HOME BIBLE INSTITUTE PROGRAM. DEAF BIBLE INSTITUTE PROGRAM New Testament Course INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT. Lesson 2.1. Silent Word Ministries

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HOME BIBLE INSTITUTE PROGRAM DEAF BIBLE INSTITUTE PROGRAM New Testament Course INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT Lesson 2.1 Silent Word Ministries PO Box 889 Trenton, Georgia 30752 Free Bible Correspondence Course For Deaf People

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INTRODUCTION This course will introduce you to the facts and history in the New Testament days. You will study places, people, politics and government in the days of Christ. Please study this course carefully, then when you read and study the New Testament, you will have more understanding. This course will also help you in studying our future courses. As you study, think about the times of the Lord. The Roman government was in power. The Jewish people were under the government of the Roman Empire. Realize that there has been no voice from God for almost 500 years. Then, finally John the Baptist came on the scene preaching that the Kingdom of God was to come. Jesus began His ministry in this environment and setting. The New Testament is the most important book in the world. Every person should study it more. The greatest need in this troubled world is the Word of God. It can do more for our nation than politics or government. In the first century, the Christians were living the Bible that we read today. Jesus Christ walked with them and helped them with their problems. He became their Saviour. Today, the answer to all problems is found in the New Testament. That answer is Jesus Christ. The New Testament gives us true facts in history. It shows truths which will save men and change lives and nations. The New Testament is the fulfillment (completion) of the Old Testament (Matthew 1:22; 2:15; 4:14). The New Testament is God's final letter and book to man. In the Old Testament - He is coming. In the New Testament - He has come. The Old Testament reveals or shows the coming of the Lamb of God and the New Testament says, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The word "Bible," actually means many books into one. It is also called the "Holy" Bible which means it is from God. It is the greatest book in the world. It has two parts: the Old Testament with 39 different books and the New Testament with 27 different books. The Bible has a total of sixty-six books combined into one great book. It is with great joy that we now study the New Testament! ROME AND THE ROMAN EMPIRE In early 44 BC, Julius Caesar was ruler over Rome. Next, Octavian became leader and changed his name to Augustus Caesar. He became the first emperor of Rome. He appointed leaders and governors over different areas. Gallio, was made ruler over Achaia in AD 51 during the time Paul was in Corinth (Acts 18:12). He appointed Pontius Pilate as governor over Judea (Luke 3:1). Jesus was born during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - AD 14) and conducted His ministry during the reign of Augustus's successor, Tiberius AD 1437 (Compare Luke 3:1). Claudius (AD 41-54), was ruler during most of the ministry of the apostle Paul (Acts 18:2). 1

Nero, an evil man then became ruler. Both Paul and Peter seem to have been martyred during Nero's reign. (AD 70) Titus caused the destruction of Jerusalem with its holy Temple. These were the rulers and government under which Jesus and Christianity was lived. BETWEEN MALACHI AND MATTHEW What happened during the time from the Old Testament to the New Testament? The last prophet was Malachi and his book is the last book in the Old Testament. Matthew wrote the first book in the New Testament. What happened from the time of Malachi to Matthew? There were some four hundred years between the days of Malachi and Matthew. This was called The Dark Period. During this time there was no prophet or writer. The writings ended with Malachi then about four hundred years later Matthew wrote the first book of the Gospels. The sunset of the Old Testament was with Malachi and the sunrise of the New Testament was with Matthew. A TIME OF DEFEAT During this Dark Period, Jerusalem was defeated and the Jews were scattered into many different countries. They began to regather and return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of God. During those four hundred years the Jews were in many wars and troubled times. They were ruled by the Persians, the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Syrians, the Maccabeans. and the Romans. At the time of Christ, the Jews were ruled by the Roman government. Julius Caesar was the ruler over all Jerusalem. Herod was appointed governor of Galilee, the land of Christ. THE RELIGIOUS WORLD To clearly understand the New Testament, you need study the religions during the time of Christ. The Jews had returned to Israel to rebuild their temple. When they returned, they brought their idols and new way of worship with them. Some returned from foreign countries and no longer knew the Jewish language. They had to be taught because they could not read the Old Testament language. The Jews returned to Judah to worship so the new way was called Judaism. There was a great change to the nation of the Jews. In the Old Testament, they continually worshipped idols and false gods. Now, they stopped all idol worship. As you study the New Testament. you will notice the Jews never worshipped idols again. They returned to obey the law and worship the true God. Because of the new ways, different ideas and groups of religions were started. About 50,000 Jews returned to their land and they wanted to know the Scriptures. They wanted their children to be taught the Old Testament, especially the books of the Law. 2

