Re: Books Of The Old Testament There Meaning And Promise

Bertie on Tue Dec 09, 2008 3:48 pm

Malachi

"But to you who fear My name the Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves."
Malachi 4:2

Many analysts have offered theories about the religious attitudes of the generation known as the "Baby Boomers" and those in "Generation X." A lot of Boomers have deserted churches in droves because they didn't think church had any relevance in their lives. Many X-ers have never even been to church, and have stayed away because church seems impersonal and fake. And there are people in both generations who have turned to other things in search of spiritual satisfaction.

God sent the prophet Malachi to challenge the Jews of Judah to return to the Lord. They were turning away from Him, like some do today, and were insulting God by doing this.

Perhaps you have thought that "religion" is irrelevant and that so many so-called religious people say one thing, but do another. Read the Book of Malachi. Read it out loud and listen to what God says to people who have forgotten-or did not know-that God loves us and promises us a meaningful life.

For Consideration

Have you ever lost hope and doubted whether or not God is there? How was your hope restored?
When you realy believe God loves you, how does it change your focus in life?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bertie on Tue Dec 09, 2008 3:47 pm

Haggai

"Then Haggai, the Lord's messenger, spoke the Lord's message to the people, saying, "I am with you says the Lord.'"
Haggai 1:13

Compaired to the writings of other prophets, the Book of Haggai may seem like vanilla ice cream. His messages are straightforward statements of what needs to be done. There are no visions, no dramatic actions, no bells or whistles.

But Haggai was a very affective prophet. The Jews who had returned to Jerusalam from Babylon listened to Haggai and followed his advice to rebuild the temple. He was succesful because he said exactly the right thing at exactly the right moment. All they needed to know was that God was with them, and they were inspired to respond.

Just like Haggia brought the timely word of God's presence to His people, we, to, can encourage other Christians by reminding them of God's presence in our daily lives. Like Haggai, your simple words of truth can refresh their souls, renew their strength and spark revival in the land.

For Consideration

What loose ends are in your life-things you've been putting off dealing with?
What kind of things discourage and draw you away from God? How can you overcome these things?
Why does knowing that God is with you and for you rekindle your love for Him

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Bertie on Tue Dec 09, 2008 3:47 pm

Zephaniah

"He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17

The Israelites of Zephaniah's day thought God would come to earth and destroy all their enemies. The prophet however, shocked them by saying God would punish them for their sins, too.

Zephaniah's message may be difficult for us to swallow. We dont want to have all our weaknesses pointed out. But, if we ignore those areas of our lives that need correction, how then can we make them better? Let God sweep your life clean-even if it's inpleasant at the time. In the end, "He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

For Consideration

What parts of your character or personality would you compare to darkness that needs to be brightened and improved?
What parts of your character would you compare to the light that needs to be strengthened and expanded?
How does it make you feel to know that God sings over you?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Bertie on Tue Dec 09, 2008 3:46 pm

Habakkuk

"The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills."
Habakkuk 3:19

Where is God when awful things happen and bring terrible misery to people? The Book of Habakkuk is a discussion between the prophet and God about why He lets evil people have the upper hand over innocent people. Habakkuk starts out angry and ends up in prayer. You may feel like you're reading the prophet's diary as you explore his intimate feelings about God, good, and evil.

It's a difficult topic which Habakkuk explores with all honesty. But in the end, he concludes that God is both sovereign and good. No matter what happens in this life, we can rejoice like Habakkuk because our God promises to save all those who call on His name by faith.

For Consideration

What problems of evil in society are dominant today?
What are some ways you've witnessed God as both sovereign and good?
How might God use evil in the world to purify those who believe in Him?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Bertie on Tue Dec 09, 2008 3:45 pm

Nahum

"The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked."
Nahum 1:3

Many years before the time of Nahum. Jonah had warned the residents of Nineveh of coming judgement. When the Assyrians turned to the Lord, He spared them. But this attitude of repentance didn't stay with the Assyrians, and God's patience finally yielded to His justice

Assyria was arguably the most brutal country of this time. That's why Jonah did not want to warn the Assyrians of coming judgement; he wanted them to be judged without warning. Nahum faced the brutal power and cruelty of Nineveh and described its downfall very graphically.

The Book of Nahum says never to despair because of injustice and oppression. God sees and knows and promises to bring down even the biggest of the worlds bullies.

For Consideration

Who is troubling the peace of the world today as Assyria did in Nahum's day? How are they cruel and unjust?
How can we pray for these people, as well as for God's justice to be done?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Bertie on Tue Dec 09, 2008 3:44 pm

Micah

"But everyone shall sit under His vine and under His fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken."
Micah 4:4

The Book of Micah consists of quick-cutting prophecies that flash from the present to the future and back again. The images are strong and the wording is crisp. The mood leaps from the darkest despair to the brightest hope.

