Introduction to the Old Testament

Time Periods

In the Old Testament there are 4 major time periods. These 4 time periods span a time period of around 3600 years. 

1. Innocence
2. Conscience
3. The Patriarchs
4. Law and Prophets

1. The time of Innocence was the time that Adam and Eve lived in the garden of Eden. 

2. The time of the Conscience spans the time from the fall of man to Abraham.

3. The time of the Patriarchs goes from Abraham to Moses.

4. The time of the Law and Prophets goes from Moses to Abraham. 

Every event in the Old Testament can be placed into one of these 4 big time periods.  Knowing these time periods can help us to organize everything that we are learning into a logical order. 

Books of the Old Testament

There are 36 books in the Old Testament. They are organized into the books of the law, history, poetry, and prophecy. 

Inspired by God

• But understand this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of or comes from one’s own [personal or special] interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.  2 Peter 1:20-21 
• All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; II Timothy 3:16
• You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I am commanding you. Deuteronomy 4:2
• Every word of God is tested and refined [like silver]; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, Or He will reprove you, and you will be found a liar. Proverbs 30:6
• I testify and warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book [its predictions, consolations, and admonitions]: if anyone adds [anything] to them, God will add to him the plagues (afflictions, calamities) which are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from or distorts the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away [from that one] his share from the tree of life and from the holy city (new Jerusalem), which are written in this book. Revelation 22:19

All of God's word is from God Almighty. All of it is useful for us to learn. None of it should be altered, changed, or taken out of context. All of it should be studied as the true word of God. 

Home Bible Study

Proceed to In the Beginning

 

Solution for a World gone crazy

The world has gone crazy. I look around and don't understand all of what is going on anymore. Things that used to be more or less written in stone is being questioned and, in some cases, throw out like yesterday's garbage. 

This is sad on many levels. It shows just how many people are not rooted and grounded in the word of God. It shows that insanity that is taking place. It shows that we are closer to the return of Jesus than we were a few years ago. 

However, everything taken place is only a symptom of the real problem. The majority of the people stopped reading the Word of God. They started just relying what the preacher said on Sunday. Now instead of the people needing and getting meat they need milk again. The milk and the meat symbolize different levels of knowledge. Jesus said that "...Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4). In order to grow strong and be able to stand against the insanity that is taking hold on our world, we need to go back to the word of God. Sunday morning preaching is not going to cut it. Just as we have to eat every day, or we will grow week, we must read the word of God every day to be spiritually feed. 

According to Jesus "...there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." The very elect are the ones who are always reading and studying the word of God. They are the prayer warriors. They are the ones with a close relationship with Jesus. They are not the Sunday morning crowd that thinks that is all they need. The elect knows that they need Jesus every hour of everyday. 

Now think about what Jesus said. If there was not intervention (if it were possible) even the elect would be deceived. 

Now days there are some many false teachers and false prophets that it is hard to tell who to listen to. My advice is to stop listening to every one and start listening to God Almighty. His Word does not change. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  

Paul well wrote "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Timothy 4:3-4. That is exactly what is happening in our world. Preachers are catering to the itching ears and working overtime to preach what people want to hear instead of the truth. So, unless the word that you hear coming from you preacher lines up with the Word of God, search for a new gathering place on Sunday. For some that may mean going to a different church. For others it may be time to just gather with friends and family in your own house. Yes, we are not islands unto ourselves. However, when Jesus gave the great commission, he did not say go to every church and preach the word of God. Instead he said, "...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:18-20. 

Notice that he said go and teach all nations. Take a look around many churches. Unless it is a mega church, most are in need of people. Yes, we need to meet with other Christians for edification, but that meeting together can be done in many locations. 

At this time, many churches are failing to reach the lost, but worst yet, they are failing to reach the children who are sitting on the benches. They are failing to spiritually feed the people who are members of the church. They are failing to even help those who are struggling in their own church. This is unacceptable. Remember what Jesus told Peter. If you love me, feed my sheep.  

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.  John 21:15-17

What food was he suppose to feed God's sheep with? The obvious answer is the true Word of God. 

 The answer to this world is the spiritual food given to us from the creator of the world. 

Purim Cookies

Purim is almost here. Have you got your cookies ready? If not here is a good recipe.

