Watch this week’s presentation on this topic:
FOUNDATIONS: BIBLE BLUEPRINT
Session Three: Studying the Bible Using Hermeneutics, and Getting the Big Picture of the Old Testament
REVIEW AND REFLECTION
From Session Two…
- What is the Hermeneutical method, and why is it important?
- Why do you think it would be important to understand the “Big Picture” of the Bible?
Practice the memory verse: Genesis 3:15 – The first Gospel!
“And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
PRESENTATION
The Bible’s Big Picture – background
- The Bible is composed of 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament, covering a period of time from creation to about 400 years before Jesus; and 27 in the New Testament, covering a very short period of time beginning with the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, then on through the formation of the early Church, all during the first century (AD/CE).
- The Bible was written by 40 plus authors, inspired by God, from various walks of life, and various places, in ten different countries on 3 different continents, during a period of 1500 plus years; and it has a cast of 2,930 characters depicted in 1,551 places.
- The Bible was written in extreme places like the wilderness, dungeons, palaces, prisons, on lonely islands, and in military battles.
- The Bible’s human authors (inspired by God) came from various stations of life: Kings, peasants, poets, herdsmen, fishermen, scientists, farmers, priests, pastors, tentmakers, tax collectors, doctors and governors.
- YET, it has a seamless and cohesive storyline that points to Jesus. No other book of antiquity comes close to its historicity and reliability, because no other book has been inspired by the one true God!
Bibles today, like NASB, NIV or KJV, have only been translated once from the original language:
-
- Old Testament = Hebrew (some parts of Daniel and Ezra are in Aramaic)
- New Testament = Greek
The 39 books of the Old Testament are in the following order and categories:
The Books of Moses (Torah/Pentateuch)
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
These books lay the foundation for human history including God’s Covenant Promises and the importance of the Nation of Israel. We also see how God unfolds and foreshadows His promise of salvation, through a Messiah (the Scarlet Thread of Jesus), from the very beginning:o Creation: (Adamic Covenant, Part one: Edenic Covenant) – Genesis 1-2
- Fall: (Adamic Covenant, Part two: Covenant of Redemption) – Genesis 3, specifically 3:15
- Flood (Noachian Covenant – Genesis 6-9)
- Formation: Tower of Babel, the confusion of languages and the dispersion of the people – Genesis 11
- The Patriarchs: Abraham – Isaac – Jacob/Israel – the twelve Sons/Tribes of Israel (Abrahamic Covenant) – Genesis 12-50
- The Enslavement of Israel in Egypt; the beginning of a Nation to fulfill the Covenants – begins in the book of Exodus
- The Exodus: Moses and the giving of the Law to the Nation of Israel (Mosaic/Sinai Covenant) – Exodus through Deuteronomy
The History Books
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 and 2 Samuel
1 and 2 Kings
1 and 2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
These books narrate the history of the Nation of Israel after Moses’ death at the end of the forty-year wilderness wandering through the end of the Old Testament history:
- The entrance into, and (partial) conquest of, the Promised Land under Joshua
- The loss of unity in the Nation with a focus on individual tribes and everyone “doing what is right in their own eyes” under various Judges – Ruth
- The establishment of a ruling king to unite the Nation of Israel after the last Judge, Samuel
- Saul – David – Solomon (The Davidic Covenant is given) 1 Samuel – 1 Kings
- The Nation divides: 10 tribes of Israel to the North; 2 tribes under Judah to the South
- ~20 evil kings rule the Northern Tribes
- ~20 kings (good and bad) rule from the line of David in the South (the lineage to Jesus)
- The conquest and dispersion of Israel in the North by Assyria (“the Samaritans” are formed from the Northern Tribe and other nations in this captivity)
- The conquest and exile of Judah in the South by Babylon (their Jewish purity is retained 1 Kings – 2 Chronicles and Esther
- The return to the Promised Land of the Southern Tribe (Jews) after the Babylonian captivity
- The need for a Messiah, and true King of Israel, becomes increasingly evident throughout this history Ezra – Nehemiah
The Wisdom Books
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Songs
- These books include a collection of poetry, teachings, prayers and lamentations from a variety of authors throughout the time of the history books (the majority are from David and Solomon):
- They have a purpose of training in wisdom, discernment and growth in the knowledge of God
- They create a desire to praise and seek God
- They give practical advice and examples for Godly living contrasted with ungodly living and worldly endeavors
- Note: These books are not promises, but principles