SYNAGOGUES Many could not read the Jewish language (Hebrew) so they had to be taught from the Old Testament. They could not go into the temple because only the priests or the high priests could enter the temple. So they met in houses or fields to learn the Scriptures. In the synagogues the older Jews were losing and forgetting their knowledge of the Old Testament and the younger Jews did not know it. So, the people gathered together to hear the reading and interpreting of the Scriptures in the synagogues. The leader of the congregation might invite others to read or discuss the Scriptures. The temple was the place to worship God, but the synagogues were the places to hear, discuss and learn the Scriptures. Remember, the church has not yet been established. There were only the synagogues and the temple for the Jewish people to worship God. The synagogues were a place like churches of today. THE SCRIBES The name scribe in the New Testament means a writer of scriptures. The name scribe comes from the word Scripture. The scribes questioned Jesus. The scribes were educated men who copied and studied the Old Testament. The Jews needed someone to explain the Scriptures. They were also called lawyers (Luke 7:30). THE PHARISEES This was a religious group of leaders who were dedicated to keeping the Law. There were only about 6,000 Pharisees in the days of Christ. These men separated themselves from other religions. The name Pharisee means separate. They were very proud of their religion. They believed in the resurrection and eternal soul but refused to believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. The Pharisees were a false religious group who tried to keep the Law and their strict rules but they were not saved. In Matthew 23:25-27, Jesus told them they kept the outward life clean but in their hearts they were unclean. The Pharisees became the enemies of Jesus. THE SADDUCEES This was a religious group of Jews who did not believe in the resurrection, Hell or eternal life. The Sadducees were the opposite of the Pharisees. They were usually wealthy, educated men and there were only a few in their group. They also were against and opposed Jesus and His teachings. They questioned Jesus Christ to try to find fault with His teachings. They were not interested in the truth. 3 3

THE HERODIANS These were people who were not interested in religion but only in politics. Herodians were for the cause of King Herod who was over their government. They receive their name Herodian from the name of King Herod. The Herodians were the Jewish people who were for the rule of Roman government and opposed Jewish tradition and Jesus (Matthew 22:16; Mark 3:6; Mark 12:13). THE WORLD OF JESUS Jesus was born at a time of much confusion and trouble in the world. There were different religious and political groups who opposed one another. The Jews were under the rule of Rome, which kept an ironhand control of them. The Roman soldiers were everywhere throughout Palestine and Israel. The different groups presented their views and ideas as the answer to the problems. They opposed one another with much hate. Remember, there had been no prophet or writings for four hundred years. At times the people would have council meetings to discuss the needs of the Jews. These groups did not have much authority as they were under the rule of Rome. It is strange that although these groups hated one another they all united in one common cause against Jesus Christ. They joined together to oppose Jesus. (Mark 3:6; Matthew 16:1; Matthew 22:15.) The Jewish leaders were under the control of Rome so they did not have authority to put a person to death. They joined together with others to take Jesus to the governor, Pontius Pilate, and demanded the Roman government kill Jesus. Pilate could find no fault with Jesus but different groups joined together and demanded that Christ be crucified. As you study the New Testament and you see the words Sadducees, Pharisees, synagogues, scribes, you can now understand the meanings of these New Testament words. THE NEW TESTAMENT What is the difference in the Old Testament and the New Testament? Why was the New Testament written? The old Testament was written in Hebrew Language and the New Testament was written in Greek Language. The Old Testament told that one day a Saviour would be born to the Jewish nation. The New Testament tells of the birth of that Saviour, His life, death, resurrection and coming again. The New Testament is the greatest book ever written. It is God's final letter or book to man. It tells men how to be saved. The Word of God can change lives and nations. It is the Word of God to mankind. The Word of God is a Holy Letter from God to man. There are twenty-seven (27) books in the New Testament which are divided into individual books. Each book is part of the whole book. Each book has special words about the times, history, events and people of that time. 4

