Tag: Bible

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Joshua

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Author

Unknown. Jewish tradition says that Joshua was the author, although it is possible that the majority of the book was written by another eyewitness to the events written about. Some passages are specifically ascribed to Joshua, though we cannot be certain of the author for the entire book.

Date

The book of Joshua recounts a period of 24 years, ending around 1400B.C. The book was written a short time after the events occurred by an eyewitness to the events.

Audience and Purpose

The author was writing as a testimony of God’s work to future generations of His people. At the time, this would have been future generations of Jews, but it also includes those of us who are children of Abraham through faith.

The book covers the history of the nation of Israel from about 1451B.C. to 1427B.C. at the death of Joshua.

Major Themes

  • God Fights Our Battles. Even the name “Joshua” means, “God Saves.” As the Jews come into their promised land, they quickly learn that they cannot win any battle on their own. Yet, God, in His infinite power and wisdom, has a plan for every battle that will come to win the battle for Israel. Victory is always dependent on Him, rather than the people. The supernatural downfall of Jericho is the first example (see Joshua 6), yet many more follow.
  • Obedience to God’s Commands. Though God was continually ready to fight for Israel, there were many occurrences where He relented in the battle because of the people’s own disobedience. The plundering of Jericho and the subsequent defeat at Ai is the first example in Joshua (see chapter 7).
  • Judgement on Idolatry. One the the biggest, modern criticisms of the Bible is that “God commanded the slaughter of millions of innocent people.” However, the Bible makes clear that the timing of Joshua’s conquest was determined by the determination of when God would judge the sin of those people (see Genesis 15:16). These nations are recorded as practicing incest, child sacrifice, religious prostitution, and other abhorrent sins.
  • Inheritance. After all the promises made concerning the land, the people finally make their home there. Much of the book deals with the distribution of the land by tribe.

Key Scriptures

  • Joshua 1:8-9 — “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
  • Joshua 21:44-45 — “And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.”
  • Joshua 24:14-15 — “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Outline

  • Joshua 1:1-5:15 — Crossing the Jordan
  • Joshua 6:1-12:24 — Conquest of the Land
  • Joshua 13:1-22:34 — Dividing the Inheritance
  • Joshua 23:1-24:33 — Renewed Commitment to Faithfulness

Gospel Summary

The book of Joshua is about God’s people and His promise. His people have been brought from bondage and are becoming a nation identified by God. The land that this nation is coming to inherit, has been promised by God for centuries. The challenges the people now face become the opportunity for God to prove Himself powerful over the false God’s of the nations. The book of Joshua is the climax of the books of Moses, and yet it is also the commencement of a new era for Israel. Joshua tells us of the turning point, where God finally gives the people their inheritance, and in the process, brings judgement on all the unbelieving nations who are cast out. (Note, it is likely a preincarnate appearance of Jesus as “the commander of the army of the Lord,” in 5:15.)

As it applies to the gospel, Tremper Longman writes in The Case for Spiritual Continuity, “The war against the Canaanites was simply an earlier phase of the battle that comes to its climax on the cross and its completion at the final judgment. The object of warfare moves from the Canaanites, who are the object of God’s wrath for their sin, to the spiritual powers and principalities, and then finally to the utter destruction of all evil, human and spiritual.”

Jesus will still be the judge of the unfaithful. He is giving them time and an opportunity to repent (as did Rahab), but the day will come when He removes them in the final judgement and giving the world as an inheritance to His people, the church.

© Anthony Scott Ingram 2020. All Rights Reserved.

Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Please note that I do get a small kickback from Amazon for any purchases made using the links on this site. Should you choose to purchase from them, I just want to say thank you for further supporting my work in ministry!

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Tips for Leading Someone to Christ

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As we wrap up our series on “God’s Gossip,” we have come a long way. We have looked at how the story of Jesus does not become a “gospel” until we share it with someone. We then looked at two practical ways to share the story of salvation. The first was the ground-level gospel, which is the simplest way to lead someone, personally, to Jesus Christ. The second was the sky-level gospel, which gives a broad view of God’s redemption story throughout history. 

After that, we looked at how to share our personal testimony as a means of connecting people to God’s story, and last week, we put some scripture verses to memory, which will aid us in our witnessing to others. 

Now, I want to finish this series by giving you some practical advice I have learned over the years, for sharing the gospel with others. I pray they are beneficial to you.

