This is the introductory presentation for our new class: A Case for the Old Testament. In this presentation we will cover the class format, purpose, ministry statement and important reasons for studying and reading the Bible. This will include a basic “how to” study the Bible format through the use of hermeneutics. Each week’s class will include prayer, review, a presentation and a homework assignment. Please feel free to make comments or ask questions appropriate for this class.
Watch this week’s class presentation on this topic:
Overview Notes from the presentation
A Case for the Old Testament
Session 1: Class Introduction
Note: This class is designed for a small group study, but can also be done individually, therefore the notes and presentation reflect times to pause and pray, reflect and do Bible study.
Prayer
- Each week take time to share prayer requests (if in a group)
- Update each week to keep one another covered in prayer!
Challenge
Set a goal to read your Bible everyday
– start with a Psalm or Proverb a day, then build on that!
Psalm 1 (NASB)
The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted
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. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Proverbs 1:1-7 (NASB)
The Usefulness of Proverbs
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.
Reflection
- On a scale of 1-5 (5 being every day, 1 being never) how often do you read or study the Bible? Note: No matter where you fall on this scale, today is a new day to commit to growing closer to God through His Word.
- Have you studied the Old Testament before? If so, what are some things that stood out as important to you; and what difficulties or questions did you have?
- Read the memory verse out loud. What does it mean when it says, “all Scripture is inspired by God”?
Memory Verse
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NASB)
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), and this includes an emphasis on developing our Christian walk through these four important life skills:
- Daily prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; John 17:1-3 [this entire chapter is a model])
- Proper Biblical interpretation in Bible study 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 and Community (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 3:16 and John 14:1-3 [this entire chapter defines the importance of eternity])
- 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)
Developing a consistent Biblical Christian Worldview
Make a commitment to these four practices over the course of this next year and see how your joy, peace and confidence level grows!
This life is temporal—eternity is forever. Own your faith!
Know what you believe and why you believe it! Then share it with others!
What does it mean when we say: I’m a Christian?
(See the short book of 1 John)
- Pre-salvational
- Not following Jesus, no Holy Spirit to teach truth, no relationship with the Father – living in the way of the world.
- Salvational
- Trusting in the Gospel of Jesus, understanding that His death and resurrection substitutes and atones for our sins, making a way for an eternal home with Him in the presence of God, in His Kingdom forever, as intended from the beginning, yet underserved because of the “Fall”.
- A Christian is a person who is post-salvational
- We received this gift from God, repented of our sins, and committed to the practice of following Christ, knowing that practice will bring perfection in Heaven.
- We are striving to be a person acceptable to God by honoring Him with our lives; following Jesus’ teachings and examples of how to do this; asking forgiveness when we fail, knowing God will provide mercy and grace.
- We are growing in a relationship with Jesus through the study of the Word (Bible) and through daily
- We are developing a Christian community of friends who pray, support, study and walk with us through this life.
- We are becoming teachers of the faith by sharing the things we are learning with others, and by giving answers to those who ask about our hope in Jesus.
Why do we need to become teachers of the faith and Biblically literate Christians?
Studies show:
- Upward of 70% of young people between the ages of 18-30 are leaving the faith – less than one-third return as they age
- The religious category of “none” on surveys is the third largest category worldwide
- Only 17% of practicing Christians actually have a “Biblical Worldview”
- Statistics show the top two categories of social media literature today are either in some form of pornography or some form of religion
What side of the battle will you be on?
Resources for the Next Generation
- Summit Ministries and student conferences: https://www.summit.org/
- Impact 360 Institute: https://www.impact360institute.org/
- ReThink Apologetics student conferences: Sponsored by https://www.str.org/
- Ratio Christi (Christian Apologetics’ Campus Ministry): https://ratiochristi.org/
What these groups offer can help serve as an entry point to exploring the truths of the Bible in an exciting and relevant way for the next generation and beyond!
Why should we study the Bible?
- It gives us direction in life
- It protects us from sin
- It protects us from temptation
- It will help us to become more like Jesus
- It will help us discern Biblical error
We are warned:
Jesus warns…
“And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.”
“For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.”
-Matthew 24:4-5; 24 (NASB)
The Apostle Paul warns…
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”
–Colossians 2:8 (NASB)
We are called to be wise and discerning
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
-1 Timothy 4:1 (NIV)
The Apostle Peter warns…
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” -2 Peter 2:1-3a (NIV)
“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.” -2 Peter 3:3 (NIV)
The Apostle John warns…
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
-1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)
“This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. “
-1 John 2:25-26 (NASB)
Reason for Israel’s demise in the Old Testament…
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” -Hosea 4:6 (NASB)
Biblical reasons we should know the Bible
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NASB)
My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you. Keep my commandments and live, and my teaching as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your intimate friend, so that they may keep you from an adulteress, from the foreigner who flatters with her words.
