Three Tents: Biblical Survey: Jesus in the Old Testament

Prayer

Worship

Review

Jesus in the Old Testament

Seven periods of history/geography

1. Patriarchs

Books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Job

Locations: Chaldea (Genesis 1-11), Palestine (Genesis 12-36), Egypt (Genesis 37-50)

Types of Christ: …

2. Pre-kingdom

Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth

Locations: Map

Types of Christ: …

3. United Kingdom

Books: [History] 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, [“of David”] Psalms, [“of Solomon”] Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

Locations: Map

Types of Christ: …

The Divided Kingdom

Precursors to division. Final reason for the divide. Results of the split in the northern kingdom…

Locations: Map

Books: [History] 2 Chronicles

Types of Christ: …

4. Until the fall of the Northern Kingdom

Books: [History] 1 Kings [Prophets to northern kingdom] Amos, Hosea, [Prophets to southern kingdom] Isaiah, Micah [Prophets to other countries] Nahum, Jonah

Types of Christ: …

5. Until the fall of the Southern Kingdom

Books: [History] 2 Kings [Prophets to southern kingdom] Joel, Zephaniah, Habbakuk, Jeremiah, Lamentaitons, [Prophets to other countries] Obadaiah

Types of Christ: …

6. Exile

Locations: Assyria, Babylon, Media, Persia

Books: Ezekiel, Daniel

Types of Christ: …

7. Aliyah

Books: [History] Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther [Prophets] Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

Types of Christ: …

Homework:

• Study one of the messianic psalms

• Practice memorizing all 66 books

Prayer and worship to finish.

Three Tents: Biblical Survey: Introduction to Revelation

Prayer

Worship

Review

Introduction to Revelation

Questions for reading prophecy:
What is the historical context and what was God was saying to Israel through the prophet?
In what ways is the ungodly society in Israel and Judah in the days of the prophets similar to the ungodly society of our day?
What do these books tell us about how God interacts with His people?

Intro to Revelation

Understanding the prophetic imagery of revelation requires understanding how it references other scripture and history.
This is not scary but good news for good people. There are only 12 verses out of 403 that are worrisome to believers ... persecution that will end with the complete final victory of Christ.
We're going to look deeply into chapter 4 onwards in part 3, but for now let's read chapter 1-3.

Notes about chapter 1-3:

1. This is the revelation of Jesus. What does "of" mean?
2. Prophecy from John the elder... From the family of faith, for the family of faith, to the family of faith
3. The same John???
4. Patmos
5. Blessed is the one who reads it, blessed are those that hear, blessed are those that keep what is written in it... "the time is near"
6. How should we understand the images? "Literal"
7. Strangeness in the Greek text... encoded? written while receiving revelation?
8. The book of revelation is about a "man" and a "plan", but the more important element is the "man"... as we read this let us seek to know the man, Jesus Christ. There are many names or titles or descriptions of Jesus in just the first 3 chapters https://jwipn.com/praying-the-names-of-jesus-in-revelation-1-3/
9. Also in these three chapters there are 18 promises to christians about eternal reward.
10. Seven letters to seven churches.
https://www.thesecondcomingofchrist.org/img/Rev2a.png

Let's finish by reading 22:6-21

Homework:

• consider the letters to the seven churches and ask what warnings apply to you.

• Practice memorizing all 66 books

Prayer and worship to finish.

Three Tents: Biblical Survey: Letters to Disciples

Prayer

Worship

Review

Letters to Disciples

“Catholic epistles” vs. discipleship letters.

The Authors

Paul - very different writing style, Hebrews also
James - Jerusalem church, persecution, famine
Peter - after circumcision controversy, Rome
John - Ephesus, beloved disciple, pastoral gospel
Jude - Jerusalem/Judea/Samaria church, against heresy, two points of interest: Jesus exodus, Enoch quote

Questions to ask as we read:

• In addition to the questions for the church epistles…

• Can we feel the heart of discipleship? This is a beloved teacher speaking to me closely.

1 Timothy

Dating: Autumn of 55
Audience: Timothy... younger and disciple, sent to lead churches especially Corinth, Phillipi, later Ephesus
Outline:
1. Proper teaching Ch. 1 -- law without legalism, grace without blasphemy "holding faith and a good conscience" v19
2. Order for the church Ch. 2-3 -- Prayer, worship, overseers and deacons
3. Summary of Paul's teachings 3:14-4:5
4. Living as a community Ch 4-6 -- leadership 4:6-16, women, business people, rich
Major themes: Personal discipline as a leader, how to guide a church in different situations
Key passage: 1 Tim 3:14-4:5