Explaining Clearly

As you boldly go out to share the gospel with non-believers, remember that the people you are sharing with may have no grasp of the Christian-ese language we speak to one another at church. Make sure that you tell them what they need to know, very clearly, and don’t add so many extra thoughts you have in the moment that it confuses them.

To do this, use “street language,” rather than “church language.” I am not saying that you should be crass or try to look cool with slang words. I am simply saying to make sure they understand you.

Don’t say, “With the introduction of original sin in humanity, the imago Dei was marred in all people. However, God sent Jesus to be a propitiation for our sins, and through His imputed righteousness, we can be redeemed to fellowship with the Godhead, both in this life and at the final consumption of all things.”

Instead, say something like this: “The Bible says we are all sinners. That means God created us to live within certain boundaries that He set for us, and we broke all the rules. Jesus is the only one who can save us because He was the only sinless person to ever live. On the cross, He died to pay our debt to God and as we believe in Him by faith, rather than trying to be good enough to earn it, He will save us.”

A brand new believer does not need to know terms like depravity, atonement, propitiation, or sanctification. In the moment of salvation, no one cares about the immaculate conception, dispensational theology, or what it means to be Calvinist. As simply and as clearly as possible, just bring them to Jesus.

Dealing with Nervousness

When the opportunity arises to lead someone to Christ, the first thing that happens for most of us is that we immediately get nervous and feel uneasy. 

I remember when I first began doing evangelistic meetings outside the United States, I would get so nervous during the altar calls, that after I invited people to accept Christ as their Savior, I would often chicken out of praying with them. I would instead try to look humble by asking another local pastor on the team to come up to speak to them and pray with them, so that he could share in the moment. In all honesty, I preached well, but I couldn’t bring myself to walking people personally into the kingdom out of nervousness and fear of messing it up.

Since that time, I have had the privilege to walk hundreds, if not thousands of people through this decision. The truth is that I still get nervous sometimes. However, I have to remind myself that it is the Holy Spirit leading that person, not me, and that I can trust Him to give me the words to say when I need to say them. 

You might get nervous, but that doesn’t give you the right to back down. As the Holy Spirit for boldness and guidance, and then give people the opportunity to change their eternal destiny.

Fear of Rejection

Another reason we don’t always respond as the Lord leads us in ministry situations is the fear that the people will reject what we are explaining to them, and by extension, reject us. However, this is a situation where love and the opportunity to see their lives change must win out. 

Again, we must remind ourselves that it is ultimately not us that they are rejecting, but Christ, yet even in their rejection of Him, He still loves them and wants them to find His salvation. Our goal is to share His love, and when we do that love will cast out our fear (1 John 4:18).

Feeling Like You Can’t Do This

The first person I ever led to Jesus was a young man in a Juvenile Detention Center (a youth prison) in Dallas, Texas, back when I was in college. I was excited to go be a part of this outreach with my friend and his church’s youth pastor, but that all changed when the invitation came and a young inmate came to me wanting to receive Christ. 

Having never shared with anyone, personally, I couldn’t help but be afraid that I would mess it all up. Even though I knew God wanted to use me to lead others to salvation, in the moment I felt unqualified for the job. I thought to myself, “I know I’m saved, but I don’t know how to get this guy saved.” However, as I prayed in my head for God’s help, and began leaning back on some of those scriptures I had memorized to share with him, like Romans 10:9, I managed to explain that Jesus died for Him and how faith works. After a brief time, I had the privilege to lead him in prayer, and I have celebrated that one guy’s salvation more than any other, simply because I got through it.

In moments when you feel like you are unqualified or that you just can’t do it, the one thing you must remember is this: Jesus saves… not us. 

Despite our worrying because we don’t want to mess up, we have to remember that just like we cannot be good enough to earn our salvation, neither can we mess up so bad that it might cause others to miss out when Jesus calls them. It is their faith in the response to the call that saves the person, not the perfection of the words they are told by the ministry team. Use the scriptures. Listen to the Spirit lead You. I promise you will get through it.

Unanswerable Questions

The biggest fear many people have in leading other’s to Christ is, “What if they ask me a question I don’t have the answer to?” The truth is, no one has all the answers where God and salvation are concerned. Never be afraid to admit that you don’t know. If you are pressed for an answer, then be willing to seek help from other believers around you, other members of your ministry team, or from the your pastor. 

