Dear God, 

We  are thankful for the people of the Bible

for their stories of faith,

for their stories of struggle,

for the ways they have lived lives of meaning.

We are thankful for the wisdom of the Bible

for the psalms and proverbs,

for the meditations on love and meanings of life,

for the words which still speak wisdom to us today.

We are thankful for the hope of the Bible

for the ways in which you continue to love and care for us,

for the ways in which you continually seek us out,

for the ways in which you show us how to live and love one another.

We are thankful that we are now able to say that we know our Bible,

that we can explore and learn and grow in our faith.

We ask that you will bless us each day

and help us live lives of growing faith.

Through Jesus Christ, the Living Word. Amen. 

Reflecting on the Bible

The Torah

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

Hebrew History

Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1^st & 2^nd Samuel, 1^st & 2^nd Kings, 1^st & 2^nd Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

Wisdom

Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

Prophets

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah

Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

Gospels

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

Early Church History

Acts

Letters to the Early Church

Paul’s Letters—Romans, 1^st & 2^nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians,

1^st & 2^nd Thessalonians, 1^st & 2^nd Timothy, Titus, Philemon

Other Letters–Hebrews, James, 1^st & 2^nd Peter, 1^st & 2^nd & 3^rd John, Jude

Revelation

When you look back over the whole Bible – 39 Old Testament Books & 27 New Testament Books –

Does it all make sense to you now?

Do you feel like you have a handle on the whole Bible?

Which section was the hardest to read?

Which section holds the most meaning for you?

Gospels Which of the Gospels surprised you?

Matthew Which spoke best to you?

Mark Which would you like to read in its entirety?

Luke

John

Early Church History Did you get a sense of early church history? 

Acts Did anything surprise you?

Do you want to read the book in its entirety?

Letters to the Early Church

Paul’s Letters Which of the letters surprised you?

Romans Which did you find most interesting?

I & II Corinthians Which would you like to read in its entirety?

Galatians, Ephesians

Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians

I & II Timothy

Titus, Philemon

Other Letters

Hebrews, James

I & II Peter

I & II & II John, Jude

Revelation Did you find the book interesting?

Would it be worth spending more time reading?

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Reflecting on the Meaning of the New Testament - Just the Story

The Gospels

• The Gospel covers the gamut from Mark’s simplicity in telling the story, to Matthew’s Jewish telling, to Luke’s Greek telling, to John’s theological telling of the life of Jesus. Do all of these different tellings give you a better picture of Jesus or are they so different that they add confusion?

• Do the gospels tell you enough about Jesus for you to have faith in him, or do you need other writings, events, and experiences to have faith?

Early Church History

• Do you find in reading the early church history a wish that we could re-create similar churches today, or a freedom to be the church in our own time and place in our ways?

• Would you rather have Peter, Paul, Priscilla & Aquila, or Lydia as the pastor of your church?

Letters

• The letters are full of answers to specific questions churches and individuals were having. Are the answers that are given to those situations easily transferable to our own situation today?

• How do we get answers to our own questions today?

Revelation

• Over the years, lots of people have thought that the Book of Revelation does not even belong in the Bible (Luther was one of those people). Do you think its message of hope is worth including it, or do you think its difficult style of writing adds more harm than help?

What’s a revelation

The word  “revelation” means unfolding. This particular revelation is to John and is an unfolding of a message from Christ to the Church.

What’sapocalyptic

It is the same word as “revelation,”  just from a different language, but is applied now to a particular kind of writing. An apocalyptic style of writing has these characteristics:

• Composed in a time of trial and crisis
• From a leader to followers suffering persecution
• For private comfort to the faithful
• Uses forms of expression which are peculiar in ordinary times
• Composed in figures of speech known and used among the faithful, but meaningless to those outside; often obscure on purpose
• Written as a whole; not to be understood word by word, but the entire movement gives meaning

Are there other examples of this literature

Yes, in such writings, not found in the Bible, like Fourth Esdras, the Book of Enoch, and the Apocalypse of Baruch. They were all written at about the same time as Revelation.

How many revelations are there.

Just one.  There is only one message in the book. That’s why it’s called Revelation, rather than Revelations

So what is this revelation

In one word, hope. The message is to live in hope no matter what the circumstances may be

What’s an example of some words used symbolically

• Tree of Life means eternal life
• Scroll means a message from God
• Golden Bowl of Incense mans prayers
• Red Dragon means evil
• Babylon means Rome

What’s an example of some numbers used symbolically

• 3 stand for God
• 4 stand for the 4 corners of the earth
• 7 stand for unity of God and earth, thus totality, wholeness, perfection
• 12 stands for the apostles (12 of them) or the Tribes of Israel (12 of them)

What are some names used for Jesus

The faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, the Lamb of God

What are some names used for God

The Alpha and the Omega, the Almighty, he who is and who was and who is to come.

