NewLife Bible Plan » How to Read http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:18 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 How to Read Matthew http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/12/31/how-to-read-matthew/ http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/12/31/how-to-read-matthew/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:51 +0000 Eric Stillman http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2007/12/31/how-to-read-matthew/ (Every time we begin a new book, I will post a short aide on How to Read that book that will hopefully help you get the most out of your reading)

Content: The story of Jesus, from his birth to the Great Commission to his apostles to go into the world and make disciples

Author, Date & Purpose: Anonymous, but likely the disciple Matthew or one of his companions, likely written in 70s/80s to Jewish Christians

Emphases: Jesus is the Son of God, the messianic King of the Jews; Jesus is present with us in miraculous power; He is Lord of the church; the teaching of Jesus has continuing importance for God’s people; the gospel of the kingdom is for all people.


How to read Matthew:Matthew’s account of Jesus’ life is clearly concerned with tying the story of Jesus to Israel’s story, from the beginning genealogy to the numerous references to fulfilled messianic prophecies (This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet…).  Jesus’ ministry and teaching fulfill the Old Testament laws, and are focused on the lost sheep of Israel.  But when he dies and is resurrected, the old covenant with Israel is abolished and the New Covenant between God and all who will believe in Jesus, both Jew and Gentile, has begun, as the disciples are sent out into all the world with the gospel of Jesus. While you are reading pay attention to a few interesting subplots:

1) Jesus vs. Pharisees – Jesus is set up as the true interpreter of the law and the one who knows God, while the religious leaders, although striving to live holy lives, completely miss the point in their legalism and lack of compassion and mercy on the lost sheep of Israel.  These encounters serve as warnings to those of us who consider ourselves religious or spiritual, that our desire to serve God does not cause us to do the same as the Pharisees did

2) Mission to the Gentiles – Although most of Jesus’ life was devoted to bringing salvation to the Israelites, there are many hints at how His salvation will ultimately be extended to the whole world (e.g. Jesus’ ministry begins in Gaililee, bringing light to the Gentiles, and ends with a commissioning to make disciples of all nations).

3) The Kingdom of God/Heaven – Jesus’ central message is that the reign of God, the realm where God’s will is done, is available through Him in a completely new way. This is good news not only for the super-spiritual but for the poor in spirit, the outcasts, those who don’t measure up – tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, blind men, and even a dying thief on a cross.  The kingdom of God is open to all through Jesus.

Memory Verses: Matthew 22:36-40 – “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Much of this material is drawn from “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.

]]> http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/12/31/how-to-read-matthew/feed/ 1 How to Read Genesis http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/12/31/how-to-read-genesis/ http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/12/31/how-to-read-genesis/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:11 +0000 Eric Stillman http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2007/12/31/how-to-read-genesis/ (Every time we begin a new book, I will post a short aide on How to Read that book that will hopefully help you get the most out of your reading)

Content: The story of creation, human disobedience and its tragic consequences, and God choosing Abraham and his offspring as the beginning of the story of redemption

Historical coverage: From creation to the death of Joseph in Egypt (ca. 1600 BC?)

Emphases: God as the Creator, God’s creation of humans in His image, the nature and consequences of human disobedience, the beginning of the divine covenants, and God’s choice of a people through whom he will bless the nations.

How to read Genesis: Don’t read Genesis (or any other book of the Bible) as a collection of moralistic fables, stories of heroes who show us the right way to live.  An honest reading of Genesis reveals that although people like Abraham and Joseph are sometimes called “heroes of the Bible,” in reality they are flawed people like you and me who are shown incredible grace and mercy by a holy God.  They are not the hero; God is the true hero in His relentless desire to bring His life and love to a fallen people who turned their backs on Him (even if it will eventually cost Him death).  Genesis reveals the beginning of His intervening in history by electing people – specifically Noah and Abraham and their families – who He will bless and through whom He will bless all peoples of the earth. While you are reading pay attention to a few important subplots:

1) Covenants & the Promises of God – A covenant is an agreement between two parties, and there are two significant ones in Genesis.  The first is with Noah and his sons, where God promises to never again cut off life from the earth.  In the second one, with Abraham and his family, God promises to be their God, give them land, and make them into a great nation that will ultimately bless all the nations.

