SESSION 1 LEARNING EXERCISE September 03 2023
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Colorado Christian University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
220A
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by MasterInternet8018
1
SESSION 1 LEARNING EXERCISE
Cody Colin
Colorado Christian University
BIB-326A
Dr. Nathan French
September 03, 2023
2
SESSION 1 LEARNING
Covenant
1. Why are Genesis 3 - 11 and Genesis 12 of significance to the Old Testament prophets? According to Hays (2010):
The book of Genesis can be divided into two story cycles. The first cycle, Genesis 3-11, tells the story of sin and exile from the presence of Yahweh, while Genesis 12:3 presents a message of hope and blessings for the scattered nations. The second cycle, from Genesis 12 to 2 Kings 25, focuses on the story of Israel. Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26 are essential chapters in the Old Testament as they provide insight to the prophets on the consequences of disobedience
to Yahweh's laws. According to Hays (2010), Genesis 12 marks the beginning of Yahweh's redemption plan to address humanity's sinful behavior in Genesis 3-11.
While I respect Hays' opinion, I tend to differ slightly. In my understanding, the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15 is where God immediately rolls out or unfolds His plan for redemption. This passage serves as the first announcement of the Gospel in the Bible and promises that the seed of the woman will crush the head of the serpent. This indicates God's plan for salvation through Jesus Christ, who would ultimately defeat Satan and redeem humanity from
sin. Therefore, I believe that the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15 is a crucial foundation for understanding God's plan of redemption.
2. Discuss the importance of Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26 to the Old Testament prophets.
Deuteronomy and Leviticus are two of the most significant books in the Old Testament. Both books contain blessings and curses of the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants that are pivotal
to understanding the covenant between YHWH and His people. Leviticus 26 includes
3
eschatological themes that point to the covenant, and Deuteronomy is renewing the covenant for a later generation.
The overarching theme of both books is the importance of keeping the covenant. If we walk in God's ways and keep His commandments, He will bless us. However, if we break the covenant and fail to repent, we will be cursed. The covenant with God is conditional, and obedience is required to receive blessings.
The renewal of the covenant in Deuteronomy calls all believers, regardless of age, to follow God's commandments and walk in His ways. The covenant pertains to the Old and New Testaments, and the importance of obedience to God's statutes remains relevant today.
In summary, the books of Deuteronomy and Leviticus are crucial in understanding the covenant between God and His people. Keeping the covenant is essential; obedience to God's commandments and walk in His ways is required to receive blessings. If you love me, keep my commands. (John 14:15, NIV).
Context
3. Briefly connect the three dominant empires (Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian) with three key leaders (Shalmaneser V, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus) and the Northern Kingdom of Israel or the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
After King Solomon died, Israel was divided into two kingdoms - the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The two states existed for about two hundred years
and were often hostile towards each other (Hays, 2010, p. 36). In 722 BC, the Assyrians, led by
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
4
Shalmaneser V, destroyed Israel. Later, in 586 BC, after being "carried away" three times, Judah came under Babylonian rule by King Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah was the King of Judah at that time. In 539 BC, Cyrus, the Great King of Persia, conquered the Babylonian Empire and issued a
decree that allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.
4. Discuss the differences between true and false prophets. What scriptures provide guidelines? Do you think there are still false prophets today? How can we use these scriptures in a modern context?
1. Some people spread false messages and lies, claiming they speak on God's behalf. (Ezekiel 22:28). 2. False prophecies that do not come true. (Jeremiah 5:31). 3. Leading people towards other gods or away from the right path. (Deut. 13:1-3, Micah 3:15). True prophets: 1. The message is to guide people towards God by preaching the importance of repentance. 2. Prophesies come to pass.
3. Receive true revelation and speak correctly on behalf of God. Yes, there are still false prophets; the entire NT warns us about them.
1. Matthew 7:15-16.
2. Matthew 24:4-5.
3. 2 Tim. 4:3-4
4. 2 Peter 2:3
These are deplorable in God's sight, and He even goes so far as to say they should be killed(Deut.
13:1-5). Elijah would have false prophets killed in the hundreds. Modern false prophets do not like to be called out when they are found to be false. I believe true prophets prioritize pleasing
5
God over the opinions of others, even if they claim to hear from God audibly. I've faced much criticism for claiming to hear God's voice. However, I truly believe that someday, everyone will believe me. Despite the hardships I experience because of my faith in Christ, I am willing to endure them. I willingly accept that I will have to face complex challenges for Him, as it is a part
of my commitment. Real prophets are not bothered by being accused of lying or disliked for what we convey; we are not offended by the fact that our message might be offensive to some. The Bible is meant to challenge and provoke thought. It is often the case that those who live in sin find the concept of God offensive. We can understand this, as we were once in that position ourselves. It is typical for the words of a true prophet to offend. If the world were to love us, then
it would mean that we are part of it. However, as things stand, we are not.
Message
5. According to Hays, what are the three primary points of the prophetic message? Be specific.
Hays (2010) states the following:
The following three basic points can summarize the message of the prophets:
1.
Israel or Judah, you have violated the covenant between you and God. You must repent and
seek forgiveness for your actions
2.
If there is no repentance, then it will result in judgment. The nations will also face review.
3.
Yet there is hope beyond the judgment for a glorious future restoration both for
Israel/Judah and for the nations. (p.63)
The prophet's primary role was to deliver messages from God, urging people to repent and avoid judgment. Despite this, the people of Israel often ignored these warnings. The prophets primarily
issued words of a sentence, with occasional mentions of comfort, because Israel failed to uphold
6
their covenant with God. A significant issue for Israel and her treacherous sister Judah was playing the harlot and whoring after other gods, which led to all kinds of sin.
6. According to Hays, what do the prophets commonly address three sins? Hays (2010) says, "These sins or "covenant violations" fall into three major categories, all of which are explicitly listed in Deuteronomy: idolatry, social injustice, and reliance on religious ritualism" (p.64).
7. According to Hays, what is the three-part covenant formula? According to Hays (2010), "The covenant relationship was characterized by a three-part formula: “I will be your God; You will be my people; I will dwell in your midst" (p.35).Jonah
8. According to Jonah 4, what was his real reason for not prophesying to the invites? Because he knew God would have mercy on them if they repented. Jonah hated the Ninevites. These would be the people whom God would later use as an instrument of judgment upon Israel and exile the ten tribes.
9.
Have you ever felt you didn’t want to confront a situation because you might be called upon to
forgive and forget?
I used to feel this way sometimes, but now it is getting easier for me to do. It took a long time for
me to understand that I should let go of my anger, turn it over to God, and forgive a person. For me, it was a long time to forgive. I blamed a man for killing my mother. He would sneak stuff into her food that she didn't know she was taking. He would make her do things she didn't want to do once I turned it over to God; God never asks us to "forget" He asks us to forgive. Only God
knows man's heart, and if God can do what He has done For me, I can rejoice in that. I am a Christian; I celebrate any time a sinner is brought to repentance, no matter their past. I hope to see all of my enemies in Heaven.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
7
References
Hays, D. J. (2010).The Message of the Prophets. : Zondervan Academic
Gable t. (2015) The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®