2 Timothy

Dating: Fall of 58
Audience: Timothy... older now maybe in Ephesus
Outline:
Guard and protect the gospel Ch. 1
Fight and suffer for the gospel Ch. 2:1-13
Firm but gentle leadership 2:14-3:9
Live and preach the Word 3:10-4:8
Greetings 4:9-22
Major themes: Staying constant in patience, the power of the word
Key passage: 2:20-26

Titus

Dating: Late spring 57
Audience: Titus... Crete... 1:12-13
Outline:
1. The leader's task in upending culture Ch 1.
2. The church's posture in upending culture Ch2:1-10
3. The church's purpose in upending culture Ch2:11-3:15
Major themes: Bringing firm leadership to a wild culture
Key passage: 2:11-14, 3:3-8

Philemon

Dating: Summer of 58
Explain the situation .. Philemon 2, Colossians 4:17

Hebrews

Dating: 67
Audience: Question of authorship, question of audience...
Outline: Jesus is better than anything you could go back to... better messenger than angels, better prophet than Moses, better savior than Joshua, better priest than Aaron...
Key passage: Hebrews 11-12... 12:1-6, 11-17

James

Dating: 47-48
Audience: Jerusalem church
Outline: Prophetic voice... like the prophets of the old testament he cries out that we would repent and come back to God.
1:13-17, 1:22-25, 2:12, 2:18-26, 4:6-10, 5:13-16

Homework:

• Study from Peter John or Jude

• Practice memorizing all 66 books

Prayer and worship to finish.

Three Tents: Biblical Survey: Letters to Churches

Prayer

Worship

Review

Paul's Letters to Churches

How to read epistles

• What does it mean for them? What situations are the same for us? How then should I live as a citizen of the kingdom of God?

• Are there certain principles of ministry that Jesus is modeling that would be appropriate for us to imitate in our ministries?

• What does the passage teach about theology?

Ephesians 3:8-9

Romans

Rome was the center of the Empire
Written in early 57
Outline:
1. Greetings 1:1-7
2. The Gospel
- Man is separated from God by sin 1:18-3:20
- Jesus brought us reconciliation with God 3:21-5:21
- The holy spirit changes us from sinners to children of God 6-8
- God gets the glory for the plan of salvation 9-11
3. Response to the gospel (application/practices) 12-15
4. Specific greetings to Roman Christians 16

Famous theme passages:
1:8-17
15:14-19

Also the Romans Road

1 Corinthians

Corinth was a famous port. Paul lived there for a year and a half.
Written in spring of 55

Outline
1. Greetings and encouragement 1:1-9
2. Against immaturity in faith 1:10-6:20
- Rebellious against leadership 1:10-4:21
- Sexual sin, legal battles 5-6
3. More specific response to his earlier letter 7-10
- Marriage, divorce, etc.
- Eating meat dedicated to idols 8-10
4. Asks for order in worship
- Head coverings and authority 11:1-6
- Communion 11:17-34
- Spiritual gifts 12-14
- About the resurrection 15
- Greeting one another 16

Famous theme passages:
Life in the church
The fruits of repentence
Spiritual gifts
Love, the highest gift 13
Communion 11:23-26

2 Corinthians

Assert his authority while also taking a softer tone than his visit 2:1
Written early 56

Outline
1. Reconciling with the church 1-7
2. Offering for Jerusalem 8-9
3. Paul's authority as an apostle 10-13

Famous theme passages:
Vision of heaven but weakness 12:1-10

Galatians

Galatia is not a single place but a region. This letter is sometimes called a "mini Romans"
Written in later 56

1. Galatian misunderstanding of the Gospel 1:1-10
2. The Law vs. Grace 1:11-2:21
3. Salvation by faith vs. salvation by works 3
4. Slaves and children inheritors 4
5. Works of the flesh and fruits of the spirit 5
6. What a Christian community should look like 6

Famous theme passages:
5:16-25

Ephesians

Ephesus was a highly religious city. There came to be an important church and said to be the last place of John and Mary
Written late summer 58

1. Mission in Christ 1-3
- Identity 1
- Grace 2:1-10
- Peace 2:11-22
- Paul's mission 3:1-13
- Paul's prayer 3:14-21
2. Walking in Christ 4-6
- Walking in unity 4:1-16
- Walking different than the world 4:17-31
- Walking carefully 5:1-21
- Walking in love 5:22-6:9
- When you can't walk, stand 6:10-24

Famous theme passages:
Grace 2:8-9; 4:25-32
Peace 2:14; 4:3
Love 2:4; 1:15; 3:17; 5:2
Walk worthy of the calling 4:1
Armor of God 6:10-20

Philippians

Roman colony and old military base
Written spring 58

Outline
1. Rejoice! Christ is life 1
2. Rejoice! Christ is our model 2
3. Rejoice! Christ is glory 3
4. Rejoice! Christ is power 4

Famous theme passages:
2:6-11 << memorize this gospel presentation
4:4-13

Homework

Colossians
Thessalonica 1/2

Prayer and worship to finish.