2) Choice of the younger or weaker – God regularly defies convention by choosing the younger son over the older, and often chooses to bring the godly seed out of a barren woman.  They are not chosen because of their goodness, but because of God’s grace and mercy, and because in the end they will trust God and his promises.

3) Holy War – As God speaks to the serpent in Genesis 3, there is the first hint of a spiritual battle God will wage against evil that will ultimately lead to the cross.

Memory Verse: Genesis 50:20 (Joseph to his brothers):  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Much of this material is drawn from “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.

]]> http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/12/31/how-to-read-genesis/feed/ 0 How to Read Song of Songs http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/02/04/how-to-read-song-of-songs/ http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/02/04/how-to-read-song-of-songs/#comments Fri, 04 Feb 2011 05:00:41 +0000 Eric Stillman http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/?p=631 (Every time we begin a new book, I will post a short aide on How to Read that book that will hopefully help you get the most out of your reading)

Content: A love poem of several episodes, celebrating the sexual love between a man and a woman.

Author: Possibly Solomon, although it could have been written for him and not by him.

Emphases: The proper love of a woman and a man for one another; the unquenchable nature of pure love; the delight and longing for each other that pure love engenders.

How to read Song of Songs: There are three voices in the Song:  the woman, the man, and the woman’s companions.  While it is explicitly associated with Solomon, there are reasons to doubt that this is about Solomon and the woman he loves, most notably the fact that as an oriental King he is unlikely to invite love like this, as well as the fact that he took many wives and a harem later in life.

The book is very poetic, with many metaphors and images intended to evoke the imagination.  The woman’s body and love are described in terms of a garden and vineyard full of precious spices and wine for the man’s pleasure.  Because of its poetic nature, you would be wise to read this book in more than one translation, for some bring out the beauty better than others.

Because of the forthrightness and evocative nature of these descriptions has led many to allegorize it, but that is most likely because of the way sexual love has become so twisted over the years.  God’s plan from the beginning was that the man and woman could be naked and unashamed (Genesis 2:24-25).  This celebration of sexual love is not something to be ashamed of, but should help us recognize how beautiful it is in God’s sight when a married man and woman love and serve each other.

Memory Verse: Song of Songs 8:4: - “Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:  Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.”

Much of this material is drawn from “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.

]]> http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/02/04/how-to-read-song-of-songs/feed/ 0 How to Read Ecclesiastes http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/01/28/how-to-read-ecclesiastes/ http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/01/28/how-to-read-ecclesiastes/#comments Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:00:24 +0000 Eric Stillman http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/?p=629 (Every time we begin a new book, I will post a short aide on How to Read that book that will hopefully help you get the most out of your reading)

Content: The ponderings of a Wisdom teacher who wrestles with life’s realities; what is to be gained by achieving wealth or wisdom when in the end death claims both rich and poor, wise and foolish; but specially set in a context of knowing the fear of God.

Author: A wisdom teacher, possibly Solomon, but edited by a later editor.

Emphases: The transitory nature of present life; how to live wisely in a world where the only certainty is death and judgment; the futility of human pursuits that do not take the fear of God into account.

How to read Ecclesiastes: The book of Ecclesiastes comes from an editor (12:9-14) who has compiled the teachings and proverbs of an Israelite king who may or may not have been Solomon.  The king is very cynical as he reflects on the nature of human life, which is like a vapor in a world that continues as it was before and after anyone’s own life span.  The editor concludes the book by encouraging us to contemplate the king’s words, but in the end places the words within the ultimate setting of biblical wisdom:  Fearing God by keeping his commandments gives meaning to human life.

The king trusts in God and believes him to be just, but is convinced that the ways of the Creator are past finding out.  As a result, what is “done under the sun” doesn’t always add up right or seem fair to us.  The way things should be is not always the way things are.  Death is the great equalizer, and the king shows no hope in the resurrection, leading to his conclusion that life is meaningless.

Since we read this book confident of the hope in the resurrection and the certainty of divine judgment, we can understand how the king, who does not hope in the resurrection, sees life as meaningless, while not sharing his conclusion.  If we will not follow the editor’s advice and fear God and keep his commandments, then life will indeed be meaningless.

Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13:  Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter.  Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Much of this material is drawn from “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.