Paul tells us that until we see Christ face to face, all of our knowledge and understanding is like looking in a foggy mirror. We only know in part, but when Christ comes, then we will know Him the same way He knows us (1 Corinthians 13:12). Until then, sometimes we just have to accept the mystery and admit we don’t have it all figured out. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”

Changing Someone’s Eternity

All of the previous tips have had to do with getting over our own insecurities in order to help others get saved. As a final note, I just want to remind you that when you get the privilege of leading someone to the Lord, that moment is no longer about you. In overcoming your fears and worries, you get the opportunity to look someone in they eye, ask them the golden question – “Would you like to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior” – and then lead them in a decision that will change the outcome of eternity for them (and likely many others they will encounter with the gospel as well). You will experience fear and doubt and insecurity, but you must ask yourself, is it worth it? 

I think it is. Jesus thinks it’s worth it, too. That’s why He died, and that is why He has called you to this.

Let’s Connect

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Don’t forget to leave your thoughts, questions, and any tips you think I missed in the comment section!

© Anthony Scott Ingram 2020

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Cover Photo by Dylan McLeod on Unsplash

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Deuteronomy

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Author

Moses was most likely the author of Chapters 1-33. Another writer, possibly Joshua, must have added chapter 34, which records Moses’ death.

Date

Unknown. Moses must have written the book shortly after giving this final address to the people.

Audience and Purpose

As the time in the wilderness (and Moses’ life) came to an end, and the people prepared themselves to go into the Promised Land, Moses stood before the whole congregation of Israel, again, to declare the law of God to them, and to charge them to remain faithful to everything God has commanded.

Major Themes

  • Testimony. Remembering what God has done in the past, gives us hope of what He will do in the future.
  • Blessings through Obedience. God has promised so much good to His people, but over and over again Moses tells the people that a failure to obey and remain faithful to Him will nullify those blessings.
  • Multi-Generational Covenant. This generation of God’s people are one link in the chain to both the history and future of God’s promise to the world.

Key Scriptures

  • Deuteronomy 6:4-9 — “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
  • Deuteronomy 30:19 — “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life…”

Gospel Outline

  • Deuteronomy 1:1-5 — Introduction
  • Deuteronomy 1:6-4:43 — Moses’ First Speech Recapping History
  • Deuteronomy 4:44-26:19 — Moses’ Second Speech
    • Deuteronomy 4:44-11:32 — General Requirements of the Covenant
    • Deuteronomy 12:1-26:19 — Specific Requirements of the Covenant
  • Deuteronomy 27:1-30:20 — Moses’ Third Speech
    • Deuteronomy 27:1-28:68 — Blessings and Curses
    • Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20 — Moses’ Final Charge
  • Deuteronomy 31:1-34:12 — Joshua Commissioned to Replace Moses

Gospel Summary

As Moses’ ministry comes to a close, it is fitting that he takes time to remember all that God has done in the past and through his own leadership, to instruct the people on their way into the future with the next generation of leaders. God’s promise of a Savior and complete restoration of all things back to the Garden of Eden cannot be fulfilled in one man or in one generation. Moses, therefore, as he finished his life, commissions the next generation to take their place as faithful followers of God in their own lives, and to pass that faithfulness on to the next generation. He also prophesies that God will, one day, raise up another like Him, to lead Israel (Leviticus 18:15-22).

We understand that all of the promises of God find their fulfillment in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20), yet even in our own generation, the global realization of God’s promise is incomplete. We too must look to the past, and remember the testimonies of all God has done in history and in our lives. We must continue, daily, to remain faithful to Him, and be diligent to pass our faith and hope on to the next generation. Moses’ charge at the end of Deuteronomy, should also remind us of our charge in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), to remain faithful and help others become faithful as well.

© Anthony Scott Ingram 2020. All Rights Reserved.

Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Please note that I do get a small kickback from Amazon for any purchases made using the links on this post. Should you choose to purchase from them, I just want to say thank you for further supporting my work in ministry!

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Numbers

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Author

Moses. (See Luke 24:27 and John 5:46.)

Date

Unknown. It is believed Moses wrote the book of Numbers when he was at Moab, towards the end of his life.

Audience and Purpose

Number is the continuation of the book of Exodus, and records the history of the time God’s people spent wandering in the wilderness. It picks up the story of the Jewish people at Mt. Sinai, after the law (Leviticus) had been given, and the tabernacle had been built. It follows the people of Israel through the rest of their wilderness journey, all the way to the banks of the Jordan River.

