Bible Study Snacks, God's Plan of Salvation (Lesson 1)

Hi, everyone!

I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year! I hope that your holiday season was a blessed and joyous one. As for myself, I am excited to be back on the CHBM blog with you again after taking some personal time off!

Since this is our first Bible study of 2012, what better way to begin the year than with some Bible basics! We will call this study series, "God's Plan Of Salvation." This week's lesson (Lesson #1) is entitled "Getting Familiar With the Bible." The objective of this, and the following lessons, is to teach basic truths about the Bible and your Salvation.

As with any worthwhile endeavor, such as Bible study, it is important to first lay down a solid foundation before tackling more in-depth subject matter. These basic lessons will be our framework from which we will gradually build a deeper understanding of, and relationship with, Our Heavenly Father.

Friends, please don't let the length of these studies fool you! At first glance they may outwardly appear brief in size, but they are are packed with awesome truths that will serve you well in the long run. This, I can definitely promise you!

If you don't already have one, you will need a Bible with both the Old and New Testaments. Also, I recommend that you carefully read through the material that is presented to you. Other than these, the only other requirements are an open mind, an open heart, and a sincere desire to know God!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

We shall begin with an overview of The Old Testament. The Old Testament has 39 books. The first 17 books (GENESIS to ESTHER) tell one complete story. It is the history of the Jewish people, from their beginning with Abraham (about 2,000 BC) to a period of their history known as the 'restoration' (about 400 BC).

It is an interesting history. After describing their early years of slow growth through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Jacob's 12 sons (GENESIS), the history continues with the story of Moses, who helps free the Jews from Egyptian slavery and gives them God's law ( EXODUS to DEUTERONOMY).

After the death of Moses, JOSHUA leads the Jews into the promised land, where they live under the leadership of JUDGES (Samson, SAMUEL, and others). About 1,000 BC, the Jews begin to be ruled by KINGS (Saul, David, Solomon). After Solomon's reign, the Jews are divided into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah). Israel is soon destroyed by Assyria. Judah is later taken captive by Babylon but is 'restored' to their homeland about 70 years later.

It is during this period of the kings that the rest of the Old Testament is written. These are the books of Poetry ( JOB to the SONG OF SOLOMON) and Prophecy ( ISAIAH to MALACHI).

During all of the Old Testament story, one sad fact becomes plain. The people continually sin against God.

Now, let's examine The New Testament. The New Testament begins with the story of Jesus. MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, and JOHN give four different accounts of his life, from his miraculous birth to his death and resurrection. It is the story of Jesus which makes the Bible so special. He is willing to forgive our sins and give us eternal life.

Before He ascended back to heaven, Jesus commanded His apostles to preach this good news to the world. The book of ACTS records some of their work. The rest of the New Testament (ROMANS to REVELATION) contains letters written to churches and individuals instructing them how to live.

Now here are this week's study questions:

1. God promised Abraham three things in Genesis 12:

a) he would become a great nation;
b) his descendants would be given the land of Canaan, and;
c) all nations of the earth would be blessed through him.

Two of these promises were fulfilled in the Old Testament. One was not. Which one was not? (Exodus 1:7, Joshua 24:13, Galatians 3:28-29).

2. A "testament" is a covenant, or contract, between two parties. Who were the two parties of the OLD testament? (Exodus 24:3-8)

3. Who are the two parties of the NEW testament? (Romans 10:12-13)

4. When God established the NEW testament, what did He do with the OLD testament? (Colossians 2:13-14, Galatians 3:24-25)

5. Which testament (or, covenant) is better? (Hebrews 8:6-7)

6. Why is it better? (Hebrews 8:12)

7. Since we are not under the OLD testament, why should we study it? (Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:11, 2 Timothy 3:15)

Lastly, after answering the study questions, go back over them again. Take your time and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri