FAITH LESSONS IN BIBLE STUDIES

[islandboy]

FAITH  LESSON 5: IRON  OF CULTURE

Read 1 Samuel 17: 1--54       1 Samuel 13: 19--22

1. What was the superior technology of the Philistines?
  They had the knowledge and trade of working with iron.

2. How did this impact the culture at large?
 Having learned and mastered the trade of working with iron, they became the dominant culture in the region. However, later  after the
 Israelites  learned the trade of working with iron,  the Philistines lost the power and influence over the land.

[islandboy]

NEXT  SECTION:

FAITH  LESSON 1:  INNOCENT  BLOOD

Read   1 Kings 9: 15-17    Revelation 16: 16     2 Kings 17: 7--21   Jeremiah 7: 31-33. 32-35     Ezekiel  16: 15--25

The City of Megiddo:

The great city of Megiddo stood high above the Plain of Jezreel. It was located along the Via Maris, which was the primary trade route of that day, making this city strong in regards to economical concerns, as well as, cultural issues. Traders from Egypt and Babylon, Assyria and Persia all had to pass through the mountain pass at Megiddo. So controlling this city meant having enormous influence over the ancient world. Many battles were fought over control of this city. Archaeologists have discovered seven layers in Tel Megiddo, each respresting a time when the city was battled for, then destroyed, and then rebuilt.
Megiddo as it was, also stands as a symbol of the spiritual battleground between good and evil, a battle for the souls of people around the world.

1. What was it about Megiddo that represented the modern societies or institutions that shape culture?
    Megiddo served as a prominent place where Canaanites worshiped fertility gods. The Canaanites believed that the rains and the fertile soil of the coast came from a god named Baal. Baal lived in an underground world during the dry winter season, and when spring arrives Baal  would return to earth to sleep with his mistress, Asherah, so that the rains would return to the land. To encourage Baal's return, the Canaanites sacrificed their firstborn sons, by burning the infants alive. The priests and priestesses of Baal publicly engaged in sexual relations with each other and with the people, hoping to entice Baal and Asherah to mate. The pagans committed these abominable acts for the single most purpose: to gain personal and material prosperity.
    Canaanite worship distorted two of the most beautiful gifts God gave humans: life and the sexual relationship of husband and wife. God placed his people in Canaan so they could confront the evil practices of pagans with God's truth and love.
    The Israelities being nomadic desert people, trusted God as the God of wilderness. But when they settled in the fertile valleys of Jezreel Valley, they were attracted to the promises of Canaanite fertility cults. They gradually made Baal worship a part of their lives. Seeking self-satisfaction and personal success and fertile land, they participated in the temple prostitution and Baal worship. Both King Ahab and Manassah were so involved in pagan religion that they too sacrificed their children to Baal.  And even as they committed these detestable acts, the Israelites still worshiped God in the Temple.  God hated to see innocence and purity destroyed by his very own people: Instead of fighting against evil, they were participating in it: The Israelites eventually paid the consequences of their actions when foreign armies invaded and took Israel into captivity.

2. In what ways does our culture destroy human life or devalue its sacredness ?
    Movies, lifestyles, promotion of homosexuality, abortion, sexual relationships before marriage, government politics, greed, personal selfishness, waste and ruin of planet earth by pollution, worshiping false gods.

[islandboy]

THE  APPEAL  OF  IDOLS
Quoted from  Life Application Study Bible



The Appeal of  Idols

Power   
The people wanted freedom from the authority of both God and the priests. they wanted their religion to fit their life-style, not their life-style to fit their religion.

Modern  Parallel
People do not want to answer to a greater authority. Instead of having power over others, God wants us to have the Holy Spirit's power to help others.

Pleasure
Idol worship exalted sensuality without responsibility or guilt. People acted out the vicious and sensuous personalities of the gods they worshiped, thus gaining approval for their degraded lives.

Modern Parallel
People deify pleasure, seeking it at the expense of everything else. Instead of seeking pleasure that leads to long-range disaster, God calls us to seek the kind of pleasure that leads to long-range rewards.