Major Themes

  • Faith and Perseverance. The people of God must look beyond their present circumstances, and continue to persevere in the hope of God’s promise to come.
  • God’s Provision. The people of Israel, who had been living full lives in Egypt, must come to fully trust in God’s provision of their needs: manna from heaven, water from a rock, protection from enemies, and more. The life of faith depends on His provision in everything. 
  • Human Rebellion. From murmurings agains Moses, to the 10 spies unwillingness to take the land by faith, we see the deep heart of humanity that lacks trust in God. God’s response to this rebellion is severe.

Key Scriptures

  • Numbers 6:22-27 — “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.’ So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”
  • Numbers 14:18 — “‘The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

Outline

  • Numbers 1:1-10:10 — Preparing to Leave Sinai and Take the Land
  • Numbers 10:11-12:16 — From Sinai to Kadesh
  • Numbers 13:1-19:22 — Remaining at Kadesh (almost 40 years)
  • Numbers 20:1-21:35 — From Kadesh to Moab
  • Numbers 22:1-36:13 — Remaining at Moab

Gospel Summary

The time God’s people spent in the wilderness was not a test of God’s faithfulness to them. Rather it proved His faithfulness in the face of the people’s continual rebellion and unrest. God proves Himself to them over and over again with His power, signs and miracles. Had it not been for God’s grace, continually at work to bring the people through the wilderness, none of them would have entered the promised land.

Once again, this story parallels the life of the Christian, that though we have been brought out of bondage to sin, death, and the devil, we have not yet fully “entered God’s rest.” Day by day, we are learning not to trust out own experience and abilities, and learning to trust Him as our Guide, Provider, Protector, Healer, and more.

Christ is revealed symbolically, many times in Numbers. He is the Rock that gives water (see 1 Corinthians 10:4). He is seen in Moses raising the serpent to give life to all who gazed upon it (see John 3:14-15). He is prophesied as the star rising out of Jacob and a scepter out of Israel.

© Anthony Scott Ingram 2020. All Rights Reserved.

Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Please note that I do get a small kickback from Amazon for any purchases made using the links on this post. Should you choose to purchase from them, I just want to say thank you for further supporting my work in ministry!

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Leviticus

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Author

Moses. (See Luke 24:27 and John 5:46.)

Date

The message of Leviticus was preached during the first month of the second year after the exodus, when the people camped at Mount Sinai. It is unknown when Moses wrote the message down.

Audience and Purpose

After God dictated all the law to Moses on the mountaintop and in the tabernacle, Moses was commanded to delivered the law to the people of Israel (Leviticus 1:1-2). The book of Leviticus is the written record of the teaching Moses gave to the people at Mount Sinai in the wilderness.

Major Themes

  • Priesthood. The name of the book comes from the term “Levites,” one of the tribes of the nation of Israel who would be set apart as the priesthood for the Jewish people. A priest was an earthly mediator who offered sacrifices in order to bring sinful people back to their Holy God. In the New Testament, Jesus is the considered the “great High Priest” who makes an eternal sacrifice to reconcile God and man. Afterward, He would say the church is now a holy priesthood bringing the grace of God to those who have not yet received salvation.
  • Holiness.
  • Atonement.

Key Scriptures

  • Leviticus 19:1-2 — “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.’”
  • Leviticus 17:11 — “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.”

Outline

  • Leviticus 1:1-6:7 — The Five Offerings
  • Leviticus 6:8-7:38 — How the Offerings Should Be Handled
  • Leviticus 8:1-10:20 — The Priesthood
  • Leviticus 11:1-15:33 — Laws Regarding What is Clean and Unclean
  • Leviticus 16:1-34 — The Day of Atonement
  • Leviticus 17:1-16 — The Blood of the Lamb
  • Leviticus 18:1-22:33 — The Call to Holiness
  • Leviticus 23:1-25:55 — Feasts and Fasts
  • Leviticus 26:1-46 — Blessings and Curses
  • Leviticus 27:1-34 — The Nation Vows to Follow the Law

Gospel Summary

The core message of the book of Leviticus is that God is perfectly holy, while man, due to his sin, is not holy at all. Mankind has been separated from God. In order to be restored to God, mankind must return to holiness, which requires perfectly keeping the laws of God or making the appropriate blood sacrifice, according to the law, in order to (temporarily) be made clean. The blood sacrifices of spotless animals made atonement for the sins of man, once per year, and reset each individual’s standing with God, but remaining sinless for the rest of the year was a major challenge in fulfilling the law.

In Jesus, our great High Priest, we see all of the legal demands set forth in Leviticus perfectly kept. Leviticus if full of types and symbols which Jesus would fulfill. Specifically, when Jesus died on the cross, He took the place of the spotless lamb and became the sinless sacrifice to cover the unrighteousness of mankind.