___________________________________________________________

Revelation – Just the Story

Prayer:  God of love and justice, help us hear your Word through the visions of John, that we may be filled with hope in Christ.  Amen.

#1 A Vision of Christ – Read Revelation 1:9-20

Who received the vision? (1:9) __________

Where was he? (1:9) __________

What did the loud voice tell him to do? (1:11) __________

When he turned and saw the vision, who was standing in the middle of the seven lamp stands? (1:13) __________

What did he hold in his right hand? (1:16) __________

What was coming from his mouth? (1:16) __________

What did his face look like? (1:16) __________

What was the first message given? (1:17) __________

What did he say the seven stars symbolized? (1:20) __________

What did he say the seven lamp stands symbolized? (1:20) __________

#2 The New Heaven and the New Earth – Read Revelation 21:1-5a

What was gone so that John saw a new heaven and earth? (21:1) __________

What did John see coming down from God? (21:2) __________

Where will God live in this new heaven and earth? (21:34) __________

What will God wipe away? (21:4) __________

What will be gone in the Holy City? (21:4) __________

What will God make new? (21:5) __________

#3 The River of Life – Read Revelation 22:1-5

Where does the river flow from? (22:1) __________

What does the river flow through? (22:2) __________

What is on either side of the river? (22:2) __________

How many months of the year does it produce fruit? (22:2)__________

What are the leaves capable of doing? (22:2)__________

What will you not be able to find in the City? (22:3) __________

Why is there no longer a sun or lamps? (22:4) __________

How long will the new City last? (22:5) __________

The bottom line of the story is:  Christ has a word of comfort and hope and life for the Church and world. 

What did you hear? __________

What’s the bottom line for you? __________

The content of Paul’s Letters

   Romans – GRACE:  It’s the gracious love of God that saves us, nothing we do ourselves. 

   1^st Corinthians – ANSWERS:  Paul has answers to their questions, and he’s not afraid to tell them.

2^nd Corinthians – RECONCILIATION:  Through Christ we can be reconciled to one another.

Galatians – FREEDOM:  Christ sets us free from the old to live in the new.

   Ephesians – UNITY:  Unity in the church shows unity to the world.

   Philippians:  REJOICE:  Christ has come for salvation, so rejoice!

   Colossians:  CHRIST:  When in doubt, focus on Christ

1st Thessalonians:  DEATH:  Christ will raise us from death to life.

   2^nd Thessalonians:  DEATH:  In the meantime, work.

   1^st Timothy:  YOUTH:  Set a good example in the faith.

   2^nd Timothy:  FAREWELL:  Paul’s final words to his dear friend.

Titus:  LEADERSHIP:  Choose good leadership for the church.

Philemon:  BROTHER:  New relationships are possible in Christ.

The content of Other Letters

   Hebrews:  FAITH:  Christ is our High Priest who brings us faith.

James:  WORKS:  Put your faith into action.

1^st Peter:  SPIRITUAL:  Live a spiritual life.

2^nd Peter:  TRUTH:  Hold on to the spiritual truths.

1^st John:  LOVE: God’s love for us is the foundation of our love for one another.

   2^nd John:  WALK: Walk in love.

   3^rd John:  TRUTH: Walk in truth.

Jude:  BEWARE:  Beware of those who misuse the faith.

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Letters to the Early Church – Reflecting on the Letters – Just the Story

#1 Paul’s Letters — Either/Or

• Paul believed that if we were in Christ, we were… holy or new creations?
• What was Paul first called… Saul or Tarsus?
• What did Saul lose when the light flashed from heaven… his hearing or his sight?
• What did Paul believe about circumcision… it was barbaric or not necessary?
• What did Paul say would was the only thing that would save people…grace or good works?
• Which does Paul say is a gift of the Spirit… kindness or richness?
• In Colossians, Paul says when in doubt…  try harder or focus on Christ?
• Who was the slave that Paul sent home to his master… Onesimus or Titus?
• In Philippians, Paul says that Christ came so that we might… live longer or rejoice?
• How are Paul’s letters arranged in the New Testament… alphabetically or longest to shortest?

#2 Other Letters – True or False

• Sarah, Abraham’s wife, is listed in the book of Hebrews in the Faith Hall of Fame.
• Hebrews defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
• Hebrews says that we should run the race of faith with perspiration.
• James say that faith must have two witness to prove it is real.
• John says that God is love
• John says we should love one another.
• John says that love is all you need.
• 1^st Peter is about combating enemies outside the church and 2^nd Peter is about combating enemies inside the church.
• 2^nd John says we must walk in love and 3^rd John says we must walk in truth.
• Jude warns us to beware of those who misuse the church.

