Luke

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

      The original reader is much more specific here than in the other gospels. The author states he is writing to Theophilus (1:3). Theophilus was not a Jew and that is clear from the text. The author explains Jewish customs to Theophilus as if he did not know about them (11:38). He speaks a lot about salvation and less about Jesus being the fulfillment of the Messianic prophesies (5:32, 23:56). The author is clear that salvation is for everyone and not only the Jews. At his birth an angel appeared and said that this baby would be the salvation to all the world (2:10).

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

      Well we don't get too much about Luke from the text but we know that he was a doctor, a gentile, and he knew the apostle Paul. He also wrote the book of Acts. He wanted Theophilus to understand that Jesus was the way to salvation from sin. Luke was also familiar with the Jewish customs (11:38).

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

      Three repeated ideas I found in Luke are faith, salvation, and sin. Sin is mentioned 27 times, faith is mentioned 18 times, and save is found 12 times. The theme of this book is salvation through faith for all people, including gentiles. Luke writes to a gentile and shows how Jesus' new covenant reaches beyond circumcision, pork, and simply being a Jew. Luke explains that Jesus came for everyone, to bring joy to the whole world through his life, death and resurrection. Luke 19:10 explains Jesus' purpose in coming to this earth. To save those who know they are lost, not the ones who think they 

are already saved because of their bloodline.

Summary: Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost throughout the whole world.

What is the primary reason this book is written?

      The primary reason this book is written is to show that salvation is for everyone. Even a criminal on a cross (23:41-43). This book shows that the love of God goes beyond what any human can comprehend. He ate and met with the worst of sinners, those who were despised and loved on them and offered them salvation for their faith . This book gives hope to the world for the forgiveness of their sins.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      The very nature of Jesus is that he is the son of God (1:32-33). Though he came as a baby he still was the incarnate God. He is a messenger of good news for all the world and he is the savior of the whole world (2:11). Jesus came to earth with great power. He had power to read people's minds and authority over demons (4:36). He had the power and authority to forgive sins even before his death on the cross making him equal to God (5:23). God in the New Testament is the same as in the Old. He is full of compassion and he is kind to the unthankful and the wicked (6:36). God gave and gave and gave though he was rejected over and over. He gave even his only son just as in the parable of the man who owned a vineyard (20:9-16). He is overwhelming gracious to those who don't deserve it.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      Jesus is the Messiah, he is the fulfillment of the prophesies, the one who will reign, and the one who will set the captives free (2:10-12, 4:18-19). He is the one he came to rejected, to be mocked, spit upon, and killed, but would rise again (18:31-33). God himself declares who Jesus is as he speaks on a mountain to Peter, James, and John (9:35). Luke 24:46-49 says it best. That long ago it was said that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise again. It was said that he would have authority over all nations to say that there is forgiveness for sins and that the Holy Spirit would be sent to fill us all with the power from heaven.

Personal Application

     I think Jesus' ability to care for and love the weak and poor is amazing.  He didn't just give them charity, but he ate with them and spent valuable time with them.  He didn't do it out of ministry, but it was his life.  It wasn't uncomfortable for him, but normal.  His normal everyday life was lived to its fullest.  Full of love, full of compassion, full of healing, and full of humility.  I look at his life and think how impossible it would be to live anything like he did.  I know the goal isn't to do every single thing just like Jesus did, but to carry the same heart and spirit that he did to the world.  To love my neighbors and to do good to those who hate me.  But to live a normal life of ministry seems so difficult.  I guess I've been challenged to seek that out with God, to try and understand how he wants me to live that out in daily life. 


Point of Passion (Bronx, NYC)

     I think the one message that needs to be known is that Jesus is Lord.  He's not a storybook character or someone who's life and message got blown out of proportion.  He's God, He's the Messiah.  The amount of ancient documents and archeology that support the bible is hard not to consider.  Not only do we believe Jesus is the only way and that his story is truth, we have thousands of years of evidence that support that the bible is a real document put together over thousands of years.  Moses, Abraham and Isaac lived and they spoke of someone who was coming.  Jesus was that man as clearly shown in the gospels.  You can put your faith in Jesus Christ and he will make himself known to you.  He's not silent and his love is endless.

Mark

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

       The original readers were Roman Christians who were probably under the persecution of Nero. The author explains customs of the Jews making it clear that he wasn't writing to a Jewish population (7:1-4). They were under a lot of persecution if they were living under Nero and must have been incredibly discouraged and fearful of their present situation. 

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

       The author, we believe is actually Peter. Mark is believed to be Peter's translator and simply wrote what Peter wanted to be written. We know a little about Peter. He was often quick to speak and was rebuked by God more than once (9:5). His name is Simon and Jesus called him Peter (3:16). Peter was a fisherman and Jesus called him to leave his work (1:16-17). Peter's gospel is the shortest of all the others which goes well with Peter's personality. He doesn't waste much time with colorful words, but simply says what he's thinking and somethings speaks without thinking. He shows himself in a negative light which give further evidence that he is the true author. Usually other people don't write so negatively about someone else, but Peter writes these things about himself.

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

      More than any other gospel, this gospel shows Jesus as one who suffered and who can relate to the Christians in Rome as they suffer. The author uses a form of the word suffer 8 times in the book of Mark. Above everything else Jesus came to meet the people where they're at, in their suffering, in their despair (8:31). Jesus wanted to challenge the people in their faith (9:19). The word faith appears as much as the word suffer does (8 times). Sometimes Jesus praises their faith and works miracles because of it and other times he rebukes people for not having faith.

Summary: Because Jesus suffered he is with those who suffer for his sake to encourage, strengthen and give endurance.

What is the primary reason this book is written?

      The primary reason this book is written is to bring encouragement to the church in Rome. They needed faith in their time of persecution and they needed a push to keep moving forward with the gospel though their lives were on the line. Jesus gave his life for them and so they could give their lives in return for the furtherance of the gospel.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      An incredible truth about God's character is that he came as a servant. He says that if anyone desires to be first, he must make himself last (9:35). Jesus came as a lowly baby from a poor family. He didn't wear fine clothing and exult himself by his appearance. Jesus lived out what he taught. When he said to take up your cross and follow him he was ready to take up his cross and be crucified himself. He never asked anyone to do something that he did not do first. Jesus is the ultimate example of practicing what you preach and demonstrated for us what it means to be last.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      One of my favorite parts about Jesus ministry is when he was forgiving people of their sins before he died on the cross for them (2:1-5). He didn't make a sacrifice for them at the temple, but he just said that they were forgiven. Though his plan was fulfilled on the cross it was still being worked out as he was living on the earth. Of course the redemptive plan can be seen in Jesus death on the cross and ultimately in his resurrection (16:9).

Personal Application

      Endurance is the word that has stuck out to me in Mark. Endurance to push through passed what I think I am able to do. Endurance to take on criticism, to take on mocking, to endure through tough circumstance, to endure through times of prayer when I am falling asleep, to endure in the memorization of scripture, to endure through the study of the word, to endure in the encouragement of others, to endure in loving others, to endure in all things. Because Jesus endured the cross and he endured through mockery and beatings for me.

