This week we are starting a new class that will pick up where we left off in the last class. The goal is to set a full table of information that includes not only the Bible study, but Apologetics as well. If you have been following you know that each week has a video presentation, notes from the presentation, a “Reflection” piece and study questions for the readings in Genesis. One of the main focus points is to connect the events, people and places with the next book which is Exodus. If you’re like me, it will take a while to get the chronology of these things memorized, but it will be worth in the long run as you will be able to share the overarching picture of the Bible and its all important connection to Jesus. In addition, it will help you discern error and answer questions from both seekers and skeptics.
Watch this week’s introductory presentation, and you will find the notes below:
Overview Notes from the Presentation
The “Case for Christianity” series
- A Case for Christianity
- A Case for the Bible
- A Case for Creation – Genesis 1-11
- A Case for the Old Testament – Genesis 12-36
- A Case for the Old Testament, the History Continues… – Genesis 37 through Exodus
- A Case for the Old Testament, book by book – TBD
- A Case for Christ and the New Testament
Ministry Statement
The purpose of this ministry is to provide participants with the information and tools needed to address the questions asked of Christians in our culture today (1 Peter 3:15). This includes an emphasis on developing our Christian walk through these four important life skills:
- Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; John 17)
- Proper Biblical interpretation through the use of hermeneutics (Matthew 22:37; 2 Timothy 2:15)
- An apologetic defense of the historicity, inerrancy and inspiration of the Christian Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
- Discipleship (Matthew 28:18-20; Hebrews 10:23-25)
- This ministry believes that it is the responsibility of every person to invest serious time looking into the claims of Christianity because what we believe to be true about God, human purpose, and destiny defines us in this life and more importantly in the next. (John 14)
- This ministry is committed to providing Biblical truths based on the entirety of Scripture—both Old and New Testaments. (Matthew 5:17-18; 2 Peter 1:16-19)
- This ministry believes that the most important question we must answer in this life is the one Jesus asked of his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:27-29; John 14:6-7)
Why should we study the entire Bible?
- It grows us closer to God
- It gives us direction in life
- It protects us from temptation and sin
- It will help us to become more like Jesus
- It will help us discern truth from Biblical error
Biblical reasons we should know the Bible
And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 22:37-40 (NASB)
Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1 (NASB)
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding, to receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice, and integrity; to give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion, a wise person will hear and increase in learning, and a person of understanding will acquire wise counsel, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:1-7 (NASB)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)
All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB)
The Apologetics’ Commission:
And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
1 Peter 3:13-17 (NASB)
“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t!”
-Charles Spurgeon
Why do we need to become Biblically literate Christians?
Washington Post Article
dated March 29, 2021
Headline reads:
“Church membership in the U.S. has fallen below the majority for the first time in nearly a century”
- This is according to a poll released by Gallup – the first time since Gallup first asked the question in 1937 when membership was 73 percent.
- Alarming because we are also, for the first time in U.S. history, considered to be a “post Christian” society, and the category of “none” as it pertains to religious preference has grown to the third largest group worldwide.
If you’re a Christian, it is now more important than ever to know what we believe, and why we believe it. Then share it with others!
How do we become Biblically literate Christians?
- Make it a priority to read and study your Bible (daily if possible)
- Schedule the time – if you don’t you will never get to it!
- Be discerning in your choice of teachers and commentaries
- Learn how to study the Word for yourself (Hermeneutics)
- Bible study is a way of life, not a one-time experience
Reflection
Practice knowing the books of the Old Testament and their categories
What are the 39 books of the Christian Old Testament and their categories, in order? (clue: 5-12-5-5-12)
Bible Study
Hermeneutics: Review and Application
Most of the Old Testament is composed of “historical narratives” that were written by inspired authors like Moses, to a specific group of people, at a specific time in history. The Old Testament narratives unfold, foreshadow, and prophesy the fulfillment of the original Promise and Covenant, that included a specific rescue plan for all of humanity, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. As Christians, we must keep the hermeneutics in mind, however, in application:
- We can learn much about our own human history and our Christian history through the study of the Old Testament.
- We can learn about God, His character, and His great love for His Creation,
- We can learn about how God interacts with His Creation,
- We can learn from the successes and mistakes of those in the past.
- Most of all, we can help others to learn more about God and His rescue plan through the study of His Word found in the entirety of the Bible, and through His Son, Jesus the promised Messiah.
Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us.
This week read Genesis Chapter 37 through Chapter 40 – Then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions. NOTE: The answers are found in the text (except for “Going Deeper” or “Discuss which may require research or your own thoughts on the passage)
Joseph’s dream; Joseph is sold into slavery; Judah and Tamar; Joseph is thrown into prison; Joseph interprets dreams
1. (Genesis 37:1-17) In the first part of this chapter we find the sons of Jacob working in the fields, pasturing the family’s flocks:
a. How old is Joseph, and what was his responsibility in the family at this time?
b. Describe Joseph’s two dreams. How did his brothers react when he told them about the dreams? How did his father react?
c. Discuss: Why did Jacob put Joseph over his brothers, and do you think it was it the right thing to do?
2. (Genesis 37:18-36) In the second half of this chapter, something goes terrible wrong between Joseph and his brothers:
a. What did the brothers plan to do when they first saw Joseph coming to check up on them, and what did Reuben say to ease their plan?
b. What did they end up doing to Joseph, and which brother suggested it?
c. How did Reuben respond when he found out what had happened, and how did the brothers deceive their father into thinking Joseph was killed?
d. Going deeper: It appears Reuben was not present when this happened to Joseph. What brother was next in line to be in charge if Reuben was absent? Keep that name in mind for an upcoming situation…
3. (Genesis 38:1-30) This chapter is a side story that focuses on Judah, who most likely left the family for a time either because of guilt for what they had done to Joseph, or because he wanted to run away from his responsibility to the family. This story is concurrent with the time of Joseph’s slavery, imprisonment and subsequent rise to power in Egypt.
a. Who did Judah marry and how many children did they have?
b. Who was Tamar? Summarize her story and ultimate relationship to Judah?
c. Discuss: Do you think what Tamar did was right? Why, or why not?
d. Going deeper: What is “Levirate Law?” Why do you think God did not want the sons of Judah and his Canaanite wife to be part of the lineage of Jesus? (Clue: Remember the curse of the Canaan, son of Ham)
4. (Genesis 39:1-20) This chapter begins the story of the life of Joseph who is one of the greatest examples of a person in the Old Testament that foreshadows Jesus (keep that in mind as you read):
a. Summarize how Joseph ended up Potiphar’s house, and how did God prosper all he did?
b. What happened between Joseph and Potiphar’s wife? How did Potiphar respond?
c. Discuss: What can we learn from Joseph’s attitude through this ordeal?
5. (Genesis 39:21-40:23) Joseph ends up unfairly imprisoned after the situation with Potiphar and his wife for the next two years.
a. How did God prosper Joseph in prison?
b. Who were the two individuals that Joseph helped by interpreting their dreams, and what was the outcome for them?
c. Discuss: Joseph has now been through three traumatic experiences that seem more than unfair, and that might cause most people to question God. How do you think you would handle such unfair circumstances, and what can we learn from Joseph’s story so far?
Join us next week as we continue our new study: A Case for the Old Testament, The History Continues…
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.
Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15