PROPHETIC UTTERANCE AND THE BLACK CHURCH LESSON ONE

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "PROPHETIC UTTERANCE AND THE BLACK CHURCH LESSON ONE"

Transcription

1 PROPHETIC UTTERANCE AND THE BLACK CHURCH LESSON ONE Dr. Ricky A. Woods Senior Minister First Baptist Church-West Charlotte, NC

2 Course Subject: Prophetic Utterance and The Black Church Course aim: To provide an introduction to the theories and writers in the black church tradition who have linked the role of the Old Testament prophet of the Hebrew Bible with the vital role of a ministry of liberation proclaimed and practiced in the black church. Since the days of the institution of slavery, slave churches looked for expressions of faith not tied to bondage or domination. Students will discover why a different form of theology emerged in the black church that sought to critique the use of power and the ways that God dealt with the abuse of power by those in charge. What one will discover is that Pastor Jeremiah Wright s comments in his sermon God and Government were not far off the mark in terms of how Old Testament prophets address both the nation of Israel as well as Israel s leaders for abusing power. Course material: Students will need a good study Bible as well as a notebook to write their notes and formulate questions for discussion. It would be helpful for students to select one or two books from the bibliography to read during the course to help better familiarize themselves with terms and concepts. Expected outcome: At the conclusion of the course students will have a better grasp of liberation and black theology as well as how these are important forms for ministry and are consistent with the Biblical witness. Also, student should be challenged to rethink their theological position to test them in light of their new discoveries to see if any adjustment in thinking is required. Lastly, students will have a better understanding of the role of the prophets in Hebrew history and how that role often put the prophets at odds with the government. Students will be able to make the link to see how Jesus is more in line with the prophetic tradition than the priestly tradition. However, mainline churches in the west that are more Euro- American have sought to emphasis the priestly tradition of Jesus ministry at the expense of the prophetic ministry.

3 The firestorm over Dr. Wright s sermon God and Government has brought to light not a racial or patriotism problem as the media has portrayed it but a larger problem--the problem of theology. No one in the major media outlets but one to my knowledge has sought to address the theological issues as to whether or not the sermon was theologically sound and consistent with the biblical witness. We may not always like what the preacher has to say but for the faithful seeker of truth the first question is is it true? Is what is being said grounded in some truth that is apparent in the biblical story or the Christian tradition of the church? A question like this as it relates to Dr. Wright s sermon would lead us to an investigation of the Hebrew prophets. There were three primary offices in Israel responsible for leading God s people. The first office was the priest who was responsible for sacrifice and intercession. The priestly tradition goes back to Aaron, the brother of Moses. The second office is that of the king. The king had governmental responsibility for managing the community of God s people in a way that was in keeping with the covenant where justice, righteousness and peace were the three-fold means of ruling. The third office was that of the prophet. The prophet, unlike the priest or king, is not tied to a place such as an altar or a throne as the places of his authority. The prophet is given freedom to go where ever he is sent and freedom to say whatever he needs to say to whomever it needs to be said. The prophet s sole concern is always about the abuses of power by those who have been put in positions of power to serve God and the people. The prophets appear on the scene to speak, Thus said the Lord. Prophetic utterance was most often about some pending judgment that Yahweh would bring if there was no repentance and return to doing justly. The prophets then were most concerned with justice in the community. The peace of Shalom would never be possible as long as there were systems of oppression that kept people in bondage. Dr Wright s sermon challenged America in the way its domestic and foreign polices often lead to systems of oppression that keep people in bondage. Whether those policies are preemptive military strikes against sovereign nations or economic exploitation of workers at home. The point of the sermon was a call to return to justice to experience the peace of Shalom. If there is no justice there will be no peace. Dr Obey Hendricks helps us with this point in his lecture The Prophetic Imperative -- Reclaiming The Gospel by Speaking Truth To Power. The core of prophecy is critiquing the injustices, the wrong-headedness, the political and social evils bedeviling the social order. The prophets stood and spoke up against what was going on in society. They used good judgment, they were not reckless, but they did not count the cost. They chose where they spoke and made sure they were

4 speaking to the right person but they did not jockey looking for the safest spots to work or the points of least resistance. They spoke the truth as they knew it and were faithful to their calling. The prophets did not seek to conserve the social order; their goal was to change it, to make it more just. Examples of this tradition include Elijah confronting Ahab and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Amos oracles against Judah for taking advantage of the poor (Amos 2:6) and Jeremiah s pronouncement of coming exile for a people that has turned its back on God. Whereas the prophets may have always brought a word of judgment, the prophets also brought a word of hope. Punishment could be avoided if the people would return to justice. God was willing to forgive and change His mind on the evil He was planning to do to punish the people for their sins. Moreover, even if judgment came, the prophets also spoke of a day of hope and fulfillment when the punishment would end and restoration would come. One of the measures of a faithful prophetic ministry is one that holds both judgment and restoration in tension. It is never God s desire to punish His people and when punishment comes, it comes only to correct and to reestablish the rule and reign of God in the community. The primary way we see God s correction taking place in our world was through the ministry of Jesus. Interestingly, Jesus first public sermon in Luke 4:18-19 places him squarely in the prophetic tradition more so than the priestly tradition. It is an important point because this sermon is a public announcement of what Jesus ministry would be about. What the sermon reveals is that Jesus would be taking on the social order of his day that kept people in bondage. The good news to the poor that Jesus brings is a ministry that speaks not just to individual concerns but addresses and transforms systems of oppression that restrict the freedom of others. This is not just a ministry statement by Jesus; this is a political statement that says oppressive powers are coming to an end. Let us take a moment to look more closely at Luke 4 and all its implications. Jesus begins by saying that the purpose of His anointing is to preach the gospel to the poor. Temple worship in Jesus day was filled with restrictions about how close you got to the place were God s power was most revealed--restrictions dependent upon class and economics. The poor could only go so far because they did not have the money to purchase the temple sacrifices and women were restricted to only certain places in the temple. Therefore, what Jesus is saying is that class and poverty will no longer be a boundary to hearing the good news of what God is doing in the world to bring salvation to all persons. The poor in this text are not the poor in spirit but the poor in money.