Point of Passion (Bronx, NYC)

      Though you suffer you are not alone. Though you are weary you are not alone. Though no one cares and no one seems to want to help you are not alone. God sees and Jesus has suffered and is suffering with you. As you cry out in your darkest moment your voice doesn't fall on deaf ears. Put your faith in the one who sees even when nothing seems to be changing. God doesn't promise to make our circumstances change, but if you will put your faith in him you will change the way you view your circumstances. Give thanks to the one who paid it all for you and made a way for you to enter into an eternity of perfection with no more tears or pain. You have a hope that one day it will be gone and a hope that today God is with you and is walking next to you. He will pick you up when you fall and will be a refuge for you when you are weak.

Matthew

What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

      This book was written to the Jews. We can clearly see that Matthew tries to convince his readers that Jesus is in fact the Messiah. He sites old testament prophesies about the Messiah and shows how Jesus is the fulfillment of those in order to get his readers to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Matthew uses the statement “This fulfilled” in the following passages; 4:14-16, 8:17, 12:17-21, 13:35. Matthew doesn't bother explaining the different rituals and customs in this book, because they original readers would have already have known them. They were under Roman rule at the time as Matthew wrote those only a few decades after Jesus.

What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

     It is believed that Matthew wrote the book of Matthew. We know that he was a tax collector and a disciple of Jesus (9:9). He would have been not very well liked by his fellow Jews because of his role as a tax collector. They were known for cheating people out of their money. He was probably pretty well off as a tax collector. His political views would have fallen under the pro-Hellenistic side as he worked for the Roman government.

What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the main idea?

      The phrase “Kingdom of God/Heaven” is used 37 times in the book of Matthew. I think he just may have been trying to bring a new understanding to the idea of the Kingdom of God/Heaven. Matthew simply writes Jesus' teaching about the subject and it almost always goes completely against what the Jews were expecting the Kingdom of God/Heaven to be like. Jesus calls for higher standards from the people. Not in what they do and how they obey the law, but where their heart is (23:23). Serving and suffering are some main themes that Jesus lives out and he tells his disciples that they will face their own suffering (10:23). Matthew uses many prophesies to show that Jesus is the Messiah.

Summary: The Kingdom of Heaven completely turns upside down the thoughts and views of the Jews as Jesus teaches the gospel being the fulfillment of the Messianic prophesies.

What is the primary reason this book is written?

      The primary reason this book was written was to show the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah that they were waiting for. He looked very different and brought the Kingdom of God in a very different way than they were expecting. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies and Matthew gives clear examples in this book that show this ( 4:14-16, 8:17, 12:17-21, 13:35). This book shows that their idea of the Kingdom of God/Heaven is not what the Messiah was coming to bring. But he was coming to serve and to love.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      With the New Testament we know longer have to only observe things about God's character and nature, but now we can see it lived out practically through Jesus. The Son of Man has come and is the living word, the fulfillment of the law and the perfect example for us. He came to serve the least of these, to be a lowly servant to us. He taught that the Kingdom of God was about going low and not about raising up yourself or conquering your enemies (12:8, 20:7, 23:11). We see Jesus as the redeemer of man and the savior of mankind. He died on the cross willingly for the souls of men (26:28). Many times Jesus offends the religious leaders of the time and is not even afraid to offend the Roman rulers when they question him. He doesn't answer their questions and doesn't defend himself. He does miracles on the Sabbath so that the Pharisees would be offended so that Jesus could show what the Kingdom of God is like (12:2).

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      “The hope of all the world” (12:21). This is the prophecy from Isaiah that Matthew is saying Jesus has fulfilled. He is the hope of the entire world. Jesus says that He will be three days in the ground just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days,(12:40) but on the third day he will rise from the dead (17:22). Though he came to die, he came to do more than that. He came to overcome the world, death, and hell. Nothing can keep him from redeeming his beloved creation. Jesus came to complete his covenant with man. His blood would be poured out as the perfect lamb to take away the sins of the world. (26:28). And finally Jesus died after living a perfect life to complete his covenant with man. To remove their sin, to free them from the covenant of the law and to walk intimately with us as he sends his Holy Spirit.

Personal Application

      What challenged me was Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God. It was about loving people, caring for the poor, and living a life of humility. He didn't come to conquer the nations and bring immediate justice, but he told us to walk out justice. He told us to be justice to the poor and the weak by loving them and caring for them. The simple application I got was to be the answer to some of my prayers. That I can be the one God uses to bring the gospel, or to show love and kindness to those around me. I can be the encouragement to those I am praying encouragement over. The Kingdom of God is not complicated or difficult to understand. It is simply loving my neighbor and caring for those in need around me. It means putting others ahead and Jesus first of all. It's good to get away with God and to simply meet with him.

Point of Passion (Bronx, NYC)

      Hear the words of Jesus and put them into practice. The culture you are in is not the truth. It is not the thing to base your life in and to seek fulfillment in. When God says that it is better to be humble and unseen than to be proud and praised by those around you know that he has what is best for you in mind. He isn't out to make life horrible or so full of rules that we can't enjoy life. His law is life, his law is freedom. When you live the was Jesus taught us to live you will have fulfillment, life will be a joy. You can't escape the goodness of God especially when you are walking humbly. Jesus didn't have crowds follow him because he was arrogant and loud and confident. He had crowds because of the power of God in him. He loved, and served, and healed. Everything he did was for others. He lived a life of radical sacrifice and I don't think he regretted it for a second. When you begin to live more for those around you, you will begin to learn what it means to live.

Malachi

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Malachi is the author of this self titled book (1:1). This is written during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah and King Artaxerxes I. The walls of Jerusalem were built during his ministry. The people had fallen deep into complacency and didn't even respect God (1:2, 2:17, 3:8). The reason why this book was needed is to draw the people away from their contempt for God and their laziness. 1:10 sums up God's distaste for their evil ways. He would rather they not give sacrifices than doing it with the hearts that they have. He reminds them in 2:5-7 the purpose of his covenant. That the people would revere him and live righteous lives and that they would remember who their God is.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God is so merciful to his people. After captivity and after he brings them back and after he restores their city, still they turn from him. God's desire is to be worshiped with genuine hearts and not out of duty or self righteousness (1:12-13). God is so good and understands the lack of the old covenant for the people and again gives a promise for a new covenant (3:1). He is always seeking to redeem him people and really give them lives worthy of living as opposed to their self seeking unfulfilled lifestyles.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      We see God's redemptive plan is his promise of a messenger of the new covenant. The new covenant or the Messiah who will be a blazing fire who refines (3:1-3). God promises the Sun of Righteousness who will heal, and will bring a time of joy (4:2-6). When God judges all things he will spare his people, he will made a distinction between the righteous and the wicked (3:17-18). God is eager to save and will save those who love him, and show their faith by obeying his commands.

Zechariah

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Zechariah wrote this book during the reigns of King Darius (1:1, 7:1). The original readers had just returned back to Jerusalem. Zechariah was a prophet as the temple was being built and completed by Zerubbabel (14:6-10). The people had just seen their temple built but their city was still in ruins. They must have had questions whether God was good, or if he would really restore them. Zechariah wanted them to start out right. He wanted them to enter into their land and remain holy. God gave him messages that called the people to live righteously (7:9-13). The main reason this book was written is to give hope to the people that God is still with them. What God says to Zerubbabel in 4:6 is key to this book. The angel says to Zerubbabel that, “is is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies.”