The Books of the Prophets
MAJOR PROPHETS
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
MINOR PROPHETS
Hosea-Joel-Amos
Obadiah-Jonah-Micah
Nahum-Habakkuk-Zephaniah
Haggai-Zechariah-Malachi
Note:
Major = longer books (more content)
Minor = shorter books (less content)
These books are not in chronological order because their narratives are dispersed throughout the history books under various kings and events, thus they can be studied within that context. Prophecy books contain:
- Warnings, proclamations and exhortations on God’s behalf to the Nation of Israel
- Prophecies that are given and fulfilled within the Old Testament history itself
- Messianic prophecies that are given and fulfilled in the person of Jesus
- Apocalyptic prophecies that relate specifically to end times
- Many prophecies and warnings that are two-fold, with a specific meaning for that particular time and a deeper meaning that would come into view later on
- Prophecies that include events or individuals foreshadowing, or picturing, a future time in history including Jesus’ fulfillment as Messiah
- Messianic genealogy and prophetic foreshadowing, also referred to as “The Scarlet Thread of Jesus”
Review and Discuss:
What are the four major divisions of the Old Testament, and why do you think it is important to understand how the Old Testament is divided?
Bible Study
Each week, we are encouraging you to take some dedicated time and spend it in God’s Word. 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.
PRACTICE
Review from last week:
Author-audience and purpose for the book of Philippians
Then read Philippians chapters 1-2, and discuss.
- Context: What does it say? (Summarize the chapter, 3-5 sentences)
- Interpretation: What does it mean? (What is God teaching them through the author; How does it point to Jesus?)
- Application: How do I use what I learned? (Look for ways this passage can apply to your life or the culture we live in today)
- Do you have any “shelf” questions? (Share some things you questioned, or have thoughts about)
Basic answers with guiding questions for your review or to be used as a leader’s guide:
CONTEXT
Summary of reading for book of Philippians
Chapter 1: Greeting, Thanksgiving and Prayer; The Advance of the Gospel; To Live is Christ
Greeting, Thanksgiving and Prayer
This chapter begins with a greeting from Paul and Timothy, who is with him. It seems that Paul has a special place in his hear for the Philippians because of how he prays for them, giving thanks for their partnership and grace, both in his imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. He prays for their “love to abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment” and that they would be “filled with the fruit of righteousness through Jesus Christ.”
The Advance of the Gospel
Paul then explains that his imprisonment is not a bad thing, but has actually helped to spread the Gospel to others, including the guards. It has encouraged and sparked boldness in his fellow believers, even though there are some who are preaching for the wrong reasons, nevertheless Paul is rejoicing that the Gospel is being spread.
To Live is Christ
Paul rejoices because of the Philippian believers’ prayers because it gives him courage to continue on with his mission to proclaim Christ and the Gospel. Paul is torn between his mission and going home to be with the LORD because he says, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” knowing that right now it is better for them for him to remain. He ends this chapter challenging them to be people worthy of the Gospel of Christ by their actions, including enduring the same kind of suffering Paul has, so that he can be assured they are all standing firm with one mind for the sake of the Gospel.
INTERPRETATION
Guiding Questions for Discussion:
1. What did Paul say that lets us know how he felt about the audience he was writing to?
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-8 (NASB)
- He thanks God for them always (he has known them since the beginning of their belief in the Gospel, and their participation with him in sharing the Gospel
- He is confident that God will continue His good work in them until the day of Christ Jesus
- He says he has them in his heart because, even in his imprisonment, they are all partaker of grace with him
- He has the same affection for them as Jesus does
- All of this to express his love for them as brother and sisters in Jesus
2. Why did Paul think his imprisonment turned out to be a good thing?
“Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” Philippians 1:12-14
- Paul’s imprisonment had brought more people to know the truth of the Gospel, more than if he had not been put in prison.
- The Roman guards and others around the area were able to see how Paul was still motivated to preach the Gospel without fear and therefore knew that he was teaching something important.
- The “brethren” (other believers) were empowered by Paul’s example, and were not in fear to speak the Word of God because they saw that Paul was not.