5 Jesus has an affinity for the poor because he comes from a poor family. At his naming in the temple after his birth, Joseph and Mary bring two turtledoves and a pair of young pigeons because they were poor. This is good news to the poor to hear. All barriers to God have been removed but it is not good news to those who want to maintain the status quo. This, in part, is why we serve a crucified Christ. An example of how the audience in Jesus day heard to set the captives free is that most of those in prison were in prison for one or two things. First for suspicion of insurrection against the government. There was no such thing as freedom of speech and saying the wrong thing to the wrong person could quickly get you put in prison. Second, those in prison were in prison because of debts they could not pay because of an economic system of exploitation that made sure that the poor stayed poor. Jesus says I have come to set the captives free. This is a word from a prophet who is about to turn the system upside down. What has occurred in this country is the gospel and the story of Jesus has been corrupted to where our picture of Jesus has been so spiritualized we no longer make the connection to justice as a critical part of Jesus ministry. With the conversion of Constantine the Roman emperor, Christianity then became the faith of the powerful with the focus on Jesus being the reigning king, i.e., triumphantalism. A faith centered in triumphantalism provided the theological support for the slave trade, the conquest of Native Americans, and the oppression of women and cultural support for a male dominated society. The mainline western white churches in large part only sought to support the view of a reigning Christ because it supported the ideas of domination and provided a theological framework for it. This view was also reflected in President George W. Bush s decision to go to war by saying God told him to do it. The prophets would have raised serious questions over whether or not God actually said that or was power being used to oppress and exploit others.

YEAR 2 OLD TESTAMENT. Unit 1 The Story Begins

YEAR 2 OLD TESTAMENT. Unit 1 The Story Begins YEAR 2 OLD TESTAMENT Unit 1 The Story Begins Unit Focus: God s story through the ages begins with an expression of His power as He created all that is. Creation turned away and in this story we see the

More information

God s Purposes Do Not Fail

God s Purposes Do Not Fail God s Purposes Do Not Fail Romans 11:1-6 Today is the first day of a new year. 2016 is history. Some of us might be thinking, Thank God. This last year certainly had its share of trouble. Reflecting back

More information

Jesus Christ: God s Revelation to the World Chapter 5 Kings & Prophets Await the Messiah

Jesus Christ: God s Revelation to the World Chapter 5 Kings & Prophets Await the Messiah Name Date Jesus Christ: God s Revelation to the World Chapter 5 Kings & Prophets Await the Messiah Directions: Read through the chapter and fill in the missing information. All the questions run sequential

More information

CHAPTER 17, THE KINGDOM S FALL TIMELESS TRUTH: LISTEN AND LIVE. CHAPTER SUMMARY Legacies are fragile things. Hezekiah had been King of Judah for

CHAPTER 17, THE KINGDOM S FALL TIMELESS TRUTH: LISTEN AND LIVE. CHAPTER SUMMARY Legacies are fragile things. Hezekiah had been King of Judah for CHAPTER 17, THE KINGDOM S FALL TIMELESS TRUTH: LISTEN AND LIVE. CHAPTER SUMMARY Legacies are fragile things. Hezekiah had been King of Judah for nearly three decades. His reforms were sweeping, his achievements

More information

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING AND EQUIPPING MINISTRIES Institute in the Foundations of Church Leadership Dr. Steve Van Horn

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING AND EQUIPPING MINISTRIES Institute in the Foundations of Church Leadership Dr. Steve Van Horn INTERNATIONAL TRAINING AND EQUIPPING MINISTRIES Institute in the Foundations of Church Leadership Dr. Steve Van Horn THE MAJOR THEME OF THE OLD TESTAMENT THE KINGDOM OF GOD Advanced Lecture 1 INTRODUCTION:

More information

International Bible Lesson Commentary Genesis 15:7-21 International Bible Lessons Sunday, October 6, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson Commentary Genesis 15:7-21 International Bible Lessons Sunday, October 6, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. International Bible Lesson Commentary Genesis 15:7-21 International Bible Lessons Sunday, October 6, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday,

More information

Jesus Christ: God s Revelation Directed Reading Worksheet Chapter 5 Kings and Prophets

Jesus Christ: God s Revelation Directed Reading Worksheet Chapter 5 Kings and Prophets Name Date Jesus Christ: God s Revelation Directed Reading Worksheet Chapter 5 Kings and Prophets Directions: Read through the chapter and fill in the missing information. All the questions run sequential

