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WITH a flick of the fingers, friction occurs and a spark leaps from match to tinder. A small flame burns the edges and grows, fuelled by wood and air.  Heat builds, and soon the kindling is licked by orange-red tongues.  Higher and wider it spreads, consuming the wood.  The flame has become a fire.

Nearly 2,000 years ago, a match was struck in Palestine. At first, just a few in that corner of the world were touched and warmed; but the fire spread beyond Jerusalem and Judea out to the world and to all people.  Acts provides an eyewitness account of the flame and fire – the birth and spread of the church.  Beginning in Jerusalem with a small group of disciples, the message travelled across the Roman empire.  Empowered by the Holy Spirit, this courageous band preached, taught, healed, and demonstrated love in synagogues, schools, homes, marketplaces, and courtrooms, and on the streets, hills, ships, and desert roads – wherever God sent them, lives and history were changed.

Written by Luke as a sequel to his Gospel, Acts is an accurate historical record of the early church. But Acts is also a theological book, with lessons and living examples of the work of the Holy Spirit, church relationships and organisation, the implications of grace, and the law of love.  And Acts is an apologetic work, building a strong case for the validity of Christ’s claims and promises.

The book of Acts begins with the outpouring of the promised Holy Spirit and the commencement of the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Spirit-inspired evangelism began in Jerusalem and eventually spread to Rome, covering most of the Roman empire.  The gospel first went to the Jews; but they, as a nation, rejected it.  A remnant of Jews, of course, gladly received the good news.  But the continual rejection of the gospel by the vast majority of the Jews led to the ever-increasing proclamation of the gospel to the Gentiles.  This was according to Jesus’ plan: the gospel was to go from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (1.8).  This, in fact, is the pattern that the Acts narrative follows.  The glorious proclamation began in Jerusalem (chapters 1-7), went to Judea (11.19, 13.4 and on to the end of Acts).  The second half of Acts is focused primarily on Paul’s missionary journeys to many countries north of the Mediterranean Sea.  He, with his companions, took the gospel first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.  Some of the Jews believed, and many of the Gentiles received the good news with joy.  New churches were started, and new believers began to grow in the Christian life.

As you read Acts, put yourself in the place of the disciples – feel with them as they are filled with the Holy Spirit, and thrill with them as they see thousands respond to the gospel message. Sense their commitment as they give every ounce of talent and treasure to Christ.  And as you read, watch the Spirit-led boldness of these first-century believers, who through suffering and in the face of death take every opportunity to tell of their crucified and risen Lord.  Then decide to be a 20th-century version of those men and women of God.

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VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To give an accurate account of the birth and growth of the Christian church

AUTHOR: Luke (a Gentile physician)

TO WHOM WRITTEN: Theophilus and all lovers of God

DATE WRITTEN: Between A.D. 63 and 70

SETTING: Acts is the connecting link between Christ’s life and the life of the church, between the Gospels and the Letters

KEY VERSE: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (1.18).

KEY PEOPLE: Peter, John, James, Stephen, Philip, Paul, Barnabas, Cornelius, James (Jesus’ brother), Timothy, Lydia, Silas, Titus, Apollos, Agabus, Ananias, Felix, Festus, Agrippa, Luke

KEY PLACES: Jerusalem, Samaria, Lydda, Joppa, Antioch, Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Caesarea, Malta, Rome

SPECIAL FEATURES: Acts is a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Because Acts ends so abruptly, Luke may have planned to write a third book, continuing the story.

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THE BLUEPRINT

Peter’s Ministry (1.1-12.25)   After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Peter preached boldly and performed many miracles.  Peter’s actions demonstrate vividly the source of effects of Christian power.  Because of the Holy Spirit, God’s people were empowered so they could accomplish their tasks.  The Holy Spirit is still available to empower believers today.  We should turn to the Holy Spirit to give us the strength, courage, and insight to accomplish our work for God.

1. Establishment of the church
2. Expansion of the church

Paul’s Ministry (13.1-28.31)   Paul’s missionary adventures show us the progress of Christianity.  The gospel could not be confined to one corner of the world.  This was a faith that offered hope to all humanity.  We too should venture forth and share in this heroic task to witness for Christ in all the world.

1. First missionary journey
2. The council at Jerusalem
3. Second missionary journey
4. Third missionary journey
5. Paul on trial

MEGATHEMES

Church Beginnings

EXPLANATION: Acts is the history of how Christianity was founded and organised and solved its problems. The community of believers began by faith in the risen Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, who enabled them to witness, to love, and to serve.

IMPORTANCE: New churches are continually being founded. By faith in Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the church can be a vibrant agent for change.  As we face new problems, Acts gives important remedies for solving them.

Holy Spirit  

EXPLANATION: The church did not start or grow by its own power or enthusiasm. The disciples were empowered by God’s Holy Spirit.  He was the promised Counsellor and Guide sent when Jesus went to heaven.

IMPORTANCE: The Holy Spirit’s work demonstrated that Christianity was supernatural. Thus the church became more Holy Spirit-conscious than problem-conscious.  By faith, any believer can claim the Holy Spirit’s power to do Christ’s work.

Church Growth

EXPLANATION: Acts presents the history of a dynamic, growing community of believers from Jerusalem to Syria, Africa, Asia, and Europe. In the first century, Christianity spread from believing Jews to non-Jews in 39 cities and 30 countries, islands, or provinces.

IMPORTANCE: When the Holy Spirit works, there is movement, excitement, and growth. He gives us the motivation, energy, and ability to get the gospel to the whole world.  How are you fitting into God’s plan for expanding Christianity?  What is your place in this movement?

Witnessing  

EXPLANATION: Peter, John, Philip, Paul, Barnabas, and thousands more witnessed to their new faith in Christ. By personal testimony, preaching, or defence before authorities, they told the story with boldness and courage to groups of all sizes.

IMPORTANCE: We are God’s people, chosen to be part of his plan to reach the world. In love and by faith, we can have the Holy Spirit’s help as we witness or preach.  Witnessing is also beneficial to us because it strengthens our faith as we confront those who challenge it.

Opposition

EXPLANATION: Through imprisonment, beatings, plots, and riots, Christians were persecuted by both Jews and Gentiles. But the opposition became a catalyst for the spread of Christianity.  Growth during times of oppression showed that Christianity was not the work of humans, but of God.

IMPORTANCE: God can work through any opposition. When severe treatment from hostile unbelievers comes, realise that it has come because you have been a faithful witness and you have looked for the opportunity to present the good news about Christ.  Seize the opportunities that opposition brings.

©Kingsway International Church

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ALPHABET letters, vowels, and consonants, formed into words, sentences, paragraphs, and books – spoken, lectured, signed, whispered, passioned speeches and from dusty volumes to daily tabloids, messages are sent and received with each sender trying to impart knowledge… and wisdom.

Woven into human fabric is the desire to learn and understand. Our minds set us apart from animals, and we analyse, conceptualise, theorise, discuss, and debate everything from science to the supernatural.  And we build schools, institutes, and universities where learned professors can teach us about the world and about life.