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God is a loving father for his people. His is quick to punish those around who have oppressed or abused his people (9:1-8). God says in 2:8 that Judah is his most precious possession and that he will crush all those harmed them. God is protective of his children and his love for them is great. God is a just God and commands his people to be just with one another (7:9). He cares for the weak and the broken ones. He protects them and stands up for those who can't stand for themselves.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      I found two examples of God's redemptive plan for mankind. One are Messianic prophecies about the one who is coming to rule and forgive the sins of the world (3:8-10, 6:12-14, 9:9-11, 14:9). The next are prophecies of restoration for Judah. That God will live among them and that they will again be a nation (2:10-13, 8:4-14, 10:6). My favorite of the Messianic prophecies is 9:9-11. Because I have read about the fulfillment and gives me excitement to know that God fulfilled even the small prophecies such as Jesus riding on a donkey. God is an amazing God of mercy. In 10:2 God says they are like sheep without a shepherd, but later in verse 6 he says he hears their cries and in verse 7 says that they will be like mighty warriors. What a shift in just 3 verses as God loves, cares, leads and protects his people. restored 2:10-13 8:4-14 10:6

Personal Application

      Zechariah 4:6 has been one of my favorite verses and so I had to choose this as a verse for personal application. The truth in this verse is so powerful and simple yet so hard to do. Its not by force or strength, God says, but by His Spirit. I so often try by my own strength. Probably multiple times a day. I think that I can do it and so I do it. It seems logical. If I think I am capable why do I need to be led by the Spirit? Of course that's a terrible way for the Christian to think and the angel in Zech 4:6 says that God has another way for us to do things. Its not by our own strength but its by the power of God. Nebuchadnezzar thought that everything he had accomplished was his doing and God had a strong reaction to Necuchadnezzar's pride (Dan 4:30-32). Pride is what says that I can do it on my own. God hates pride and tells us over and over again through the scriptures that it is by his power that we can do anything. He is sovereign and he has all power. Who am I to think that I can accomplish anything on my own. Anything I do void of his Spirit is not worth doing at all. In everything I do and throughout the day I need to rely and trust in the power of God. Whether in work duty, or in conversations with friends I need to be led by his Spirit. He can turn the mundane into radical. He can use me in places that I have overlooked and that I thought I just needed to get through. God is not limited to certain parts of my day and his desire for me is to seek him all throughout the day. To live by his Spirit.

Esther

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      The author to Esther is unknown, but obviously was a devout Jew. The original readers were those still in Persia after some had gone back to Jerusalem (4:16). The main purpose for this book is to show God's protection over his people, even from an empire like Persia. God raises Esther “for just such a time as this.” (4:14). God is working behind the scenes though there are high officials trying to eliminate the Jews. The existence of the Jews is being threatened and God is working behind the scenes to work out his purposes for them.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God is seen as a protector many times in this book. God protects Esther from the kings wrath when she goes to talk with him twice. God gives her favor with the king both to become his wife and that he granted her request (5:3). God protects Mordecai from Haman when he tried to kill him (7:9-10). In the end God protects the Jews from being annihilated and gives them victory over their enemies (9:16). God's hand of justice is clearly seen in this story as he brings judgment to those whom judgment is due and spares those who worship him.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      Basically everything that I listed above in God's character and nature has to do with God's plan for redemption in this book. He saves Esther from the king, he saves Mordecai from Haman, and he saves Israel from defeat. God's redemptive plan is in each story throughout the book. Especially as he comes through for Israel as they defeat all of their enemies that come against them.

Nehemiah

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Nehemiah was originally the same book as Ezra and so the author I believe was still Ezra and the people had just finished rebuilding the temple and walls of Jerusalem. The author would have compiled Nehemiah's writings together which is why the word I appears when Nehemiah is speaking (1:9). This book would have been written down to explain all the events that happened for them to get to Judah again. It would have been a book to help them remember the power and faithfulness of God. This book would have given them reverence for God and to help them see the importance of upholding the law10:30-39). Nehemiah saw a problem and was grieved by it (1:4). God called him to the be the one to fix that problem. He called him to lead in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and to wipe the city of sin (2:4-6,18).

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      The Levite leaders song of praise shows their understanding of God's character and nature as he had been so gracious to them in chapter 9. We see God's guidance and deliverance of his people over hundreds of years of history. Mostly we see God's faithfulness and that he keeps his promises. Thought they were in captivity God brought them back to Jerusalem and once again his presence was in the temple. God is Nehemiah's comforter (4:4-5) and the one who kept them safe as they rebuilt 

 the walls of Jerusalem (6:15-16).

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      Like is Ezra God's plan is being worked out in the rebuilding of ruins. This time it's the walls of Jerusalem. Not only does God bring his people back to the city, but he protects them as they rebuild the walls (6:15-16). The story of God's ultimate redemption is coming close and this is one more step in the process. You get a sense while reading that something big is coming, because of all the Messianic prophecies we've read through. The ultimate forgiveness of sin is coming, but in the mean time God is merciful and gracious to his people. He sends Nehemiah to bring the people back from sin after he had gone back to the king and now had returned to Jerusalem (13:6-11). God never stopped showing mercy by sending people to guide and restore Israel. They had already gone into sin, but God uses Nehemiah to remind them of the law and to uphold it.

Personal Application

      Nehemiah's persistence through persecution and mockery is what spoke to me the most in this book. He never takes out his anger on his mockers and he never complains about it to the people. He takes his concerns to God (4:4-5). He casts all his burdens on God and God richly rewards him. He even encourages the people not to care about what people are saying, but to remember that the Lord is great (4:14). I love the way he leads and the way he handles his problems. His first response was always to take it to the Lord. He didn't have to confide in someone or complain about it to anyone, but He found refuge in praying about it to God. I need to learn more of that in my life. I always think that I need someone, a human to complain about this to or to vent to, but really the one thing that I NEED is to bring my burdens before the Lord. If my trust was fully in him I would have no problem going to God with everything. It's not bad to confide in people, but my need is to take it to the Lord. My need is to let God work things out in my life and to trust in his goodness.

Ezra

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Ezra is thought to have wrote the book of Ezra and Nehemiah. Chapter 7 verses 1-6 give us a little bit of background for Ezra. His father was Seraiah and his ancestor was Aaron. He was a scribe and new the Law of Moses well. He was highly favored by God and was granted the things he asked of King Darius. The original readers had seen the temple rebuilt and the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt. They found themselves back in the land of their ancestors after many of them had been in exile to Babylon. They would have been lacking in confidence as a people and probably didn't know all that had happened to bring them where they now were. The people of Israel were highly favored by God and the phrase “the gracious hand of our/his God” is used three times in 10 chapters. 9:8-15 sums up the book well. Ezra wrote it to show how God had rescued them though they sinned against him over and over. God rebuilt their temple with the financial backing of Persia and now they were in sin again and Ezra was addressing this to the original hearers. This book shows the care that Ezra had in establishing a holy nation once again. Free from sin and free from the influence of the pagan nations around them.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      Overall this book shows God's incredible love for his people. Though they sinned against him so many times he still redeemed, he still met them and forgave them of sin. God gave them favor with King Darius and they were given everything they needed to build to temple. We can see God's longing to be worshiped as he leads the people to build the temple first before anything else. In 8:22 Ezra says, “Our God's hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.” God longs to be worshiped by his people so that they would see him for he truly is. As the one who has continually pursued them and loved them and brought them back and sought relationship with. God is their restorer, the one who always gives them a way out of their trouble and who is just in all that he does (9:8-15).