3. What does Paul say in 1:21, and what does he mean by this?
“according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.” Philippians 1:20-26
- Paul says, in verse 21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
- Paul is saying that it would be better for him to die, and go on to be in the presence of the Lord – but this is a personal motive, and it is one we should all ultimately desire.
- Paul also knows that it is better for them, and those who have not yet heard the Gospel, for him to continue living in this earthly life – we should also remember that our time here is short, and thus we should share the Gospel message with as many as we can, in any way that we can.
APPLICATION
4. What does Paul tell the Philippians about how to conduct themselves as Christians, and how does this apply to us?
“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.” Philippians 1:27-30
- A manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ – be a good Ambassador and role model for Jesus
- Stand firm in one spirit and one mind, striving together for the faith of the Gospel – doing life and sharing the faith alongside other Christians because this will provide strength and support
- Be ready to suffer for Jesus, experiencing the same things Paul has experienced – know what we believe, and why so that we are ready to suffer for the truth of the Gospel if necessary
5. Re-visit and recite Philippians 1:9-10. Discuss: Is this something we should be desiring as well, and if so, how can we practice to achieve it?
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:9-10
- As Christians it should be our desire to “know what we believe, and why we believe it” because this is the calling we find in Scripture, and it is what we are teaching in apologetics.
- The more knowledge we have of Scripture, and of God’s character, and His big picture for humanity, the more we will be able to discern false teaching, and therefore be righteous in our behavior and thinking.
- This life is practice until the day Christ returns where we will find perfection brought to its fulfillment, and we should desire to achieve God’s perfect will.
CONTEXT
Summary of reading for book of Philippians
Chapter 2: Christ’s Example of Humility; Lights in the World; Timothy and Epaphroditus
Christ’s Example of Humility
Paul continues to encourage the Philippian believers by asking them to do nothing from selfishness, or put themselves before others, but to be of one mind with Christ Jesus. He goes on to say that even though Jesus lowered Himself to become a human, and not only human, but a servant to all, obedient to the point of death for all. He points out that God then highly exalted Jesus, so that at the sound of His Name, “every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Lights in the World
Paul then asks them to obey God’s Word without complaining, and to work out their salvation (not work for their salvation), holding fast to the word of Jesus. He also asks them to rejoice with him, even in his suffering and potential death, as he stays true to his calling of sharing the Gospel.
Timothy and Epaphroditus
Paul ends this section by speaking well of Timothy and Epaphroditus, who are both working alongside Paul for the sake of the Gospel. Timothy, who he hoped to send to them soon; and Epaphroditus, whom they knew and were worried about since they had sent him to Paul and knew he was sick (Paul assures them that he was now well).
INTERPRETATION
Guiding questions for discussion:
1. What does Paul tell the Philippians that would make his joy complete (vs. 1-5); and how does this compare to what Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40?
“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 2:1-5
- Paul wanted the Philippians to be encouraged in Christ, and to make his joy complete by being united and working for one purpose (the Gospel).
- Paul did not want them to be selfish or conceited, but to regard others as more important, putting God first and then the interest of others, thus modeling Jesus.
- In Matthew 22:37-40 we find Jesus giving the “Great Commandment” (which He modeled after Deuteronomy 6:5):
“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.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.””
2. What does Paul say about Jesus in verses 2:6-11, and why?
Concerning Jesus: “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:6-11
- The incarnation, as explained here by Paul, shows us that Jesus, although He was God, took the form of a human, and humbled Himself and emptied Himself in order to become a man; in order to experience what we experience, even to the point of death on a cross.
- There are theological debates as to what “emptying Himself” means (to what extent), but the bottom line is that God sacrificed to the greatest extent, Himself for us, in our place, so that we can be forgiven, and through His mercy and grace we are gifted eternal life.
- “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-14
- “which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake,” Romans 1:2-5
- “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9
- “By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16
- “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,” Hebrews 2:14
- “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life—and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us—what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:1-3
3. Who were Timothy and Epaphroditus; and why were they mentioned by Paul?
TIMOTHY
From gotquestions.org
- “Timothy, the recipient of the two New Testament letters bearing his name, was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He joined Paul during one of Paul’s later missionary journeys. Paul addresses Timothy as “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). He was probably no older than late teens/early twenties when he joined Paul but had already distinguished himself as faithful, and the elders noticed him. He probably heard and responded to the gospel when Paul came through the area of Derbe and Lystraon his first missionary journey, but we don’t know for sure. Timothy served as Paul’s representative to several churches (1 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 2:19), and he was later a pastor in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). Timothy is also mentioned as being with Paul when Paul wrote several New Testament letters—2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon.