Knowledge is good, but there is a vast difference between “knowledge” (having the facts) and “wisdom” (applying those facts to life). We may amass knowledge, but without wisdom, our knowledge is useless.  We must learn how to live out what we know.

The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, left us a legacy of written wisdom in three volumes – Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. In these books, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he gives practical insights and guidelines for life.

In the first of these three volumes, Solomon passes on his practical advice in the form of proverbs. A proverb is a short, concise sentence that conveys moral truth.  The book of Proverbs is a collection of these wise statements.  The main theme of Proverbs, as we might expect, is the nature of true wisdom.  Solomon writes, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (1.7).  He then proceeds to give hundreds of practical examples of how to live according to godly wisdom.

Proverbs covers a wide range of topics, including youth and discipline, family life, self-control and resisting temptation, business matters, words and the tongue, knowing God, marriage, seeking the truth, wealth and poverty, immorality, and of course, wisdom. These proverbs are short poems (usually in couplet form), containing a holy mixture of common sense and timely warnings.  Although they are not meant to teach doctrine, a person who follows their advice will walk closely with God.  The word “proverbs” comes from a Hebrew word that means “to rule or to govern”, and these sayings, reminders, and admonitions provide profound advice for governing our lives.

As you read Proverbs, understand that knowing God is the key to wisdom. Listen to thoughts and lessons from the world’s wisest man, and apply these truths to your life.  Don’t just read these proverbs; act on them!

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VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To teach people how to attain wisdom and discipline and a prudent life, and how to do what is right and just and fair (see 1.2, 3) – in short, to apply divine wisdom to daily life and to provide moral instruction

AUTHOR: Solomon wrote most of this book, with Agur and Lemuel contributing some of the later sections

DATE WRITTEN: Solomon wrote and compiled most of these proverbs early in his reign

SETTING: This is a book of wise sayings, a textbook for teaching people how to live godly lives through the repetition of wise thoughts

KEY VERSE: “The fear [two places at once] of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (1.7).

SPECIAL FEATURES: The book uses varied literary forms: poems, brief parables, pointed questions, and couplets.  Other literary devices include antithesis, comparison, and personification

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THE BLUEPRINT

Wisdom for Young People (1.1-9.18) Solomon instructed the young people of his day like a father giving advice to his child.  While many of these proverbs are directed towards young people, the principles supporting them are helpful to all believers, male and female, young and old.  Anyone beginning his or her journey to discover more of wisdom will benefit greatly from these wise sayings.

Wisdom for All People (10.1-24.34) Solomon wanted to impart wisdom to all people, regardless of their age, sex, or position in society.  These short, wise sayings give us practical wisdom for daily living.  We should study them diligently and integrate them into our life.

Wisdom for the Leaders (25.1-31.31) In addition to the proverbs that Solomon collected, the men of Hezekiah collected many proverbs that Solomon and others wrote.  While most of these are general in nature, many are directed specifically to the king and those who dealt with the king.  These are particularly useful for those who are leaders or aspire to be leaders.

MEGATHEMES

Wisdom

EXPLANATION: God wants his people to be wise. Two kinds of people portray two contrasting paths of life.  The fool is the wicked, stubborn person who hates or ignores God.  The wise person seeks to know and love God.

IMPORTANCE: When we choose God’s way, he grants us wisdom. His word, the Bible, leads us to live rightly, have right relationships, and make right decisions.

Relationships

EXPLANATION: Proverbs gives us advice for developing our personal relationships with friends, family members, and co-workers. In every relationship, we must show love, dedication, and high moral standards.

IMPORTANCE: To relate to people, we need consistency, tact, and discipline to use the wisdom God gives us. If we don’t treat others according to the wisdom God gives, our relationships will suffer.

Speech

EXPLANATION: What we say shows our real attitude towards others. How we talk reveals what we’re really like.  Our speech is a test of how wise we have become.

IMPORTANCE: To be wise in our speech we need to use self-control. Our words should be honest and well-chosen.

Work

EXPLANATION: God controls the final outcome of all we do. We are accountable to carry out our work with diligence and discipline, not laziness.

IMPORTANCE: Because God evaluates how we live, we should work purposefully. We must never be lax or self-satisfied in using our skills.

Success

EXPLANATION: Although people work very hard for money and fame, God views success as having a good reputation, moral character, and the spiritual devotion to obey him.

IMPORTANCE: A successful relationship with God counts for eternity. Everything else is perishable.  All our resources, time, and talents come from God.  We should strive to use them wisely.

©Kingsway International Church

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WHAT is success? Most definitions include references to achieving goals and acquiring wealth, prestige, favour, and power.  “Successful!” people enjoy the good life – being financially and emotionally secure, being surrounded by admirers, and enjoying the fruits of their labours.  They are leaders, opinion makers, and trendsetters.  Their example is emulated; their accomplishments are noticed.  They know who they are and where they are going, and they stride confidently to meet their goals.

By these standards, Jeremiah was a miserable failure. For 40 years he served as God’s spokesman to Judah; but when Jeremiah spoke, nobody listened.  Consistently and passionately he urged them to act, but nobody moved.  And he certainly did not attain material success.  He was poor and underwent severe deprivation to deliver his prophecies.  He was thrown into prison (chapter 37) and into a cistern (chapter 38), and he was taken to Egypt against his will (chapter 43).  He was rejected by his neighbours (11.19-21), his family (12.6), the false priests and prophets (20.1, 2; 28.1-17), his friends (20.10), his audience (26.8), and the kings (36.23).  Throughout his life, Jeremiah stood alone, declaring God’s messages of doom, announcing the new covenant, and weeping over the fate of his beloved country.  In the eyes of the world, Jeremiah was not a success.

But in God’s eyes, Jeremiah was one of the most successful people in all of history. Success, as measured by God, involves obedience and faithfulness.  Regardless of opposition and personal cost, Jeremiah courageously and faithfully proclaimed the word of God.  He was obedient to his calling Jeremiah’s book begins with his call to be a prophet.  The next 38 chapters are prophecies about Israel (the nation united) and Judah (the southern kingdom).  Chapters 2-20 are general and undated, and chapters 21-39 are particular and dated.  The basic theme of Jeremiah’s message is simple: “Repent and turn to God, or he will punish.”  But then, because the people rejected this warning, Jeremiah moved to predicting specifically the destruction of Jerusalem.  This terrible event is described in chapter 39.  Chapters 40-45 describe events following Jerusalem’s fall.  The book concludes with prophecies concerning a variety of nations (chapter 46-52).

As you read Jeremiah, feel with him as he agonises over the message he must deliver, pray with him for those who refuse to respond to the truth, and watch his example of faith and courage. Then commit yourself to being successful in God’s eyes.

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VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To urge God’s people to turn from their sins and back to God

AUTHOR: Jeremiah

TO WHOM WRITTEN: Judah (the southern kingdom) and its capital city, Jerusalem

DATE WRITTEN: During Jeremiah’s ministry, approximately 627-586 B.C.

SETTING: Jeremiah ministered under Judah’s last five kings – Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. The nation was sliding quickly towards destruction and was eventually conquered by Babylon in 586 B.C. (see 2 Kings 21-25).  The prophet Zephaniah preceded Jeremiah, and Habakkuk was Jeremiah’s contemporary.

