The Bible. So what is the "Spirit of the Book?" What does the Bible say about itself?

Transcription

1 The Bible What does the Bible say about itself? So what is the "Spirit of the Book?" 2Timothy 3: Peter 1:19-21; 3:5-7, Ephesians 6:17 Hebrews 4:12-13 Good or Bad, what should Christians watch for and be aware of when it comes to evaluating all presentations of the Bible? John 1:1-4, 14 Hebrews 11:3 Romans 10:17 Luke 11:28 John 5:39-40 Psalm 119:105 Psalm 119:160 You need to present the Bible in different ways for different audiences because there are different preconceptions and needs. Share some approaches you think may help with people you know to talk about the Bible. John 17:17

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3 Creation What does the Bible say about Creation and the Fall into Sin? What is created on Day 3? What is created on Day 4? What is created on Day 5? Genesis 1:1-2:3 Genesis 3:1, 6-7, Genesis 4:1 [More literal Translation: "I have gotten a man: the LORD."] Genesis 5:1-3 Genesis 5:28-29 Romans 5:12-19 What is created on Day 1? What is created on Day 2? What is created on Day 6? What is done on Day 7? What is the cause of sin both original sin and actual sin? Why is Creation such a sensitive subject in Christianity? What does that mean about our witness?

4 Noah's Ark What does the Bible say about Noah and the Flood? Genesis 6:5-22 Genesis 7:1-3, 11, 17-24, Genesis 8:1-14, 20-22, Genesis 9:1-7, Peter 3: Peter 2:5 Of what was the Flood a type? How is that related to the biblical reason God sent the Flood? Why is the Flood such a sensitive subject in Christianity? What does that mean about our witness? Psalm 104:6-9 Matthew 24:38-39 Why did God send the Flood? What happened geographically and topographically to the world during and after the Flood? From answersingenesis.org

5 How it Began Genesis 12:1-7 Abraham What does the Bible say about Abraham? The Covenant with Abraham Genesis 15:1-16 Genesis 16:1-16 Hebrews 11:8-10 Genesis 17:1-27 Abraham and Lot Genesis 13:5-18 Genesis 14:11-24 Hebrews 7:1-10, 15-17, 22 From where was Abram called geographically and theologically? What is the importance of the High Priest/King of (Jeru)Salem, Melchizedek? Genesis 18:1-15 Hebrews 11:11-16 Colossians 2:11-15 What was the covenant that God made with Abraham? What were the terms? How was it enacted and remembered?

6 Sodom and Gomorrah Genesis 18:16-33 Genesis 19:1-29 With whom does Abraham converse about Sodom? The biblical euphemism "to know" means "intimately." What is the sin of Sodom and how does Lot try to avoid it? Why would this be a sensitive story to tell today? Hagar and Ishmael Genesis 21:1-21 Galatians 4:21-31 Who determined how Abraham should treat Hagar? Why? What became of Hagar & Ishmael? Abraham and Isaac Genesis 22:1-19 Hebrews 11:17-19 What problem would be caused by the death of Isaac? Why would God require the sacrifice of Isaac? What was going through Abraham's mind during the sacrifice? How does the revelation from the letter of Hebrews change your perception of this test?

7 Moses Moses and the Burning Bush Exodus 2:15-4:23 What does the Bible say about Moses and the Exodus? Moses in Egypt Genesis 15:13-14 Genesis 50:24-26 Exodus 1:1-2:15 Hebrews 11:23-27 How does Moses find out that he is a Hebrew? Why change the story? We have one other historical account of the life of Moses from the Jewish historian Josephus who in approx AD wrote a history of the Jews for his Roman patrons. This is where the classic "The Ten Commandments" gets Moses as a war hero. Read the handout. What is the importance of the revelation of the Name of God? YHWH, Hebrew cognate of the verb of being, yet neither present, past, nor future tense. Superstition developed around the Name, so Jews no longer pronounced it after the Exile, replacing it with Lord, pronounced Adonai, or The Name, pronounced Ha Shem. To mark this in the text, they would put the vowels of Adonai over YHWH. When read on the page, one would then see Yahowah, or, as Germanic, Jehovah. But this is not the Name. Best pronunciation of the original would have likely been Yahweh. What were Moses' concerns about God sending him to Pharaoh? How did God equip him for this task?