Three Tents: Biblical Survey: Acts

Worship
Prayer by Amah
Review of homework

Acts

• "Luke-Acts"

• “Acts of Jesus and the Holy Sprit”

• Author and date

Overview

• The opening... 1:1-5

• The misison... 1:6-11
  

An outline on language groups

• Jewish world (Aramaic speakers) 1-10

• Greek world 1-11

• Latin world 21-28

Another outline could be who is the main Apostle being covered…

Jerusalem

• Acts 2 sermon

• Acts 6 deacons

Judea & Samaria

• Acts 10 sermon

• Acts 11:19-30 Antioch. Elders

The ends of the earth: Greek speaking world

Missionary journeys

• First journey 13:1-14:28 (year 47-49)

• Jerusalem council

• Second journey 15:36-18:22 (year 49-51)

• Third journey 18:23-21:16 (year 52-57)

Acts 17 sermon

The ends of the earth: Rome

• Acts 26 sermon

• Acts 28:17-31

• Romans 15:24 Paul never made it to Spain

Sermons as a genre

• Consider who is speaking to whom? How does that affect the message?

• How is the sermon organized? What are the main points? What is the main theme?

• What does the sermon tell me about God?

• What does the sermon tell me about man?

• What does the sermon suggest that I do as a response?

Summary, references

1. The book of Acts was written by Luke to follow his Gospel, and shows how the church grew from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth

2. We can learn about how to do church as we look at the examples in Acts

3. The sermons in Acts also show us how the message was adapted to different cultures and situations.

4. It has been left to us to fulfill what Paul could not

5. Here is a list of sermons in the book of Acts

Homework

1. Make a small group lesson for a sermon in the book of Acts.

2. Practice memorizing the 66 books of the Bible

Let's let you ask questions now.

Prayer and worship to finish.

Three Tents: Biblical Survey: The Gospels

Worship
Prayer by Amah
Review of homework

Now finally we are going to start to go through the Bible section by section… Today we will start with the Gospels…

Who are the gospel writers? What are the characteristics of each gospel?

The four beasts (Ezekiel 1:5-14, 10:9-14, Revelation 4:6-11). Matt the man, Mark the Lion, Luke the Calf, John the Eagle. Other fours.

Matthew - tax collector see … better Moses. Five teachings like five books (5-7, 10, 13, 18-20, 23-25). Immanuel parallel as bookends. Written in Hebrew/Aramaic first*?

*They have the Gospel according to Matthew in its entirety in Hebrew. For it is clear that they still preserve this, in the Hebrew alphabet, as it was originally written.
— Epiphanius of Salamis, Panarion 29.9.4 (4th century)

Mark - recorded Peters testimony*. Divided into three exclamations of Jesus is the son of God. The baptism. The transfiguration. The Roman at the cross. In each case the disciples are also confused and shocked. Shorter ending on purpose?

• 15. “This also the presbyter said: Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately, though not in order, whatsoever he remembered of the things said or done by Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor followed him, but afterward, as I said, he followed Peter, who adapted his teaching to the needs of his hearers, but with no intention of giving a connected account of the Lord’s discourses, so that Mark committed no error while he thus wrote some things as he remembered them. For he was careful of one thing, not to omit any of the things which he had heard, and not to state any of them falsely.” These things are related by Papias concerning Mark. -- Eusebius, History of the Church (late 3rd-early 4th century?)

Luke - doctor and historian. Luke and Acts are one story. Not just a history but a fulfillment (see intro 1:1-4). Very interested in the people that are impacted by the gospel, the exalting of the lowly. There are also many stories around meals... Introduction >> Galilee (4-9) Upside-down kingdom, suffering servant >> Journey (10-19) what it is to be a disciple, warnings >> Jerusalem (19-24) plan and exaltation of Jesus, uncovering the mystery

John. The beloved disciple, not in time order, purpose statement in 20:31... introduction 1, Signs and Controversy (4 institutions, 4 festivals, raising lazarus)... need to make a choice 2-12, Final words 13-17 / crucifixion, resurrection, epilogue 18-21... 7 statements of I AM

Are these accounts reliable?

Synoptic Gospels

Personal opinion: "no need for a Q."

Can the accounts be harmonized?

1. Jairus daughter? Mt 9:18 Mk 5:22-23 Lk 8:40-42

2. Bring a staff? Mk 6:8-9, Lk 9:3, Mt 10:9-10

3. Report of women? Mt 28:8, Mk 16:8

4. How many blind men on the Jericho road? Mk 10:46, Lk 18:35, Mt 20:30

5. Who met them at the tomb? Mt 28:5, Mk 16:5-6, Lk 24:4, John 20:11-13
   

What do the gospels tell us about Christ? High or low Christology?