Since Jesus was God in the flesh, the atonement of His blood is permanent, never needing to be repeated, and all those who put their faith in Him have been made holy and blameless before God.

© Anthony Scott Ingram 2020. All Rights Reserved.

Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Please note that I do get a small kickback from Amazon for any purchases made using certain links on this post. Should you choose to purchase from them, I just want to say thank you for further supporting my work in ministry!

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Exodus

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Author

Moses. (See Luke 24:27 and John 5:46.)

Date

The date of writing is unknown, although the most common view is that the Exodus event took place around 1446B.C. and that the Tabernacle was completed in 1444B.C.

Audience and Purpose

The book was written for future generations of God’s people, recalling the history of God’s people from their time in Egypt until the tabernacle was completed at Mount Sinai. The purpose was to reveal God as the Great Redeemer who will never abandon His people.

Major Themes

  • Salvation, Deliverance and Redemption. The word “exodus” comes from a Greek word meaning “coming out” or “the way out.” The book describes how God delivered His people, Israel, from a life of slavery in Egypt. It becomes the model for how God would one day redeem humanity from our greater slavery to sin.
  • Covenant. Exodus opens with God remembering His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), and His promise to return His people from captivity to the Promised Land (Genesis 15:13-14).
  • Judgement and Grace. The plagues show God’s judgment on those who refuse to obey Him (Exodus 7:8-10:29). The Passover reveals God’s grace on those who may not be perfect, but who are humble enough to obey (Exodus 11:1-13:16).

Key Scriptures

  • Exodus 3:4-6 — “When the Lord saw that (Moses) turned aside to see [the burning bush], God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ And he said, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.”
  • Exodus 3:13-14 — “Then Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
  • Exodus 20:1-3 — “And God spoke all these words, saying, ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.’”

Outline

  • Exodus 1:1-2:25 — God remembers His covenant.
  • Exodus 3:1-4:17 — God Comes Down, Appoints a Deliverer.
  • Exodus 4:18-15:21 — God Redeems His People
    • Exodus 4:18-7:7 —Redemption through Promise
    • Exodus 7:8-10:29 — Redemption through Plagues
    • Exodus 11:1-13:16 — Redemption through Passover
    • Exodus 13:17-15:21 — Redemption through Power
  • Exodus 15:22-18:27 — God Leads
  • Exodus 19:1-40:38 — God Instructs
    • Exodus 19:1-20:17 — Legal Instructions
    • Exodus 20:18-24:11 — Covenant Instructions
    • Exodus 24:12-40:38 — Tabernacle Instructions

Gospel Summary

Before Jesus died on the cross in the Gospels, the story of Exodus was the greatest story of God’s redemption and deliverance to mankind. It paints a picture of hope for a greater exodus, when God would deliver/save His people from bondage to sin, death and the devil. The Exodus stories frame our own story of salvation in Christ. In Jesus, God remembers His covenant and comes down. Jesus becomes our Deliverer. The Holy Spirit is our pillar of cloud and fire, and we are the tabernacle of God’s presence.

© Anthony Scott Ingram 2020. All Rights Reserved.

Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

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Timeline of the Bible

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Before we begin to look at each book individually, it is helpful to get a general timeline of the periods in which the biblical authors were writing. Remember, the Bible was not written in the order we read it today, and many of the books overlap one another.

Please note, that some of my placements of certain books on this timeline are controversial and contested. For this project, I have chosen to go with the general scholarly consensus and those with the most historical evidence and support; though I will not argue conclusively regarding some. For my own purposes, this is the timeline I have developed and use. If you disagree, that is fine, and I’d love to discuss! (Please also note, that as I continue to study and work through this handbook, I may make updates to the timeline included here. If this occurs, I will note those changes and give reason below.)

Timeline of the Old Testament

The Old Testament was written from around 1450 B.C. to just before 400 B.C., yet it covers a time period even longer. The following two charts give us a general timeline showing the approximate dates of when the historical events of each book happened. (The dates depicted are not exact.)

Timeline of Old Testament Prophets

As you may have noticed, the Prophets are not shown on the first chart. This is because all of the prophets were writing in a much smaller period, between around 800BC to 415BC.

The next chart zooms in, and shows the approximate times in which they wrote their books, relative to the kings ruling in their respective nations. (Some of the minor kings are left off the timeline.)