8 Moses Before Pharaoh Exodus 4:24-6:13 What was so important about circumcision that it would save Moses and his son? So why would God do this? Why did Aaron accompany Moses? Why is that important? What is Aaron to become to Israel (Ex 7:1)? What was God's exact command to Pharaoh? How is that different from liberation from slavery? The Signs Against Egypt Exodus 7:7-13 Exodus 7:14-25 (1) Exodus 8:1-15 (2) Exodus 8:16-19 (3) Exodus 8:20-32 (4) Exodus 9:1-7 (5) Exodus 9:8-12 (6) Exodus 9:13-35 (7) Exodus 10:1-20 (8) Exodus 10:21-29 (9) Exodus 11:1-12:42 (10) Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart? What was accomplished? What do we learn? The Red (Reed) Sea Exodus 13:17-14:31 Exodus 15:1-21 What was the miracle, precisely? Why does it matter? What did they do next?

9 Moses on the Mountain Exodus 19:20-20:26 Numbers 20:6-13 Exodus 24:1-18 Why do you think God would choose to reveal Himself this specific way? Excurses: Symbols of Christ The Water Sweetened by the Tree Exodus 15:22-27 Revelation 22:1-2 The Bread From Heaven Exodus 16:1-5 John 6:30-40 The Water From the Rock Exodus 17:1-7 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 The Tabernacle Exodus 25:1-9ff, p 139, 159 Hebrews 9:1-14, The Bronze Serpent Numbers 21:4-9 John 3:14-15 The Day of Atonement Leviticus 16:5-22, 27, 30, pg 200 Matthew 27:46 John 1:29 Hebrews 13:10-14

10 Joshua What does the Bible say about Joshua and the Promised Land? What was important for Israel in preparing for war? Why would God require this? Joshua Takes Command Numbers 13:1-3, 16-33, 14:6-10 Joshua 1:1-11 Why do you think God delayed requiring circumcision of the new generation until the Jordan? Joshua 2:1-24 Matthew 1:5 Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho Joshua 5:13-6:27 Who was Joshua? Who was Rahab? 1 Kings 16:33-34 Why was Jericho destroyed? Could it have been spared? Joshua Prepares for War Joshua 3:1-17, 4:1-7, 10, 18 The Faithfulness of Joshua Joshua 8:30-35 Joshua 5:1-12 P. 365, Joshua 24:26-32

11 Judges Judges 14:1-15:8 What does the Bible say about Samson and the Judges? Israel at the Time of the Judges Judges 1:1-3, 16, 19-22, Judges 2:1-23 What happened to the people God redeemed after they entered the Promised Land? Why? The Rise of Samson Judges 13:1-25 Numbers 6:1-8, Nazarite Hebrew, meaning one who is consecrated, devoted to God, cf Matthew 26:29, John 19:28-30 What was special about the birth of Samson? What was he to be? Who caused the confrontation with the Philistines? What caused the confrontation? What do you learn about Samson? Judges 15:9-20 From where did Samson get water in the series? From where in the Bible? Does it matter? The Fall of Samson Judges 16:1-31 Why did Samson lose his strength? Why did he get it back? How many did he kill? Hebrews 11:32-40

12 Samuel What does the Bible say about the prophet Samuel? 1 Samuel 9:1-2, 5-10, Samuel 10:1-12, The Rise of Samuel 1 Samuel 1:1-28 Do you notice a trend regarding the birth of some of the leading figures of the Bible? Why do you think God would do this? 1 Samuel 3: Samuel 7:12-17 The Anointing of King Saul 1 Samuel 8:1-22 Why did the people want a king? What was the alternative? What was the nature and ambition of Samuel? What was the relationship between Samuel and Saul? 1 Samuel 11:6-15 What role does the Holy Spirit play in the reign of King Saul? The Deposing of King Saul 1 Samuel 13:5-14 Why did God depose Saul?