1. Messiah - fulfillment of Jewish prophecy and hope
2. Deity - equality with father
3. Revelation - revealing of God to man in his teachings (Matt 5-7, Matt 24, Luke 6, John )
4. Deeds - Went around doing good (Luke 7. John 14-believe works)
5. Savior - the plan of salvation

Narritive as a Genre

Consider Luke 10:25-37

• Like any story, what is the setting?

• What are the main "scenes" or "beats" in the story? How is it structured?

• Who are the characters? Are they examples or counter examples? What are their motivations?

• "Who am I?" "Who is Jesus?"

• Why is this story in the Bible?

Summary, references

1. The number four is often connected to the Gospels in the prophetic writings

2. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John each wrote their gospel with a different perspective and to different audiences.

3. The four different accounts should be considered reliable

4. Every one of the “contradictions” can be harmonized if you are willing to think about it.

5. The Gospels speak clearly of a high Christology

6. Narratives in the Bible invite us to consider the story and see ourselves and God in them

Homework

1. Make a small group lesson for a story in the Gospels

2. Practice memorizing the 66 books of the Bible

Let's let you ask questions now.

Prayer and worship to finish.

Three Tents: Biblical Survey: The Composition and Transmission of Cannon

Worship
Prayer by Amah
Review of homework

Last time we talked about Inspiration (theology of scripture) and study tools... this time I want to expand on that those themes a little bit

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet... mystery of the menorah

Psalm 119:105
Exodus 25:31-40

this is not what was meant though... it's an interesting coincidence and some would call it a "spiritual meaning" but it is not the plain meaning of the text.

So today I want to talk about the canonization of scripture

The Composition of the Canon

1. Old Testament Canon

Named sources: Numbers 21:14, Joshua 10:13, 1 Kings 14:19
Compilation of prophets: Jeremiah 36:1-4, 32
Wisdom books compiled: Pr 1:1, Pr 22:17, Pr 25:1, Pr 30:1, Pr 31:1
Seams in the psalms books... Ps 41, Ps 72, Ps 89, Ps 106, Ps 150
Compare Dt 34:10-12 / Josh 1:1-9 with Malachi 4:4-6 / Psalm 1:1-3

DATING: Composition and compilation likely finished about 400 - 500 BC… already translated to Greek in the 300s BC. Various artifacts found with very old text matching current editions

2. New Testament composition/dating

Gospels - John 21:25, Luke 1:1-4
Epistles - Colossians 4:16, 2 Peter 3:15-16
Revelation 1:1, 22:18-19

DATING: None mention the temple destruction.. everything likely was written before AD70

The scope of scripture

So... 66 books? When did that happen? some time after the exile but before Jesus we got the old testament fixed as a set of scrolls stored up in the temple. Origen (185-253) tells us a list of accepted scripture that is basically what we have now.

Matthew first sounded the priestly trumpet in his Gospel; Mark also; Luke and John each played their own priestly trumpets. Even Peter cries out with trumpets in two of his epistles; also James and Jude. In addition, John also sounds the trumpet through his epistles, and Luke, as he describes the Acts of the Apostles. And now that last one comes, the one who said, ‘I think God displays us apostles last’ [1 Cor 4:9], and in fourteen of his epistles, thundering with trumpets, he casts down the walls of Jericho and all the devices of idolatry and dogmas of philosophers, all the way to the foundations.

— Origen (Homily on Joshua)

What didn’t make the cut?

• Deuterocanon: Greek OT (LXX) books: Maccabees

• Apocrypha: Gospel of Thomas, 1 Enoch,

• Apostolic fathers and later: 1 Clement, Shepherd of Hermas, Didache

You can read these and they’ll give you insight… but they aren’t scripture

We believe in a "Closed Canon"… as well as prophecy that is “already but not yet”

Correct transmission to today

Manuscripts and text criticism

CSNTM

Vaticanus

Sinaiticus

(Examining a variant) Mk 1:1 in B vs. ℵ (Is he the Son of God?)

Hebrew: Leningrad / Aleppo

"what is written (Ketiv), what is spoken (Qere)" in Ps 100:3 -> “The lord made us / We did not make ourselves”

Comparison to data backups for today

(a) Multiple copies

(b) Spread out geographically

(c) Consistency check in grammar forms and translations

Comparison to the Quran, other books of ancient literature

WISDOM LITERATURE AS A GENRE

Consider Proverbs 26:1-12

• Lots of pictures... for "wisdom" its not clear like instructions

• Written as commands but consider the pair: Proverbs 26:4-5

• Also not promises… generalizations

• In many ways, these are worded in such a way that you need to carefully consider what it means... the "work" of thinking about what it means in different circumstances is the point...