KEY VERSE: “’Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you. Consider then and realise how evil and bitter it is for you when you forsake the LORD your God and have no awe of me,’ declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty” (2.19).

KEY PEOPLE: Judah’s kings (listed above), Baruch, Ebed-Melech, King Nehuchadnezzar, the Recabites

KEY PLACES: Anathoth, Jerusalem, Ramah, Egypt

SPECIAL FEATURES: This book is a combination of history, poetry, and biography. Jeremiah often used symbolism to communicate his message.

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THE BLUEPRINT

God’s Judgment on Judah (1.1-45.5) Jeremiah confronts many people with their sins: kings, false prophets, those at the temple, and those at the gates.  A lack of response made Jeremiah wonder if he was doing any good at all.  He often felt discouraged and sometimes bitter.  To bring such gloomy messages to these people was a hard task. We too have a responsibility to bring this news to a fallen world: those who continue in their sinful ways are eternally doomed.  Although we may feel discouraged at the lack of response, we must press on to tell others about the consequences of sin and the hope that God offers.  Those who tell people only what they want to hear are being unfaithful to God’s message.

1. The call of Jeremiah
2. Jeremiah condemns Judah for her sins
3. Jeremiah prophesies destruction
4. Jeremiah accuses Judah’s leaders
5. Restoration is promised
6. God’s promised judgment arrives

God’s Judgment on the Nations (46.1-52.34) Jeremiah lived to see many of his prophecies come true – most notably the fall of Jerusalem.  The fulfilment of this and other prophecies against the foreign nations came as a result of sin.  Those who refuse to confess their sin bring judgment upon themselves.

1. Prophecies about foreign nations
2. The fall of Jerusalem

MEGATHEMES

Sin

Explanation: King Josiah’s reformation failed because the people’s repentance was shallow.  They continued in their selfishness and worship of idols.  All the leaders rejected God’s law and will for the people.  Jeremiah lists all their sins, predicts God’s judgment, and begs for repentance.

Importance: Judah’s deterioration and disaster came from their callous disregard and disobedience of God.  When we ignore sin and refuse to listen to God’s warning, we invite disaster.  Don’t settle for half measures in removing sin.

Punishment

Explanation: Because of sin, Jerusalem was destroyed, the temple was ruined, and the people were captured and carried off to Babylon.  The people were responsible for their destruction and captivity because they refused to listen to God’s message.

Importance: Unconfessed sin brings God’s full punishment.  It is useless to blame anyone else for our sin – we are accountable to God before anyone else.  We must answer to him for how we live.

God is Lord of all

Explanation: God is the righteous Creator.  He is accountable to no one but himself.  He wisely and lovingly directs all creation to fulfil his plans, and he brings events to pass according to his timetable.  He is Lord over all the world.

Importance: Because of God’s majestic power and love, our only duty is to submit to his authority.  By following his plans, not our own, we can have a loving relationship with him and serve him with our whole hearts.

New Hearts

Explanation: Jeremiah predicted that after the destruction of the nation, God would send a new shepherd, the Messiah.  He would lead them into a new future, a covenant, and a new day of hope.  He would accomplish this by changing their sinful hearts into hearts of love for God.

Importance: God still restores his people by renewing their hearts.  His love can transform the problems created by sin.  We can have assurance of a new heart by loving God, trusting Christ to save us, and repenting of our sin.

Faithful Service

Explanation: Jeremiah served God faithfully for 40 years.  During that time the people ignored, rejected, and persecuted him.  Jeremiah’s preaching was unsuccessful by human standards, yet he did not fail in his task.  He remained faithful to God.

Importance: People’s acceptance or rejection of us is not the measure of our success.  God’s approval alone should be our standard for service.  We must bring God’s message to others even when we are rejected.  We must do God’s work even if it means suffering for it.

(c)Kingsway International Church.

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THE SHRILL whistle pierces the air, and all action on the field abruptly stops. Pointing to the offending player, the referee shouts, “Foul!”

Rules, fouls, and penalties are part of any game and are regulated and enforced rigorously by referees, umpires, judges, and other officials. Every participant knows that boundaries must be set and behaviour monitored, or the game will degenerate into chaos.

There are laws in the world as well – boundaries and rules for living established by God. But men and women regularly flaunt these regulations, hiding their infractions or overpowering others and declaring that might makes right.  God calls this sin – wilful disobedience, rebellion against his control, or apathy.  And at times it seems as though the violators succeed – no whistles blow, no fouls are called, and individual dictators rule.  The truth is, however, that ultimately justice will be served in the world.  God will settle all accounts.

Assyria was the most powerful nation on earth. Proud in their self-sufficiency and military might, they plundered, oppressed, and slaughtered their victims.  One hundred years earlier, Jonah had preached in the streets of the great city Nineveh; the people had heard God’s message and had turned from their evil.  But generations later, evil was again reigning, and the prophet Nahum pronounced judgment on this wicked nation.  Nineveh is called a “city of blood” (3.1), a city of cruelty (3.19), and the Assyrians are judged for their arrogance (1.11), idolatry (1.14), murder, lies, treachery, and social injustice (3.1-19).  Because of their sins, Nahum predicted that this proud and powerful nation would be utterly destroyed.  The end came within 50 years.

In this judgment of Assyria and its capital city, Nineveh, God is judging a sinful world. And the message is clear – disobedience, rebellion, and injustice will not prevail but will be punished severely by a righteous and holy God who rules over all the earth.

As you read Nahum, sense God’s wrath as he avenges sin and brings about justice. Then decide to live under his guidance and within his rules, commands, and guidelines for life.

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VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To pronounce God’s judgment on Assyria and to comfort Judah with this truth

AUTHOR: Nahum

TO WHOM WRITTEN: The people of Nineveh and Judah

DATE WRITTEN: Some time during Nahum’s prophetic ministry (probably between 663 and 612 B.C.)

SETTING: This particular prophecy took place after the fall of Thebes in 663 B.C. (see 3.8-10)

KEY VERSES : “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into darkness.  Whatever they plot against the LORD he will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time” (1.7-9).

KEY PLACE: Nineveh

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THE BLUEPRINT

Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire, is the subject of Nahum’s prophecy. The news of its coming destruction was a relief for Judah, which was subject to Assyrian domination.  No longer would Judah be forced to pay tribute as insurance against invasions.  Judah was comforted to know that God was still in control.  Nineveh is an example to all rulers and nations of the world today.  God is sovereign over even those who are seemingly invincible.  We can be confident that God’s power and justice will one day conquer all evil.

1. Nineveh’s judge (1.1-15)
2. Nineveh’s judgement (2.1-3.19)

MEGATHEMES

God Judges

EXPLANATION: God would judge the city of Nineveh for its idolatry, arrogance, and oppression. Although Assyria was the leading military power in the world, God would completely destroy this “invincible” nation.  God allows no person or power to usurp or scoff at his authority.