13 King Saul What does the Bible say about King Saul and his dynasty? What was the bride-price for Michal? Why that? Saul's Jealousy Saul's Downfall 1 Samuel 15:1-35 In chapter 13, Saul's dynasty was deposed. Here, he, personally, is deposed. Why? David's Rise 1 Samuel 16:1-18:30 1 Samuel 19:1-24, 21:1-3, Samuel 22:1-2, 9-11, Psalm 52 1 Samuel 24:1-22, 27:1-4 How does David escape Saul? Why does David not fight against Saul? What role does the Spirit of the LORD play in the lives of king Saul and David? What about other spirits? What was the purpose of David's music? What do you think this means about the Psalter? The Death of Saul 1 Samuel 28:3-20, 31:1-13 What about the Necromancer of Endor? Why does Saul die?

14 King David What does the Bible say about King David and his dynasty? David's Reign Begins Why did David want to build a house for God? What does God build for David? What does God's guidance of the Temple say about organized religion? 2 Samuel 1:1-2:4, 8-11 David's Fall & Restoration 2 Samuel 3:1-6, Samuel 11:1-12:24 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 6-12 Psalm 51 Why did the people love David? Why did God love David? What role has Jerusalem already played in God's story? What role does it play today? A House for God and David 2 Samuel 6:1-7:29 How did Nathan really confront David? How did David really react to Nathan? Does the difference between the book and movie matter? What were the earthly consequences of David's sin? The eternal?

15 Kingdom What does the Bible say about the Kings? The Line of Kings Matthew 1:5-16 Hebrews11:32-12:2 Jeremiah 32:30-38 Nehemiah 9:24-35 For how many years did the kings of Judah reign before the Fall of Jerusalem? Why would God be so patient with the kings and the people of Israel in the midst of their sinfulness? What did it accomplish?

16 Jeremiah What does the Bible say about the prophet Jeremiah? The Fall of Jerusalem 2 Chronicles 35:1, 4, 6, 11-12, 15, Chronicles 36:1-23, Jeremiah 52:10-11 How did Josiah know to rightly keep the Passover? What does this say about the available scrolls before the Exile? What did Nebuchadnezzar do to Jerusalem? Why? Jeremiah's Ministry Jeremiah 1:1-4; 25:1-3; 27:1-2, 8; Jeremiah 32:1-2; 37:15-17, 21; 38:6, 11-13, 28; 39:11-14; 40:1, 6; 43:4-13; How would you describe the life of Jeremiah after God called him? Jeremiah 36:4-8, 16-24; 45:1; 51:59-64 Who wrote the book of Jeremiah? Jeremiah's Message Jeremiah 1:14-16 Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:1-10 How long did Jeremiah say the Jews would be in exile? What did that symbolize? Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:16-18 How are the exile and the massacre connected?

17 Daniel What does the Bible say about the prophet Daniel? Why not just bow down? What does it matter? Into Exile Daniel 1:1-7, 21 The Dream Cyrus King of the World Isaiah 44:28-45:13 (Cyrus: In Hebrew Koresh, in Greek Kuro, related to Greek word Kurios, LORD) Daniel 2:1-49 What does this mean? The image's head of gold: Torso of silver: Abs of bronze: Legs of iron: Feet of iron & clay: The Rock: JEDP Theory and 2 nd & 3 rd Isaiah New Kings & The Lion's Den Daniel 4:29-37 The Fiery Furnace Daniel 5:21-23, Daniel 3:1-30 Daniel 6:3-28 What differences are there between the Bible's account and the show's? Why change it? Under which king was Daniel in the lions' den? Why?