• They focus on the individual versus nations

• They rarely mention things like the temple, sacrificial system, or the law

• They rarely mention Old Testament historical events, like the exodus, the monarchy, and the division and fall of the northern and southern kingdoms

• There is little interest in politics, history, acts of God, miracles, sin, forgiveness, and the like

• Read for the overall message. Taking bits and pieces out of context can result in misapplication.

• Consider the terms and categories of Hebrew wisdom, as well as its styles and modes.

• Understand what the book at hand is all about so that you can follow the line of argument.

Summary, references

1. The OT composition was a complex process but around 500BC there were fixed books

2. NT composition was relatively easy and probably completed before 70AD

3. The 66 books were widely accepted, and other books widely rejected prior to the councils of the 300s

4. The transmission of manuscripts today tells us that we can trust the text was not corrupted

5. Wisdom literature is meant to make you do the work of thinking how to apply it

Homework

1. Make a small group lesson for some wisdom literature (Ecclesiastes)

2. Practice memorizing the 66 books of the Bible

Let's let you ask questions now.

Prayer and worship to finish.

Three Tents: Biblical Survey: Theology of the Bible and Bible Study Tools

Worship
Prayer by Amah
Review of homework

We’ve now finished looking at the prerequisites, I hope you continue to share the gospel, continue to grow as a big brother or big sister in the church, and have a rich devotional life. Now we will go on to the first main course: Biblical Survey.. But before we do, I just want to remind you what the overall course is:

What I teach is called Biblical Theology. “Theology” is a big broad subject with thousands of years of development. Broadly speaking Theology can be broken into three major streams of study: Biblical Theology, Systematic Theology, and Applied Theology. (Other streams like Historical Theology, etc., also exist). These three streams of theology overlap in some ways and contribute to each other, but let me give examples of each kind of theology so you get an idea of what we are doing in this course.

Applied theology focuses on topics like: Missiology, Evangelism, Ecclesiology, Christian Counseling, Christian ethics, Discipleship, Leadership... It uses a variety of approaches to advance understanding and find practical solutions in these fields.

Systematic theology focuses on topics like: Christology, study of the atonement, Christian philosophy, etc. It generally starts with a question and then looks across the breadth of scripture to answer it. A good place to start learning about Systematic Theology is by learning catechisms. Here are a few in Indonesian.

NEW CITY CATECHISM (Indonesian)

WESTMINISTER CATECHISM (Indonesian)

Biblical theology focuses on topics like: hermeneutics, language studies, author studies, book studies, genre, discourse, etc. It generally starts with the Bible, and as we read it we learn things about systematic and applied theology, but the starting point is understanding the Bible.

Goals for the Biblical Survey Class

• Learn basic theology of the bible

• Learn basic apologetics about the bible

• Learn the major themes of each of the books of the bible

• Learn the context of the books in time and geography

• Be able to study a passage at multiple levels using various resources

• Be able to prepare small group bible studies for each major genre of scripture

• Be able to look up commentary on difficult to understand passages to answer questions

Today we start with the basic theology of the bible and learning about study tool

Theology of the Bible

(1) Learning the Bible requires

• You are a spirit-filled believer Lk 24:13-35

• A pure heart Mt 5:8

• Humility Ps 25:9

• Application Mk 7:10-13

• Purpose to become Christlike 2Co 3:18

The Bible belongs to the family of faith,
is by the family of faith,
it to the family of faith,
so that the family will grow in faith

(2) Attributes of the Bible

• Inspired 2Tim3:14-17, 2Pet1:19-21, 2Sam 23:1-2

• Authoritative: Everyone is subject to the Bible. Man is not above the Bible to interpret it, the Bible is over man to interpret man.

• Sufficient: God has spoken all that we need for his revelation

• Relevant: There is no one that can say the Bible is not relevant to me.

• Clarity: The Bible generally means what it says in a way that we can understand. It is not generally understood to be allegory.

• Inerrant: There are no mistakes in the word of God. (we will look at this more carefully next time… but there are some extra notes)

(3) How many layers of voices are there to the Bible?

What I will call here “voices” refers to things that influence the message that we are receiving. Let’s consider what is between us and God directly.

1. ★ GOD

2. ☆[Internal] The Bible interpreting the Bible (especially, New Testament authors quoting LXX)

3. ☆[Internal] Apostolic author

4. 　[Internal] Intended author (‘voice’ of the author)

5. 　[Internal] First scribe

6. ☆[Internal] Genre of the text (discourse? history? poetry? law? wisdom? prophecy?)

7. ☆[Internal] Narrator in the text

8. ☆[Internal] Character in the text (could be first, second or third person)

9. ☆[Internal] Listener in the text (Job’s friends, Nicodemus in John 3, etc.)