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      A see God's redemptive plan in 2:64. It's not a moving passage of scripture, but it gives the number of people who returned to Judah. Over and over God promised that his people would return to their land. He promised that after 70 years in exile they would be able to return to their land. This is it, the number of people who went back to Judah. The promises is fulfilled and they 42,360 people got to be the first people to be the completion of that prophecy. The first thing they did was focus on the temple. At least until this point all is going well, but when things get sticky again God sends Ezra to again, bring the people back to righteousness. Ezra knows the law and upholds the law before the people and they follow his leadership. God again uses a prophet to redeem his people and the book of Ezra ends on a very encouraging note.

Personal Application

      Ezra 7:10 is a key verse in the book and also a verse that gives great application. Ezra had just got the king to give them back their land and their treasures, as well as funding for the temple. Ezra then says that he is determined to do three things. He determines to study, to obey, and to teach the law of God. Ezra's example as a prophet and teacher is an excellent one. We must first study and learn the word of God. If we can't live out the word of God and obey what it says then we have no authority to teach it. So Ezra's second thing is to obey the Law of God. This means that what he studied was not simply head knowledge, but it gripped his heart and changed him. Because he lived above reproach and had obeyed the word of the Lord in his own life he was able to teach others. His authority didn't come from his knowledge of the law, but it came from a life that obeyed the law. Ezra challenged me to study, but to live out what I am learning in the word of God and to become transformed by it. If the bible doesn't transform my life, then what authority will have to teach others in order to transform theirs. I must first be transformed and teach from that place and not from a place of just my knowledge of things. That becomes dry and boring, but it becomes life giving when I have applied the law of God to my life and live out what I am teaching.

Daniel

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Daniel is the author of the book of Daniel. He writes in the first person when talking about all the visions he had seen (7:28-8:2). He was in the royal service of King Cyrus (1:21). King Nebuchadnezzar made Daniel ruler over Babylon and chief over all the wise men (2:48). Daniel served under King Belshazzar and King Darius who he chose Daniel to supervise the high officers. (5:13, 6:1-4). The original readers were in Babylon as Daniel was in Babylon. They were the ones who stayed in Babylon instead of going to Jerusalem after the exile. Daniel was teaching them that they could live lives for God even in Babylon (2:20-23). He taught them that their God was greatest and that he could be trusted. He showed this through the story of the fiery furnace, and Daniel in the lions den. This book was written to give an account of all that God had done in Babylon and that he is the greatest God. The people had lost their way and had been worshiping other Gods. Remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were the only ones not to bow down to the statue Nebuchadnezzar had made.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God's character and nature is seen directly in Daniel's praise in 2:20-23. He says God has all wisdom and power, he is sovereign over all world events, and he knows all things. Daniel shares more in 9:4, 9. He says that God is awesome, he keeps his promises, he is merciful and he is forgiving. Daniel faces some opposition in this book, but God is always there to walk it through with him. God rescued his friends and God makes himself known to kings so that they would know who he is. God walks closely to Daniel and reveals visions and dreams to him that the king had. It's almost like there is a competition between the rulers of the world and God. God wants to make sure they know that he is sovereign and that they are only king because he allows it.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      Daniel receives many visions that boggle his mind. Some of these visions contain Messianic prophecies. 7:13-14 gives the best image of the coming Messiah. Daniel says he saw someone like the son of man, he was given authority, honor and sovereignty over the world, and that everyone would obey him. Daniel finishes by saying his rule will never end and his kingdom will never be destroyed. God redeems Daniel and his friends a few times in this book and God also tries to redeem the leaders of Babylon. God's redemption goes beyond Judah in this book and we are given hope for a new covenant with a Messiah that will rule with all authority.

Ezekiel

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Ezekiel 1:1-3 says that Ezekiel wrote the book of Ezekiel. He lived in Tel-abib by the Kebar River in Babylon (3:15). He had been brought there because of the exile. Ezekiel prophesied during the captivity of Jehoiachin (1:2, 8:1). The original readers were those who had obeyed God and went into submission to Babylon by going into exile. They had probably lost hope and faith in God. Babylon had completely destroyed them and taken away their security. The people trusted in the temple and that they had a descendant of David on the throne (11:11-12, 24:21). They thought God had to bless them and keep them because of these things. God's desire for them was to know that He is God (7:9, 12:16). This is the main theme throughout the book of Ezekiel. God displays His power through the prophesies of Ezekiel for destruction (9:9-10) and His plan for redemption for them (20:42).

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God thoroughly displays His anger and wrath to the people of Judah (8:17). He talks of destruction and more destruction as He punishes Judah for their sin. But God does this so that the people will know that He is God and He is the sovereign one (11:9-12, 14:5). God uses Ezekiel as a sign for the people and for a warning towards His people. He asks Ezekiel to do many weird things so that they would fear God and turn from their wickedness (12:3-6). God says that He has been merciful on the people despite the greatness of their wickedness (20:44). The greatest part of God's character and nature is seen as He defends His people. While the other nations watched and cheered on while they were being destroyed, Gods anger was building towards them (25:1-3). God cares about His special possession (36:8) and spends 10 chapters casting judgment on the surrounding nations who came against Judah. God acts justly in defense of His people from the nations who carried out violence against them.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      God's redemptive plan can be found many time in Ezekiel. Most often we find God promising to bring His people back to the land (11:16-17, 20:42, 28:25-26, 36:24-38, 37:21, 39:27). God was giving them much hope for their future as a people. He made it clear that this exile to Babylon was not their end. God also makes reference to the promise that their sins will be forgiven. Again referring back to the promise that they will not be held in captivity forever, but they will return and their sins will be forgiven (16:59-63, 18:20-24). God raises up Ezekiel to be a watchman for the people of Judah (33:7). Ezekiel is the one that God uses to draw His people back to Him. He uses Ezekiel to tell them to turn from their sin and receive the forgiveness of God. Probably the greatest sign of God's redemptive plan can be found in 34:10-31 when God refers to the coming Messiah as the shepherd. The Shepherd will draw His sheep to Himself, search for the lost ones, and care for them. Later on in 37:22-28 God again refers to the shepherd that will come and lead a united Israel. A descendant of David will come and make an everlasting covenant with them.

Personal Application

      I thought Ezekiel 3:10 and 11 were an amazing little passage of scripture. God tells Him a very important thing in 10, to “let all my words sink deep into your own heart first.” This is definitely something that I need to take to heart. In our world we want to share so quickly what we've learned or what God has shared with us, but here God says to wait, be patient and take everything in. Don't go run and tell everyone what I've shared with you, but know it and understand it for yourself first. Then He tells Ezekiel to say what God has for him to say whether they listen or not. The prophets had a difficult job. They told unflattering messages to kings and prophesied the downfall of nations. I can't imagine it was an easy thing to do to confront rulers and kingdoms in this way. Ezekiel was writing things down that he couldn't even explain and gave messages that were full of doom, but He was faithful. He understands that He is simply God's instrument to bring justice and righteousness to the people. I just thought these two things in this verse were very important. For me to do what God asks and teach what God calls me to teach no matter what the outcome might be. And like Jeremiah it's not about the results, but about the obedience.