THE GOSPELS The first four books. Matthew, Mark, Luke. and John, wrote these first books. These four books are referred to as the Gospels. These four books make one complete story of the birth, life. death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These books record the human ancestry, birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and Son of Man. They also record His words. and His works. These books not only tell the story of Jesus but also show His personality. Matthew was written at he earliest date about AD 37. The letters AD before a date means in the year of the Lord. The other books were written almost thirty years later, around AD 60. These four books cover a period of about forty years, before the birth of Christ to His resurrection and ascension into Heaven. Luke also wrote the book of Acts. John also wrote I, II, and III John, and Revelation. In Matthew He is the Messiah-King. In Luke He is the Son of Man. In Mark He is the servant. In John He is the Son of God. One Story - All four of these books make one wonderful story of Jesus. It is amazing that these four men, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John wrote individually but all four agreed together about Jesus. This is more proof that the New Testament is the Word of God. The same as the land is covered with four points of direction on the compass: north, south, east, west. These four books give four different views and all agree to give the full life of Jesus Christ. THE EPISTLES What is an epistle? The word epistle simply means a letter. In those days the writer of the letter signed his name at the beginning of the letter (Romans 1:1; I Corinthians 1:1; II Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:1; etc.). After the Book of Acts ends, there begins a series of letters or epistles from the Apostle Paul to the churches. The next nine books are written by the Apostle Paul to churches that he established on his missionary journeys. These letters are all addressed to Christians or churches. That is why they are named the Christian Church Epistles. These nine books are: Romans, I and II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I and II Thessalonians. THE PASTORAL EPISTLES After the church letters, the Bible continues with writings to the pastors or individuals. These four epistles are I & II Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. The first two are written to Timothy, a young pastor. The third letter is written to another young preacher, Titus. The Book of Philemon is written to a Christian leader. These four books are called the pastoral Epistles. 5

HEBREW CHRISTIAN EPISTLES There are nine other books in the New Testament. These are Hebrews, James, I and II Peter, I, II, and III John, Jude, and Revelation. These letters are not addressed to churches or pastors. Most of them are to the Christians or the Jews as a nation. The Book of Hebrews is written to the Hebrew (Jewish) nation. James wrote to the twelve tribes scattered into many countries. Peter wrote to the strangers (Jews) scattered throughout different countries. The books of I, II and III John are written to the Christians as a father would write to his children. The Book of Jude is written to them (Christians). The last book, Revelation, is written to God's servants (Christians) about the things which must soon come to pass. The Pastoral Epistles (4) I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus, Philemon. The Pastoral Epistles teach the qualifications of a pastor, deacon, and those in leadership in the early church. The Hebrew Christian Epistles (9) Hebrews James, I and II Peter, I and II and III John, Jude and Revelation The Hebrew Christian Epistles: Hebrews, James, I Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III John, Jude, Revelation. The Hebrew Christian Epistles are written to all Christians about their Christian life, their faith (Hebrews), works (James), hope (Peter), love (John), contending for faith (Jude), future (Revelation). The New Testament is a complete book telling God's complete plan for mankind. The Book of Acts The Acts of the Apostles - This book could also be called The Acts of the Holy Spirit. Because it explains the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the works of Christians and the early church. Acts tells what happened after the resurrection of Jesus, the history of the church and the first Christians. The name comes from actions or acts of the Apostles. Acts was written by St. Luke the same person who wrote the book of Luke. What is an apostle? Why did the name disciple change to apostle? Apostle means a person who has been sent on a mission by someone else. The disciples were called to follow and the apostles were sent. The true apostles were sent personally by the Lord on a mission of preaching the Gospel. Luke wrote twenty-eight chapters telling the action of the apostles after Jesus ascended into Heaven. The main characters in this book are Peter, the first pastor in Jerusalem, and then early in the book, Paul, the great missionary, becomes the leader. The Book of the Acts records the beginning of local churches with pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and deacons. 6