Proverbs 7:1-5 (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)
Since you have purified your souls in obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brothers and sisters, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word which was preached to you.
1 Peter 1:22-25 (NASB)
The Great Commandment: (Jesus repeats the words of Deuteronomy with an emphasis)
“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)
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)
The Great Commission
“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
Matthew 28:18-20 (NASB)
Always put on “The Full Armor of God”
Spiritual Warfare is real
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NASB)
THE BIBLE GIVES US INSIGHT AND TRUTH, WE NEED TO SPEND TIME WITH IT!
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 (Hermeneutics)
READING—STUDYING—MEDITATING
Know the difference
Choosing the right tools
- Class Notes: Notes and Bible study questions can be downloaded in a Word Document for online study, or a pdf that can be printed for hardcopy binders – Notes and presentations can also be found on the com website and YouTube – Goal: Use to start your own small group study
- A Study Bible: This class recommends the NASB Life Application Study Bible – The NASB is the version we will be using in the presentations
- biblegateway.com free app for your phone, computer or tablet: Contains most versions, some commentaries, articles, daily studies and more
- A Bible dictionary, concordance, commentaries etc… (optional)
Study Bibles: Versions and Translations
Translations and versions can be generally categorized as seen in the following example:
Literal Translations: Word for word translations that work closest to the original Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic
-New American Standard Bible
-King James Version
-New King James Version
-Revised Standard Version
-New Revised Standard Version
-English Standard Version
Dynamic Equivalent Translations: Thought for thought translations with clearest reading and closest meaning possible that finds equivalent concepts in English
-New International Version
-Christian Standard Bible
-New Living Translation
-New English Version
-Revised English Version
Paraphrases: These have story like qualities and are not recommended for in-depth study
-Message Bible
-Good News Bible
-Living Bible
-Phillips
-New Century Version
All of the major versions can also be found in topical Bibles. Some are focused on particular groups or subjects. For example, there are student study Bibles, Bibles for men or women, and Bibles that have a specific focus like apologetics, archeology, culture, and life application.
BIBLE STUDY
How do I begin?
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.
Hermeneutics
Bible Study in Context
Some basic principles to follow:
- Never read a Bible Verse by itself (don’t take a verse out of its context)
- Use the hermeneutical method (let the Bible interpret the Bible as much as possible)
- Get the Big Picture (Jesus = the Scarlet Thread of the entire Bible)
- Stick to the plain reading of the text unless otherwise indicated—the Bible interprets the Bible!
- Reading a Bible verse by itself and trying to interpret what it means based on “what you feel” can be dangerous.
- If you rely on what a person feels in a group study you will most likely get a wide range of opinions and trouble may arise.
Many cults have begun this way, twisting the Scriptures to fit personal agendas
Use the Hermeneutical Method
- AUTHOR-AUDIENCE-DATING
(Includes cultural background of that day)
- PURPOSE OF THE WRITING
(Includes genre)
- CONTEXT – FLOW OF THOUGHT
(Includes getting the big picture)
- INTERPRETATION/SUMMARY
(Includes cross-referencing)
- PERSONAL AND CULTURAL APPLICATION
(Always done last)
Note: It is important to follow this order. If you start with personal application instead of author-audience-date you may not get the correct context and misapply it to your life.
Next Session: How to get “The Big Picture” of the Bible and understand the Old Testament
Bible Study
Each week we will have Bible study following the presentation. There will be questions presented here on the weekend, and basic answers will be part of the next presentation or posted mid-week for your review, depending on the topic. This can also be used to make a leader’s guide for your own small group and future studies!
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 when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.
1. Review of Class Topic:
With your table group, discuss today’s presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.
The Hermeneutics:
Using a good study Bible, answer the following questions to the best of your ability (we will go over them in our discussion groups at class):
2. Genesis is part of a group of five books. What are the first five books of the Bible, and what are they called?
3. Who was the author and what do we know about him?
4. Who was the audience and what do we know about them?
5. What is the main genre (Literary style) of these books?
6. What is the purpose for the writing of this book?
7. Discuss: Why do you think it is important to understand the historical context in which the books of the Bible are written? What are some ways that we can do this (what resources can you share that help)?
8. Going Deeper: How can we differentiate between historical narratives (what was happening then) and timeless truths that can still apply to us today? This is also known as distinguishing between descriptive and prescriptive passages.
Please join us each week as we continue our case for the Old Testament!
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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