How are the books of the Bible interrelated?

Are the Bible’s books interrelated?

Dates, themes, and settings of A books help in relating them. Two examples might suffice.

Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther close Israel’s Old Testament history, following the exile, and foreshadow events yet future. Ezra and Nehemiah tell of the spiritual and national recovery of a faithful remnant in the land, although both recoveries are somewhat limited. But what about other Jews who will remain scattered among the Gentiles? As in Esther, God will sovereignly preserve those who respond to His Word; they’ll also come into joy and blessing.

Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians emphasize teaching regarding the Church, the Body. Ephesians focuses on our relationship with one another; we are one in Christ. Colossians focuses on our relationship with Christ; we are complete in Him. Philippians shows how right relationships with one another are maintained by a devoted appreciation of our relationship with Christ.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Why does the church share a cup for the wine?

In this passage, what is the significance of partaking of the cup?

Since God required the blood to satisfy His claims (Exodus 12:13;" TARGET="_blank">Exodus 12:13; Leviticus 17:11)," TARGET="_blank">Leviticus 17:11), the cup of blessing expresses fellowship with God. Those partaking of the cup share a fellowship with God on the basis of shed blood. This corporate act expresses a corporate fellowship, "the fellowship" (Acts 2:42)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:42) existing when believers obey the Spirit’s teaching, thus forming an assembly (1 Corinthians 1:9)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:9).

This is central to Paul’s teaching about idolatry. By partaking of what was given for idols ("the cup of devils"), they expressed a fellowship with demons ("the table of devils"). By symbolically partaking of what was for God ("the cup of the Lord"), they expressed a fellowship with the Lord ("the table of the Lord"). It is morally impossible to have fellowship with devils (demons) and with the Lord, to participate with the heathen temple and with the church of God. Participating in the assembly requires separation from evil.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

What is a good commentary for John, Romans and 1 Corinthians?

What commentaries will help most in studying these books?

Again, first consult the commentaries in "What the Bible Teaches" on each of these books. The above mentioned general commentaries also help with these books.

John: Any of the authors who wrote books on the gospels recommended by Tom Wilson (September, October, 2001) are worth consulting where they write on John. George Reith is not well known, but, of his 314 pages in two small volumes, W. Smith says, "Dr. Reith has packed more helpful, practical, biblical, interpretative material into the unusually rich paragraphs of this book than any other writer on the same gospel within the same space." Leon L. Morris has 936 pages on John, of which Barber writes, "a work of superlative scholarship that not only replaces the majestic work of Westcott but surpasses Barrett as well."

Romans: James Currie has just released his book on Romans, which is likely to be very helpful. H. C. G. Moules book, "The Epistle to the Romans" is highly rated. His "Studies in Romans" is good, but less valuable than the other.

I Corinthians: J. M. Davies "The Epistle to the Corinthians" and W. E. Vines "I Corinthians" are very helpful aids for study.

Ephesians: William MacDonald in his "Believers Bible Commentary" devotes more pages proportionately to Ephesians than any other epistle of Paul. It may well be the outstanding work in his commentary.

"In the Heavenlies" is one of Henry A. Ironsides best studies. John R. W. Stott, "Gods New Society: The Message of Ephesians" is also very helpful.

Hebrews: "Studies in the Epistle to the Hebrews" by E. Schuyler English and "An Unshakeable Kingdom" by David Gooding are a good basis for studying this book.

W. Gustafson
Other pages in this section

About this site

Do people in heaven watch us?

DEPARTED SAINTS AND EARTH

Do saints with the Lord “look this way” as the hymn says?

Are they cognisant of what is taking place on earth, as the hymn puts it, “Some one in glory LOOKING this way”?

I do not know any Scripture, which shows that those with Christ are cognisant of what is going on on the earth, or are “looking this way.” Samuel, when called up from beneath, as I believe he undoubtedly was, did not know why, but had to be told the circumstances by Saul (1 Samuel 28:15)." TARGET="_blank">1 Samuel 28:15). He was not “looking this way,” he called it being “disquieted.”