As we read the Book of Micah, Let's notice how realistic his writing is. Some people think things will work out fine in the end, no matter what happens along the way; Micah preached a message of imminent judgment by God for national injustice. Other people are pessimistic and see doom in every event; Micah proclaimed hope because God keeps His promises. However you view life, let the prophet teach you to keep the balance in a world that needs both correction and hope.

For Consideration

What behavior displeases the Lord?
How did Micah describe the future reign of God over His people?
How do God's promises reveal His goodness?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Bertie on Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:55 pm

Jonah

"For i know that you are a graccious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness. One who relents from doing harm."
Jonah 4:2

Imagine a guest speaker in a high school health class warning the students about the dangers of having casual sexual relationships. In the room is a combination of young people from various backgrounds. Many of these young people think "It could never happen to me," and disregard the warning. Some realise, "That's me she's talking about. I'd better chang my ways."

That scenario is simular to the experiance of the Old Testament prophets. Only one prophet of the Old Testament went to people who were not Israelites to deliver God's message. All of the others appealed to the chosen people of God. Which prophet saw his message accepted? Jonah, the one who went to the Assyrians in Nineveh.

In Jonah, we see God demonstrating tremendous mercy to the people the Israelites did not like. He could have just just wiped them out without warning. But instead, He chose to send them Jonah to warn them first. When they recieved God's Word, there hearts were changed and God was glorified-both through Jonahs obedience and the Assyrians repentance. His promise of love extends to all nations.

For Consideration

What do you think Jonah learned about God from the storm at sea?
In light of God's mercy, is there ever a reason to forgive?
How can we share the message of God's love with others who don't know Him?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Bertie on Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:53 pm

Obadiah

" 'Though you ascend as high as the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there i will bring you down,' says the Lord."
Obadiah 4

In the pages of the Old Testament a family fued simmers between the descendants of twin brothers, Jacob and Esau. Jacob's descendants, the Israelites prospered under the leadership of David and Solomon. Esau's descendants, the Edomites, struggled for independence. When the Babylonians finally conquered the Israelites in the southern kingdom of Judah, the Edomites launched savage raids against the shattered Israelite survivours.

The Book of Obadiah contains God's angry reactions to the brutality of Edom. Hatred within familes leads to inexcusable violence. In Obadiah, God's promise is a negative one: Treat your brothers and sisters badly and He will execute swift judgement.

For Consideration

Read Genesis 25:19-34 and 27:1-41. What were the roots of the fued between Israel and Edom?
Why do you think family fueds make God so angry?
What does it take to stop the cycle of retaliation and hatred that charactezes a family fued?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Bertie on Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:52 pm

Amos

"For behold, He who forms mountains, and creates the wind, who declares to man what his thought is, and makes the morning darkness, who treads the high places of the earth-the Lord God of hosts is His name.
Amos 4:13

After Israel's civel war split David and Solomon's kingdom into northern and southern tribes, the northern nation blossomed economically, but shriveled up spiritually. The movers and shakers of northern Israel climbed the ladder of success, while the rest of the Israelites struggled to get by. The rich were to busy working to get more for themselves to be bothered with the poor.

The Book of Amos presents a valuable lesson for us. We tend to think we deserve a certain amount of prosperity. We work hard for what we get. Some even have an attitude that if the poor worked harder they wouldn't be in that condition. But God demands justice for the poor. Amos helps us understand God's attitudes toward the needy as well as reminds us of the Source of our blessings, lest we become prideful and rebellious. God reminds us that earthly treasures are not the goal-but knowing and serving Him is, and He promises that we will find true life in Him alone.

For Consideration

What responsibilty does God give us for those who are in need?
What can you do to help the needy in your community?
Why is it dangerous to trust in wealth?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Bertie on Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:50 pm

Joel

"So rend your heart , and not your garments; return to the lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness and He relents from doing harm."
Joel 2:13

Once a drought settles on the agricultural heartland of a country, people start praying for rain. A hurricane strikes the coast, and we beg for relief. Natural dissasters force us to face God because we have no resources that are able to handle the situation. It is beyond our control.

The prophet Joel called on the Israelites of his day to contemplate a destuctive logust plaque as a warning of God's coming judgment of their selfishness and infatuation with other gods.

The Book of Joel teaches us to be aware of how much we depend on God for security and protection in every area of life. When difficult times come, remember His promise. God is not out to destroy you. Instead, He wants you to turn to Him so that He can heal you.

For Consideration

What do natural disasters teach us/
Why are we sometimes afraid to turn back to God/
How does His promise of love and forgiveness encourage repentance?
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Bertie on Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:49 pm

Hosea

"Let us know, let us persue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and the former rain to the earth."
Hosea 6:3

Spiritual promiscuity-thinking it dosen't matter what you worship as long as you are happy with your latest god-was a problem for the Israelites of the Old Testament. It is also a problem for a modern people trying to be tolerant in a multicultral society. Worship anything, or nothing; it's leads to confusion.