Passion
Humanity was reduced to little more than animals. The people did not have to be viewed as unique individuals but could be exploited sexually, politically, and economically.

Modern Parallel
Like animals, people let physical drives and passion rule them. Instead of seeking passion that exploits others. God calls us to redirect our passions to areas that build others up.

Praise and Popularity
The high and holy nature of God was replaced by gods who were more a reflection of human nature, thus more culturally suitable to the people. These gods no longer required sacrifice, just a token appeasement.

Modern Parallel
Sacrifice is seen as self inflicted punishment, making no sense. Success is to be sought at all costs. Instead of seeking praise for ourselves, God calls us to praise him and those who honor him.

[islandboy]

FAITH  LESSON  2: WHO  IS  GOD

Read        1 Kings 16: 29        Joshua 24: 14--18

1. What does the name " Elijah " mean?
His name meant  Yahweh is God.


2. What does Mount Carmel mean?
The name stands  for "God's  Vineyard."   It is one of the most fertile and heavily forested areas in the whole country of Israel.


3. Who brought Baal worship into such prominence in Israel?
King Ahab's wife Jezebel, a Phoenician woman, who practiced one of the most extreme forms of Baal worship.


4. What are the ways that people today "waver" between devotion to God and honoring the gods  of modern society?
People today are lead astray not only by cultural attractions, but also by the many cult religions. Instead of listening to our own hearts and minds, we listen to and follow the whims and ways of rich and powerful actors, politicans and media, and talk show hosts. We are told that we are more important than anyone else and we are to chase after wealth and various entertainments and different kinds of romantic love, no matter whether we are married or not.  Doing so only makes us self-centered people who rarely think of anyone else but our own self interests. We are being taught by a wide group of religions that it is okay to blend eastern religions in with Christianity. Many of our own ministers have been miss-lead by the Purpose Driven Life books.  We as Christians should stand out because of our commitment to God. Sure it is easier to blend in with the crowd and say nothing, but as we look around our world what stands out most?  Do not waver between false gods, believe in only the one true God, and stand up and defend Him, in thought and word and deed.

[islandboy]

To those following this study, I now have a way that will greatly help you understand these Faith lessons. I plan to continue to put up on the forum the Bible verses references and answer a question or two from the study guide. I hope you continue to follow along as we explore Bible history, and how that history is still relvent today.

The following link will take you to the Focus on the Family website, with the words and teachings of Ray Vander Laan.  There are maps and articles to read and also the complete study of Israel and how it relates to the Bible.

http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=1705


The following link goes to the Bible lessons about Irseal's history and its meaning in our lives today.

http://www.mainstreetbaptist.org/lessons-from-israels-history-/

[islandboy]

FAITH  LESSON 3:  WAGES OF SIN

Read:   2 Chronicles 29--32     Isaiah 36--37    2 Kings 17: 1--20


1. What did Hezekiah do before the Assyrian army arrived that restored Judah's relationship to God?

King Hezekiah worked hard in removing the high places used in idol worship, he cut down the Asherah poles, and destroyed the idols.


2. What was Hezekiah's response when the Assyrian commander threatened Jerusalem?

When he received the letter from King Sennacherib, King Hezekiah prayed to God to deliever Jerusalem, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God.       2 Kings 19: 19

3. What efforts did Hezekiah make to do his part as king?

He showed great wisdom in preparing Jerusalem against King Sennacherib's attack through his strong faith in God, and through prayer to God, that his prayer be heard by God. And indeed it was. An Angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers thus defeating King Sennacherib, who returned to Assyria, leaving the city of Jerusalem untouched.

[islandboy]

FAITH  LESSON: 4     THE  LORD  IS  MY  SHEPHERD

Read:       Psalm 23         John 10: 1--18     


1. How would you describe the "green pastures" of the shepherd?

God challenges believers to trust Him day by day. And if we trust Him he will always be near when we need Him.

2. How does the shepherd led the sheep?

By his voice. The sheep learn the sound of his voice and we follow no other.

3. How does this help to understand the need to listen for the voice of Jesus the Shepherd?

If we listen to His words and listen for His instruction we will come to know His voice and never follow another that tempts us to follow them which take us away from God.