The rich man in Hades did “look this way,” as far as remembering he had five brethren still alive, who, though he could not see them, he instinctively felt were on the wrong road. Lazarus was in Abraham’s bosom, and gave no indication of “looking this way” (Luke 16" TARGET="_blank">Luke 16: From Ecclesiastes we learn that “the dead know not anything” Ecclesiastes 9:5)," TARGET="_blank">Ecclesiastes 9:5), that is, of world happenings; not that they are unconscious, but as v. 6 tells us, they have no more “a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.”

If we take our ideas from hymns, we may get some strange ones; but if we disapprove of a hymn, it is better not to sing it, or else to omit the offending verse, than to tamper with it. It is a serious matter to tinker a hymn, without the author’s permission.

W.H.

Other pages in this section

About this site

What is the proper use of assembly funds?

What is the proper use of assembly funds?

1 Corinthians 16:1-4," TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 16:1-4, linked with 2 Corinthians 8, 9," TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 8, 9, guides us. These funds were a special offering for fellow-believers suffering from natural disaster (see also Acts 11:28-30)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 11:28-30).

1 Timothy 5:3-16" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 5:3-16 teaches and qualifies the assembly's responsibility to meet the needs of the indigent among its number.

Although not supported in Corinth by the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:12;" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:12; 2 Corinthians 11:7, 9)," TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 11:7, 9), Paul received support from the Philippians (Philippians1:5; 2:30; 4:10-19)." TARGET="_blank">Philippians1:5; 2:30; 4:10-19). He intimates that churches support the gospel financially (4:15) and states (1 Corinthians 9:14)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 9:14) that "they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." Assemblies or individual believers who benefit from ministry should "communicate" with those who minister (Galatians 6:6)." TARGET="_blank">Galatians 6:6). This material communication (fellowship) expresses their share in this work of God.

Therefore, the Lord intends the use of assembly funds to express both Christian kindness and also the assembly's partnership in the work of God locally (Galatians 6:6)" TARGET="_blank">Galatians 6:6) and further afield (2 Corinthians 11:8, 9)." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 11:8, 9).

Overseers guide the assembly (Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24," TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24, mg.) in its distribution of funds. They are accountable to the Lord, the assembly, and the government (in that order) for this distribution.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

What principles does a Christian violate by voting in a state referendum?

What principles does a Christian violate by voting in a state referendum on issues like allowing gambling casinos or legalizing abortion?

Voting, in and of itself, is neutral. If voting involves the believer in the political system, this seems to violate the principle of separation (Ephesians 5:11;" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18)." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 6:14-18). As our Lord Jesus, we are not "of the world" (John 17:16)." TARGET="_blank">John 17:16). He refused to be drawn into politics (Matthew 22:17-21)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22:17-21). By our lives, we are to be salt, exerting a preserving influence on the world (Matthew 5:13)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 5:13). By our prayers, we are to effect good in government (1 Timothy 2:2)." TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 2:2). It is an admission of failure to have to use the voting booth to do what neither our lives nor prayers are doing.

On the other hand, a referendum, as stated by the question, may not involve entanglement in the affairs of this life (2 Timothy 2:4)." TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 2:4). Suppose a politician, for example, took a poll of neighborhood opinion and stopped at a Christian’s door. Responding would hardly violate the principles mentioned above. The same can be said of voting in a referendum.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Is the living bread from heaven, the same as the bread of the church communion?

Is Paul’s reference to the body and blood of Christ related to John 6:53-56" TARGET="_blank">John 6:53-56?

In John 6:53" TARGET="_blank">John 6:53 and 54, eating the flesh of the Son of Man and drinking His blood are necessary and sufficient conditions for having eternal life. That is describing what took place once; at the moment of conversion, we took the death of Christ to ourselves and received all its benefits. In verse 56, feeding on Christ and His death is characteristic of all who are saved. This, linked by some to Israel’s initial and continued eating of the Passover, is individual. "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:7). Our redemption is individual, as is our appropriation of the Lamb. The annual Passover shares the feature of remembrance with the Lord’s Supper, but, although instituted at the Passover, it does not replace the Passover or fulfill it.