18 Why does Daniel pray? When do you, can you, pray? The End of Exile Daniel 9:1-5, 13-14, 19 Son of Man: It's easy to get bogged down in prophetic details. What is the overall message of this vision? 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 The Time Between the Testaments Why were the Jews in Exile? Why would God allow them to return? Note: It was 70 years from the destruction of Jerusalem to the first decree of freedom under Cyrus, but there were more decrees from future kings, like Esther's husband Xerxes, allowing Jews to return and providing for the rebuilding of the city and temple over many years. Daniel's Visions Daniel 7:1-15, What does this mean? The four beasts: Beast of iron: 10 horns: Horn:

19 Jesus What does the Bible say about the person and work of Jesus? A note about Synoptics: Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they approach the life of Jesus from about the same (syn) perspective (optic). John tells the same story, but in a different way. Because of the movement of the show, we'll mostly follow the Synoptics. Incarnation Luke 1:26-38 Baptism Luke 3:1-18 Matthew 3:13-17 What is the difference between something we're doing being "right" and God "fulfilling all righteousness"? Why pan heavenward if no voice or dove? What major teaching of the Church is not taught in the show? Matthew 1:18-25 Temptation Luke 2:1-39 Matthew 4:1-11 Matthew 2:1-23 Similarities? Differences? Surprises? Who initiates the Temptation? What is tested (according to the show, according to the book)?

20 What is the Temptation? What do you think God wants you to know about him from such tempting? To Change the Wor(l)d Matthew 4:12-23 Mark 6:17-29 Luke 5:1-11 Why was John executed? Why not show that? What's the difference? Why does Peter follow Jesus, in the show, in the book? Rabbi Jesus Mark 2:1-12 What was so amazing about this miracle? Why did Jesus do it? Are you amazed when Pastor does this? What is gained (or lost) in the story by adding the language of "we're going to change the world"? What was the biblical preaching of Jesus? Mark 1:39-45 Why is Jesus preaching outside rather than in the synagogue? Mark 2:13-17 Luke 18:9-14

21 Why would Matthew/Levi leave his profession? John 6:5-7:1 Matthew 6:25-7:11 The Sermon on the Mount/Plain Luke 8:1-3 Matthew 5:1-6:13 Luke 11:1-4 [John 7:53-8:11] What was the key message of this scene? How does the show's teaching on forgiveness differ from the Bible's? Why choose this disputed text of John 8 to illustrate forgiveness rather than the many others? Feeding of the 5,000 Mark 6:30-46 How was this miracle "organized"? Differences? Meaning? Who answers Jesus' questions in the text? Who in the show? Why would you change it? How does Jesus respond to the crowd wanting to make him king? Who was with them on the boat? Walking on the Water Matthew 14:23-36

22 Differences? Why? From Nazareth to Jerusalem Luke 4:16-30 Was Jesus surprised by the death of Lazarus? Did Jesus go into the tomb? What means did Jesus use to resurrect Lazarus, in the show, in the book? Luke 7:24-30, 9:51 Luke 13:1-5 When was Jesus anointed with the Spirit? Why did they get so angry? Why might the Bible writers have been less concerned with villianizing Pilate than the screenwriters? What is gained by so drastically changing the story? What is lost? Again, they have left out the Trinitarian reference of Jesus praying to the Father. Why would you purposefully change the script like that? Lazarus John 11:1-53 Why does the Chief Priest want to kill Jesus?

23 Holy Week John 12:9-19 Matthew 21:9-17 Matthew 26:14-16 Why a donkey? Why did the crowd gather? What is the problem with moneychangers in the temple? John 13:29 Who was Judas? Matthew 23:1-39 Matthew 24:1-25 Matthew 27:19 Matthew 21:18, What hypocrisy does Jesus condemn? What is Jesus teaching in the Temple? Matthew 19:23-30, 22:34-40 John 3:1-21 Matthew 22:15-22 What was added, what left out, of Jesus' teaching in the Temple? How is one born again? What else did Jesus say?