Jeremiah & Lamentations

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      The first verse in Jeremiah tells us a lot about him. His father is Hilkiah who was a priest from the town of Anathoth in Benjamin. So we know Jeremiah was from a priestly line, but had lived in Benjamin. The original readers were in captivity in Babylon (52:31). The authors of this book are Jeremiah and Baruch (36:4). Jeremiah and Baruch wrote this to show the people what they had done wrong to deserve captivity. They also give the people hope that they one day have identity again. They lost it all to the Babylonian Empire, but God says that after 70 years they will be restored (29:10). God is angry at His people because of their sins, especially idol worship (2:13-17, 5:19, 13:27, 51:17-18). Their sin has led them to destruction (4:20, 9:22, 14:12, 34:17). God is great in His mercy (7:4-6) and He does say that there will be restoration.

     In Lamentations Jeremiah grieves about Judah's sin and punishment while understanding that it is because of their sin. Basically he is talking about the destruction of Jerusalem and the anguish of their sin, but ends with faith in God (2:16 5:19).

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      We get a great picture into the character and nature of God as He interacts with Jeremiah. God tells Jeremiah who He has appointed him to be (1:5-8). He speaks identity into him. God gives him the words to speak (1:9) and tells him that it will not be easy (1:10). God leads Jeremiah as a father by doing all of these things. He doesn't lie to him and say things will be easy, but he gives him the identity and the tools he needs to complete the task ahead. God is faithful to Jeremiah though the world around him hates him (15:11). God is an unquenchable fire (4:4), just (9:9), He examines the deepest thoughts of man (11:20), and He is the potter (18:6). One thing I love about God is that He doesn't choose people because of their high positions, nor does He hold back judgment against people because of their high positions (1:7, 34:19). God calls Jeremiah when he is just a boy and He judges everyone from the officials of Judah to the common people.

     Lamentations shows God as being angry, furious, and a destroyer (2:2-9). Though Jeremiah is lamenting about all that has happened to Jerusalem he still has faith in God and says, “The faithful love of the Lord never end!” (3:22). We really get God's heart for all that we see in Jeremiah and Lamentations in 3:33. It's not fun for God to hurt His people. This is the only way for God to help the people turn from their wickedness and so out of love He brings destruction.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      I found at least 15 references to God's redemptive plan in Jeremiah. In the midst of judgment God is still talking about redeeming them. He promises many times to bring His people back to the land (3:14-18, 16:15, 29:10-14, 30:18-22, 31:17-23, 46:27). I found three examples of Jeremiah prophesying about the coming Messiah (23:4-8, 30:8-9, 33:14-17). God is dedicated to His people and always has a message of hope for them no matter how awful their sin is. He calls for repentance, but with repentance He brings undeserved restoration. Judah's sins were great, but God promised that after 70 years if they turned from their sin that they would be free (29:10). This book shows that God's redemption plan is patient and full of mercy. It comes with a price, but it is a small price compared to what is deserved.

     In the great despair of Jeremiah throughout Lamentations there is a gleam of hope. God is good to everyone who depends on Him and seeks Him (3:25). To them He brings salvation (3:26). I think the key phrase for this book and for the book of Jeremiah is found in 3:31. It says, “For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever.” The original readers would have held tightly to this promise from God. He is coming to save them, as long as they put their faith in Him alone, He wont leave them to exile forever.

Personal Application

      Being in a place where we get teaching from all over the world and from all different religious backgrounds this message was perfect from Jeremiah. To watch out for those who preach peace when there is no peace and those who have teachings not based on the word of God. It's so important for me to test what is being taught and not simply to agree because it sounds nice or makes me feel good. It's been a struggle here in many different ways to try and filter what is from God and what is not.
Jeremiah gave me a new encouragement to be sure to do this so that I don't fall into believing false teaching. Many times teachers with teach or preachers will preach and they bring great messages, but sometimes they aren't always based on anything firm. Their teachings are from their experiences, but they don't necessarily reflect what the word of God says. Just like the prophets in Jeremiah's time who were saying things because they sounded good and people treated them well for it.

Haggai

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      According to 1:1 Haggai wrote this book. He originally gave the messages in the book to Zerubbabel, the governor or Judah and to Jeshua, the high priest. The original readers would have received this after the temple was built. Probably as a memorial and a remembrance of that time as God often did with His people. The problem is the people are living it up, but there is no house for God. Zerubbabel obeys God's command to build the temple and God blesses Him. A key verse for this book is 2:9. In this verse God says, “The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. And in this place I will bring peace...” To the original reader this verse would have been an incredible statement. The future glory will be greater than the past glory says that what God has in store is greater than all that He has done with them in the past.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      In Haggai God desires to dwell with His people. Judah has pushed Him aside and neglected Him, but God desires to have relationship once again with His people. He initiates the relationship with Judah as He commands Zerubbabel to build Him a house (1:8). God loves His people and again wants to redeem them and bring them into greater glory than their ancestors (2:9). God is extremely patient with His people who have returned again from exile. He loves them enough to restore His relationship with them by the rebuilding of the temple. 

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      We see God's redemptive plan being worked out in the rebuilding of is temple (2:18). When Babylon destroyed the temple is Jerusalem and the people were exiled the people of Judah must have been hopeless. But God brought them out of exile and in 2:9 said that the future glory of the temple would be greater than the past glory. He not only redeemed them, but lifted them up and in 2:19 Haggai says that God will bless them. In restoring the temple, God restores the physical representation of His relationship and covenant with them. It's a day that many probably never expected to see. But God's grace and mercy win out and He redeems His people once again, removing the curse of destruction because of their many sins.

Personal Application

What I got from Haggai's prophecy to Zerubbabel was more of a leadership application. The people were living in sin and had forgotten about why the Lord had brought them out of captivity. They were living luxuriously in houses, but had not built a house for God. They're focus was on themselves instead of on rebuilding the temple and getting back to worshiping God. I see Haggai's message as a re -casting of vision. He calls out what is going on and leads the people to building the temple, the thing they should have been doing much earlier. When it didn't turn out as some of them had expected they were disappointed but Haggai tells them God's message of hope and greater glory. Haggai, through the words of God leads His people from passivity to expectation and hope, into remembrance of where their sin got them. What I have learned from this is that we easily forget the things we are called to do and fall into passivity. Luxury is a dangerous trap that they fell into and we so easily fall into. Haggai called them out of passivity as I often need to be called out of. He also encouraged them and gave them expectation when they had been discouraged. It reminds me when I led a team to Egypt and faced these same things. I had to cast vision again and again to keep them focused and had to pick them up from discouragement and focused on the goal ahead. Haggai is a great example of how this can be done for when I fall into that trap and when I need to pull others out of it.