10. 　[External] Original manuscripts (Urtext)

11. ☆[Internal] Intended reader (direct recipient)

12. 　[Internal] Initial readers (first generation readers)

13. 　[External] Textual critics

14. ☆[External] Translators, translation committees

15. ★SCRIPTURE

16. □[External] Publisher, app/digital platform developer

17. □[External] Environmental conditions and personal state of mind

18. ★ ME (the first person, and my response/application)

19. 　A second person and their response/application

20. 　A third person and their response/application

☆Be aware of and consider these levels

□ Be aware of and mute these levels

Levels of Bible Study

Examining the Forest, the Woods, the Trees, the Branches and Leaves
The Forest: Overall sections of the Bible
The Woods: Books, sections and discourse
The Trees: Sentences and verses
The Branches and Leaves: Language and word studies

Tools for every Level

Examining the forest

• This course

• Bible Project in Indonesian

Examining the Woods

• Outlining sections (let’s try Psalm 2)

Examining the Trees

• Grammar diagrams: https://www.drivennails.com/jobpsalms-diagrams

Examining the Branches

• Passage commentary: Matthew Henry’s Commentary in Indonesian

Examining the Leaves

• Doing a word study: Using Strong’s numbers in Indonesian

One Genre to Consider: Poetry

We already made an outline of Psalm 2, but in addition to an outline, for biblical poetry it can be useful to consider these points:

• Repetition

• Parallels/constrasts

• Chiasm

• Allegory/clarity

• Negative/positive changes to the tone

• Changes in perspective or pronouns

• Overall meaning of the poem

• How do the words/images help bring the overall meaning to life?

Preparing a Small Group Study

• Prayerfully study a passage carefully using the tools: understand the book context, make an outline and/or grammar diagram, do word studies of key words

• Consider how the passage represents a genre of text to deepen your appreciation of the text

• Consider how the passage is connected to good news

• Prepare several questions for the study that focus on the main theme

• Read a commentary afterwards to learn more

Summary

• We are studying Biblical Theology. Maybe you are also interested in applied or systematic. We will also answer those questions, but from a Biblical Theology approach.

• The Bible is primarily for people of faith. The Bible is inspired and therefore infallible, authoritative, etc.

• When reading the Bible, it can be useful to consider the many different voices to make sure we try to hear God’s voice.

• We study the Bible on many levels, and there are good tools to assist us at learning at every level.

• Poetry uses language in a special way to create memorable pictures that are often an allegory for something else.

Homework

1. Prepare a small group study for a Psalm

2. Practice memorizing the 66 books of the Bible
   
   

Let's let you ask questions now.

• How much is lost in translation from Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek?

Prayer and worship to finish.

Three Tents: Prerequisites: Devotional Life

Worship
Prayer by Amah
Review of homework

We are talking about prerequisites for studying Biblical theology, and we have said, you need to believe the Gospel, and be committed to your church family. The next thing I consider a prerequisite for someone to study the Bible in depth is a private devotional life.

I've gone through many different seasons with regard to my personal devotions. Right now, I prefer to read the bible devotionally at my breakfast table. My wife I think likes to read throughout the day as she has time. When the children were younger it was more difficult and we had to make other arrangements. Today I'm going to present one way, but this does not need to be law for you.

“We must know before we can love. In order to know God, we must often think of Him; and when we come to love Him, we shall then also think of Him often, for our heart will be with our treasure.”
-- Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God

Matthew 6:6

Journaling?

One woman leader I know has described journaling or devotional time as her date time with Jesus. Would you like to go on a date? I don't know how you do relationships in Indonesia or at Kefas Church so hopefully Amah can help me to give appropriate advice... When you go on a date, you choose the time and place carefully and wait with expectation for a private encounter to really get to know each other.

“I never knew you”

Matthew 7:21-23

As much as I want to know God, it's even more important that he knows me. How is it possible for me to do something to help him remember me. It's not the deeds, it's in the relationship. We prepare for "quality time," listen to the voice of God and are led by his love.

The Journaling Process

• Pray and give thanks

• Read the bible passage carefully, slowly, repeatedly, thinking on the meaning... like a love letter

• Ask two or three questions.... why does it say this? why is it said like this? You can focus on the overall message and how it fits in context, as well as on smaller phrases or words

• Speak to God without pretending to be someone else, speak honestly.

• Write down applications you can practice and ask the Holy Spirit to help

So let's break it down carefully:

Prayer

Some lessons from the Lord's prayer: Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4

• ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication)

• Children's special words: "I love you" + "I'm sorry" + "Thank you" + "Please"

• Pronouns: "we"/"our" - always have a list (world church/missions, workplace, local church, neighbors, family)

Read

Don't read it like an email... read it like a hand-written love letter.

• With a heart full of love for the one who wrote this to you

• Repeat the good parts

• Think about the words

• Ask questions about what it means

I went through different seasons... Ephesians aloud was a season.