24 Maundy Thursday Matthew 26:1-2, How do we know what happened in the secret trial? John 14:1-14 John 18:10 What were the charges against Jesus? Luke 22:51 Who blessed, broke, and gave? What's the difference? Where's the forgiveness of sins? The promise of resurrection? Of what was Jesus convicted? Why? Why couldn't Jesus be stoned for blasphemy? Matthew 27:1-26 John 18:28-40, 19:1-16 Prayer comparison? Good Friday Matthew 26:59-75 John 18:15-18 Why such violence? Would the Romans have really been that brutal? Galatians 4:4, Ephesians 1:10 Why was this the perfect time for God to come in the flesh?

25 John 19:16-42 John 1:29 Luke 23:39-47 Luke 22:7 Matthew 27:32-66 Exodus 12:1-13 What was added into the TV show? What is the Passover? Who is the Passover? Matthew 27:25 What was excluded? What does this mean? What's So Good About Friday? As you review The Bible Miniseries' portrayal of the Gospels, you quickly note the absence of the preaching of sin and repentance and atonement in the blood of Christ in favor of his power and charisma. What did they leave out? John 19:34 How does the blood of Jesus come upon you? For what purpose? Romans 3:20-28, 5:15-19 Hebrews 9: Corinthians 10:16-21, 11:18-34

26 Resurrection & Ascension John 20:1-18 Who were the first witnesses of the Resurrection? Does that matter? What is the movie saying by having Peter start to celebrate the Supper like he does? In John's Gospel, did the disciples understand the meaning of an empty tomb? Why did Mary believe? When did they believe? John 20:19-31 Matthew 28:16-20 Mark 16:14-20 Luke 24:36-53 Acts 1:1-12 In the movie, who reaches the tomb first? In the book? Why? Luke 24:13-35 What was added, changed, or left out of the movie?

27 The Church What does the Bible say about the growth of the Church? Acts 1:13-26 What important matter is dealt with immediately after the ascension of Jesus? Why? Is there a difference between an Apostle and a Disciple? What? Acts 1:26, 2:1-47 Who was there for Pentecost? What is the difference between an overheard conversation and preaching? What was the purpose of the wind and the fire at Pentecost? Genesis 11:1-9 1 Corinthians 14:1-40 What is speaking in tongues? At Pentecost, in Corinth? What is the climax of the Pentecost preaching?

28 Acts 3:1-26 Acts 7:1-60 Who was going to the Temple? Why change the pairing? What is the content of Peter's preaching in Acts, in the movie? Acts 4:1-31 Why does Peter say he must speak? What does this mean? Acts 6:1-15 Who was Stephen? What does Stephen preach? Why? Why did they stone Stephen? What were Stephen's last words? So far, in the movie, why does the Church exist? In the book, why does the Church exist?

29 Paul What does the Bible say about the Apostle Paul? Acts 8:1-4 Why was Saul persecuting the Christians? What happened because of Saul's persecution? Acts 9:1-9 Who is Saul persecuting? What is the connection between suffering and witness? Acts 9:10-22 What is gained or lost by changing the interaction between Saul and Ananias? What is the connection between the Holy Spirit and Baptism? What is Saul's confession of faith? What does this mean? Acts 22:3-21 Acts 26:9-21 Galatians 1:13-24 How does Paul describe his own conversion?

30 Acts 12:1-25 Acts 11:1-18; 15:13-29 How did the Church react to the death of James, in the movie, in the book? Acts 13:13-52 What was the content of Paul's preaching, in the movie, in the book? What is the significance of the vision Jesus shows Peter? Why change that vision? How did God use this encounter to change the Apostles? 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Acts 28:16, 30 What is the purpose of 1 Corinthians 13? What changes if you separate it from its context? 2 Timothy 4:1-22

31 Revealed What does the Bible say about the Revelation? Revelation 1:1-18; 22:20 What kind of judgment is coming on the Last Day, according to the movie? What did you think of the series, as a whole? What did they include that you weren't expecting? What did they leave out that you would have included? Imagine if you had never read the Bible before. What would you now know about Jesus and the Bible after watching "The Bible"?

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