Easy Hamantaschen

• Prep
  15 m
• Cook
  12 m
• Ready In
  27 m

Recipe By:Sharon

"A favorite treat for the Purim holiday! It has always worked better for me if I cover the dough and refrigerate overnight."

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

 

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup fruit preserves, any flavor

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until lightly and fluffy. Stir in the oil, vanilla and orange juice. Combine the flour and baking powder; stir into the batter to form a stiff dough. If dough is not stiff enough to roll out, stir in more flour. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or the rim or a drinking glass. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of preserves into the center of each one. Pinch the edges to form three corners.
3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2016 Allrecipes.com 
Printed From Allrecipes.com 3/23/2016

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Who is Raising the Children?

Times are changing so rapidly. It was not that long ago that people could safely sleep with the windows open. Now many people have bars on their windows for protection. At one time almost everyone knew his or her neighbors. Now it is as if most people have bars on their hearts too. I can’t help but wonder what has happened.

One thought as to what has happened is there has been a change in how children are brought up. In the past mothers raised their children. Now children are placed in daycare at very young ages often times as young as 6 weeks of age. I know that some women must work in order to put food on the table. However, it is possible that many women could stay home and do their God given job instead of neglecting their responsibility of training/ teaching their children. When a child is put into day care, no one ever really takes responsibility for teaching the child proper behavior or moral character. Yes, the child learns his or her ABC’s and other educational stuff, but there is no permanent role model. The mother may only see her child at night and on weekends. The day care has the child for about 50 hours every week. Then many times a babysitter is hired so that the mother may go out on the weekend. So, who is truly taking responsibility for raising the child? The child is watched but not taught or really seen about.

This may be why there has been an increase in crimes such as stealing, killing, and rape. No one is there to teach the children love or moral character. Therefore, we are no longer able to safely sleep with the windows open.

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Looking to the Trees

Trees are a marvel of nature. Some stand tall and large, while others are diminutive and short. No two trees are precisely the same; even two oaks will differ.

Similarly, people are unique. Even within the same family, two individuals may not share the same reactions or perspectives. Each person possesses distinct strengths and talents, and no single talent surpasses another. Just as no tree species is superior to another, some are simply more suitable for certain environments, while others are out of place. For instance, an oak tree is out of place on a sandy beach, whereas a palm tree thrives there. Both tree types are wonderful, each with their own advantages and limitations, akin to people.

The trees that endure the longest are those that flex and sway with the wind, knowing when to bend and when to stand firm. This principle applies to people as well. Those who are inflexible tend to suffer from stress-related ailments and may have shorter lifespans. In contrast, those who discern when to adapt and when to stand their ground often lead longer, more fulfilling lives.

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Missing Child?

It started out as a normal afternoon for Jennifer. As usual, she had walked over to a neighboring apartment to tutor a boy in reading. After the lesson was over, Gab had asked to play with her son Levi. Therefore, Gab, Alex, and Levi went outside to play. Gab and Alex’s grandfather sat outside to watch them because their mother was busy. Jennifer stood and watched all three boys, but mostly her son, Levi. Levi is big for his age; however, he is only 2 years old.

Jennifer saw a car pull into a parking place. She noticed that 2 or 3 children got out of the car. Then she went back to watching the three boys. After a few minutes, it was time for Jennifer to walk back and start cooking supper. Alex and Gab were sad. Alex started following Jennifer and Levi on his scooter. Another boy was outside riding his scooter also. Let’s call him Joe. Joe started trying to play with Alex. Alex’s brother followed after him. Their grandfather followed both of the boys.

Joe and Alex decided to race on their scooters. However, they went a different way back around the apartment building.  Because of this, Jennifer decided to let Levi ride his bike around the apartment building to make sure that Alex made it back home. Gab had already started walking back to his grandfather. Therefore, Jennifer yelled to him, Alex went the other way. Then she started after Alex. When Alex got to the corner, his mother was waiting on him.

As Jennifer and Levi were heading home, Joe started trying to play with Levi. Jennifer told him that Levi had to go inside because she needed to cook supper. When Jennifer got back to her apartment, she told Levi to say bye, bye to Joe. Joe then said, “I am going to go and get my bike.” Jennifer and Levi went inside.