]]> http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/01/28/how-to-read-ecclesiastes/feed/ 0 How to Read Proverbs http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/01/07/how-to-read-proverbs-2/ http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/01/07/how-to-read-proverbs-2/#comments Fri, 07 Jan 2011 05:00:21 +0000 Eric Stillman http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/?p=573 (Every time we begin a new book, I will post a short aide on How to Read that book that will hopefully help you get the most out of your reading)

Content: A series of opening poems praising wisdom and warning against folly, followed by several collections of proverbs from sages who taught wisom to Israel, starting with Solomon.

Author(s): Collection of proverbs originating with Solomon, various wise men, Agur, and Lemuel’s mother  – gathered and arranged for later generations by someone otherwise known.

Emphases: Wisdom begins with the fear of and trust in God; at the practical level, it consists of making wise choices between good and evil behavior; such wisdom is to be desired above all else in order to live a full and godly life.

How to read Proverbs:

Proverbs should be read in the light of the prologue, which emphasizes the need to attain wisdom and reject folly.  The fundamental theological perspective is this:  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (9:10).

Some things to keep in mind as you read are:

1) The Proverbs are poetry, with lots of rhythmic and sound alike patterns in order to make them memorable – alliteration, catchwords, poetic meter, allusions, and metaphors – some of which translate easily into English and some that do not.

2) The contrast between wisdom and folly is at its heart a contrast between righteous living and wicked living.  The two main themes in the first section (1:8-9:18) are easy money (money taken by corrupt means) and easy sex (being seduced by another man’s wife).  This is contrasted by the admonishment to love one’s wife for life (5:15-19), and Proverbs even ends with an idealized wife as a model of wisdom (31:10-31).

3) The second and third sections (10:1-15:29; 15:30-22:16) portrays righteousness and wisdom mean diligence in work and care of the land, prudent use of money, caring relationships with neighbor and in family, proper use of the tongue, and proper attitudes and actions, while folly is the opposite.

Memory Verse: Proverbs 9:10:  “The fear of hte Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Much of this material is drawn from “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.


]]> http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2011/01/07/how-to-read-proverbs-2/feed/ 0 How to Read 1 Corinthians http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/12/26/how-to-read-proverbs/ http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/12/26/how-to-read-proverbs/#comments Sun, 26 Dec 2010 05:00:25 +0000 Eric Stillman http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/?p=559 (Every time we begin a new book, I will post a short aide on How to Read that book that will hopefully help you get the most out of your reading)

Content: A letter of correction, in which Paul stands over against the Corinthians on issue after issue, mostly behavioral, but which are nevertheless betrayals of the gospel of Christ and life in the Spirit.

Author and Date: The Apostle Paul, ca. AD 53-54, from Ephesus.

Emphases: A crucified Messiah as the central message of the gospel; the cross as God’s wisdom and power; Christian behavior that conforms to the gospel; the true nature of life in the Spirit; the future bodily resurrection of the Christian dead.
How to read 1 Corinthians: Paul deals with eleven different issues in this letter, many in response to reports from members of Chloe’s household (1:11), and others in response to the letter from the Corinthians mentioned in 7:1.  He corrects them again and again for ways they are not living in line with the Spirit.  The only issue that is not behavioral is the bodily resurrection of believers, spoken of in chapter 15.
Corinth was refounded by Julius Caesar in 44 BC as a Roman colony.  By the time of Paul, it had become the largest city in Roman Greece.  It was a very religious place, but also very morally decadent.  So those who had become believers brought a lot of their prior baggage with them to the Christian faith.  Reading the letter, it seems the Paul is at odds with people in the church on every issue.  On some issues, they have misunderstood or deliberately misinterpreted what he has said, and on other issues, they are just living in contradiction to the Christian way of life.
The primary place they are at odds is over the question of being spiritual.  They believe speaking in tongues is to speak the language of angels; therefore, they believe they have already arrived at the ultimate state of spirituality.  In their “wisdom,” they see Paul’s weaknesses as evidence of a lesser spirituality, and no need for the cross or the resurrection.  Paul, of course, preaches to them that the gospel is central, and he has to confront them again and again in order to make this clear.  He tells them that they may have all the spiritual gifts, but that they are lacking in the fruits of the spirit, in wisdom, and in maturity.

