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Finish The Course.
The lesson on March 5th took into account 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV) “I have fought
a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” The lesson focused in on the statement “I
have finished my course” which is what Paul was boasting. It compared the race with the Olympians
who had just competed in Torino, Italy with the 2006 Winter Olympics held from February 10th through February 26th. The Olympic spirit is defined by
the Olympic charter which states “Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind.”
This is what Paul had used with his walk for the Lord Christ Jesus. If there were an Christian Charter defining the race set before us, would we be
found at the end of the race with a crown of righteousness? 1 Corinthians 9:23-24 (KJV) reminds us “And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might
be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” Click here to listen to the lesson. You may also
download the handout used during the study.
Old Testament Study - Part 6. The lesson on March 12, 2006 continues the series on the Old
Testament study and finishes the review with the first five books called the Torah. Genesis covers
a lot of time and we learned that Moses was a type of Christ it that he was a deliverer. Exodus is in
three sections. Chapters 1 thru 18 deals with redemption. Chapters 9 thru 24 covers sanctification
while 25 thru 40 involves redemption. The law was given to Israel and demonstrates how Holy God
is and shows that man is sinful. Leviticus, pertains to the Levi’s who were maintaining all aspects of
worship. Aaron was the source of the Priests who were responsible for all the ceremonial
functions and rituals to make Israel holy so they could fellowship with God. Numbers is named for
the fact that Israel was numbered twice. It covers the time when Joshua and Caleb showed themselves worthy to go into
the promised land but they had to wait 40 years in the wilderness for the punishment of Israel who decided not go in as
God instructed them to do. Deuteronomy covers the re-giving of the Law and reminds Israel in Deuteronomy 4:1 (KJV) “Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may
live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.” Click here to listen now or go to the audio series on the Old Testament and listen to all the lessons.
Old Testament Study - Part 7.
The lesson on March 19, 2006 continues in the review of the Old
Testament books. Last week finished the first five books in the Bible called the Torah. This lesson
begins the historical section of the Old Testament which includes the 12 books from Joshua thru Esther (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and
Esther.) Joshua stands out as a servant of God for his famous quotation in Joshua 24:15b (KJV) “ but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” In this section, we find a microscope in the
nation of Israel and this observation shows the rebellion, Gods retribution, their repentance, and
finally their restoration. It is a pattern that occurs over and over again which serves as a picture of
life in that Christians are in a battle over faith obedience. Even though the stories throughout this
section are Jewish, they’re here for our learning. We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 10:6 (KJV) “Now
these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” The lesson touches on Joshua, Solomon, Gideon, and Samson with stories showing good and bad
behavior. For instance, Joshua, Solomon, and Gideon showed how to trust in the Lord while Samson put his trust in Delilah. Click here to listen now or go to the audio lessons for March. You may want to see all the lessons on the Old Testament in the audio section.
Old Testament Study - Part 8. This lesson on March 26, 2006 continues with the books 1 & 2
Samuel and covers Eli, Samuel, Saul, and David. Acts 13:14-23 is the scripture reading which is the
Apostle Paul preaching in the Synagog during the period when he was appealing to the nation of
Israel. This history lesson reminds them of all the highlights “The God of this people of Israel chose
our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an
high arm brought he them out of it. And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in
the wilderness. And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their
land to them by lot. And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and
fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them
Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. And when he had
removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found
David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” The lesson covers Eli, who was judge
and priest but unfortunately had bad sons who was his demise. Samuel took over after Eli and ushered in the first King
Saul which had two major errors in his reign 1) Saul intrudes into the priesthood which Samuel said “thou hast done
foolishly” and 2) He was to kill and wipe out the Amalekites and he failed to do so and used their sheep for sacrifices.
Samuel again told King Saul “to obey is better than sacrifice”. Next, David was brought in as King as a “man after God’s
own heart.” He was a King with much humility. Click here to listen now.
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