4. Why do sheep need a shepherd?

For protection, guidance, and to find food and drink.


5. What does it mean that God is your Shepherd?

That we are under His care and protection.


6. Where are the quiet waters located in the lands of the Bible?

Hidden mountain springs in areas that are not dangerous to visit.


7. How can there be floods in the desert?

The limestone mountains in the desert cannot absorb water and so in a rainstorm the water rushes down the hills into canyons called "wadis", where as the flow of water builds up they become rushing flood waters. After the rainfall stops the canyons become dry again except in quiet areas where wildlife and sheep can safely drink.


8. What can you learn from the fact that only the shepherd can determine which waters are quiet?

That the Shepherd is wise and knows what is best for His sheep. He knows where the dangers are and knows how to avoid them. If we commit to following Him he will aways led us to quiet waters where we can safely quench our thirst.


9. How can we learn when the water we seek will quench our thirst?

If we follow our Shepherd, the way to the safe waters is a clear safe straight path. Only the Shepherd knows which waters are safe. We learn by reading our Bibles and studying His Word, and listening for His voice. My trusting God, we will be on the path of righteousness and that path leads straight to God. If we follow other voices or take our own detours on the trail, we are not truly His sheep.


10. If Jesus is the Shepherd, who are His "under--shepherds" ?
We are. In spreading the word of God, we are doing the work of God.

[islandboy]

Here is another link to help you understand the above questions and how they relate to you personally. The link takes you to an on-line book catalog, that will allow you to read the book there or download it. The name of the book is  "The Song of our Syrian Guest" and it was written by, William  Allen  Knight. This book tells about the details of the 23rd Psalm, in way that describes the life of the shepherd in caring for his sheep. Once you have read it the meaning of this most beloved verse will have a richer impact on your life. A better understanding of what our dear Lord does for us in being our Shepherd.

Go to:  http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/12615

At the top of the page click where it says to read on-line. Or at the bottom of the page click to download. If you read on-line, at the bottom of each page you click to go on to the next page of story.

[islandboy]

FAITH  LESSON 5:  GOD  WITH  US

Read:   Genesis 15      Exodus 20: 1-21, 25-30      1Corinthians 6: 19


1. Why was the temple at Arad preserved?

The worshiper's who were devoted to God could not bear tearing down the Temple as ordered by King Hezekiah. So they buried the Temple under the soil. Thousands of years later the Temple remains were found by archaeologists.




2. What was the significance of the altar of sacrifice?

Israel's sacrifice system was built on the covenant between God and Abram. (Genesis 15). God told Abram that if he was obedient, Abram would have land and descendants, and all nations would be blessed through him. In forming a covenant in those days, animals would be killed and cut in two parts and placed on the ground so that the blood would run in a v-shaped ditch, where each party would walk through the blood, symbolizing they would pay with their life if either of them broke the terms of the covenant.
God made his covenant with Abram in this way. Abram made a bloodpath using a goat, heifer, ram, pigeon and dove. God, in the form of a smoking firepot walked through the path and affirmed his promises to Abram. Abram was terrified as he knew he could not keep from sinning. But God, in the form of a blazing torch, walked the bloodpath for Abram, knowing Abram couldn't keep the covenant. God's actions said, " If either you or I break this covenant, I will pay for it with my own blood."

3. What was the purpose of the altar of incense?

The alter of incense was the place where the priest would say prayers to God for his congregation. As the priest prayed he poured incense over the hot coals and as the smoke rose in the air the people imaged their prayers going up to heaven.

4. What was written on each of the tablets Moses received from God on Mount Sinai?

The Ten Commandments.


5. What were the purposes of the tablets?

The words on the tablets were the laws God set for His people, as well as, being a covenant between God and His people that He would live among them.