More information

GRADE 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NOTES UNIT 1: GOD REVEALS A PLAN OF LOVE. Lesson # 1: The Bible Reveals God s Saving Love

GRADE 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NOTES UNIT 1: GOD REVEALS A PLAN OF LOVE. Lesson # 1: The Bible Reveals God s Saving Love GRADE 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NOTES UNIT 1: GOD REVEALS A PLAN OF LOVE Lesson # 1: The Bible Reveals God s Saving Love General Objective: To examine how God reveals a Plan of Love in the Old Testament Specific

More information

CORE VALUES & BELIEFS

CORE VALUES & BELIEFS CORE VALUES & BELIEFS STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER Who We Are The Vineyard is a God-initiated, global movement of churches (of which VUSA is a part) with the kingdom of God as its theological

More information

QUESTIONS SECTION I & II. 1. Introduction to C.R.E

QUESTIONS SECTION I & II. 1. Introduction to C.R.E QUESTIONS SECTION I & II 1. Introduction to C.R.E 1. Give seven reasons why C.R.E as a subject is incorporated into curriculum in Kenyan schools today 2. State six contributions of Christian Religious

More information

Are We Ready? Isa. 61: 1-4, 8-11

Are We Ready? Isa. 61: 1-4, 8-11 Are We Ready? Isa. 61: 1-4, 8-11 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty

More information

International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27

International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 New Revised Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School

More information

Revelation: The Church Triumphant Through Christ the Lamb of God

Revelation: The Church Triumphant Through Christ the Lamb of God Revelation: The Church Triumphant Through Christ the Lamb of God Based upon Jim McGuiggan s work on the book of Revelation The Book of Revelation: The Old Testament In this lesson, we will learn that John

More information

FREEDOM CHALLENGE. The Declaration of God s Kingdom A Call to Freedom! Psalm 146:5-10 Sermon Outline

FREEDOM CHALLENGE. The Declaration of God s Kingdom A Call to Freedom! Psalm 146:5-10 Sermon Outline FREEDOM CHALLENGE The Declaration of God s Kingdom A Call to Freedom! Psalm 146:5-10 Sermon Outline Introduction: This week, we celebrate[d] Independence Day a meeting in 1776 when the 13 colonies of America

More information

International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School

More information

International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 New International Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 New International Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 New International Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School

More information

Jeremiah 23:1-6. (Jeremiah 23:1) Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:1-6. (Jeremiah 23:1) Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD. International Bible Lessons Commentary Jeremiah 23:1-6; 33:14-18 International Bible Lessons Sunday, August 19, 2012 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series)

More information

DEDICATIONS OF FIRSTBORN MINISTRY INVOCATION My God: We give thanks to You for the manifold blessings to us. We shall remain eternally grateful. Amen.

DEDICATIONS OF FIRSTBORN MINISTRY INVOCATION My God: We give thanks to You for the manifold blessings to us. We shall remain eternally grateful. Amen. December 20, 2015 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON DEDICATIONS OF FIRSTBORN MINISTRY INVOCATION My God: We give thanks to You for the manifold blessings to us. We shall remain eternally grateful. Amen. WHAT

More information

Ancient Egypt & Judaism

Ancient Egypt & Judaism Ancient Egypt & Judaism Outcome: The Origin of Judaism 1 Constructive Response Question 5. Trace the origin of Judaism and describe its core beliefs. 2 What will we learn? 1. Origin of Judaism 2. Moses

More information

International Bible Lessons Commentary Micah 2:1-13 New International Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, July 5, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lessons Commentary Micah 2:1-13 New International Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, July 5, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. International Bible Lessons Commentary Micah 2:1-13 New International Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, July 5, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School

More information

FEED 210/213 Mentoring Through The Old Testament/Major Prophets SESSION 7C: JEREMIAH

FEED 210/213 Mentoring Through The Old Testament/Major Prophets SESSION 7C: JEREMIAH FEED 210/213 Mentoring Through The Old Testament/Major Prophets SESSION 7C: JEREMIAH LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of this session participants should be able to 1. Explain where Jeremiah sits in the

More information

1. Lesson 3 Old Testament Survey. Old Testament Books

1. Lesson 3 Old Testament Survey. Old Testament Books To Know God and Make Him Known THE WORD OF GOD 1. Lesson 3 Old Testament Survey Lecturer: Hank Overeem Student Notes Old Testament Books (Hebrew Scriptures) Perhaps a better title would be the First Testament.

More information

Through the Bible Book by Book Old Testament

Through the Bible Book by Book Old Testament Through the Bible Book by Book Old Testament by Myer Pearlman Copyright @ 1935 edited for 3BSB by Baptist Bible Believer ~ out-of-print and in the public domain ~ First Kings Theme: In I and II Samuel

More information

Turning Point in the Journey

Turning Point in the Journey Turning Point in the Journey 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61

More information

BIBLE READING PLAN (6 months) An overview of the Bible s story

BIBLE READING PLAN (6 months) An overview of the Bible s story BIBLE READING PLAN (6 months) An overview of the Bible s story This Bible reading plan provides readings for 180 days. If you follow it in order, it will take you through the whole Bible, helping you to

More information

The Answer to Daniel s Prayer

The Answer to Daniel s Prayer The Answer to Daniel s Prayer Daniel 9:20-27 20 Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy

More information

The Suffering Servant

The Suffering Servant Cole Community Church Growth Groups Leaders Guide for Isaiah 50:4-11 Week of January 7, 2018 The Suffering Servant Introduction: This passage contains the third Servant Song; however, unlike the previous

More information

STUDIES IN THE PROPHECIES OF ZECHARIAH 1

STUDIES IN THE PROPHECIES OF ZECHARIAH 1 STUDIES IN THE PROPHECIES OF ZECHARIAH 1 by William D. Barrick, Th.D. Context Zechariah shares the same historical context as Haggai, beginning his preaching only a few months after Haggai does, and continuing

More information

OUR THORN. mold insofar as he spoke out against the oppression and mistreatment of the people of Israel

OUR THORN. mold insofar as he spoke out against the oppression and mistreatment of the people of Israel OUR THORN Ezek. 2:1-5; 2 Cor. 12L2-10; Mark 6:1-13 Jewish and Muslim scholars generally accept Jesus as a prophet. He certainly fits the mold insofar as he spoke out against the oppression and mistreatment

More information

REMEMBER YOUR LEADERS, THOSE WHO SPOKE TO YOU THE WORD OF GOD. CONSIDER THE OUTCOME OF THEIR WAY OF LIFE, AND IMITATE THEIR FAITH.

REMEMBER YOUR LEADERS, THOSE WHO SPOKE TO YOU THE WORD OF GOD. CONSIDER THE OUTCOME OF THEIR WAY OF LIFE, AND IMITATE THEIR FAITH. 1 Commemoration of Martin Luther-Birth 11/13/16 Hebrews 13:7 REMEMBER YOUR LEADERS, THOSE WHO SPOKE TO YOU THE WORD OF GOD. CONSIDER THE OUTCOME OF THEIR WAY OF LIFE, AND IMITATE THEIR FAITH. Built on

More information

Slavery and Oppression Ordained

Slavery and Oppression Ordained Slavery and Oppression Ordained (Copyright 1truth1law.com 2013) Slavery and oppression ordained (Gen. 9:25; Lev. 25:45-46; Joel 3:8). Slavery and oppression forbidden (Ex. 21:16; 22:21; Isa. 58:6; Mt.

More information

Hosea 11:1-9 Grace in Messy Families

Hosea 11:1-9 Grace in Messy Families Hosea 11:1-9 Grace in Messy Families Michelle Drewitz September 13, 2015 Riverdale Baptist Church Whitehorse, Yukon Grace, she takes the blame She covers the shame Removes the stain It could be her name

More information

Reading the Bible Again for the First Time Session 5 Reading the Prophets Again

Reading the Bible Again for the First Time Session 5 Reading the Prophets Again Reading the Bible Again for the First Time Session 5 Reading the Prophets Again Text 1. HEARING THE PROPHETS THE FIRST TIME I heard the New Testament itself, especially Matthew's gospel, speak about the

More information

Jeremiah 23:5-8; 30:8-9, 21; 33:14-18 A Righteous Branch of David THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Jeremiah 23:5-8; 30:8-9, 21; 33:14-18 A Righteous Branch of David THE GOOD SHEPHERD HOME BIBLE STUDIES & SERMONS ABIDING IN CHRIST SEARCH DEVOTIONS PERSONAL GROWTH LINKS LATEST ADDITION Jeremiah 23:5-8; 30:8-9, 21; 33:14-18 A Righteous Branch of David Judah was under the dominion of evil

More information

Rev. Darrell Debowey Zion Lutheran Church, New Holland, IL February 24, 2013

Rev. Darrell Debowey Zion Lutheran Church, New Holland, IL February 24, 2013 Lent 2C Rev. Darrell Debowey Zion Lutheran Church, New Holland, IL February 24, 2013 Jeremiah 26:8-15: 8 And when Jeremiah had finished speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the

More information

Unit 13, Session 1: Elijah Confronted Evil Ahab

Unit 13, Session 1: Elijah Confronted Evil Ahab Unit 13, Session 1: Elijah Confronted Evil Ahab Unit 13, Session 2: Elijah Ran from Jezebel Unit 13, Session 3: Elisha and Naaman Unit 13, Session 4: God Called Isaiah Unit 13, Session 5: Isaiah Preached

More information

THE CHURCH One Body Jesus knowing the dangers ahead for believers prayed that all believers would be one and that there would be no divisions. He coul

THE CHURCH One Body Jesus knowing the dangers ahead for believers prayed that all believers would be one and that there would be no divisions. He coul THE CHURCH One Body Jesus knowing the dangers ahead for believers prayed that all believers would be one and that there would be no divisions. He could see the danger of how the believers in Him would

More information

Week 9: For the Season of Suffering (Psalm 103) Memory Verse Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Week 9: For the Season of Suffering (Psalm 103) Memory Verse Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Week 9: For the Season of Suffering (Psalm 103) Memory Verse Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalm 103 [1] Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me,

More information

Discipleship Diagnostic Nothing Has Been Taught Unless Something Has Been Learned

Discipleship Diagnostic Nothing Has Been Taught Unless Something Has Been Learned Old Testament Questions 2 Tim 2:15 NIV Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Discipleship Diagnostic

More information

The Old Testament: Our Call to Faith & Justice Guided Reading Worksheet Chapter 7, God s Prophets At the Heart of the Journey

The Old Testament: Our Call to Faith & Justice Guided Reading Worksheet Chapter 7, God s Prophets At the Heart of the Journey Name Date The Old Testament: Our Call to Faith & Justice Guided Reading Worksheet Chapter 7, God s Prophets At the Heart of the Journey Directions: Read carefully through Chapter 7 and then use the text

More information

I. Setting the Scene

I. Setting the Scene THE JOURNEY The Lord s Prayer Forgive us Our Debts Our Father What did it mean for Jesus to call God, Father? What does it mean for you to call God, Father? Thy Kingdom Come The Kingdom of God is the central

More information

Adventurers with Jesus Online Activities. 3 rd Quarter Lesson 1. Bible Quiz. Multiple Choice. Underline the word that makes each sentence true.