Most doctrines and beliefs were established in the Book of the Acts. This is one of the most important books for the church to study. The book of Acts teaches the mission of the church in the absence of Jesus Christ. "...ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth" (Acts 1:8). The book of Acts explains what the Christians did after Jesus returned to Heaven. This book teaches the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians as they carry the Gospel, beginning in Jerusalem and then reaching into the world. Book of Romans This book is called The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. What is an epistle? Remember, epistle simply means letter. The epistles are letters written from the apostles to Christians or churches. Twenty-one books in the New Testament are epistles (letters) from apostles. The Book of Romans was written to the church in Rome (1:7). The message of this book is "The Gospel of God." (Romans 1:1.) This book is known for its doctrine. The word doctrine means things that are taught. Acts teaches the instructions for the ministry of the church. Book of First Corinthians The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in the city of Corinth. The Christians in this city began to follow the ways of the worldly city. Corinth was a city in Greece. Many people traveled through this town and it was known as a sinful place. The Christians were copying the ways of Corinth. Paul wrote them this letter. Paul wrote as a father to his children. He warned them to stop their sin. The people were doing sinful things (I Corinthians 5:11). Some were fussing and others were following certain preachers (I Corinthians 3:4). They had trouble in the church and were puffed up. They acted the same as babies. It is sad that some Christians still act the same as babies. A baby grows into a child and then a man. Christians should grow into mature Christians. Book of Second Corinthians Paul wrote a second letter to the same church. This time he wrote with a broken heart (II Corinthians 2:4). This book teaches the trials and sorrows of the great man Paul. At the time of this letter, Paul was in physical pain and very weak. His burdens of the church were even greater. The Devil was also doing all he could to defeat him (II Corinthians 2:11). Study II Corinthians 11:23-29 to see all the troubles and heartaches of Paul. In II Corinthians 4:8, he speaks of his troubles on every side. But in the midst of all his troubles Paul wrote that God is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort (II Corinthians 1:3). The key verse is II Corinthians 12:9. Paul wrote, "My grace is sufficient for thee..." God will help you in times of trouble. 7

Book of Galatians The Apostle Paul wrote this letter about AD 60. Almost 30 years after Christ had ascended to Heaven. The people in that day did not have a Bible to read and study. Many would give ideas and new beliefs which would seem right, but it would not be true. The church in Galatia started following false doctrines (teachings). They were adding other things to the truth of the Gospel and making another gospel (Galatians 1:6). Paul wrote to correct the false doctrine and then warned the people not to follow false beliefs. All doctrines that do not follow the Word of God are false. The Word of God is the absolute and authority of Christianity. Only follow the man who follows the Word of God. Some people follow Gurus, cults, religions, and false doctrines. There are many different churches, but only one Gospel. Be careful! Do not follow those who are false teachers. Paul warned that they are accursed (going to destruction) (Galatians 1:9). Book of Ephesians Ephesians was written by Apostle Paul in AD 64 to the Christians in Ephesus. Ephesus was located on an island on the coast of Asia Minor. This city had, at that time, the world's largest theater, temple, and stadiums. The theater could seat 24,500 people. In this great city was a great church. Paul praised them for their faithfulness and then instructed them to continue to work and walk for God (Ephesians 3:17-21; 6:1117). It is joy to study about a great church after seeing the troubled church in Corinth. Ephesus was a good example. Book of Philippians This blessed book was also written by Paul. It was to the church in the city of Philippi. This city was a Macedonian town located near the Mediterranean Sea. This was the first church Paul established on his missionary journey (read Acts 16). This letter was written to thank the church for a gift they had given to Paul (1:17). This church loved Paul and more than once they received offerings and send them to Paul. What a blessing to study about a church that truly loved missionaries. Paul wrote to them from prison with a grateful heart. He told them that even though he was in prison, he had learned to be content (satisfied) (4:11). What a lesson! Paul was in prison, cold, lonely and hungry, but he did not complain; he was satisfied. Why? Because he was doing the work of God even in prison. Some Christians today complain about the long sermons, the rain, the hard pews in the church, and a thousand other things. Christians need to learn to be content in all things as Paul. No one is born content but contentment must be learned (Philippians 4:11). Paul said I have learned to be content. At one time he was not content. You must learn to be content. 8