IMPORTANCE: Anyone who remains arrogant and resists God’s authority will face his anger. No ruler or nation will get away with rejecting him.  No individual will be able to hide from his judgment.  Yet those who keep trusting God will be kept safe for ever.

God Rules

EXPLANATION: God rules over all the earth, even over those who don’t acknowledge him.  God is all-powerful, and no-one can thwart his plans.  God will overcome any who attempt to defy him.  Human power is futile against God.

IMPORTANCE: If you are impressed by or afraid of any weapon, armies, or powerful people, remember that God alone can truly rescue you from fear or oppression.  We must place our confidence in God because he alone rules all of history, all the earth, and our lives.

©Kingsway International Church.

WITH TINY wrinkles and cries, he entered the world and, wrapped in strips of cloth, he slept on a bed of straw. Subject to time and to parents, he grew to manhood in Roman-occupied Palestine, his gentle hands becoming strong and calloused in Joseph’s workshop.  As a man, he walked through the countryside and city, touching individuals, preaching to crowds, and training 12 men to carry on his work.  At every step he was hounded by those seeking to rid the world of his influence.  Finally, falsely accused and tried, he was condemned to a disgraceful execution by foreign hands.  And he died – spat upon, cursed, pierced by nails, and hung heavenward for all to deride.  Jesus, the God-man, gave his life completely so that all might live.

At God’s appointed time, the risen and ascended Lord Jesus will burst onto the world scene. Then everyone will know Jesus is Lord of the universe!  Those who love him will rejoice, greeting their Saviour with hearts overflowing into songs of praise.  But his enemies will be filled with fear.  Allied with Satan, the enemies of Christ will marshal their legions against Christ and his armies.  But who can withstand God’s wrath?  Christ will win the battle and reign victorious for ever!  Jesus, the humble suffering Servant, is also the powerful, conquering King and Judge.

Revelation is a book of hope. John, the beloved apostle and eyewitness of Jesus, proclaimed that the victorious Lord would surely return to vindicate the righteous and judge the wicked.  But Revelations is also a book of warning.  Things were not as they should have been in the churches, so Christ called the members to commit themselves to live in righteousness.

Although Jesus gave this revelation of himself to John nearly 2,000 years ago, it still stands as a comfort and challenge to God’s people today. We can take heart as we understand John’s vision of hope – Christ will return to rescue his people and settle accounts with all who defy him.

John begins this book by explaining how he received this revelation from God (1.1-20). He then records specific messages from Jesus to the seven churches in Asia (2.1-3.22).  Suddenly the scene shifts as a mosaic of dramatic and majestic images bursts into view before John’s eyes.  This series of visions portrays the future rise of evil, culminating in the anti-christ (4.1-18.24).  Then follows John’s recounting of the triumph of the King of kings, the wedding of the Lamb, the final judgment, and the coming of the new Jerusalem (19.1-22.5).  Revelation concludes with the promise of Christ’s imminent return (22.6-21), and John breathes a prayer that has been echoed by Christians through the centuries, “Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus” (22.20).

As you read the book of Revelation, marvel with John at the wondrous panorama of God’s revealed plan. Listen as Christ warns the churches, and root out any sin that blocks your relationship with him.  Be full of hope, knowing that God is in control, Christ’s victory is assured, and all who trust him will be saved.

VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To reveal the full identity of Christ and to give warning and hope to believers

AUTHOR: The apostle John

TO WHOM WRITTEN: The seven churches in Asia, and all believers everywhere

DATE WRITTEN: About A.D. 95, from Patmos

SETTING: Most scholars believe that the seven churches of Asia to whom John writes were experiencing the persecution that took place under Emperor Domitian (A.D. 90-95). It seems that the Roman authorities had exiled John to the island of Patmos (off the coast of Asia).  John, who had been an eyewitness of the incarnate Christ, had a vision of the glorified Christ.  God also revealed to him what would take place in the future – judgment and the ultimate triumph of God over evil.

KEY VERSE: “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (1.3).

KEY PEOPLE: John, Jesus

KEY PLACES: Patmos, the seven churches, the new Jerusalem

SPECIAL FEATURES: Revelation is written in “apocalyptic” form – a type of Jewish literature that uses symbolic imagery to communicate hope (in the ultimate triumph of God) to those in the midst of persecution. The events are ordered according to literary, rather than strictly chronological, patterns.

THE BLUEPRINT

Letters to the churches (1.1-3.22) The vision John received opens with instructions for him to write to seven churches.  He both commends them for their strengths and warns them about their flaws.  Each letter was directed to a church then in existence, but also speaks to conditions in the church throughout history.  Both in the church and in our individual lives, we must constantly fight against the temptation to become loveless, immoral, lenient, compromising, lifeless, or causal about our faith.  The letters make it clear how our Lord feels about these faults.

Message for the churches (4.1-22.21) This revelation is both a warning to Christians who have grown apathetic and an encouragement to those who are faithfully enduring the struggles in this world.  It reassures us that good will triumph over evil, gives us hope as we face difficult times, and gives guidance when we are wavering in our faith.  Christ’s message to the church is a message of hope for all believers in every generation.

1. Worshipping God in heaven
2. Opening the seven seals
3. Opening the seven seals
4. Sounding the seven trumpets
5. Observing the great conflict
6. Pouring out the seven plagues
7. Seizing the final victory
8. Making everything new

MEGATHEMES

God’s Sovereignty

EXPLANATION: God is sovereign. He is greater than any power in the universe.  God is not to be compared with any leader, government, or religion.  He controls history for the purpose of uniting true believers in loving fellowship with him.

IMPORTANCE: Though Satan’s power may temporarily increase, we are not to be led astray. God is all-powerful.  He is in control.  He will bring his true family safely into eternal life.  Because he cares for us, we can trust him with our very lives.

Christ’s Return

EXPLANATION: Christ came to earth as a “Lamb”, the symbol of his perfect sacrifice for our sin. He will return as the triumphant “Lion”, the rightful ruler and conqueror.  He will defeat Satan, settle accounts with all those who reject him, and bring his faithful people into eternity.

IMPORTANCE: Assurance of Christ’s return gives suffering Christians the strength to endure. We can look forward to his return as King and Judge.  Since no-one knows the time when he will appear, we must be ready at all times by keeping our faith strong.

God’s Faithful People

EXPLANATION: John wrote to encourage the church to resist the demands to worship the Roman emperor. He warns all God’s faithful people to be devoted only to Christ.  Revelation identifies who the faithful people are and what they should be doing until Christ returns.

IMPORTANCE: You can take your place in the ranks of God’s faithful people by believing in Christ. Victory is sure for those who resist temptation and make loyalty to Christ their top priority.

Judgment

EXPLANATION: One day God’s anger towards sin will be fully and completely unleashed. Satan will be defeated with all of his agents.  False religion will be destroyed.  God will reward the faithful with eternal life, but all who refuse to believe in him will face eternal punishment.

IMPORTANCE: Evil and injustice will not prevail for ever. God’s final judgment will put an end to these.  We need to be certain of our commitment to Jesus if we want to escape this great final judgment.  No-one who rejects Christ will escape God’s punishment.