Observation

When we eat, the food is important, but even more important is the fellowship with the person that we are eating with. The most fun meal is one where we are enjoying a close time with friends and family. As we take daily bread with our Father, we remember that great conversations are built on great questions.

Why did you say that? Why did you do that? What does this mean in context? What does this one word mean?

Let's ask our Father some of these questions. God wants to speak clearly to us, so let's ask him to clarify. Let's try to discover who God is and write down what we discover.

The best conversations happen when we are not multitasking. You have to really show up. Maybe that's why you should try a paper bible and a notebook. I've actually found commuting to be good for me sometimes since I can't be too distracted.

How else can we have good conversation with friends and family? It requires an interest in the other person and asking questions. One-way conversations are not fun. It requires honest, gratitude, encouragement, and mutual acceptance. Let's write this conversation down as we continue to think about God.

Application

Applications should be 3P: Personal, Practical, Possible.

Personal means not for someone else, but an application for yourself. Practical means you can choose a specific time, place, person, method, etc. for acting on what you learned. Possible means that you can actually check whether you successfully accomplished it.

Habakkuk 2:2

Ask for the Holy Spirit to help

There are things we cannot change on our own. Let's ask the Lord for his help to bring change to every circumstance as we offer ourselves to him.

John 14:16, 1 John 4:4, Luke 4:18, Romans 12:1-2

Another way to remember the steps is the abbreviation SOAP: Scripture, Observations, Applications, Prayer

The importance of the word

Matthew 4:4

As we make the word part of our daily food, we learn God's love for us, we are changed into the one he made us to be, and we become fruitful in our way of life. If you truly stay in the word you will not wander into sin. A person who starts to prioritize other things is in danger.

Journal is not an obligation!

Don't feel let down when you miss a day. You don't punish yourself if you miss a meal. Journaling is like eating for your spiritual life. If you miss a meal you can have a bigger dinner! On the other hand, you don't get a star if you collect all the days finished. Journaling is its own reward, because you can experience the real presence of God in your own life for yourself.

John 15:4

Summary

• A mark of healthy Christians is that they should be in love with God as expressed in devotions

• Journaling is a method that helps us to remember to do the important things: Read the scripture, converse with the Holy Spirit, grow as a disciple of Christ and pray for our Christian family and neighbors

• There’s no single right way, but this way is a good way that you can try

Homework

1. Do you do devotions every day? What are things that keep you from your devotions?

2. Try journaling each day this week. I'd love to hear what God spoke to you, if it is something you can share.

SAMPLE TEMPLATE

Let's let you ask questions now.

• Praying for enemies?

• Should we worship?

Prayer and worship to finish.

Three Tents: Prerequisites: Church Family Culture

Worship
Prayer by Amah
Review of homework

What’s your culture?

Every family has its own unspoken rules and ways of doing things that are a little different than other homes and families. What is the “culture” of your church family? What is expected of the “big brothers” and “big sisters” of the family?

Church culture includes things like shared beliefs, shared values, and shared practices. From early times, Christians have put together these ideas in creeds like the Apostle’s Creed, documents like the Didache, letters like those of Paul and the Apostolic Fathers, and various catechisms through the ages. At New Heart this means:

• We believe in the gospel and in the Bible, and we affirm the Apostle’s Creed.

• We value all people and treat them all with love, gratitude and grace.

• We practice a private and public devotional life, generous acts of kindness towards both believers and neighbors, and strive to follow the example of Christ in every area of our lives.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

— The Apostle’s Creed

The Apostle’s Creed in Indonesian

What is a “Disciple”? What are our practices?

Greek for “disciple” is “mathetes”. Just like the “math” you can see in the word “mathetes,” becoming a disciple involves following a pattern.

“Chiasm” Greek letter “Chi” -> X

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age

Kepada-Ku telah diberikan segala kuasa di sorga dan di bumi.

Karena itu pergilah, jadikanlah semua bangsa murid-Ku

dan baptislah mereka dalam nama Bapa dan Anak dan Roh Kudus,

dan ajarlah mereka melakukan segala sesuatu yang telah Kuperintahkan kepadamu.

Dan ketahuilah, Aku menyertai kamu senantiasa sampai kepada akhir zaman.

What did Jesus Command?

1. The two most important commands. Matthew 22:36-40

2. Restatement of the Ten Commandments. Mark 10:17-21

3. Matthew 5-7; Especially Chapter 6: (1) Generosity (2) Prayer (3) Fasting

4. A “new command” John 13:34-35

5. The Great Commission

Values of Kefas Church Culture

I interviewed Pastor Amah to find out about the culture of Kefas Church. To find out about what he looks for in mature “big brothers” and “big sisters” in the local church family.

Just as Simon became Cephas, or Peter, he hopes the church is a place of transformation and reidentification. Simon means reed. Cephas means rock. Paul says Peter is a pillar of the church (Gal 2.9). Jesus asks Peter to strengthen the brothers (Lk 22.32). Kefas Church is called to bless the nation and see many be saved.