Adventurers with Jesus Online Activities. 3 rd Quarter Lesson 1. Bible Quiz. Multiple Choice. Underline the word that makes each sentence true. Adventurers with Jesus Online Activities 3 rd Quarter 2015 Lesson 1 Multiple Choice Underline the word that makes each sentence true. 1. God specifically wanted the people in Israel to help the (rich,

More information

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Sunday, December 7, 2008 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT LECTIONARY COMMENTARY Rodney S. Sadler, Jr., Lectionary Team Commentator Lection - Malachi 3:1-4 (New Revised Standard Version) (v. 1) See, I am sending

More information

Route 66 Matthew: King of the Jews Part 40 October 10, 2010

Route 66 Matthew: King of the Jews Part 40 October 10, 2010 Route 66 Matthew: King of the Jews Part 40 October 10, 2010 The prophet Jeremiah (31:31) said: The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. The

More information

WEEK 21 STUDY QUESTIONS

WEEK 21 STUDY QUESTIONS WEEK 21 STUDY QUESTIONS 5/27 6/3 ECCLESIASTES The word vanity or meaningless occurs 35 times in this short book. It refers to something insubstantial, temporary or passing. The author writes that everything

More information

FEED 210/214 Mentoring Through The Old Testament/Major Prophets SESSION 8B: EZEKIEL

FEED 210/214 Mentoring Through The Old Testament/Major Prophets SESSION 8B: EZEKIEL FEED 210/214 Mentoring Through The Old Testament/Major Prophets SESSION 8B: EZEKIEL LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of this session, participants should be able to 1. Explain where Ezekiel fits into the

More information

Message Shoftim-Judges Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 Isaiah 51:12-52:12 Yochanan 4:19-26

Message Shoftim-Judges Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 Isaiah 51:12-52:12 Yochanan 4:19-26 Message 9-10-16 Shoftim-Judges Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 Isaiah 51:12-52:12 Yochanan 4:19-26 Introduction The prophet looms large in this portion, and the book of Deuteronomy seeks to strengthen the authority

More information

Jeremiah. Jeremiah was of priestly lineage. Ministry BC

Jeremiah. Jeremiah was of priestly lineage. Ministry BC Jeremiah Jeremiah was of priestly lineage. Ministry - 627-585 BC Fall of Jerusalem (586 BC) Message of Judgement - Judah s unfaithfulness to God will end in its destruction. Message of Hope - God has a

More information

Session 7 The Four Chariots and Our Messiah (Zech. 6:1-15)

Session 7 The Four Chariots and Our Messiah (Zech. 6:1-15) INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER UNIVERSITY MIKE BICKLE ZECHARIAH: STUDIES IN THE END TIMES Page 49 I. INTRODUCTION A. Zechariah was commissioned to proclaim the message of God s zeal for Jerusalem (1:14)

More information

Reading the OT Week 7. Prophecy. What comes to mind when you hear the word "prophecy"?

Reading the OT Week 7. Prophecy. What comes to mind when you hear the word prophecy? Reading the OT Week 7 Prophecy [RECOMMENDED: "The Storied World of the Bible" N.T.Wright. Online course, Udemy, on sale. Scot McKnight blog "JesusCreed" at Patheos.com] What comes to mind when you hear

More information

MICAH (Teacherʼs Edition) AUTHOR-

MICAH (Teacherʼs Edition) AUTHOR- MICAH (Teacherʼs Edition) I. The Prediction of Judgment 1:1--3:12 A. Introduction to the Book of Micah 1:1 B. The Judgment on the People 1:2--2:13 1. Judgment on Samaria 1:2-7 2. Judgment on Judah 1:8-16

More information

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth Chapter 5 The Old Testament Narratives: Their Proper Use Joshua Smith This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND The Need for Guidance On why we

More information

Introduction to Prophetism: Paul R. Shockley

Introduction to Prophetism: Paul R. Shockley Introduction to Prophetism: Paul R. Shockley I. Background to Prophetism: A. Abrahamic Covenant: Land, Seed, and Blessing: unconditional, unilateral covenant (Genesis 12:1-3; 13:14-17; 15:18-21; 17:7-8;

More information

Sample Copy. core values & beliefs

Sample Copy. core values & beliefs core values & beliefs core values & beliefs forward Our core values and beliefs booklet is an attempt to provide a brief summary of who the Vineyard is and what we believe. Our Statement of Purpose is

More information

International Bible Lessons Commentary Isaiah 59:15-21 English Standard Version Sunday, August 2, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lessons Commentary Isaiah 59:15-21 English Standard Version Sunday, August 2, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. International Bible Lessons Commentary Isaiah 59:15-21 English Standard Version Sunday, August 2, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (also known as the International Sunday School