6. Where was God's earthly presence symbolized in the Old Testament, in the Gospels, and after Pentecost?

God commanded Moses to build the ark of the covenant. The ark was kept in Israel, in the Holy of Holies Temple. On the lid of the ark, between the wings of the cherubim, which were  craved there, God lived among His people. When the ark of the covenant and Temple were destroyed, God's faithfulness to the covenant did not end. He once again chose to live among His people in the form of a human being. God also showed His people that priests were no longer needed as mediators before God. He would continue to live with them.




7. Why did God walk the "path of blood"?
To build a covenant with His people declaring that for the sins of His people He would sacrifice His own blood to pay for their sins.

[islandboy]

I hope and pray this Bible Study has been exciting and interesting. I hope the links I provided have given you a look  into the land of Israel, its people, and its history.  if you took the time to go and read the story of the life of a shepherd and how it explains the 23 rd Psalm, I pray that it opened your mind to greater understanding of the Bible.


I plan to continue to look for and provide more ways that lead you to your Bible.  As you search out answers to questions in your Bible that  will fill your heart with hope and love, peace and joy, through the reading of God's Words.

[islandboy]

Remember as you follow along with this Bible study the  following link is the site that brings the knowledge and answers for you to read along and study this  Bible history and God's words of faithfulness to you.

http://www.followtherabbi.com

[islandboy]

I have aways been a firm believer in that the more one knows about a subject, the better one is equipped to make firm solid informed decisions in the future. Before we continue on with the Faith Lessons I want to give you a few more links to follow that will give you more insight into Israel.

This first link takes you to the Israel Science and Technology Website. Here you will find maps, satellite pictures, history of Israel, as well as, history of Holidays, their Flag, and by clicking on (home) a host of more topics.

http://www.science.co.il/Israel-history.asp

The second link goes to a site that provides more history in greater detail along with drawings and maps. This history begins at the begining and goes up to present day 2008.  It is titled " Brief History of Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict."

http://www.mideastweb.org/briefhistory.htm

[islandboy]

Now we move on to Volume 5, titled  "Faith Lessons of the Early Church."

This lesson will explore the methods Jesus used to prepare his disciples for the task he would lay before them; that of carrying the message of his kingdom beyond the boundaries of Galilee. The region where this message spread the most quickly was Asia Minor, the most pagan area of the Roman Empire. You will be taken to three different locations and examine three different but related themes. At Korazin, Jesus as rabbi and his followers as disciples were prepared for their mission to the world. At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus there demonstrated to the pagan world the news of His kingdom. And the last stop is at the Mount of Olives, where the final commission of Jesus is placed in context as the disciples became witnesses to the truth; Jesus seated at God's right hand as His Divine Son. We will read and hear and see as those disciples did. Then we too, by God's grace, will be able to face the pagan "Asia Minors" of our world.

[islandboy]

To understand the call of Jesus to be his disciples, we need to understand the relationship between rabbi (teacher) and disciple.
Read:
Luke 7: 40,  12: 13, 19: 39, and 20: 27--28

!. Who called Jesus "Rabbi" ?


Read:
Matthew 5: 1--2, 13: 1--3, Mark 6: 4--6, and Luke 4: 14--16, 8: 1---18.


2. What are the activities of a first-century rabbi that each of these Scripture passages describes ?





Read:
Matthew 10: 24--25  and Luke 6: 40


3. The Hebrew word for "disciple" is talmid (plural: talmidim) and means "someone who wants to be like his teacher. How did the
disciples become like their Teacher?





Read:
Mark 8: 27--38.



4. Caesarea Philippi was known as a center for pagan worship. How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus called to the crowd. What would a pagen have to do to deny himself? 


a. Do you think the disciples felt ashamed as they heard Jesus proclaim his message ?




Read:
Matthew 28: 16--20, Luke 24: 44--53, and Acts 1: 1--12


5. What did the disciples witness ?


a. How would the Gentiles receive this message ?


b. Why did this make the mission and the message of the disciples so countercultural ?


c. How does this affect our mission and message ?

[islandboy]

If you are trying to follow this study and have gone to the above link for "followtherabbii" and not found the information on the study, this is because the site has been updated. If you go to the bottom of the main page click on site index. This will give you more choices in finding the information that you seek.

http://www.followtherabbi.com/Brix?pageID=1705