Memory Verse - 1 Corinthians 1:18 - “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

Much of this material is drawn from “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart

]]> http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/12/26/how-to-read-proverbs/feed/ 0 How to Read Judges http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/08/22/how-to-read-judges/ http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/08/22/how-to-read-judges/#comments Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:00:45 +0000 Eric Stillman http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2008/08/22/how-to-read-judges/ (Every time we begin a new book, I will post a short aide on How to Read that book that will hopefully help you get the most out of your reading)

Content: The cyclical narrative of the time of the judges, with emphasis on Israel’s repeated lack of covenant loyalty.

Author & Historical Coverage: Unknown author, but possibly Samuel.  Timespan is from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the monarchy.

Emphases: The tenuous results of the conquest; God’s constant rescue of his people, despite their habitual failure to keep covenant with him; the desperate conditions and overall downward spiral during this period; the need for a good king.
How to read Judges: The book of Judges is divided into three parts:

1) The introduction:  an “overture” setting forth the main themes (1:1-3:6).  While God never broke covenant with Israel, they broke covenant with him by not driving out the Canaanites, and so God will no longer come to their aid; rather, the Canaanites will be thorns in their side.
2) The Main Narrative Cycle:  A series of “variations” on the themes (3:7-16:31).  Israel does evil by serving the Canaanite Baals, they experience God’s anger, they cry out in distress, and God rescues them by sending a judge-deliverer.
3) Epilogue:  A “coda” illustrating the primary theme (17:1-21:25).  The people keep turning to foreign gods and failing to keep their covenant with God.

It is important to point out that judges at this time were not judicial officials, but military leaders and clan chieftains used by God to deliver Israel from enemies who threatened them.

Some of the main features to look for include:

1) There is much intertribal strife during this period, as one tribe will be oppressed and call on the others for help, but the other tribes do not always respond.
2) There is a gradual deterioration of things in Israel from the conquest of the land to the time of Samuel.  There are six major judges, and while the first three (Othniel, Ehud, and Deborah) are basically positive, the last three (Gideon, Jephtha, and Samson) are less positive.  By the end, we learn that there was no king and all the people did what was right in their own eyes (17:6, 21:25).
3) While the Spirit of the Lord is upon the judges, there is no mention of the presence of God in the midst of His people.  Israel has lost their way, and find themselves in chaos.

Memory Verse – Judges 21:25 -“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.”

Much of this material is drawn from “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.

]]> http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/08/22/how-to-read-judges/feed/ 0 How to Read Joshua http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/08/01/how-to-read-joshua/ http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/08/01/how-to-read-joshua/#comments Sun, 01 Aug 2010 05:00:45 +0000 Eric Stillman http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2008/08/01/how-to-read-joshua/ (Every time we begin a new book, I will post a short aide on How to Read that book that will hopefully help you get the most out of your reading)

Content: The partial conquest, distribution, and settlement of the promised land.

Author & Date: Traditionally held to be Joshua, but may be a later compiler.  From the beginning of the conquest to the death of Joshua.

Emphases: The engagement of the holy war, as God through his people repeatedly defeats the idolatrous Canaanites; the gift of the land to God’s people, thus fulfilling his covenant promise to the patriarchs; Israel’s need for continuing covenant faithfulness to the one true God.

How to read Joshua: Joshua is the story of how the second generation of former slaves succeeded in invading and possessing Canaan, thus inheriting the Promised Land. The first section (1:1-5:12) focuses on the entrance to the land, including the crossing of the Jordan River, the circumcision, and the celebration of the Passover.  The second section (5:13-12:24) tells the story of the partial conquest of the land, beginning with Jericho, and reveals that this is God’s war and success will depend on their obedience and loyalty to their covenant with Yahweh.  The third section (13-21) is about the distribution of the land, setting out the administrative organization of God’s earthly kingdom.  The last section (22-24) is concerned primarily with Israel’s continued loyalty to God and the renewing of the covenant.

Some of the main features to look for include:

1) There is a lot of war in this book, and it is not only so that God might give the land to the Israelites, but so the land might be rid of its idolatry, so that God’s people might reflect His likeness and follow His ways.
2) Notice as well that there many reminders in the book about God’s faithfulness – he is coming through on His promise of land that He first made to Abraham, and the people set up many memorials as reminders of God’s faithfulness.
3) Most importantly, this book is all about covenant loyalty to God, and how the success of the nation depends on whether or not the people are loyal to their God.