At the Lord’s Supper, the assembly unitedly blesses and partakes of the cup and bread, thus expressing the blessings they share. Being a corporate act, it is therefore distinct from what the Passover expresses and from the personal communion of which the Lord speaks in John 6:56." TARGET="_blank">John 6:56.

In addition, John 6" TARGET="_blank">John 6 speaks of eating in a spiritual sense, 1 Corinthians 10" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 10 of eating physically.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Why did God create Satan if He knew that Satan would sin?

Why did God create Satan if He knew that Satan would sin?

Firstly, God did know in advance that Satan would sin. God has perfect foreknowledge. He is omniscient or all-knowing. See Job 37:16;" TARGET="_blank">Job 37:16; Psalm 139:2-4, 147:5;" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 139:2-4, 147:5; Proverbs 5:21;" TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 5:21; Isaiah 46:9-10;" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 46:9-10; and 1 John 3:19-20." TARGET="_blank">1 John 3:19-20.

The “why” part of the question is not directly answered in any particular Bible verse except that it is not always proper to ask the creator a “why” question.

Romans 9:20" TARGET="_blank">Romans 9:20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?"

However, when we seek to understand God rather than doubt him, we can explore the scriptures with an honest heart. If God knew that Satan would sin against him, but created him anyway, then it follows that God must have planned to use the sin of Satan as a way to complete his will.

The fact that Satan sinned does not mean that God caused him to sin or that God wanted him to sin. The Bible says that God does not cause sin (James 1:13)." TARGET="_blank">James 1:13). However, God is able to take a bad situation and use it to fulfill his plans.

Looking at how God will bring all things together under him at the end of time, it can be said that God will bring more glory to himself by saving and redeeming a lost human race than if he had just enjoyed a peaceful world for eternity. The Lord redeemed mankind through the sacrifice at the cross, showing his generosity to undeserving sinners. To Satan, he contrasts his actions, bringing only justice to Satan through condemnation.

The cross has always been the plan of God (Acts 2:23)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:23). Christ himself spoke of the predetermined nature of his death (Matthew 20:28)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 20:28). The cross is God’s way of making Satan’s rebellion and following fall of man into a blessing that lasts for eternity.

Other pages in this section

About this site

Free sunday school curriculum

The Sunday school curriculum provided here for free contains several parts:

1. Curriculum planning

First you should start with a curriculum planner and teaching helper. The section titled Sunday School Helper is an online book with ideas for organizing a lesson, creating a learning unit, maintaining discipline in the classroom, selecting an appropriate Bible verse, reaching children with various learning styles and more.

2. Lessons plans and Activities.

Lesson plans - A quick-start to help study a passage and important talking points for your next class.
Printable activities - Crafts, foldable paper models, worksheets, PowerPoint presentations and other items to make your lesson more interesting and active.

3. Free Sunday School Bible Verse Puzzle Maker.

You can turn a Bible vese or chapter into a Sunday School class activity in a 3 mouse clicks.

4. Online Study Bible

Bible search, commentary, dictionary and other tools to help you prepare a lesson for your next class.

5. Newsletter for Sunday School Teachers - The Encourager

Get a weekly class activity in your mailbox. There are two options for the Encourager:

These are free resources. "Freely ye have received, freely give." Matthew 10:8" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10:8

Other pages in this section

About this site

printable bible lessons

Free Printable Bible Lessons

at Gospel Hall dot org include the following pages:

- 3d printable objects such as the printable model of the tabernacle for use in a single Sunday school class session. This printable paper craft can be done in about one hour with the help of a team of students working cooperatively. Other printable sunday school lessons in this section include the Exodus from Egypt to Canaan wilderness journey, the woman at the well 3d printable lesson, and a craft for the 12 disciples in a boat during the storm.

- Sunday school worksheet puzzles include Crossword, wordfind, fill in the blank, and coloring pages.

Key words - Sunday School lesson printables, paper models, puzzles, games, children bible crafts.

Other pages in this section

About this site

Main Menu

Free Printable Bible Lessons