Book of Colossians The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in the city of Colosse. This city was located near Laodicea, which was the place of a very worldly church (Revelation 3:14-22). Colosse was known for its fine wool and industry. Philemon and Onesimus (Book of Philemon) were members of this church (4:9). This church was following false beliefs and doctrines (vs. 2:8). Paul warned them not to follow false doctrines. He then wrote the truth of God (2:9-10). He explained to them that they needed to look to Heaven and live for the things that are eternal (Colossians 3:1-2). Christians need to stop living for earthly things and give their lives to those things that are eternal. I Thessalonians The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in the city of Thessalonica, a city in the gulf. The city was named after Thessalonike, a sister of Alexander the Great. Thessalonica was a military city. Many leaders and soldiers lived there. The Christians in this city were very troubled about their loved ones and friends who had died. Paul wrote to encourage them and for the first time, taught the blessed event, the rapture - A time when Christians who had died would be taken up from the grave at the rapture. Also, those who are alive would be taken together to meet the Lord in the air (4:13-18). Because of this letter, Christians have hope for the future. One day every saved person, both those who have died and those still alive, will be caught up in the air to meet Jesus. These are precious words of comfort (4:18). II Thessalonians This second letter was needed because some in the church did not understand correctly the first letter (2:2). This letter was written to correct the Christians (2:1-2), caution the Christians (3:10-11), and to comfort the Christians (3:16). Some people do not understand the truth in the Bible and they become confused and troubled. When there is true understanding, it will give peace and comfort to the Christian. Study the Bible to learn truth. The Word of God will keep you close to God. Books: I Timothy and II Timothy The Apostle Paul wrote these two letters to young Timothy, who traveled with him on missionary journeys. Paul called him "my dear son." Paul was in prison and young Timothy was a pastor of the church of Ephesus. He advised Timothy to establish the church with deacons and leaders (I Timothy Chpt. 3). The church was growing so the leaders also needed to be prepared and of good report. These were the last two letters that Paul wrote. He was killed after he wrote II Timothy. The book of II Timothy is Paul s last Will and Testament to the world. 9

I Timothy In this book Paul gives qualifications of a good leader, preacher, and deacon (3:1-13). It also teaches a woman's place in the service of the church (2:9-15). It has instructions for a young pastor and his church. II Timothy Paul wrote the second time to his beloved son in the ministry. Paul knew that death was near (4:6-8). He encouraged and challenged Timothy to keep serving God and never give up (4:1-5). Book of Titus The Apostle Paul again wrote to another young pastor. He wrote to Titus who was the pastor of a church in Crete. Crete was an island away from all land. Titus was discouraged but Paul told him that he needed the church and also the church needed him. He advised Titus to remain and finish the work of God (1:5). There are times when Christian's are disappointed and feel like quitting. Success is not determined by what it takes to start you but what it takes to stop you. A failure is not someone who fails, but someone who quits. Book of Philemon This letter was not written to a church or a pastor but to a good Christian friend of Paul, Philemon. This man was one of the first members of the church in the city of Colosse. It is a beautiful story of a slave named Onesimus who had done wrong and had run away from his master, Philemon. The slave met Paul and was saved. His life was changed and now he wanted to do right. Paul sent the slave back home with this letter asking Philemon to forgive the slave. Philemon read the letter and accepted the slave, not as a slave but now as a friend. True salvation will change a person's life and ways. Read this story carefully and you will receive a great blessing. Sinners are forgiven for Christ's sake, as Onesimus was forgiven for Paul's sake (verses 18 & 19). Book of Hebrews The word Hebrews means to the Jews. The Jews were called Hebrews. The language of the Jews is called the Hebrew Language. This book could be called the mystery book. It is not known for sure who wrote this letter. Many scholars agree that probably the Apostle Paul wrote it to the Jewish people. The Jews began to return to their old ways of worship. They returned to the temple and offered sacrifices. This letter was written to teach that Jesus Christ is the high priest and the one sacrifice needed for salvation (7:27; 9:26; 10:14). Hebrews teaches that the Jews did not need to continue in the law and sacrifices, but to follow the new teachings of Jesus Christ. The book closes by encouraging the Jews to live by faith (chapter 11 ).. 10