More information

Romans. The Transforming Power of the Righteousness of God

Romans. The Transforming Power of the Righteousness of God Romans The Transforming Power of the Righteousness of God Survey of the Old Testament Introduction Presuppositions God Exists God has revealed Himself in the Bible Incremental Revelation Route 66 Incremental

More information

Unit 15, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah

Unit 15, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah Unit 15, Session 1: God Called Jeremiah Unit 15, Session 2: Jeremiah Prophesied a New Covenant Unit 15, Session 3: Judah Was Taken into Captivity Unit 15, Session 4: Ezekiel Told About a Future Hope **Note

More information

I too would like to talk about the cross today, but from a somewhat different angle.

I too would like to talk about the cross today, but from a somewhat different angle. Lenten Luncheon Series 2019 St. John s Episcopal Church April 11, 2019 Luke 4:14-30 Let me begin by expressing my thanks to St. John s, Trinity, First Baptist, Saint Paul s, and Bethel for hosting these

More information

A Tale of Two Fathers WEEK OF March 15, Chronicles 33:1-17

A Tale of Two Fathers WEEK OF March 15, Chronicles 33:1-17 A Tale of Two Fathers WEEK OF March 15, 2015 2 Chronicles 33:1-17 Leader, as a rule, answering the questions in engage it should take no more than 10 minutes and are designed to generate conversation around

More information

3/26/2017 Who Is Your Lord 1

3/26/2017 Who Is Your Lord 1 "Who Is Your Lord" The most important question you ll ever answer is this, Who is your Lord? Hello, I m Phil Sanders, and this is a Bible study In Search of the Lord s Way. And today, we re going to explore

More information

By definition a patriot is: One who speaks of love & devotion to his or her own country. Confessions of a Patriot!

By definition a patriot is: One who speaks of love & devotion to his or her own country. Confessions of a Patriot! Topics That Sizzle! "Our Country Tis Of Thee..." Patriotism / How do we participate in the work of two kingdoms? Romans 13:1-5 Pastor Sandi Evans Rogers 8/11/2013 This July David and I drove down to Williamsburg,

More information

Interpreting the Old Testament (REL301) Augsburg College Fall 2011

Interpreting the Old Testament (REL301) Augsburg College Fall 2011 Karl N. Jacobson Memorial 231a E-mail: jacobso1@augsburg.edu Phone: 612.330.1325 612.702.4382 Interpreting the Old Testament (REL301) Augsburg College Fall 2011 Course Description: An investigation of

More information

thehills.org QUESTIONS

thehills.org QUESTIONS Week 1 1 Read Isaiah 6:1. King Uzziah reigned for 52 years and his death marked a time of uncertainty for the people of Judah. What was a time of national or global uncertainty or tragedy in your life?

More information

3/13/11. 1Kings 12-13

3/13/11. 1Kings 12-13 1 2 3/13/11 1Kings 12-13 The Kingdom has been taken away from Solomon by the hand of God, duet to hi unfaithfulness to Yahweh. 1. His wives turned his heart to their false gods and he built high places

More information

The Lord. Roars. The Message of Amos. Bible Studies Ashfield Presbyterian Church ashfieldpresbyterian.org.au

The Lord. Roars. The Message of Amos. Bible Studies Ashfield Presbyterian Church ashfieldpresbyterian.org.au The Lord Roars The Message of Amos Bible Studies Ashfield Presbyterian Church ashfieldpresbyterian.org.au Introduction: When the nation of Israel began, their future was full of promise if only they would

More information

WHEN THE BOOK WAS WRITTEN-

WHEN THE BOOK WAS WRITTEN- NEHEMIAH (Student Edition) Part One: The Reconstruction of the Wall (1:1--7:73) I. The Preparation to Reconstruct the Wall 1:1--2:20 A. Discovery of the Broken Wall 1:1-3 B. Intercession of Nehemiah 1:4--2:8

More information

International Bible Lessons Commentary Jeremiah 7:1-15 New International Version Sunday, August 9, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lessons Commentary Jeremiah 7:1-15 New International Version Sunday, August 9, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. 1 International Bible Lessons Commentary Jeremiah 7:1-15 New International Version Sunday, August 9, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (also known as the International Sunday School

More information

International Bible Lessons Commentary Jeremiah 7:1-15 English Standard Version Sunday, August 9, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lessons Commentary Jeremiah 7:1-15 English Standard Version Sunday, August 9, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. 1 International Bible Lessons Commentary Jeremiah 7:1-15 English Standard Version Sunday, August 9, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (also known as the International Sunday School

More information

JESUS IS GREATER. GOD HAS SPOKEN 2018 Holland Davis

JESUS IS GREATER. GOD HAS SPOKEN 2018 Holland Davis INTRODUCTION: TURN TO HEBREWS 1 As I was preparing for this morning s message, I felt like the Lord showed me something and I want to share it with you as we begin looking at the Book of Hebrews Paul mentions

More information

Chiang Mai Community Church 19 July 2010 Exodus # 5 Lifting the Veil: the Self Revelation of our Amazing God Judgment and Mercy of God Exodus 11-13

Chiang Mai Community Church 19 July 2010 Exodus # 5 Lifting the Veil: the Self Revelation of our Amazing God Judgment and Mercy of God Exodus 11-13 Chiang Mai Community Church 19 July 2010 Exodus # 5 Lifting the Veil: the Self Revelation of our Amazing God Judgment and Mercy of God Exodus 11-13 1 Setting the Scene Last week, Pastor Rupert gave us

More information

RESULTS OF FEARING GOD Found in 83 passages (92 verses) from our list.