Habakkuk

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Habakkuk wrote this self titled prophetic book. We know from II Kings 23:31-24:7 and II Chron 26:1-8, that he wrote this just before Jerusalem is conquered by Babylon. This means the original readers were most likely in exile by Babylon. Judah's pride and their idolatry is what God wanted to replace with faithfulness to Him (2:4-5). God talks about money a number of times and also about their idols. There is dialogue between Habakkuk and God. In the end God wins because of His sovereignty. Habakkuk sees God sending Babylon as unjust, but God shows Habakkuk that everything He does is just.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God is a jealous God and does not take too kindly to the worship of wooden idols (2:19). What I think we see most in this book is God's sovereignty. Habakkuk questions this aspect of God's nature and God responds with power. He is unashamed to tell Habakkuk that Babylon with destroy Jerusalem and He make it clear that this is part of His plan. Habakkuk doesn't understand until chapter 2. God ends His statement by saying, “But the Lord is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him.” (2:20). What can Habakkuk say to God after that. No one can speak against God because He is holy and He sits in His holy Temple. The majesty and perfection of God is brought before Habakkuk and he surrenders his complaint before God with a song of praise.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      I love Habakkuk's praise in chapter 3. He praises God for all the ways He has come through for Israel in the past. It's like he was there and he is retelling the stories back to God. Habakkuk shows his reverence for what God has done for Israel when he says, “I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear.” (3:16). Habakkuk gets it and declares that God is the God who saves (3:18). The redemption plan for mankind is scene in Habakkuk's utter amazement of God and His trust in His good judgment even though things are at their worst. Habakkuk puts His full faith in God and knows that He can rescue them from anyone who oppresses them.

Point of Passion (Bronx, NYC)

     Be silent before the Lord surrender to His sovereignty.  This aspect of God's nature has a lot to say to those who doing their own thing on their own strength.  You question God and take Him and His laws lightly.  You refuse to obey Him or see Him as the supreme authority.  What sorrow awaits those of you who worship your careers, your money, your homes and your social circles.  Everything you do is to bring glory to yourselves.  Woe to you and to your shameful ways.  We must all come to an understanding of who God is as Habukkuk did in his prayer to God.  He understood that God punishes the proud, the wicked and that He is awesome in power.   

Obadiah

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      The book of Obadiah was written by Obadiah according 1:1. We don't know for sure when it was written, but it could have been just before the fall of Jerusalem. The original readers would been Judah, though Obadiah talks mostly about Edom. In 1:17-21 Obadiah ends his prophecy with a prophecy to Judah. Most of the book is talking about Edom and their many sins. Edom didn't help out their relatives, Israel when they were in trouble (1:11). They were also prideful (1:3) and God calls for judgment against Edom (1:1). The book ends with a coming hope of Israel returning to its land (1:17).

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God is a God of justice (1:15). I see this portrayed throughout the book as God demands justice for Edom's sins. What were their sins? They didn't help their relatives and neighbors when they were in trouble. Instead, they plundered them when they were overtaken. God holds Edom responsible, even though God was judging Israel. Edom chose to be prideful and self-seeking. They chose to gain for themselves instead of helping a brother in need and I think we really see God's heart for helping those in need.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      We see clearly that God hopes to bring redemption to Israel in 1:17-21. He talks about bringing them back to their land and that the Lord with be there king. This is very similar to what most of the prophets are prophesying at the end of their books. What I see different in Obadiah is God's vengeance and protection of His people. His anger rages against Edom, because God's goal is never to destroy Israel, but to redeem them. Edom had a chance to be part of the redemption process, but they took advantage of their defeat instead. God is angry, because they were cheering on Israel's enemies instead of fighting for Israel. In the end God gives Israel hope even though their own relatives came against them. When everyone that could have came to their aid abandoned them, God says that He will one day restore them.

Point of Passion (Bronx, NYC)

     God protects those in need and so we too should protect those in need.  As he protects and defends the people of Israel when other nations came to attack them, we too should come to the aid of the poor and the weak.  It's a simple truth, but one we are lacking and one NYC needs improvement on.  With so many homeless and so many in the projects there is ample opportunity to care for those in need.  It should be our heart to care for them and protect them.  The rich should not oppress and the rich should not get all the benefits.  While Manhattan lies in wealth the boroughs around it suffer with half the care that Manhattan has.  Money talks, but this is not God's way of working things.  God calls for equal attention to the rich and the poor.  Too often this city has paid more attention to the flashy and the wealthy when instead more attention needs to be given to the many many communities suffering in poverty. 

Zephaniah

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Zephaniah is the author according to 1:1. He was a prophet while Josiah was king of Judah. We also know his father was Cushi and his great great grandfather was Hezekiah making him a royal descendant. Much of the book is written to Judah and specifically Jerusalem. The original readers were hearing of the impending doom (captivity by Babylon) that was coming because of their sins (1:4). Some of the main themes in the book were judgment (2:5), restoration (3:15), day of the Lord (1:7) and, sweeping/wiping away (1:3). The book talks a lot about the problems with Judah and other nations, but ends with a prophecy of future restoration. One verse that summarizes the book well is 2:3. It says, “Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord with protect you- protect you from his anger on that day of destruction. God sent a warning, but yet again the people refused to act and God punished Judah for their sin.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      In the first few verses of the book God seems to be fed up with His creation. He wants to sweep all that does not worship Him away. We see Him as the great judge in 1:7. He is a righteous judge who always judges correctly 3:4-5). He is merciful in giving warnings before His punishments. This whole book is about God's mercy in giving Judah time to repent before He brings judgment upon them (2:3). He is a might savior (3:17) and saves the weak and the helpless (3:19). The Lord is on the move and He knows all that is going on. He is the righteous judge and will judge sin in due time (1:12-17).

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      Part of God's redemptive plan is found in His judgment and destruction of sinful things and people. In 1:4-6 God speaks of destroying idol worship which actually is something that would save Judah. 3:8-13 is all about God redeeming Judah. He talks about bringing His people back together, removing proud and arrogant people, and that they will eat and sleep in safety. The last 3 verses of the book talk about more restoration for Judah. God didn't want to completely destroy His people, but they were so disobedient. They refused to worship Him alone and to listen to His warnings through the prophets. But God has a redeeming message for them. Yes He prophesies destruction and a lot of gloom and doom, but He leaves a place for hope. He has a soft spot for repentance. To God repentance seems to be what He really wants, because that means their hearts have changed. God is after their heart as 2:3 shows, but the people live for themselves and God has to discipline them. The best way God could love and father His people is by discipline.

Personal Application

Point of Passion (Bronx, NYC)

      God has a powerful message for Jerusalem in 3:4-5 when He says, Its priests defile the Temple by disobeying God's instructions. But the Lord is still there in the city, and he does no wrong. Day by day he hands down justice, and he does not fail.” A message of hope for a city like New York where there is lots of injustice, lots of hatred for one another, lots of evil and wickedness among the people, but God is still there. There are still churches and Christians reaching out for justice and for righteousness. God is still there in the city waiting for repentance, waiting for the people to return to Him. It definitely is a city where the “wicked know no shame.” God has sent messengers to the city to preach the good news of His mercy and grace, but first there must be repentance. Zephaniah is speaking to heart of the people by speaking such disgust at their city. God looks at much of what is going on in NYC the very same way. With disgust as sin is rampant and even accepted. How much different does NYC look than did the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and Jerusalem in its days of rampant sin.

Micah

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Micah, who is attributed to writing the book, was a prophet during the reign of Jotham Ahaz and Hezekiah (1:1). He wrote about both Israel and Judah, but the original readers would have been Judah. Micah came from the small town or Moresheth and would have been shocked by the terrible practices of those in Jerusalem. He speaks a lot to the leaders and priests because he sees how corrupt they have become (3:1). A verse that summarizes all of Micah is 6:8. He tells the people how to live. He tells them to do what is right and to be humble. They were a proud people and did terrible things (2:6, 2:2).