Either/Or Answers (1-new creations, 2-Saul, 3-his sight, 4-not necessary, 5-grace, 6-kindness, 7-focus on Christ, 8-Onesimus, 9-rejoice, 10-longest to shortest)

T/F Answers (1-T, 2-T, 3-F, perseverance, 4-F, works prove it is real, 5-T, 6- T, 7-F, the Beatles said it, 8-T, 9-T, 10-T)

Can you find your way through the Letters and know the general flow and content? 

1^ST JOHN

John wrote this letter to help people settle their theological differences by appealing to the standard of love. He warned against false teachers. The evidence of Christ’s presence in us and with us is our love for each other.

What’s the theme 

God’s love for us is the foundation of our love for one another.

In one word:  Love.

A verse to remember

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. (4:7-8)

2^ND JOHN 

It’s more personal than 1^st John, but continues on with the same themes. It is only 13 verses long, but full of love. It’s addressed to “the elect lady” and “her children.” This probably means to a leader in the church and the church members.

What’s the theme 

Walk in love.

In one word:  Walk

A verse to remember

This is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning –you must walk in it. (vs.6)

3^RD JOHN

John writes another personal letter to a friend. It’s only 15 verses long. He urges his friend, Gaius, to continue to walk in the truth. He names both a false and good teacher and tells Gaius to imitate the good.

What’s the theme 

Walk in truth.

In one word:  Truth.

A verse to remember

I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (vs. 4)

JUDE

Jude is the author who identifies himself as the brother of James. The letter is more of a hellfire-and-brimstone letter than those of John, warning against false teachers and comparing them to rather obscure Israelite writings from the Old Testament period.

What’s the theme

Beware of those who misuse the faith.

In one word:  Beware

A verse to remember:

But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. (vs.20-21)

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Letters to the Early Church – Other Letters: 1, 2 & 3 John, and Jude - Just the Story

Prayer:  Loving God, help us be filled with your love this day. Help us turn to one another in love.  Amen. 

#1 Love – Read I John 4:7-12

Where does love come from? (4:7) __________

What is God? (4:8) __________

Which comes first —God loving us or us loving God? (4:10) __________

Since God loves us, whom shall we love? (4:11) __________

What do we show in our lives, if we love on another (4:12) __________

#2 Walk – Read all 13 verses of 2^nd John. 

Is John writing anything new? (vs 5) __________

What is the same commandment as always? (vs 5) __________

But what is the reader supposed to do with this commandment? (vs 6) __________

How do you walk in love? __________

#3 Truth – Read all 15 verses of 3^rd John. 

What virtue is Gaius upholding that John rejoices in? (vs. 3) __________

How does Gaius live out this virtue? (vs. 3) __________

What does John tell Gaius to imitate? (vs. 11) __________

#4 Beware –Read vs.19-25 of Jude

Are there always people who cause divisions? (vs. 19) __________

What three things will help you keep yourself strong? (vs. 20-21)

__________

__________

__________

What’s your responsibility to others? (vs. 23)

Woody’s Bottom Line of this reading is: Walk in the love and truth of God.   

What did you hear? __________

What’s the bottom line for you? __________

Who is Peter

Peter is the writer of these two letters; perhaps the disciple who led the church after Pentecost

1^ST PETER

What’s 1^st Peter about

It is written in a time of persecution and talks about combating enemies outside the church.

What’s the theme 

Hope in Christ, be faithful, and live a spiritual life.

In one word:  Spiritual.

A verse to remember

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness and into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (2:9-10)

2^ND PETER

What’s 2^nd Peter about

It’s the same as 1^st Peter:  combating enemies. But now the enemy is inside the church. It is false teachers.

What’s the theme

Hold onto the spiritual truths. Take responsibility for your own growth, instead of believing everything anyone may tell you.

In one word:  Truth.

A verse to remember

You must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (1:20-21)

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Letters to the Early Church – Other Letters: 1 & 2 Peter – Just the Story

Prayer:  Lord, speak to us now through your word that we may know the truth. Amen.

#1 Spiritual – Read 1^st Peter 2:1-10

What do these Christians remind Peter of? (2:2) __________

What do they need to do? (2:2) __________

What image is used to describe Jesus? (2:4)__________

If we are like Jesus, what will we build ourselves into? (2:5) __________

What other images should the people use to describe themselves? (2:9)

__________

__________

__________

__________

Who should you always remember you are? (2:10) __________

#2 Truth – Read 2^nd Peter 1:16-21

Why should the people believe the witness that Peter gives about Jesus? (1:16) __________

What did they actually hear? (1:18) __________

What image should the people have concerning the truth that Peter speaks? (1:19) _________

Who is it that finally confirms a Word from God? (1:21) __________

Woody’s Bottom Line of this reading is: Fight enemies within and without by holding firm to the faith.   