A few minutes later Joe was back with his bike and knocking at the door. Jennifer went to the door to see who was there. As she tried to explain that Levi could not go outside and play, Joe came inside. He then started playing with the toys in the living room. Jennifer then started trying to explain to Joe that he could not just come inside and play. Joe is only about 6 years old. Jennifer asks Joe where his mother is. He simply ignores her.

Jennifer’s mother, Kay, lives with her. Therefore, Jennifer goes and gets her. Both Kay and Jennifer start trying to find out where Joe lives. They both ask him many questions including his name, where he lives, and where his mother lives. He does not answer. Jennifer gets Joe to go back outside. However, before she can get back inside, he goes back in.  Kay calls, Ms. Connie, the apartment manager. Ms. Connie asks Joe the same questions. Finally, he tells Ms. Connie his last name. Ms. Connie looks and discovers that only one apartment has that last name. She calls, but they are not missing a child. The child has now been inside Jennifer’s apartment for 30 minutes. Ms. Connie tells Kay to call 9-1-1.

Kay calls 9-1-1. She explains the situation. They inform her that there are no missing children in the area. Kay explains to them that the boy must be missing and either way someone needs to come and get his little boy. About 30 minutes later a police officer knock on the door. Jennifer goes outside and explains to him what has happened. He then comes inside and asks the boy, “Where are your parents?” The boy says, “Right here” while pointing to his pants. Jennifer tries not to laugh. The police officer then says, “Not your pants, your parents. Where are your mom and dad?” The boy says that he does not have a dad. Therefore, the police officer continues by asking, “Where is your mom?” The boy finally indicates that she is over in one of the other apartments. The police officer tells the boy, “Let’s take a walk and go see her.” The boy takes the police officer right to her. After taking the boy home, the police officer comes back to Jennifer’s apartment. He asks a couple of clarifying questions and leaves.

A few minutes later the boy and his mother come. The boy’s mother is angry because the police was called. She explains that the boy was not missing. The babysitter was sitting on the steps. Kay asks, “But where was your child?” This only makes the mother angrier. However, she leaves with the boy. About 15 minutes later the boy is back. This time he is standing at the corner of the building. He watches as Jennifer moves one of Levi’s toys inside.

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The Journey

When I was about 6 or 7 years old, I watched Rev. Charles Stanley on television. At that time, my family only had three channels. Many times, I would wake up on Sunday mornings and watch television while eating peanut butter sandwiches or peanut butter and crackers.  Two of the channels only had news on it. The other channel had preaching. Therefore, the preaching was more interesting to me. I have never liked watching news.

One memorable Sunday, I was sitting in the recliner eating peanut butter sandwiches while listening to Rev. Charles Stanley. He must have been preaching a sermon about repentance because I remember that he gave an analogy concerning heaven and hell. I do not remember it word for word, but the main idea has stuck with me. According to the analogy, people are on a journey. They can only go two directions. One direction is hell. The other direction is heaven. When you are born, you start out facing the direction of hell because of Adam’s sin. When you get older you can decide to continue towards hell or you can repent and ask Jesus into your heart. As soon as you repent and ask Jesus into your heart, you turn around and start going towards heaven.  After you turn towards heaven, you stop doing those things that Jesus does not like.

At that time, I “played” with the idea. I likened hell to the back of the armrest on the recliner and heaven was the front. The back of the armrest looked dark, and the front was light. I started walking my fingers in the middle. In my mind, everyone starts in the middle. At first, I started “walking” my fingers towards “hell”. Then I thought, “I want to go to heaven; therefore, I need to turn around.” So, I started “walking” my fingers towards heaven.

Thinking back on this, I believe this is called child-like faith. Now that I am an adult, I liken this journey to a number line. If you keep going towards one direction, you are heading towards negative infinity or “hell”. The other direction is positive infinity or “heaven”. Everyone will live forever. You will be in either negative infinity or positive infinity. The chose is yours. To continue this analogy, when you are born you are at zero. In mathematics zero is neutral. A baby does not yet have the knowledge to know right from wrong. Therefore, they are neutral.

As a baby grows up, either they learn about Jesus and heaven, or they learn evil. I watched preaching on television as a child. What are your children watching? Remember they learn what they see and hear. If they watch violent shows, they learn violence. If the watch good shows, they learn to be good. This also shows that children can understand the basic message of the gospel.

Thank you, Dr. Charles Stanley, for preaching the word of God so 

plainly that a child could understand.

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