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Timeline of the New Testament

Between the Old Testament finishing with Malachi and the New Testament beginning with the birth of Jesus, there is a silent period of around 400 years, in which there is no written record of God’s prophetically inspired Word. Although there are other historical and apocryphal books written during this time, recounting Jewish life in Israel and even miraculous works of God, since the earliest church tradition these books have been excluded from being considered as scripture inspired by God.

The New Testament was written between 35AD and 90AD, covering as far back as the events leading up to Jesus’ birth. Here is an estimated timeline of which time periods are covered in each book.

© Anthony Scott Ingram 2020. All Rights Reserved.

Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

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Episode 6: How to Hear God’s Voice

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Episode 6: How to Hear God’s Voice

Hearing God’s Voice is one of the most vital things we do, as believers, to build our relationship with the Lord. In this episode we look at examples of how people hear God’s voice, both in scripture and in the present day. These include hearing Him speak through the scriptures, hearing the audible voice of God, hearing the still, small “intuitive voice” of God. They also includes visionary gifts, such as dreams, visions, and trances. And they include things like angelic visitations, physical sensations, and inspired speech. 

Scriptures quoted or referenced in this episode include 2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Samuel 3, Acts 9:1-9, Deuteronomy 13:1, Genesis 37:1-11, Genesis 41:1-36, Daniel 2, 2 Kings 6:17, Acts 10:10-17, and Hebrews 13:2. 

If you want to leave feedback, you can send me a voice message at Anchor.fm/thechristianlife.

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The Anatomy of an Encounter with God (Part 1)

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Since the days when Adam walked face-to-face with God in the Garden of Eden, people of faith have been moved and led by encounters with the Lord. Over and over again in the Old Testament, “the Angel of the Lord” appeared to men and women, and spoke prophecies and destiny to them. The New Testament carries on this expectation that encounters would be normal for believers. We see angelic visitations, open visions, trances or “ecstasies”, and even personal encounters with Christ, after his ascension. The Christian life is not supposed to be simple, religious activity. It is supposed to be a personal relationship with the Lord. In view of this reality, I want us to look at the anatomy of an encounter with God.

Saul’s Encounter

As an example of an encounter with God, I want us to look at Saul’s travel on the Damascus road, when God showed up. 

If you know Saul’s background, you know that we first meet him at the stoning of Stephen. As the men were trying to get their best shots in to kill Stephen, there was a young man named Saul standing by, holding their coats, and encouraging them (see Acts 7:58; 8:1). After Stephen was dead, Saul took it upon himself to lead a great persecution of anyone in Jerusalem who were followers of Jesus.

Apparently, it was effective. Most of the disciples had fled from Jerusalem, or went well enough into hiding to escape. Saul, then, decides to take the persecution on the road. The Bible tells us:

“But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice…”

Acts 9:1-4; English Standard Version

The Timing of the Encounter

Saul was on his way to Damascus to destroy believers, just as he had been doing in Jerusalem, when suddenly God shows up. “Suddenly.” This is the first point I want to look at as we discuss how an encounter with God happens. You do not get to determine when it comes.

From my limited human wisdom, it seems that if God had come to Saul much sooner, it would have saved the church a lot of heartache and struggle. He didn’t. Instead, He waited until Saul was out on the road. He was separated from the comforts and connections of home, and had nowhere to turn for help. That is when God decided to step in and meet him.

This seems to be God’s standard mode of operation. He alone will determine when our encounter happens. We can pray for an encounter, and seek to meet Him. We can (and should) ask Him to break into our lives, but He will be the one who ultimately decides when it happens.

The Sovereignty of Suddenly

We cannot miss, however, that when God breaks in, it is always a holy moment. As we will see in part 2, we are always left changed by these encounters. One reason we cannot dictate when these moments come, is because God has to prepare everything at that moment, to contain the weight of the glory He will bring.

I have had a handful of encounters with God over the years. Still, I want more. I wish they would happen regularly and on demand, but they don’t. However, when they do happen, it is always a holy moment (or hour, or day…). I think God has to determine when the encounter comes, because He alone knows what the encounter is going to bring into your life.

So don’t give up. You should be pursuing God for an encounter. Yet you must also be patient in the anticipation of Him showing up.

The Method of the Encounter

The other thing about an encounter with God, which we cannot control, is how God shows up in our life. For Paul, it was a bright light and a voice from heaven. It was the burning bush for Moses. Isaiah took a vision-trip into Heaven. For Mary, it was an angel coming to meet her with good news.