The main purpose of this book is to address the leaders of Jerusalem and show them how wicked they were.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God is a God of justice who stands up for the poor and oppressed (2:3-4). Basically we see the God of justice and vengeance throughout the book. 6:13 says, “Therefore, I will wound you! I will bring you to ruin for all your sins.” God doesn't want their sacrifices, but He wants them to change their hearts and do what is right (6:6-8).

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      Though Israel is about to be wiped from the scene forever God promises them, “I will gather a remnant who are left. I will bring you together again like sheep in a pen,” (2:12). God promises redemption for them, though this may be a spiritual redemption. Micah says in 5:2 that on is coming in Bethlehem that will rule Israel who comes from a distant past. A clear prophecy of the Messiah here. In 4:7 God speaks and says that He will rule from Jerusalem forever as their king giving Judah hope for redemption. Micah describes how God will throw their sins into the depths of the ocean. He prophesies not of a covering of sin, but of a removal of sins. 7:16-20 gives Judah an amazing hope of something they have yet to see. They have never seen the removal of sin, but here Micah prophesies that one day things will be different. Their sin will be taken care of by God.

Point of Passion (Bronx, NYC)

"I will reward your evil with evil; you won't be able to pull your neck out of the noose.  You will no longer walk around proudly, for it will be a terrible time." (Micah 2:3).  Such a strong message from God to those who do what is wicked and are proud of it.  There are plenty of people looking to do what is wicked.  They look to see how they can take advantage, fight, rob, and oppress those weaker than them.  They think that because they have a weapon, or because they have money or big muscles that they are something special.  They compare one another by looks, clothes, and by how tough they are.  They look out for themselves and do whatever evil they need to to make themselves happy.  No one else matters but them and they oppress others who may be weaker.  It's a sick thing when you see it going on, and when you know those who it is happening to.  It seems like the oppressors are going to be okay, like there is no consequences for their actions.  God says something different.  He says He will pay evil for evil and that their pride will eventually catch up to them.  Maybe in this life but definitely when they stand before God at judgment time.  Some feel like the only way they can get through the day is by acting tough or doing what their oppressors are telling them to do.  God has a different solution found in Micah 6:8.  He says to walk humbly and to love mercy.  God is our shield, our rock and our protection.  We can go to Him in time of need and He will walk with us as we walk in humility and love those who are oppressing us. 

Hosea

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Hosea is said to have written this book (1:1). He is the son of Beeri and prophesied during the reign of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah and Jeroboam of Israel. Hosea may have been more prominent based on his remarks to the priests and the king (5:1). The original readers were most likely the Israelites. In 8:5-6 Hosea addresses their worship of the calves that they had set up. The people worshiped idols and were said to be prostituting themselves to false gods (1:2). This book is mostly about the sin of Israel and God's punishment for their sin. But we also see God love his people just as Hosea continued to pursue his adulterous wife.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God talks about metaphorically making Israel His wife and says that He will show “righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion” (2:19). God yearns for Israels undivided love. He sent prophets to judge them so that they would respond in love towards Him (6:5-6). God shows Himself as a father to Israel. He calls Israel His child and that lead them and called them to Him (11:1-5). God describes His passion as overflowing towards Israel. God's heart was invested into His people even though the prostituted themselves with idol worship (11:8). God is savior. He alone can rescue us from our sin and He alone rescued Israel from their many troubles (13:4). Just a little further on in that passage God says that He is their helper (13:9). We see that God's heart is grieved by the actions and decisions of Israel. God wants them to love Him and worship Him alone and we see how God is effected by our failure to love Him.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      God gives a beautiful picture of His redemption for Israel in 2:14-15. He says, I will return her vineyards to her, and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. Here God shows His heart for Israel and His desire for things to be as they once where when He freed Israel from Captivity in Egypt. At God's powerful voice the people of Israel will return to Him. He is so great and might that when He shows His power His people will back to Him (11:10-11). Chapter 14 sums up God's plan for redemption for Israel. He promises to heal them, to not be angry, to give them shade, and to make them flourish (14:4,7).


Point of Passion (Bronx, NYC)

This is a message to everyone who feels like they need to live a certain way to get by in their culture.  The Bronx can be a rough place to live in.  There are tons of pressures coming from peers.  Pressure for drugs, sex, and lots of things that don't honor God.  I thought this passage in Hosea 14:9 would be an encouragement for you to live a life honoring to God.  It says, "...The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them.  But in those paths sinners stumble and fall.  I encourage you to walk the paths of the Lord.  To be righteous and to rid your life of anything you have allowed the culture to insert into your life.  Seek God and and let Him search your heart to find these things so that you can live a righteous life.  

Nahum

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Nahum is given credit for writing this book (1:1). We know he lives in Elkosh and though his message is to Nineveh he lived in Judah. Therefore, his message is most likely written to Judah. At the time Judah was under king Manasseh, who was under the Assyrian king (1:12). The themes in this book are clearly hope and justice. Hope for the nation of Judah who is under Assyrian authority and justice for the wicked Assyrians in Nineveh. The primary reason this book was written is to give Judah hope of freedom even when Assyria was such a powerful force.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      Nahum begins the book describing God. He says, “The Lord is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies!” He goes on to say that God is slow to anger, great in power, faithful to punish the guilty, He is good, a strong refuge in troubled times, and He comes close to those who trust Him (1:2, 3, 7).

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      In the big picture of the book God shows His redemptive plan by giving hope for Judah. He says they will be restored (2:2, 3:15). He promises to unleash His wrath against the wicked people of Nineveh (2:1). He promises to, “break the yoke of bondage from your neck and tear off the chains of Assyrian oppression” (1:13). God says that there will be reason to rejoice and to celebrate, because at last His justice is coming and His redemption for them is at hand (1:15).

Jonah

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      I believe Jonah was the author of this book. Mostly, because of the intimate moments with God he has with God that shows his defiant heart so well. It's very revealing of his character and we never really see him turn from his bitterness (4:9-10). It just seems that only Jonah would have been comfortable writing that about himself. Anyone else may have not wanted to talk about him like this after he died. We know his father was Amittai (1:1). The only passage I found to place Jonah was found in II Kings 14:25. He lived in the time of king Jeroboam II of Israel and kings Uzziah and Ammaziah of Judah and was a prophet to Israel and the Assyrian city of Nineveh. Some of the main themes found in Jonah are mercy and compassion as God has mercy for Jonah and the city of Nineveh (3:1, 3:10). Obedience and repentance are two other main themes in the book of Jonah. I think the purpose of this book is to show that God's love and mercy go beyond Israel and Judah, and God showed what He wanted His people to do when warning came through the prophets. He wanted repentance, humility, and a change of heart.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God is in control of the wind and the waves. All of creation is under his authority (1:4). God shows His ability to work everything out for God, even through man's disobedience. The men in the boat worship God because they see His great power displayed in the calming of the sea (1:16). Salvation comes from the Lord alone. Of course Jonah is talking about his physical salvation from the whale, but we know that it goes beyond just a physical salvation (2:9). God's mercy and compassion is displayed as he rescues Jonah from the whale and speaks to him a second time to do the thing Jonah refused to do (2:10-3:2). We also see God display these characteristics as He holds back his rage from Nineveh, because of their change of hearts (3:10). Jonah, through bitterness and anger shares about God's character as well. He says, you are merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people” (4:2).