- Paul says Timothy had a “genuine faith,” the same as that which lived in his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:1–5). Eunice and Lois prepared Timothy’s heart to accept Christ by teaching Timothy the Old Testament Scriptures and preparing him “from infancy” to recognize the Messiah when He appeared (2 Timothy 3:15). When Paul came preaching Christ, all three accepted his teaching and committed their lives to the Savior. We, too, must prepare our children to be ready when Christ moves in their hearts. They must know how to recognize that pull on their spirits as coming from the Savior, and the only way to do that is to follow the example of Eunice and Lois and teach our children the Word of God.
- In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he gave him instructions and advice for leading the church. He also exhorted Timothy not to let others look down upon him due to his youth, but to set an example for other believers “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul told Timothy to be devoted to reading Scripture, exhorting, and teaching, and to not neglect the gift that he had been given. Paul also counseled Timothy to keep a close watch on himself. These instructions remain pertinent to believers today. We, too, are called to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11–12).
- It seems that Timothy had a chronic illness that required some attention (1 Timothy 5:23). Paul counseled him on a change of diet to aid the relief of his condition. From this example we learn that it is not always God’s will to heal a person miraculously; sometimes, healing comes through more “natural” means, if it comes at all.
- In his second letter to Timothy, Paul warned Timothy about the false teachers that he would encounter and tells him to continue in the things he has learned because he knows the character of those he learned them from, namely Paul himself and his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 3:14–15). The truths Timothy was taught from infancy—truths about sin and our need for a Savior—were able to make him “wise for salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15). As parents, we are to prepare our children to distinguish truth from error. And as believers, we are to stand firm in the truth we have learned, not being surprised or swayed by opposition and false teachers.
- Paul also told Timothy, to “do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This advice is crucial for all Christians. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Paul counseled Timothy, his “dear son” (2 Timothy 1:2), from a heart of love, wanting Timothy to stand firm in his own faith and to lead the other believers well. Timothy certainly seems to have been faithful; we should follow his example.”
EPAPHRODITUS
From the Life Application Bible Commentary:
“He is mentioned only in Philippians. Epaphroditus delivered money from the Philippians to Paul then he returned with this thank-you letter to Philippi (4:18). Epaphroditus may have been an elder in Philippi (2:2-25-30) who, while staying with Paul, became ill (2:27, 30). After Epaphroditus recovered, he returned home.
- Paul thought it was important to send Epaphroditus because he had been sick, and they knew he had been sick to the point of death. Epaphroditus was longing to see the Philippian people to show that he had recovered (through God’s mercy), and so that they would not be worried about him, or about losing him. This also gave Paul great comfort to know that they could then rejoice in the LORD for him and with him, knowing that he had completed the task for the work of Christ. (2:25-30)
APPLICATION
4. It is important to understand that we cannot work our way to salvation (read Ephesians 2:8-9), however, once we are “saved” we should be “working out our salvation” in order to help others (read James 2:14-26). Discuss: What are some of the things we can be doing to show others that we are followers of Christ Jesus?
“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.” Philippians 2:12-18
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” James 2:14-26 (ESV)
- First, we should respect and honor God (“fear and trembling”) because He is the one who has saved us, and is now working through us (Holy Spirit), therefore, we should not take our salvation lightly, or for-granted.
- We are to do all things without complaining (grumbling) or disputing (fighting/arguing) with each other – we should be “above reproach” so that we can be good role models for the LORD to a crooked and perverse generation (still today); a light in a dark world.
- Paul wants us to model him, so that we can have the same joy he experiences in the LORD.
- Being a Christian in today’s culture is getting harder, and can even cost one their life depending on what part of the world you live in. Regardless, we must stand firm in our faith, and this makes it all the more important to know what we believe and why we believe it so that we can confidently and truthfully share it with others – just as Paul did.
HOMEWORK
Read Philippians chapters 3 and 4. If you would like to go deeper, answer numbers 3, 4 and 5 from the hermeneutical method for each chapter.
Join us next week for Foundations, session four, and a study in the book of Philippians!
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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.
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Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15
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