As we desire encounters from the Lord, it is easy to see the experience of others, and decide that we want our experience to be the same. Once again, however, it is the Lord who knows what He wants to bring to you in the encounter, and He will show up in the exact way He sees fit to deliver.

The Glory and the Fire

Some encounters are beautiful and glory-filled. Think about John’s vision in Revelation, and all the amazing things he was shown. Other encounters are fearful and even painful, just like Saul being knocked from his horse. Todd White recounts his own “baptism of fire,” where he was in excruciating pain, convinced God wanted to kill him. Many other personal encounters in history have been the same

I, myself, have received both of these versions. In an encounter in 2012, when Dr. Randy Clark of Global Awakening prayed for me, I slid down to the floor, and peacefully rested in the presence of the Holy Spirit, as His glory washed over me. What followed immediately was clear evidence of an impartation for healing. It was an amazing, holy encounter with God. 

Just a few months later, however, in March of 2013, I was prayed for by Dr. Tom Jones, of Global Awakening. This time I was violently thrown to the floor, where for the next 3 hours my shoulder was continually slammed into the cement that was covered by only a thin veneer of carpet. I was bruised and sore for days. And the truth is, I am not sure what exactly was imparted to me in that event. Nevertheless, I know that God was meeting me.

God’s Perfect Plan

We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). As we seek for an encounter with God, we must learn to wait for him to determine the perfect time and method to meet us. Again, these are holy moments. We don’t want to settle for a cheap imitation. And we certainly don’t want to get shortchanged in our rush for an experience with Him.

What I would encourage you to do is to look back over the encounters you have had in the past. It doesn’t have to be anything big. It may simply be the moment He called you to Himself in salvation. As you reflect on that encounter, I want you to take note of how only He could have put that moment together for you, and how He worked it out exactly as it needed to happen for you to receive.

As you pray for another encounter with God for your life today, hold on to the promise of His faithfulness to you, and trust that He has more He wants to give you when the time is right.

What About You?

In part two of this post, we will continue to look at Saul’s encounter with God, as we look at what happens during those holy moments. Although every encounter will be different, there are certain elements that we can expect from them all.

In the meantime, I would love to hear from you, with any stories you have of your own encounters with the Lord. It may be dreams, visions, angelic visitations, or even a face-to-face encounter with Christ. If the Lord allows you to share, I invite you to do so in the comments section below.

If you want to read more about personal encounters with the Lord, and how they can shape your life, I would like to recommend the book, “Defining Moments: God-Encounters With Ordinary People Who Changed the World.“

As always, if you are enjoying what you are reading on my blog, I would also be honored if you would subscribe to my weekly email below. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for regular blog updates, and other ongoing #ChristianLife and #GospelLeadership advice!

Please note that I do get a small kickback from Amazon for any purchases made using the links on this post. Should you choose to purchase from them, I just want to say thank you for further supporting my work in ministry!

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How to Keep a Scripture Journal – Part 2

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In part 1 we talked about the logistics involved to keep a scripture journal, which is simple enough, but if you took the initiative to do those things, you know there is still something missing: actually journaling.

In this post I will tell you the sections or the elements that I have used in my own scripture journal for years and how it all works together for my quiet.

For most of you, this is just a jumping off point. Experiment with it and change it around to fit your own prayer and reading life. I assure you, this is not how mine started, and I am sure it will change some more as time goes on.

Date

Start of by writing the date… simple enough. When you go back to re-read your journal, this will tell you when that log was entered. It will also act as a divider between what you write today and yesterday.

Scripture

Next to the date, write out the portion of scripture that you are reading for the day. It would look something like this:

“July 13, 2019 — Read Genesis 1-2”

Underneath this heading, you will begin the actual journaling of what God is showing you in your reading. Write out the portion of scripture which the Lord highlighted during your reading. This may be a long passage or a small section of a verse, but be specific about the passage. If it is only a small part of what you read that day, you may even write the portion out.

You should then write out at least a paragraph explaining what you feel like God is teaching you through this. It may be big, or small; something personal to you or a new knowledge of Him. It could be something that challenges your understanding, or it may be a clarification to something you have been struggling with for a while. Whatever it is, write it down. For example:

“In Genesis 1:26, God says “let us make man in our image.” It is interesting to me that God speaks of Himself in the plural, which I believe to be a reference to the Trinity. God exists in a personal, intimate community. Then again in Genesis 2:18, God says, “it is not good that the man should be alone.” So He created the woman. This first family was also the start of Christian community. There is something about being created in the image of God which requires humans to live together and work for one another’s good…”

Continue to write until you have put into words exactly what God is showing you. If you have read my post on the “R.E.A.P. Method,” this is the E: Examine.