Hope

EXPLANATION: One day God will create a new heaven and a new earth. All believers will live with him for ever in perfect peace and security.  Those who have already died will be raised to life.  These promises for the future bring us hope.

IMPORTANCE: Our great hope is that what Christ promises will come true. When we have confidence in our final destination, we can follow Christ with unwavering dedication no matter what we must face.  We can be encouraged by hoping in Christ’s return.

©Kingsway International Church

(She’s got her helmet on. Picture showing Margo)

KNOWLEDGEABLE and experienced, the lawyer makes his case. Calling key witnesses to the stand, he presents the evidence.  After the discrediting by the testimonies of witnesses for the defence by skilfully cross-examining them, he concludes with an airtight summary and stirring challenge for the jury.  The announced verdict is no surprise.  “Guilty” states the jury; and justice is served.

The apostle [U.N.] Paul was intelligent, articulate, and committed to his calling. Like a skilled lawyer, he presented the case for the gospel clearly and forthrightly in his letter to the believers in Rome.

Paul had heard of the church at Rome, but he had never been there, nor had any of the other apostles. Evidently the church had been begun by Jews who had come to faith during Pentecost (Acts 2).  They spread the faith on their return to Rome, and the church grew.

Although many barriers separated them, Paul felt a bond with these Romans. They were his brothers and sisters in Christ, and he longed to see them face to face.  He had never met most of the believers there, yet he loved them.  He sent this letter to introduce himself and to make a clear declaration of the faith.

After a brief introduction, Paul presents the facts of the gospel (1.3) and declares his allegiance to it (1.16, 17). He continues by building an airtight case for the lostness of mankind and the necessity for God’s intervention (1.18-3.20).

Then Paul presents the good news – salvation is available to all, regardless of a person’s identity, sin, or heritage. We are saved by grace (unearthed, undeserved favour from God) through faith (complete trust) in Christ and his finished work.  Through him we can stand before God justified, “not guilty” (3.21-5.21).  With this foundation Paul moves directly into a discussion of the freedom that comes from being saved – freedom from the power of sin (6.1-23), freedom from the domination of the law (7.1-25), freedom to become like Christ and discover God’s limitless love (8.1-39).

Speaking directly to his Jewish brothers and sisters, Paul shares his concern for them and explains how they fit into God’s plan (9.1-11.12). God has made the way for Jews and Gentiles to be united in the body of Christ – both groups can praise God for his wisdom and love (11.12-36).

Paul explains what it means to live in complete submission to Christ – using spiritual gifts to serve others (12.3-8), genuinely loving others (12.9-21), and being good citizens (13.1-14). Freedom must be guided by love as we build each other up in the faith, being sensitive and helpful to those who are weak (14.1-15.4).  Paul stresses unity, especially between Gentiles and Jews (15.5-13).  He concludes by reviewing his reasons for writing, outlining his personal plans (15.22-33), greeting his friends, and giving a few final thoughts and greetings from his travelling companions (16.1-27).

As you read Romans, re-examine your commitment to Christ, and reconfirm your relationships with other believers in Christ’s body.

VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To introduce Paul to the Romans and to give a sample of his messages before he arrives in Rome

AUTHOR: Paul

TO WHOM WRITTEN: The Christians in Rome and believers everywhere

DATE WRITTEN: About A.D. 57, from Corinth, as Paul was preparing for his visit to Jerusalem.

SETTING: Apparently Paul had finished his work in the east, and he planned to visit Rome on his way to Spain after first bringing a collection to Jerusalem for the poor Christians there (15.23-28). The Roman church was mostly Jewish but also contained a great number of Gentiles.

KEY VERSE: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (5.1).

KEY PEOPLE: Paul, Phoebe

SPECIAL FEATURES: Paul wrote Romans as an organised and carefully presented statement of his faith – it does not have the form of a typical letter. He does, however, spend considerable time greeting people in Rome at the end of the letter.

THE BLUEPRINT

What To Believe (1.1-11.36) Paul clearly sets forth the foundations of the Christian faith.  All people are sinful; Christ died to forgive sin; we are made right with God through faith; this begins a new life with a new relationship with God.  Like a sports team that constantly reviews the basics, we will be greatly helped in our faith by keeping close to those foundations.  If we study Romans carefully, we will never be at a loss to know what to believe.

1. Sinfulness of mankind
2. Forgiveness of sin through Christ
3. Freedom from sin’s grasp
4. Israel’s past, present, and future

How To Behave (12.1-16.27) Paul gives clear, practical guidelines for the believers in Rome.  The Christian life is not abstract theology unconnected with life, but it has practical implications that will affect how we choose to behave each day.  It is not enough merely to know the gospel; we must let it transform our lives and let God impact every aspect of our lives.

MEGATHEMES

THEME: Sin

EXPLANATION: Sin means refusing to do God’s will and failing to do all that God wants. Since Adam’s rebellion against God, our nature is to disobey him.  Our sin cuts us off from God.  Sin causes us to want to live our own way rather than God’s way.  Because God is morally perfect, just, and fair, he is right to condemn sin.

IMPORTANCE: Each person has sinned, either by rebelling against God or by ignoring his will. No matter what our background or how hard we try to live good and moral lives, we cannot earn salvation or remove our sin.  Only Christ can save us.

THEME: Salvation

EXPLANATION: Our sin points out our need to be forgiven and cleansed. Although we don’t deserve it, God, in his kindness, reached out to love and forgive us.  He provides the way for us to be saved.  Christ’s death paid the penalty for our sin.

IMPORTANCE: It is good news that God saves us from our sin. But we must believe in Jesus Christ and believe that he forgave our sin in order to enter into a wonderful new relationship with God.

THEME: Growth

EXPLANATION: By God’s power, believers are sanctified – made holy. This means we are set apart from sin, enabled to obey and to become more like Christ.  When we are growing in our relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit frees us from the demands of the law and from fear of judgment.

IMPORTANCE: Because we are free from sin’s control, the law’s demands, and fear of God’s punishment, we can grow in our relationship with Christ. By trusting in the Holy Spirit and allowing him to help us, we can overcome sin and temptation.

THEME: Sovereignty

EXPLANATION: God oversees and cares about his people – past, present, and future. God’s ways of dealing with people are always fair.  Because God is in charge of all creation, he can save whomever he wills.

IMPORTANCE: Because of God’s mercy, both Jews and Gentiles can be saved. We must all respond to his mercy and accept his gracious offer of forgiveness.  Because he is sovereign, let him reign in your heart.

THEME: Service

EXPLANATION: When our purpose is to give credit to God for his love, power, and perfection in all we do, we can serve him properly. Serving him unifies all believers and enables them to show love and sensitivity to others.

IMPORTANCE: None of us can be fully Christlike by ourselves – it takes the entire body of Christ to express Christ fully. By actively and vigorously building up other believers, Christians can be a symphony of service to God.

©Kingsway International Church.