RESULTS OF FEARING GOD Found in 83 passages (92 verses) from our list. RESULTS OF FEARING GOD Found in 83 passages (92 verses) from our list. When the fear of God is present, there is a tendency for certain things to happen. Many of these things are so wonderful, that it

More information

8: The Kingdom of God

8: The Kingdom of God Part IV: Understanding the Old Testament 8: The Kingdom of God Finally, after years of Israel s sin and struggling in the desert, God marched His people into the Promised Land! Israel witnessed God s unmatched

More information

Christ s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary

Christ s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary Seventh-day Adventists Believe LESSON 24 Christ s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them (Exodus 25:8). A wise father wanted to explain a complex

More information

Opening the Scriptures Luke 24:25-45 NIV

Opening the Scriptures Luke 24:25-45 NIV Opening the Scriptures Richard C. Leonard, Ph.D. First Christian Church, Hamilton, Illinois April 19, 2015 The Gospel of Luke relates how Jesus, after his resurrection, appeared to two of his disciples

More information

THE GOD WHO PURSUES (5) The New Covenant. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.

THE GOD WHO PURSUES (5) The New Covenant. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. THE GOD WHO PURSUES (5) The New Covenant I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. A. Introduction 1. God is a God who desires to be in a relationship with the people He has made in His

More information

Andrew Stepp OT Prophets

Andrew Stepp OT Prophets Andrew Stepp OT Prophets Major Prophets Isaiah Jeremiah Ezekiel NOTE: Minor = shorter, NOT less important! Major = longer Minor Prophets (The 12) Hosea Nahum Joel Habakkuk Amos Zephaniah Obadiah Haggai

More information

BACK TO THE BIBLE. 30 Days To Understanding The Bible

BACK TO THE BIBLE. 30 Days To Understanding The Bible BACK TO THE BIBLE 30 Days To Understanding The Bible PART THREE Continued There are 4 main subjects in the Judgment Era: 1. Judges 2. Rebellion 3. Cycles 4. Ruth 3 JUDGES: The leaders of Israel (Judges).

More information

SERMON MANUSCRIPT. Embracing god s mission for Your LifE PsaLm 67. By: H.B. Charles, Jr. Embracing god s mission for Your LifE / PsaLm 67

SERMON MANUSCRIPT. Embracing god s mission for Your LifE PsaLm 67. By: H.B. Charles, Jr. Embracing god s mission for Your LifE / PsaLm 67 Embracing god s mission for Your LifE PsaLm 67 H.B. CHARLES, JR. Pastor-Teacher 1118 W Beaver Street Jacksonville, FL 32204 tel. (904)353-8829 Visit us online: HBCHARLESJR.COM SERMON MANUSCRIPT Psalm 67

More information

Messages from God to the Prophet Micah

Messages from God to the Prophet Micah Messages from God to the Prophet Micah Micah 1:1-2; The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah the vision he saw concerning Samaria

More information

Daniel lived a holy, righteous, wise, and God honoring life. Therefore, he was most fit to serve as a prophet of God and

Daniel lived a holy, righteous, wise, and God honoring life. Therefore, he was most fit to serve as a prophet of God and Daniel 9:4-19 New American Standard Bible January 21, 2018 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, January 21, 2018, is from Daniel 9:4-19 (Some will only study

More information

Optional Session: Praying like Nehemiah

Optional Session: Praying like Nehemiah Optional Session: Praying like Nehemiah This prayer session might be a good substitute lesson for groups who are hosting a 24JE for a second year and have students who participated before. Or you might

More information

(2 Samuel 23:1) Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, son of Jesse, the oracle of the man whom God exalted, the

(2 Samuel 23:1) Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, son of Jesse, the oracle of the man whom God exalted, the International Bible Lessons Commentary 2 Samuel 23:1-7; 1 Chronicles 18:14 International Bible Lessons Sunday, July 8, 2012 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons

More information

Prayers of the People with Confession

Prayers of the People with Confession Prayers of the People with Confession Let us pray for the Church and for the world. God of love, we pray for your church: For N., our Presiding Bishop; N. (and N), our bishop(s); for all lay and ordained

More information

PROPHETS AND KINGS OF THE DIVIDED KINGDOM

PROPHETS AND KINGS OF THE DIVIDED KINGDOM PROPHETS AND KINGS OF THE DIVIDED KINGDOM Old Testament Study Embry Hills church of Christ Summer 2017 Embry Hills church of Christ Embry Hills church of Christ Page 2 LESSON NUMBER/SUBJECT AND CHAPTERS

More information

LUKE AND THE MISSION OF JESUS (4) JESUS AND THE EXCLUDED Luke 5:27-32 Jeffrey S. Carlson March 17, 2019

LUKE AND THE MISSION OF JESUS (4) JESUS AND THE EXCLUDED Luke 5:27-32 Jeffrey S. Carlson March 17, 2019 LUKE AND THE MISSION OF JESUS (4) JESUS AND THE EXCLUDED Luke 5:27-32 Jeffrey S. Carlson March 17, 2019 SCRIPTURE After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and

More information

Divisions of Old Testament Books

Divisions of Old Testament Books Hope Christian Fellowship Church Tuesday Night Bible Study Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Law History Poetry/ Wisdom Genesis Deuteronomy Divisions of Old Testament Books Joshua Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes

More information

God and Jesus are about life: life for each and every person in creation.