Discipleship in Kefas Church involves:

• Meeting and engaging neighbors

• Discipleship

• Sending

With regards to discipleship, Pastor Amah emphasizes that we should become more like Christ (as opposed to trying to become more like your leader).

Leaders at Kefas Church are expected to “lead with heart.” This means:

• Like a shepherd, providing safety.

• Having a heart that cares for people

• Practicing forgiveness

• Accepting people of all backgrounds

• Not having an iron hand, but loving the people they lead

• Sharing life, not like a boss and employee

• Recognizing the family relationship (or best friend relationship)

• Leadership is not a status that sets someone apart, but actually brings you closer together

Big brothers and big sisters should be:

• Quick to welcome new people and give them a “seat at the table”

• Involved in planning and sharing in group activities including worship, devotions

• Praying for and with brothers and sisters, preparing life with room to share, and actively visiting with brothers and neighbors to be familiar with their issues. (“A shepherd should smell like the sheep”)

• Reading through the Bible in a year

• Growing in the fruit of the Spirit

Summary:

• Culture consists of shared beliefs, values, and practices

• In Church, leadership is about being a big brother or big sister to the family, and welcoming to your neighbors

• The best place to grow as a disciple is the church

• If people have fallen away from church, let’s lovingly walk with them back into church

• If people in the church are not embracing the beliefs, values or practices of the church, let’s be a good model for them and encourage them as big brothers and big sisters

Homework

① How would you describe the culture of your church to someone that is new? How is it different from the world? How is it different from other churches?

② Are there areas of this church family culture that you struggle with? What are they?

③ How would you like to grow into a better “big brother” or “big sister” for your church family?

④ I would love to hear a testimony about how you were a big brother or big sister in your church family this week.

Let's let you ask questions now.

• How do we relate to people that believe but are not part of the church?

• How do we relate to people that are part of the church but don’t have the culture?

Prayer and worship to finish.

Three Tents: Prerequisites: Believe

Worship
Prayer by Amah
Review of homework

Do you believe?

Gospel -> good news...
Indonesian "injil" comes via arabic from greek "euangelion" "eu" (good) + "angellion" (message)
(Japanese "fukuin" means "lucky sound"...)

Gospel Presentation

4 spiritual laws. godtoolsapp.com

Other Mnemonics: Physical presentation? Beads?

A roman road in Tarsus.

Romans Road

Romans 3:23
Romans 5:8
Romans 6:23
Romans 10:9-13

W5H about "salvation"

Who is saved? Romans 9:15-16
Why are they saved? John 3:16-17
What does it mean to be saved? 1 John 1:5-2:6 (Mormons and communion? Catholics and suicide?) (saved from separation sin, sickness, curse, damnation) (salvation of animals? Revelation 5:13, Ecclesiastes 3:21, Titus 3:9)
Where does salvation occur? the cross is a door to salvation... Luke 17:21 the kingdom is within you
When is one saved? (which do you save, baby or mother?) Jeremiah 1:5
How is one saved? Ephesians 2:8-10 Jesus saves. The confession is the proof. Obedience is a sign.

Sin is a barrier to intimacy with God

Genesis 3 God created us and wanted intimacy, but we hide ourselves from his presence
Guilty feelings - 1 John 1:7, John 8:32
Past hurts Luke 4:18-19
Fear of surrender - Romans 8:31
Critical spirit - Romans 14:10-13, 1 Thess 5:9-11
Self imposed limitations - 2 Corinthians 10:4-6
1 John 2:16-17 Lust of eyes, lust of flesh, pride of life

Instead, I invite Jesus into every room of my heart, Christ’s home.

The promise of salvation

Relationship with God Revelation 3:20
Forgiveness of sin 1 John 1:9
Healing of every illness Psalm 103:3
Breaking off every curse Galatians 5:1
In-filling of the Holy Spirit Ephesians 1:13
Spiritual fruitfulness ("good life") Galatians 5:19-25
Eternal life Revelations 21:3-5

Others: identity, mission, family, etc.

"The five solas state that Christians are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed by Scripture alone, to the glory of God alone"

Summary:

• Jesus Saves!

• Salvation is about far more than heaven

• Our confession is confirmation of his work

• Our obedience is a sign that we are born again

• What is the nature of salvation? what is the nature of sin?

• Some questions: suicide, babies, animals, predestination

Homework

1. Present what you believe about the gospel to someone this week. Did you feel comfortable explaining it? Do you still have any questions about who is saved, how they are saved, and what it means to be saved?

Let's let you ask questions now.

• Is a person saved that didn’t make a clear confession of faith before they died?

• Is a person saved that made a confession once, but never lived it out for years afterwards?

Prayer and worship to finish.