SIN runs rampant in society – daily headlines and overflowing prisons bear dramatic witness to that fact. With child abuse, pornography, serial killings, terrorism, anarchy, and ruthless dictatorships, the world seems to be filled to overflowing with violence, hatred, and corruption.  Reading, hearing, and perhaps even experiencing these tragedies, we begin to understand the necessity of God’s judgment.  We may even find ourselves wishing for vengeance by any means upon the violent perpetrators.  Surely they are beyond redemption!  But suppose that in the midst of such thoughts, God told you to take a gospel to the worst of the offenders – how would you respond?

Jonah was given such a task. Assyria – a great but evil empire – was Israel’s most dreaded enemy.  The Assyrians flaunted their power before God and the world through numerous acts of heartless cruelty.  So when Jonah heard God tell him to go to Assyria and call the people to repentance, he ran in the opposite direction.

The book of Jonah tells the story of this prophet’s flight and how God stopped him and turned him around. But it is a profound illustration of God’s mercy and grace.  No-one deserved God’s favour less than the people of Nineveh.  Assyria’s capital.  Jonah knew this.  But he knew that God would forgive and bless them if they would turn from their sin and worship him.  Jonah also knew the power of God’s message, that even through his own weak preaching, they would respond and be spared God’s judgment.  But Jonah hated the Assyrians, and he wanted vengeance, not mercy.  So he ran.  Eventually, Jonah obeyed and preached in the streets of Nineveh, and the people repented and were delivered from judgment.  Then Jonah sulked and complained to God, “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity” (4.2).  In the end, God confronted Jonah about his self-centred values and lack of compassion, saying, “But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well.  Should I not be concerned about that great city?” (4.11).

As you read Jonah, see the full picture of God’s love and compassion and realise that no-one is beyond redemption. The gospel is for all who will repent and believe.  Begin to pray for those who seem to be furthest from the kingdom, and look for ways to tell them about God.  Learn from the story of this reluctant prophet and determine to obey God, doing whatever he asks and going wherever he leads.

VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To show the extent of God’s grace – the message of salvation is for all people

AUTHOR: Jonah son of Amittai

TO WHOM WRITTEN: Israel and God’s people everywhere

DATE WRITTEN: Approximately 785-760 B.C.

SETTING: Jonah preceded Amos and ministered under Jeroboam II, Israel’s most powerful king (793-753 B.C.; see 2 Kings 14.23-25). Assyria was Israel’s great enemy, and Israel was conquered by them in 722 B.C. Nineveh’s repentance must have been short-lived, for it was destroyed in 612 B.C.

KEY VERSE: “But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” (4.11).

KEY PEOPLE: Jonah, the ship’s captain and crew

KEY PLACES: Joppa, Nineveh

SPECIAL FEATURES: This book is different from the other prophetic books because it tells the story of the prophet and does not centre on his prophecies. In fact, only one verse summarises his message to the people of Nineveh (3.4).  Jonah is an historical narrative.  It is also mentioned by Jesus as a picture of his death and resurrection (Matthew 12.38-42).

THE BLUEPRINT

Jonah was a reluctant prophet given a mission he found distasteful. He chose to run away from God rather than obey him.  Like Jonah, we may have to do things in life that we don’t want to do.  Sometimes we find ourselves wanting to turn and run.  But it is better to obey God than to defy him or run away.  Often, in spite of our defiance, God in his mercy will give us another chance to serve him when we return to him.

1. Jonah forsakes his mission (1.1-2.10)
2. Jonah fulfils his mission (3.1-4.11)

MEGATHEMES

God’s Sovereignty

Explanation: Although the prophet Jonah tried to run away from God, God was in control.  By controlling the stormy seas and a great fish, God displayed his absolute, yet loving guidance.

Importance:  Rather than running from God, trust him with your past, present, and future.  Saying no to God quickly leads to disaster.  Saying yes brings new understanding of God and his purpose in the world.

God’s Message to all the World

Explanation: God had given Jonah a purpose – to preach to the great Assyrian city of Nineveh.  Jonah hated Nineveh, and so he responded with anger and indifference.  Jonah had yet to learn that God loves all people.  Through Jonah, God reminded Israel of their missionary purpose.

Importance: We must not limit our focus to our own people.  God wants his people to proclaim his love in words and actions to the whole world.  He wants us to be his missionaries wherever we are, wherever he sends us.

Repentance

Explanation: When the reluctant preacher went to Nineveh, there was a great response.  The people repented and turned to God.  This was a powerful rebuke to Israel, who thought themselves better and yet refused to respond to God’s message.  God will forgive all those who turn from their sin.

Importance: God doesn’t honour sham or pretence.  He wants the sincere devotion of each person.  It is not enough to share the privileges of Christianity; we must ask God to forgive us and to remove our sin.  Refusing to repent is the same as loving our sin.

God’s Compassion

Explanation: God’s message of love and forgiveness was not for the Jews alone.  God loves all the people of the world.  The Assyrians didn’t deserve it, but God spared them when they repented.  In his mercy, God did not reject Jonah for aborting his mission.  God has great love, patience, and forgiveness.

Importance: God loves each of us, even when we fail him.  But he also loves other people, including those not of our group, back-ground, race, or denomination.  When we accept his love, we must also learn to accept all those whom he loves.  We will find it much easier to love others when we love God.

(c)Kingsway – New International Version, Here.

[Plate showing quill and no ink].

“FAMOUS last words” is more than a cliché. When notable men and women of influence are about to die, the world waits to hear their final words of insight and wisdom.  Then those quotes are repeated world wide.  This is also true with a dying loved one.  Gathered at his or her side, the family strains to hear every whispered syllable of blessing, encouragement, and advice, knowing that this will be the final message.

One of the most knowledgeable, influential, and beloved men of history is the apostle Paul. And we have his famous last words.

Paul was facing death. He was not dying of a disease in a sterile hospital with loved ones gathered nearby.  He was very much alive, but his condition was terminal.  Convicted as a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, Paul lay in a cold Roman prison, cut off from the world, with just a visitor or two and his writing materials.  Paul knew that soon he would be executed (4.6), and so he wrote his final thoughts to his “son” Timothy, passing to him the torch of leadership, reminding him of what was truly important, and encouraging him in the faith.  Imagine how Timothy must have read and reread every word – this was the last message from his beloved mentor, Paul.  Because of the situation and the recipient, this is the most intimate and moving of all Paul’s letters, and his last.

Paul’s introduction is tender, and the love he has for Timothy exudes from every phrase (1.1-5). He then reminds Timothy of the qualities necessary for a faithful minister of Jesus Christ (1.6-2.13).  Timothy should remember his call and use his gifts with boldness (1.6-12), keep to the truth (1.13-18), prepare others to follow him in the ministry (2.1, 2), be disciplined and ready to endure hardship (2.3-7), and keep his eyes and mind focused on Christ (2.8-13).  Paul challenges Timothy to hold to sound doctrine, reject error and avoid godless chatter, correctly handle the word of truth (2.14-19), and keep his life pure (2.20-26).

Next, Paul warns Timothy of the opposition that he and other believers would face in the last days from self-centred people who use the church for their own gain and who teach false doctrines (3.1-9). Paul tells Timothy to be prepared for these unfaithful people by remembering his example (3.10, 11), understanding the real source of the opposition (3.12, 13), and finding strength and power in the word of God (3.14-17).  Then Paul gives Timothy a stirring charge – to preach the word (4.1-4) and to fulfil his ministry until the end (4.5-8).

Paul concludes with personal requests and items of information. In these final words, he reveals his loneliness and his strong love for his brothers and sisters in Christ (4.9-22).

There has never been another person like Paul, the missionary apostle. He was a man of deep faith, undying love, constant hope, tenacious conviction, and profound insight.  And he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to give us God’s message.  As you read 2 Timothy, know that you are reading the last words of this great man of God – last words to Timothy and to all who would claim to follow Christ.  Recommit yourself to stand courageously for the truth, knowing the word and being empowered by the Holy Spirit.

VITAL STATISTICS

PURPOSE: To give final instructions and encouragement to Timothy, pastor of the church at Ephesus

AUTHOR: Paul

TO WHOM WRITTEN: Timothy, and all Christians everywhere

DATE WRITTEN: About A.D. 66 or 67, from prison in Rome. After a year or two of freedom, Paul was arrested again and executed under Emperor Nero.

SETTING: Paul was virtually alone in prison; only Luke was with him. Paul wrote this letter to pass the torch to the new generation of church leaders.  He also asked for visits from his friends and for his scrolls, especially the parchments – possibly parts of the Old Testament, the Gospels, and other biblical manuscripts.

KEY VERSE: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2.15).

KEY PEOPLE: Paul, Timothy, Luke, Mark, and others

KEY PLACES: Rome, Ephesus

SPECIAL FEATURES: Because this is Paul’s last letter, it reveals his heart and his priorities – sound doctrine, steadfast faith, confident endurance, and enduring love.

THE BLUEPRINT

Paul gives helpful advice to Timothy to remain solidly grounded in Christian service and to endure suffering during the difficult days to come. It is easy for us to serve Christ for the wrong reasons: because it is exciting, rewarding, or personally enriching.  Without a proper foundation, however, we will find it easy to give up during difficult times.  All believers need a strong foundation for their service, because Christian service does not get easier as we grow older, and it will become no easier as the time of Christ’s return grows closer.

1. Foundations of Christian service (1.1-2.26)
2. Difficult times for Christian service (3.1-4.22)

MEGATHEMES

Boldness

EXPLANATION: In the face of opposition and persecution, Timothy was to carry out his ministry without fear or shame.  Paul urged him to utilise boldly the gifts of preaching and teaching that the Holy Spirit had given him.

IMPORTANCE: The Holy Spirit helps us to be wise and strong.  God honours our confident testimony even when we suffer.  To get over our fear of what people might say or do, we must take our eyes off of people and look only to God.

Faithfulness

EXPLANATION: Christ was faithful to all of us in dying for our sin.  Paul was a faithful minister even when he was in prison.  Paul urged Timothy to maintain not only sound doctrine but also loyalty, diligence, and endurance.

IMPORTANCE: We can count on opposition, suffering, and hardship as we serve Christ.  But this shows that our faithfulness is having an effect on others.  As we trust Christ, he counts on us worthy to suffer, and he will give us the strength we need to be steadfast.

Preaching and Teaching

EXPLANATION: Paul and Timothy were active in preaching and teaching the good news about Jesus Christ.  Paul encouraged Timothy not only to carry the torch of truth but also to train others, passing on to them sound doctrine and enthusiasm for Christ’s mission.

IMPORTANCE: We must prepare people to transmit God’s word to others so that they in turn might pass it on.  Does your church carefully train others to teach?

Error

EXPLANATION: In the final days before Christ returns, there will be false teachers, spiritual deviants, and heretics.  The remedy for error is to have a solid programme for teaching Christians.

IMPORTANCE: Because of deception and false teaching, we must be disciplined and ready to reject error.  Know the word of God as your sure defence against error and confusion.

©Kingsway – New International Version, Here.

Explanation of:

“ Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood – two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. –  Exodus 37.1

The ark (also called the ark of the Testimony or ark of the covenant) was built to hold the Ten Commandments. It symbolised God’s covenant with his people.  Two gold angels called cherubim were placed on its top.  The ark was Israel’s most sacred object and was kept in the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle.  Only once each year, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to sprinkle blood on the top of the ark (called the atonement cover) to atone for the sins of the entire nation.

(“ They made the curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman. – Exodus 36:35 Cherubim are mighty angels).

(These are the amounts of the materials used for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the Testimony, which were recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. – Exodus 38:21 In building the tabernacle, Moses laid out the steps, but Ithamar supervised the project.  We all have different talents and abilities.  God didn’t ask Moses to build the tabernacle but to motivate the experts to do it.  Look for the areas where God has gifted you and then seek opportunities to allow God to use your gifts).

After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.  But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it.”  –  Joshua 3.2-4

The ark of the covenant was Israel’s most sacred treasure. It was a symbol of God’s presence and power.  The ark was a golden rectangular box with two cherubim (angels) facing each other on the lid.  Inside the ark were the tablets of the Ten Commandments Moses received from God, a jar of manna (the bread God miraculously sent from heaven during the desert wanderings), and Aaron’s staff (the symbol of the high priest’s authority).  According to God’s law, only the Levites could carry the ark.  The ark was constructed at the same time as the tabernacle (Exodus 37.1-9) and placed in the sanctuary’s most sacred room.

(“ So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall.  – Joshua 2:15 In Joshua’s day it was common to build houses on city walls.  Many cities had two walls about 12 to 15 feet apart.  Houses were built on wooden logs laid across the tops of the two walls.  Rahab may have lived in such a house with a window that looked out over the outside wall.)

(Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you. – Joshua 3:5 Before entering the promised land, the Israelites were to perform a consecration (purification) ceremony.  This was often done before making a sacrifice or, as in this case, before witnessing a great act of God.  God’s law stated that a person could become unclean for many reasons – eating certain foods (Leviticus 11), childbirth (Leviticus 12), disease (Leviticus 13, 14), touching a dead person (Numbers 19.11-22).  God used these various outward signs of uncleanness to illustrate man’s inward uncleanness that comes as a result of sin.  The consecration ceremony pictured the importance of approaching God with a pure heart.  Like the Israelites, we need God’s forgiveness before we approach him).

Used as good-luck charm:

When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the LORD bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines?  Let us bring the ark of the LORD’S covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.  –  1 Samuel 4.3

The ark of the covenant contained the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses. The ark was supposed to be kept in the Most Holy Place, a sacred part of the tabernacle that only the high priest could enter once a year.  Hophni and Phinehas desecrated the room by unlawfully entering it and removing the ark.

The Israelites rightly recognised the great holiness of the ark, but they thought that the ark itself – the wood and metal box – was their source of power. They began to use it as a good luck charm, expecting it to protect them from their enemies.  A symbol of God does not guarantee his presence and power.  Their attitude towards the ark came perilously close to idol worship.  When the ark was captured by their enemies, they thought that Israel’s glory was gone (4.19-22) and that God had deserted them (7.1, 2).  God uses his power according to his own wisdom and will.  He responds to the faith of those who seek him.