Book of James This book was written by James, the leader and chairman of the Jews in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:9; Acts 12:17; Acts 15:13-21; 21:18-24). James writes to the twelve tribes (Jews) who were scattered into many different countries (1:1). James wrote to instruct them to continue to be good Christians. He taught faith, obedience (chpt. 1), brotherly love, works (chapter 2), tongue (chpt. 3), world (chpt. 4). He closed with the coming of the Lord. James teaches your daily testimony is important. Book of I Peter The famous Apostle Peter wrote his first letter to the Christians who had left Jerusalem. His letter encouraged the Christians to be strong in the times of suffering (1:6; 4:16). The key verse is: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (5:7). Peter became an evangelist to both the Jews and Gentiles. Peter opened the doors to the Jews at Pentecost, and later opened the doors to the Gentiles with Cornelious (Acts 10). His letter encourages Christians to remain faithful. This letter teaches that you, any time or any place, can go to the Lord with your problems and cares. As a father wants the best for his children, the Heavenly Father wants the best for you. He cares for you (Peter 5:7). Book of II Peter Peter was near death as he wrote his second letter (1:14). This is an important letter to warn Christians about false teachers (chapter 2). He explained the ways of false teachers. He ends his last letter with promises of the last days. Peter's last words were to warn about false beliefs. You should never become friends with false teachers. Do not go to their churches; leave them alone. Learn what is false and what is true. Warn your friends about false doctrines and false teachers. Books of I & II John I John - Written by the Apostle John. He was the last living apostle. He wrote in about AD 90 after all the other apostles had died. He wrote five books: John, I John, II John, III John, and Revelation. John was known as the beloved disciple. I John teaches fellowship of Christians. A Christian is not to fellowship or to love the things in the world. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world" (I John 2:15). II John - This book has only thirteen verses. It is the only letter in the Bible written to a mother (verses: 1,5,10,12). It is good that one book is written to a Christian mother. This letter teaches that the home is also to stand for the truth of God. He advised her home to walk in love (4-6), and also to watch against error (7-11). Your desire should be as John, to love the Lord and not the world. 11

Book of III John III John was written to a friend named Gaius. Gaius was a friendly man who invited others into his home (5). He was a kind and generous man with his time and money in the Lord's work (I2). The letter is also about another man named Diotrephes who was a trouble maker in the church (9-10). The book then ends telling about another man named Demetrius, who had a good report with all people. This man was known for his good words (12). Three different kinds of people were in the church. What kind of Christian are you? It is the same today. There are different kinds of people in the churches; some are kind, good Christians but some are trouble makers. It is good there are always the Gaiuses and Demetriuses in the churches. It is sad there are also the people like Diotrephes who are trouble makers. Church should be a place of unity and fellowship. The church needs more people like Gaius and Demetrius who were a good Christians. Book of Jude The writer of this small book (only 25 verses) was Jude, the brother of James (vs 1). Both these men were cousins of Jesus. This is a strong letter to warn against false teachers in the last days. It warns of their teachings and ways. Jude explained that these false teachers were changing the Word of God and denying Jesus Christ (vs. 4). Jude taught how to know false teachers. Warning! Do not follow the ways of Cain. It will lead to destruction. False teachers can be know by their: 1. 2. 3. 4. Walk -Walked after the flesh - world (7 & 18). Ways - The ways of Cain (11 ). Works - Their works were empty and selfish (12). Words - They murmur - complain about the work of God (16). Book of Revelation The last book of the New Testament was written by the Apostle John. He was exiled to Patmos a small island. He was the last living apostle. He revealed future things. The first book Genesis is the book of beginnings. The last book Revelation is the book of endings. Revelation tells about the end of the church age (chpt. 4) and slowly closes with the end of all things. The end of death, sorrow, crying, pain. Then all things will become new (21:4). John's last words as he thought about the exciting future were, "... Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus" [22:20]. All the prophesies in Revelation are true. This book explains the coming future events, Tribulation time, the mark of the beast, the one thousand years of rest, the throne of God, and that One day soon Jesus will come. Until then, read, love and learn about the Lord. The Bible will help you to be faithful to the Lord until He returns. Send only the question sheet - It will be graded - returned with next study. 12

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