Application

Next you will move on to the A of R.E.A.P.: Apply. Write out another paragraph to yourself exploring the personal application of this new truth, as the Holy Spirit leads. If God is the one speaking this to you, then how do you respond? What do you need to do TODAY with this truth? What does it look like in the next few days or weeks? This is where it gets introspective, leading to discipline and a plan for personal sanctification.

Praises

After your Bible time, you should begin to turn your focus to a time of prayer. For me a journal is not only a record of my time in the Word, but it is also a tool for my prayer time for that day.

Begin by thinking back over the previous day and writing down all the things that you are thankful for. If your prayer time is in the morning, this would be a reflection on the day before. If your prayer time is in the evening, then go over the day you are just finishing. Since we know that all good things come from God, this will guide you in your praise of Him. Be sure to write out specific praises here; not just generalities.

Struggles

This is where you have to be honest with yourself and confront sin. Again, this is looking over the previous day, but instead of looking at what good things God did, you will look at how you have messed up. How have you not walked closely with Him when you should have, or where have you given into temptations.

Now, just for reference, this isn’t always ‘big’ sins. Most of the time this is where I have to confront my pride, selfishness, anger or anxiety issues. A brief overview of my journal would reveal that usually this section is dealing with my failures in relationship with others, rather than with God. Whatever the Holy Spirit reveals, this is the place to get them out and deal with them in repentance. Remember, “His mercies are new every morning.”

Requests

This section is where you will list personal needs to bring to God. For me, it is where I write out my requests for grace on my own life for the new day. It may be events or projects I will be facing over the next few weeks and how I need God’s mercy to pull it off. It may be that I am getting sick, or stressed, or depressed and requests in that direction as well. Simply tell Him what you need from Him at this point. He wants to take care of you.

People

Finally, you will list any requests on behalf of other people. It may be that people have asked you to pray for them. Maybe you simply know someone is sick or having trouble at work, or even that there is sin in their lives pulling them away from God. This list is a place to remind yourself that you are part of the body of Christ and it is not all about you. I usually ask the Holy Spirit, “who do you want me praying for, today?” as well.

Placemarker

Technically, this is not a section in your prayer journal, but it is just as important. It is related to the Requests and People sections, but it is a standard list you pray for every day, that doesn’t really change on a daily or weekly basis. You won’t re-write this very often.

Take a half sheet of normal paper and form it into a kind of bookmark. On this sheet, write out the requests and people you pray for every day. You should write them out by name, in the following categories:

  1. Family/Friends: List your spouse, kids, extended family members you pray for regularly, and any friends God lays on your heart for a season.
  2. Intercessory Assignments: List out the people God has called you to intercede for regularly. For me, I have a small group of ministry friends around the world that I have an assignment to pray for regularly.
  3. Church: Pastoral staff and families, long-term church goals and spiritual growth, community group, etc.
  4. Work: bosses, co-workers, customers/clients, etc.
  5. Lost People: Who are you asking God to save? Write them out here.
  6. Projects/Events: Do you have any major things going on that need regular prayer? Maybe you are writing a book or working to fundraise for a mission trip next year. List the things that will be in your prayer journal for some time in this section.

Because this is a separate sheet of paper, it acts as my placemarker in the journal. Just move it from page to page as you go through.

Putting It All To Use

Once you have spent time in the Word, looked at how it applies to you, and have listed all of your prayer items, then take time walking through your list with God. This may take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour or more, depending on your personal prayer life.

I know it might sound like the process of writing everything out first might make it seem pretty impersonal. I have not found that to be the case. Instead, having it all there in front of you as you pray will help you to keep focused on prayer, and not get distracted with the other things around you.

Even though it sounds like a lot of writing, this usually only takes up about half a page in my journal. And again, you may not use all of these sections, or you may have more. The idea, though, is that this is a tool which will help you draw closer to God and to have a record of how far He has brought you. It is great to be able to look back in my journal from years ago, and remember what the Lord has done in me.

So what do you think? Is your prayer journal different than what you have done before? What would you change? More importantly, do you think you might try it? Let me know. The comment section is for you.

If you are enjoying what you are reading on my blog, I would be honored if you would subscribe to my weekly email, below. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for blog updates!

(This post was originally published January 28, 2010. It has been revised and edited for reposting.)

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

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