(“ Now the Israelites went out to fight against the Philistines. The Israelites camped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines at Aphek.  – 1 Samuel 4.1 The Philistines, descendants of Noah’s son Ham, settled along the south-eastern Mediterranean coast between Egypt and Gaza.  They were originally one of the “Sea Peoples” who had migrated to the Middle East in ships from Greece and Crete.  By Samuel’s time, these warlike people were well established in five of Gaza’s cities in southwest Canaan and were constantly pressing inland against the Israelites.  Throughout this time, the Philistines were Israel’s major enemy).

(“ So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.  – 1 Samuel 4:4 “The LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim” conveys that God’s presence rested on the ark of the covenant between the two golden cherubim (or angels) attacked to its lid.  The people believed that the ark would bring victory when Hophni and Phinehas carried it into battle).

Why Philistines wanted it:

“ After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. –  1 Samuel 5:1ff

Dagon was the chief god of the Philistines, whom they believed sent rain and assured a bountiful harvest. But the Philistines, like most of their pagan neighbours, worshipped many gods.  The more gods they could have on their side, the more secure they felt.  That was why they wanted the ark, thinking that if it helped the Israelites, it could help them too.  But when the people living nearby began to get sick and die, the Philistines realised that the ark was not a good omen.  It was a source of greater power than they had ever seen – power they could not control.

(“ His daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near the time of delivery. When she heard the news that the ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she went into labour and gave birth, but was overcome by her labour pains.  As she was dying, the women attending her said, “Don’t despair; you have given birth to a son.”  But she did not respond or pay any attention.  She named the boy Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel” – because of the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband.  She said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”  – 1 Samuel 4:19-22 This incident illustrates the spiritual darkness and decline of Israel.  This young boy, Ichabod, was supposed to succeed his father Phinehas in the priesthood, but his father had been killed because he was an evil man who desecrated the tabernacle.  The terror of God’s leaving his people overshadowed the joy of childbirth.  When sin dominates our lives, even God-given joys and pleasures seem empty.)

(“ The LORD’S hand was heavy upon the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought devastation upon them and afflicted them with tumours. When the men of Ashdod saw what was happening, they said, “The ark of the god of Israel must not stay here with us, because his hand is heavy upon us and upon Dagon our god.”  – 1 Samuel 5:6-7 Although the Philistines had just witnessed a great victory by Israel’s God over their god, Dagon, they didn’t act upon that insight until they were afflicted with tumours (possibly bubonic plague).  Similarly, today many people don’t respond to biblical truth until they experience pain.  Are you willing to listen to God for truth’s sake, or do you turn to him only when you are hurting?).

Why people were killed for looking into it:

“ But God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked into the ark of the LORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the LORD had dealt them  –  1 Samuel 6.19

Why were people killed for looking into the ark? The Israelites had made an idol of the ark.  They had tried to harness God’s power, to use it for their own purposes (victory in battle).  But the Lord of the universe cannot be controlled by humans.  To protect the Israelites from his power, he had warned them not even to look at the sacred sanctuary objects in the Most Holy Place or they would die (Numbers 4.20).  Only Levites were allowed to move the ark.  Because of their disobedience, God carried out his promise judgment.

God could not allow the people to think they could use his power for their own ends. He could not permit them to disregard his warnings and come into his presence lightly.  He did not want the cycle of disrespect, disobedience, and defeat to start all over again.  God did not kill the men of Beth Shemesh to be cruel.  He killed them because overlooking their presumptuous sin would encourage the whole nation of Israel to ignore God.

Why David brought it to Jerusalem:

They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart  –  2 Samuel 6.3

The ark of God was Israel’s national treasure and was ordinarly kept in the tabernacle. When the ark was returned to Israel after a brief Philistine captivity (1 Samuel 4.1-7.2), it was kept in Abinadab’s home for 20 years.  David saw how God blessed Abinadab, and he wanted to bring the ark to Jerusalem to ensure God’s blessing on the entire nation.  (See the notes on Exodus 37.1 and Joshua 3.2-4 for more information on the ark.)).

“ Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not enquire of it during the reign of Saul.” –  1 Chronicles 13.3

The ark of God had been in Kiriath Jearim for many years. The neglect of the ark symbolised Israel’s neglect of God.  Bringing the ark back to the centre of Israel’s life reflected David’s desire to remind the nation of its true foundation – God.  Neglecting those things that remind us of God – the bible, the church, and contact with Christians – will cause us also to neglect God.  We must keep God at the centre of our lives.

Why God was angry at Uzzah for touching it:

When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The LORD’S anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God.  –  2 Samuel 6.2-7

Uzzah was only trying to protect the ark, so was God’s anger against Uzzah just? According to Numbers 4:5-15, the ark was to be moved only by the Levites, who were to carry it using the carrying poles – they were never to touch the ark itself.  To touch it was a capital offence under Hebrew law (Numbers 4.15).  God’s action was directed against both David and Uzzah.  David placed the ark on a cart, following the Philistines’ example (1 Samuel 6.7, 8) rather than God’s commands.  Uzzah, though sincere in his desire to protect the ark, had to face the consequences of the sin of touching it.  Also, Uzzah may not have been a Levite.  As David sought to bring Israel back into a relationship with God, God had to remind the nation dramatically that enthusiasm must be accompanied by obedience to his laws.  The next time David tried to bring the ark to Jerusalem, he was careful to handle it correctly (1 Chronicles 15.1-15).

“ The LORD’S anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.  –  1 Chronicles 13.10

Why did Uzzah die? He touched the ark, and that offence was punishable by death.  God had given specific instructions about how the ark was to be moved and carried (Numbers 4.5-15), and those instructions were neglected.  The Levites were responsible to move the ark (there is no record that Uzzah was a Levite), and it was to be carried on their shoulders with poles through its rings (Number 7.9).  It was never to be touched.  Bringing the ark on a cart followed the Philistines’ example (1 Samuel 6:1ff).  Uzzah, though sincere in his desire to protect the ark, had to face the consequences of his sin, and David was reminded that his obedience to God’s laws was more important than his enthusiasm.

Moved into the temple:

“ The priests then brought the ark of the LORD’S covenant to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, and put it beneath the wings of the cherubim. The cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and covered the ark and its carrying poles.  These poles were so long that their ends, extending from the ark, could be seen from in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are still there today.  There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the LORD made a covenant with the Israelites after they came out of Egypt.

The priests then withdrew from the Holy Place. All the priests who were there had consecrated themselves, regardless of their divisions.  All the Levites who were musicians – Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives – stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres.  they were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets.  –  2 Chronicles 5.7-12

Troops from the tribe of Dan travelled from Zorah and Eshtaol into the hill country of Ephraim where they persuaded Micah’s priest to come with them. They continued north to Laish where they ruthlessly butchered its citizens. The city was renamed Dan and the priest’s idols became the focus of their worship.

• Mediterranean Sea
• Dan (Laish)
• Sea of Galilee
• Jordan River
• Canaan
• hill country of Ephraim
• Eshtaol
• Zorah
• Jerusalem
• Dan
• Kiriath Jearim
• Judah
• Dead Sea

©Kingsway – New International Version, Here.