God told the prophet Hosea to act out in his marriage the pain, jealousy, and forgivness that God experiances when someone treats Him as though He were just an idea rather than a Person. Do you want to know what God is like? Hosea helps us see Him as the jilted lover who longs to restore us to Himself and promises to forgive all are indiscretions if we will simply return to Him. God even promises to track down and reclaim those who believe in Him. How incredible that God Himself pursues us to bless us!

For Consideration

Who has broken your heart? What did you learn about rejection from this experiance?
Why did Hosea and other Old Testament prophets compare idolatry to adultery?

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Bertie on Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:48 pm

Daniel

"If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us from your hand, O king."
Daniel 3:17

Daniel was a young man when his country's most hated enemy snatched him from his home and his parents. Soldiers dragged him, and others like him, more than a thousand miles away to train them to be goverment agents. Daniel didn't understand the language. The food and the customs violated his religeon. His captors claimed their gods had beaten up on his God.

Eventually all the Jews experienced Daniel's dilemma. Had the pagen gods thumbed their noses at the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Could the Lord take care of Himself ? Can the Lord take care of Himself today ? Can he handle the dangers posed by terrorists, nuclear weaponry, genetic engineering, AIDS, increasing world population, and ecological disasters ?

The book of Daniel assured the Jews during their captivity that God was in control of all the empires of the world, present and future, Daniel says that God still controls the major players in world events, and He will certainly take care of us.

For Consideration

What things do you think people fear may be to big for God to handle?
Is anything to small for His concern?
How many ways do you observe in Daniel that God exerts His power over the world?

Bertie on Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:47 pm

Ezekiel

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes."
Ezekiel 36:26, 27

If the Old Testament prophets were alive today, the television talk shows would all want to book Ezekiel as a guest. He had a vision of God that involved wheels. "True believers" claim he saw a flying saucer. He reported seeing a valley filled with the bones of soldiers who had died in battle. Then the bones grew flesh and came alive.

Most of Ezekiel's message pointed people to the present situation, which demanded repentance, and to the future, which promised hope. He tells them of God's intense love for them, despite their wickedness, and His commitment to them as people. No matter how far they are scattered across the globe He will, in His time, find His people and bring them back to Himself. He promises to exchange stoney hearts of disobedience with new hearts of flesh that respond to His Spirit with right actions.

For Consideration

If God promises to restore His relationship with His people, will He do it?
What does the graphic imagery in Ezekiel teach about faithfulness to God? God's faithfulness to us?
How does God's promise to change our hearts manifest itself in your life today?
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Bertie on Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:45 pm

Jeremiah

"They shall be my people, and I shall be their God; then i will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them."
Jeremiah 32:38,39

Somewhere a doctor is telling a mother her baby will die. In preperation for battle , a commander is ordered to take his squad on a mission no one will survive. Every now and then an
executive lays off, transfers, or fires every employee because a division in the company is closing.

Nobody wants those kinds of responsibilities. Jeremiah probably felt as though his role as prophet was just as difficult. Over and over he had to tell people that their lives had been so bad for so long that destruction was at hand. But even with the impending punishment, God still provided a ray of hope.

The people would not see it in their day. But they could look expectantly to the future when God would restore His relationship with His people through a means more effective than the law-His Son. Jeremiah encouraged the people to repent and have faith in what God would one day do. We have seen His promise of provision fulfilled in Christ, and can praise God that we live in a day when His Spirit rules in our hearts to make us more like Him.

For Consideration
Jeremiah's peers thought he was a traitor against his nation. What do you think? Why?
Why should anyone repent for their sins if they wont be spared the consequences of them?
What basis for hope did Jeremiah have in his unpleasant task as a prophet of doom?

Bertie on Mon Dec 08, 2008 9:44 pm

Isaiah

" But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31

In the eigth century before Christ, the Chou Dynasty flourished in China, Homer penned The Lliad and The Odyssey in Greece, and the prophet Isaiah wrote the most exquisite Hebrew composition of all time in Judah. It was an era of high culture in the ancient world.

Isaiah's work is differant from the other works of his time because he didn't concern himself with art and culture. A vision of God inspired his genius. Isaiah shaped his behavior around the holiness of God, and he based his hopes on the comfort God gives those who depend on Him. The Lord is the living God, Isaiah proclaimed. All other dieties are simply human creations.

The book of Isaiah begins by explaining the historical situations of Isaiah's day. "Who do you trust-the Lord or the world?" Isaiah challenges. In chapter 40, he switches his style and sings the praise of the living God who promises to give you the wings of an eagle to rise above the weary world and rest in the power of His strength.

For Consideration

What are modern people likely to depend on rather than the living God?
How did Isaiah's vision of God's holiness act like a rudder to keep him on course through the whole book?
How can we practically apply God's promise of rest for the weary?