What did you hear? __________

What’s the bottom line for you? __________

HEBREWS

Who are the Hebrews

The word “Hebrew” is used interchangeably with the word “Jew.” It means anybody of the Jewish nation. Sometimes it refers to the Jews living in Judea. In some languages, the word Hebrew is always used instead of Jew. So this is a letter written especially for Jewish people.

What’s the letter about

The letters from Paul often translate the new Christian faith by using Greek language and understandings. This letter is written to the Jewish people to show how Christ is the fulfillment of the Jewish faith. Christ is the perfect sacrifice and the true High Priest of the Jewish faith.

What’s the theme 

Christ is our High Priest, the one mediator between God and humanity, who brings us faith. Chapter 11 lists those who have been faithful in the past; you might call it the Faith Hall of Fame

In one word:  Faith

A verse to remember

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (1:1)

JAMES

Who is James

James is the author of this letter; maybe even the brother of Jesus.

What’s the letter about

It is a letter which explains what faith does. Faith does good works. Faith leads to faithful living. Where Paul writes about grace, James writes about good and faithful living, which he calls good works.

What’s the theme 

Put your faith into action. Hear the Word and then do the Word.

In one word:  Work.

A verse to remember

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? (2:14)

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Letters to the Early Church – Other Letters: Hebrews and James – Just the Story

Prayer:  Loving God, help us be filled with your love this day. Help us to turn to one another in love.  Amen.

# Faith – Read Hebrews 11:1-12:2

What is faith? (11:1)

Who is named in the Faith Hall of Fame?

__________ who offered to God an acceptable sacrifice (11:4)

__________ who was taken by God (11:5)

__________who built an ark (11:7)

__________ who set out to a new land (11:8)

__________ who was his faithful wife (11:11)

__________ who was their son (11:20)

__________ & __________ who were his sons (11:20

__________who made mention of the Exodus (11:22)

__________ who hid Moses (11:23)

__________who refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter (11:24)

__________ who passed through the Red Sea (11:29)

__________ who received the spies (11:31)

and others without time to describe (11:32) __________

__________

__________

__________

__________

__________

and the __________

These people, all together, surround us and are called what? (12:1) __________

Therefore what should we do? (12:1) __________

What should be our focus? (12:2) __________

#2 Works l—Read James 2:14-18

What does James say faith must have to prove it is not dead? (2:17) __________

By his works, what will James show? (2:18) __________

Woody’s Bottom Line of this reading is: We are to show faith and works in our lives.  

What did you hear? __________

What’s the bottom line for you? __________

TITUS

Who is Titus

A young pastor in Crete, a small island south of Greece

What’s the letter to Titus about

Crete was described as a place where people were known for their laziness, their lies and their cruelty. It needed a church! But where could you find leadership among the people there? So Paul wrote Titus about how to find good leaders.

What’s the theme 

Choose good leadership for the church

In one word:  Leadership

A verse to remember

Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us. (2:7-8)

PHILEMON

Who is Philemon

One of Paul’s friends

What’s the letter to Philemon about

It’s a private letter about a private matter. Paul’s friend Philemon owns a slave named Onesimus. Onesimus has run away and Paul has gotten to know him. Paul thinks Onesimus should go back to Philemon and clear up the whole matter. He writes the letter to Philemon asking him to welcome Onesimus home, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.

What’s the theme 

New relationships in Christ.

In one word:  Brother

A verse to remember

You might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother (15)

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Letters to the Early Church – Titus and Philemon – Just the Story

Prayer:  God of the ages, help us hear these words of faith from the early church and then look at our own church with deep faith this day. Amen. 

#1 What makes a good church leader – Read Titus 1:5-9

Paul gives Titus a whole list of virtues that he thinks should guide Titus in selecting leaders for the church in Crete. Which three of those do you think would be most helpful for us to use in our own church? __________

__________

__________

Then read Titus 2:1-10

Paul gives Titus a list of virtues for older men, older women, younger men, and slaves. What still makes sense on those lists?

__________

__________

__________

What no longer applies?

__________

__________

__________

#2 Welcome home a brother – Read Philemon (it’s only 25 verses long)

Does Paul think Philemon is a loving person? (4-7) __________

On what basis does Paul appeal to Philemon? (9) __________

How does Paul describe his relationship with Onesimus?(10) __________

Why does Paul risk by sending Onesimus home to Philemon? (14) __________

What relationship does Paul suggest is possible between Philemon and Onesimus? (16) ____

How far is Paul willing to push? (18-19) __________

How confident is Paul that Philemon will do the right thing? (21-22) __________

Why do you think this very personal letter is in the Bible? __________

Woody’s Bottom Line of this reading is: Actions are important. 

What did you hear? __________

What’s the bottom line for you? __________