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      To the original reader this book gives a very unique look at God's redemptive plan. God works a little outside the box as He uses Jonah to reach the Assyrians. These people were the worst of the worst but yet God chooses to hold back His judgment, because of their humility in repentance. God forgave the worst of the worst humans on earth. They would have been shocked that God would have compassion on them, but God was simply showing them how they too could be spared from God's judgment.

In Mat 12:40 Jesus refers to Jonah and compares his three days and three nights in the belly of a whale to the three days and three nights Jesus would spend in the heart of the earth. Jonah could be called a type of Christ. I don't want to go too deep into the comparison, but Jesus himself makes a parallel between himself and Jonah. I think there's something there, but only for Jesus to compare and show that He is greater than Jonah who preached a simple message and saw a city repent.

Amos

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Amos wrote this book even though he was untrained as a prophet. He was was simply a shepherd and someone who took care of sycamore-fig trees (1:1, 7:14) Amos was from Tekoa a town in Judah. He wrote this book when Uzziah was king over Judah and Jeroboam II was king over Israel (1:1). He wrote this book to Israel (7:15), but gave God's judgment to Israel, Judah and foreign lands (1:3 – 9:4). God calls out the injustice of the people a number of times (3:1, 2:13, 4:1, 8:4-6). He mostly speaks to the wealthy who oppress the poor. Amos was around about 40 years before the exile of Israel. He was used by God to address the greed of the nation and to warn them of coming destruction if they do not turn from their sin.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God shows his mercy and grace to His people in 3:7 when He says, “the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.” This shows that He always leaves room for repentance, and leaves it in the hands of the people whether they will turn from their sin or not. God is an intimate God and was intimate with Israel from the beginning (3:2). God is Lord of all creation, He controls the winds, He made the mountains, and He reveals His thoughts to man (4:13). God is not interested in showy religious acts, but is concerned about justice (5:21-24). God can and is willing to use anyone. They don't have to be well known, well educated, or special in the worlds eyes (7:14-15). God uses a simple shepherd like Amos to be a prophet for Him.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      God looks back and how He has carried out His redemptive plan in the past with the Israelites. In 2:10 God refers back to the time when He led them out of Egypt and in the wilderness for 40 years. This book has a lot to do with God's judgments and punishments but in 9:9-15 God gives hope for redemption. He tells them that even though punishment is sure to come He will restore them once again. They will be brought out of exile in distant lands and be planted back in their land. God also gives a prophecy of the Messiah in 9:11-12 saying that He will repair the fallen walls of David and that all the nations will be called to Him through that. It is an open invitation to everyone and is fulfilled in the new testament by the evangelism to the gentiles.

Personal Application

Amos 21:24 in my own words:

I hate all of your religiosity,

All of your religious events, and conferences.

I refuse to look at the way you try to please yourselves through your offerings of worship to me.

I will not hear your songs of praise and your fancy music,

I want justice, its plain and simple.

Bring me righteous living as an offering of worship.

     When I looked at Amos 5:21-24 from a modern day perspective God spoke something. Should I be so worried about all of these showy things? Show I worry about the things Christian culture says are part of a good Christian life. All the big conferences and gatherings are not what God desires. He was us to fight against what is unjust and to live righteously. He'd rather that I be someone who sees justice ended and who lives righteously than to hear me worship and sing songs of praise to Him all day. What good are my words if I don't have a life that shows I mean them. My words are empty to God. What good am I to God if I think I am doing what is good because I can act the part and be in the right circles. God is not interested in my great acting or if I can gather a thousand people to gather together. Not if we don't work together to bring justice and live righteously.

Point of Passion New York City (Wealthy Areas)

I used to go to a church in Manhattan.  What I found the people to be like in this church was much different than what Jesus tells His children to be like.  Many attended church simply to meet people, others because it was relevant, and some because they could make good connections.  They were nice and they sang along with the worship band, but I can't help but look back and think that Amos 5:21-24 could have been written to them.  People didn't want to evangelize because they were afraid of offending people and turning them away from God.  They said that they wanted to build relationships first, but I realized that some of them were just making excuses so they wouldn't have to do hard things.  Basically, people were more concerned about their own affairs and their own comfort to really care about what God has commanded us to do.  God had a lot to say through Amos about this kind of living and I believe there is something greater for the church than this.  Lives lived in the fear of God are true worship to God.  

Joel

Write on paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet,

     Joel 1:1 gives Joel credit for writing the book. It also says that he is the son of Pethuel in that same verse. I think he was a prophet during Joash's reign because there is no mention of a king, but he mentions leaders of the land in 1:2. We know Joash was so young that there were leaders that reigned until he was old enough to take the responsibility of being a king. All of chapter one talks about a famine because of a plague of locusts in the land. He mentions this in contrast to the coming judgement that will be for them in chapter 2. God is calling for judgment through Joel, because of the people's sin, but he never mentions any sin in particular. Joel is inclusive of everyone for salvation and not only those in Judah (2:28, 2:32). Overall I think the purpose of this book is to bring Judah back to Himself, but also to give them great hope for God's plan for the future.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      God is one who looks at the heart. We've seen this in His character over and over throughout the old testament. It's one of my favorite aspects of his character and nature. He doesn't look at all the things we think impress Him, but He looks at our hearts and sees what is really there (2:13). Both the good and the bad. Joel also explains God as being merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love (2:13). Another one of my favorite aspects of Gods nature is in 2:13 where Joel says that God is “eager to relent and not punish.” Not only does Joel say God is merciful and compassionate, but we see in 2:17 that God acts out of His character and nature. He withholds judgment on His people, because of the cries of the priests.

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      There is plenty about God's redemptive plan in Joel. The first thing I see is in 2:13 where God is calling Judah back to Himself. He doesn't do this with the threat of harsh judgment at this point, but with the knowledge of His grace, mercy, and His eagerness not to relent from punishment. God speaks about His future restoration for Judah in 2:19-20 and 2:28-32. He says that their enemies will be driven away and even gives a prophecy about Pentecost. He says that in that day, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (2:32). God says one more thing about the future and in 3:20-21 He shares of the future hope of Jerusalem. It will live throughout all generations and He will make it His home. God's plan is not for destruction, but for grace, the forgiveness of sins and the restoration of His people.

Personal Application

The words "Sound the alarm" in Joel 2:1 keep sticking out to me.  Listening to what some of the leaders on base have been saying it seems to apply.  They are leading others to be ready because the time is here.  Time to reach the lost like never before.  Hidden in that message is a call for us to be more righteous in our living than ever before.  "Sound the alarm" is applicable to my life now while God is trying to take out everything I have grown up thinking was okay.  He's taking His word and showing me what is of Him and what is not.  If we are to be revivalists, or preachers, or teachers, than we need the alarm to sound in our life.  The alarm that tells us to rid ourselves of worldliness.  Our culture has influenced many Christians so much that they have forgotten the word of God.  They have forgotten its truths and its laws.  God is sounding an alarm in my life now to stand firm on His truths and to uphold His laws.  Now all I must do is respond to the alarm.  It's easy to ignore it and think that its maybe a drill.  But its real and God has plans for my life, but in order to be the sharpest tool I  must let the word sharpen me.