She had learned of God and did not want to lose that. Her view is clearly stated: “16. And 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: 17.  Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me” (Ruth 1:16-17). It was there after being redeemed by a kinsman, that she forever became a part of Jesus’ genealogy. She was the great-grandmother of King David.

    One important thing about studying the history in the Bible is to be aware of God’s plan for His people. As we consider what God’s Word says, we should understand how it fits together, much like pieces of a puzzle. As we try to keep in mind and hold fast to the things we learn from God’s Word, it will help us recognize God’s plan for our lives. We must remember what God’s Word says.

    Have you recognized God’s plan in your life?

    Also published at Lighthouse Gospel Beacon.

  • The Law

    “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
    Psalm 1:2

    We are taught that obeying laws is important and that there are penalties to be paid if we break them. Consider the importance of laws. We are to understand that God has laws. His laws are significant, and obedience is very important to God as we can see throughout His Word, and most notably in the Old Testament. Often we recognize God’s discipline on those who break His laws.

    The first five books in the Old Testament are referred to as “The Law.” Within these books we find the first 2,500 years of history recorded by Moses. The first book, Genesis, begins with the creation, records the ruin of man through sin, but it also reveals the sovereignty of God. The word sovereignty means “supreme in power; possessing supreme dominion; as a sovereign ruler of the universe.” We understand that God is the sovereign God of all who love and obey Him.

    One easy way to remember Genesis and the events within is to recognize:

    Four main events take place:

    • The Creation
    • The Fall
    • The Flood
    • The Tower of Babel  

    Genesis deals mainly with Four People:

    • Abraham
    • Isaac
    • Jacob
    • Joseph

    After about four hundred years, God’s people grew into a nation numbering around two to three million people in Egypt. This is where Exodus (which means “the way out” or “outgoing”) begins. At the culmination of the ten plagues, we see the mighty deliverance of God’s people from a land of bondage. Shortly after this they meet at the foot of Mount Sinai. It was at Mount Sinai that the Law was given (beginning with the Ten Commandments; Exodus 19-20). The Israelites were taught that obedience to God is necessary. They could not be a redeemed, set-apart people unless they obeyed God’s command.

    In Leviticus, God spoke to Moses from the tabernacle instead of Mount Sinai. The people needed to know how to live. God instituted the offerings, the priesthood, a clean lifestyle, and the different feasts. These things were teach the people how to live as a people wholly given to God in every aspect of their lives. Leviticus shows the ability to have fellowship with God when we come to Him as a sanctified people (because He is holy, and we are a sinful people). Leviticus ends with the blessings of obedience and the penalties for disobedience. Only about a month’s time passes during Leviticus.

    The name Numbers comes from a numbering of the people at the beginning of the book and then again at the end. There were two groups of people, an old generation and a new generation. When the twelve spies were sent into the land promised to Abraham, only Joshua and Caleb brought back report that God would allow them to conquer the land. When the Israelites disobeyed God’s command to cross over into the Promised Land, they were disciplined. The old generation would die and not enter because they refused to obey God. Only Joshua and Caleb escaped God’s discipline (wandering in the wilderness for forty years). Fewer than forty years elapse during Numbers where we see God guiding, providing, and protecting His people.

    Deuteronomy begins by looking back to what God had done for His people and then looking forward. The entire book shows the faithfulness of God revealing that God loves His people. Moses warned the people to not forget the words of God’s Law, revealing the blessings for following God’s Law and the curse of God if they failed to obey. Joshua is appointed the new leader of the new generation, and Moses dies.

    After remembering the books of “The Law,” see that they help us understand God and what He expects from His people. We also learn that it is quite impossible to obey every law that God has given us. In the New Testament we gain some insight as to why it is important to know “The Law” of the Old Testament. “24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:24-26).

    Have you understood “The Law” is a schoolmaster to show the need for Jesus?

    Originally posted at Lighthouse Gospel Beacon

  • Understanding the Old Testament

    “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein …”
    Joshua 1:8

    It is important to know that all of God’s Word is essential. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:15). Not only is it important to know what it says, but it is even more important to understand what it says.

    An easy way to begin understanding the Bible is to become familiar with it. The history in the Old Testament is very important to further one’s understanding of the Bible as a whole. In Joshua 1:8 we can read that not only is the book of the law to not depart out of one’s mouth, but it is important to meditate upon it day and night. Meditate means “to dwell on any thing in thought; to contemplate; to study; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind.” This is an important thing to understand as one learns to read the Bible. Reading the Bible involves much more than just reading a few verses or chapters and then continuing on with one’s day. Reading God’s Word involves meditating on it – to dwell on it in one’s thoughts, contemplating what it says. Although we can understand that this verse in Joshua is initially referring to the first five books in the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), the importance of knowing God’s Word does not end there. Remember that all of God’s Word is important!

    If one would just recognize that the Bible is very organized it would make it much easier to understand. For instance, the Old Testament has thirty-nine books easily broken into five groups. The first five books are called the “Law” where we can find the first 2,500 years of history and witness God actively involved in the lives of mankind. The second group consists of the next twelve books, often called “History”, where we pick up the history of the Israelites at the brink of the Promised Land, prepared to enter. The first nine books of History record the years in which the Jewish people occupy the land of Israel. This not only includes the times of the judges (when the people forgot God), the times of the kings (when the people rejected God as their king), but also the captivity of God’s people. The last three books of History reveal the remnant of Israelites that were allowed to return to the Promised Land, also known as Israel.

    There are five books in the middle that can be considered “Personal Books”, for they deal with individual’s experiences with God and are very personal. These books deal with individuals’ heart issues as they seek to know and better understand God. These are Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. The “Major Prophets” are the next five books, and the “Minor Prophets” are the final twelve books. Understanding the timeframe these Personal Books, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets take place are imperative in the understanding of the Old Testament as a whole.

    The New Testament is organized as well for the ease of understanding.

    Reading, learning, and understanding the Bible is the most important thing a Christian can do. Although many people are taught a lot of Bible “stories” as a child, understanding that these were real people and that God worked in these individuals’ lives will make these events invaluable! Remember some words with which Paul encouraged Timothy. “14. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

    Have you taken time to become familiar with God’s Word?

    Do you meditate (dwell on in thought, contemplate, and study) upon a portion of the Bible every day?

    Originally Posted at Lighthouse.pub: https://lighthouse.pub/blog/understanding-the-old-testament-/?src=n