God and Jesus are about life: life for each and every person in creation. 1 God takes sides. God is partisan. Jesus is a rule breaker. God and Jesus are about life: life for each and every person in creation. You don t believe me? Read the Old Testament. God rescues slaves from

More information

Read Scripture Video: 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings Read: 2 Samuel 7 and 23:1-7; 1 Kings 2:1-4, 9:1-9, and 10:23-29

Read Scripture Video: 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings Read: 2 Samuel 7 and 23:1-7; 1 Kings 2:1-4, 9:1-9, and 10:23-29 1. Week 14: The Rise and Climax of the Kingdom 2. Recap & Preparing for CG: Daily Reading for Week: 2 Samuel 13-15, Psalm 90 2 Samuel 16-18, Psalm 91 2 Samuel 19-21, Psalm 92 2 Samuel 22-24, Psalm 93 1

More information

Disciplers Bible Studies

Disciplers Bible Studies Disciplers Bible Studies The Unexcelled High Priesthood of Christ Hebrews 7-8 HEBREWS LESSON 8 Introduction In this lesson, Hebrews 7-8, we reach the mid-point in the book. In the first six chapters we

More information

So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh, according to the LORD'S bidding.

So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh, according to the LORD'S bidding. 3 rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - B Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage. 1 st Reading - Jonah 3:1-5,

More information

Has God Given President Trump the Authority to Take Out Kim Jong Un? A Conversation with Paul and Jesus. Romans 13:1-7.

Has God Given President Trump the Authority to Take Out Kim Jong Un? A Conversation with Paul and Jesus. Romans 13:1-7. Has God Given President Trump the Authority to Take Out Kim Jong Un? A Conversation with Paul and Jesus Romans 13:1-7 Luke 9:51-56 Rev. Robert Jeffress the pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas Texas,

More information

Identify six ways in which the Bible is misused in Kenya today. (6 marks)

Identify six ways in which the Bible is misused in Kenya today. (6 marks) CRE PAPER 1 M.S KASSU Marking scheme 1. a) State seven reasons why the Bible is called the word of God. (7 marks) i. The authors were inspired by God. ii. The messages contained in the Bible were revealed

More information

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON The Captivity

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON The Captivity SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON The Captivity JUDAH CARRIED INTO CAPTIVITY Elementary Lesson Year Two, Quarter Two, Lesson Four AIM: to teach my class that you do not have to be enslaved by sin, through the story

More information

Session #6 THE PROPHETICAL BOOKS

Session #6 THE PROPHETICAL BOOKS Survey of the Scriptures Session #6 THE PROPHETICAL BOOKS Included with the books of law, history and poetry of the Bible may be found many prophetical books, in fact more than one third of the Old Testament

More information

Herod the Great Gospels, Birth of Christ. Herod Antipas Gospels, Ministry of Christ. Herod Agrippa II Acts, Ministry of Paul

Herod the Great Gospels, Birth of Christ. Herod Antipas Gospels, Ministry of Christ. Herod Agrippa II Acts, Ministry of Paul Herod the Great Gospels, Birth of Christ Herod Antipas Gospels, Ministry of Christ Herod Agrippa I Acts, Ministry of James & Peter Herod Agrippa II Acts, Ministry of Paul Matthew 3:3 For this is he who

More information

Overview KING JEHU WAS USED BY GOD TO PUNISH KING AHAB

Overview KING JEHU WAS USED BY GOD TO PUNISH KING AHAB 1 Overview KING JEHU WAS USED BY GOD TO PUNISH KING AHAB Jehu s story is told in 1 Kings 19:16-2 Kings 10:36. He is also mentioned in 2 Kings 15:12; 2 Chron. 22:7-9; Hosea 1:4-5. Jehu had the basic qualities

More information

Matthew 22:

Matthew 22: Matthew 22:15-22 15.10.17 1 God and Caesar The authorities in Jerusalem are on edge. It s the season of Passover and it holds ancient, dangerous memories of a captive people set free from an oppressive

More information

International Bible Lessons Commentary

International Bible Lessons Commentary International Bible Lessons Commentary Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. Galatians 3:26-4:7 King James Version February 5, 2017 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School

More information

Introduction to Prophetism: Paul R. Shockley

Introduction to Prophetism: Paul R. Shockley Introduction to Prophetism: Paul R. Shockley I. The Prophetic Period II. The Prophetic Personage III. The Prophetic Perception IV. The Prophetic Perspective V. The Prophetic Prediction VI. The Prophetic

More information

Jesus the Better Priest-King

Jesus the Better Priest-King Jesus the Better Priest-King GENESIS 14:17-20; HEBREWS 7:1-28 Rev. Nollie Malabuyo February 5, 2017 BSCC C ongregation of Christ: What are the most popular baby names today? For those who want Biblical

More information