Memory Verse – Joshua 1:8 – “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Much of this material is drawn from “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.

]]> http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/08/01/how-to-read-joshua/feed/ 0 How to Read Deuteronomy http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/06/23/how-to-read-deuteronomy/ http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/06/23/how-to-read-deuteronomy/#comments Wed, 23 Jun 2010 05:00:30 +0000 Eric Stillman http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2008/06/23/how-to-read-deuteronomy/ (Every time we begin a new book, I will post a short aide on How to Read that book that will hopefully help you get the most out of your reading)

Content: Rehearsal of the covenant for a new generation of Israelites just before the conquest.

Author & Date: Tradition holds that Moses is the author.  Deuteronomy covers the final weeks east of the Jordan.

Emphases: The oneness and uniqueness of Yahweh, the God of Israel, over against all other gods; Yahweh’s covenant love for Israel in making them his people; Yahweh’s universal sovereignty over all peoples; Israel as Yahweh’s model for the nations; the significance of the central sanctuary where Yahweh is to be worshiped; Yahweh’s concern for justice – that his people reflect his character; the blessings of obedience and the dangers of disobedience.

How to read Deuteronomy: Deuteronomy is essentially a restatement of God’s covenant for a new generation in the style of an ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaty-covenant.  Remember that because of the people’s disbelief on the edge of the Promised Land, they were sentenced to wander in the wilderness until the generation died off (except Joshua and Caleb).  And now the new generation is ready to enter the Promised Land, but needs to be reminded of what it means to be God’s people.  The suzerainty treaty-covenant is a covenant made between a king and his servants that would include a preamble and historical prologue (chs. 1-4), stipulations (the laws in 5-26), document clauses (reminders of the terms of the covenant in 27 & 31), sanctions (the blessings and curses in 28-29 & 32-33) and witnesses (4:26;30:19-20; 31). Some of the main features to look for include:

1) The importance of serving God only – the Shema in 6:4-5 (see memory verse) was the distinguishing mark of Judaism and is the most important commandment, according to Jesus.
2) The reminders that Israel is about to possess the land, fulfilling the oath God made to Abraham.
3) The demand that Israel not only avoid idolatry but destroy the Canaanite people and their places of worship.  The only way they can bless the nations is to obliterate all forms of idolatry and walk in the ways of God.
4) The importance of worshiping regularly at one central sanctuary (the tabernacle) instead of many high places throughout the land (like the pagans).

Deuteronomy may seem like a repeat of things we’ve already learned, but it is very difficult to understand the rest of the Biblical story without understanding Deuteronomy.

Memory Verse – Deuteronomy 6:4-5 – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Much of this material is drawn from “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.

]]> http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/06/23/how-to-read-deuteronomy/feed/ 0 How to Read Luke http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/05/30/how-to-read-luke/ http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/05/30/how-to-read-luke/#comments Sun, 30 May 2010 05:00:45 +0000 Eric Stillman http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2008/05/30/how-to-read-luke/ (Every time we begin a new book, I will post a short aide on How to Read that book that will hopefully help you get the most out of your reading)

Content: The story of Jesus and the salvation of Israel, beginning with the announcement of Jesus’ birth by the Spirit and ending with his ascension.

Author & Date: According to very early tradition, Luke the physician.  Could have been written either before the death of Paul (since Acts ends before Paul’s death) or after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD (because of his use of Mark’s gospel).

Emphases: God’s Messiah has come to his people, Israel, with the promised inclusion of the Gentiles; Jesus came to save the lost, including every kind of marginalized person whom traditional religion would put outside the boundaries; Jesus’ ministry is carried out under the power of the Holy Spirit; the necessity of Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.

How to read Luke: Luke’s gospel is unique in that it is part one of his story, with the second part written in the Book of Acts.  Part I is about how the good news of God’s salvation for all people began, through the power of the Holy Spirit, with Jesus in Galilee and in Jerusalem.  Part II is how the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus was, by the power of the Spirit, carried by the apostles from Jerusalem to Rome.

As you read, pay attention to the following themes:

1) The story of salvation – Luke’s gospel, and the Book of Acts, are concerned with God’s salvation of Israel and the promised inclusion of the Gentiles.  Salvation means God’s acceptance and forgiveness of sinners, which is especially good news for the marginalized in society.

2) The temple – The temple, which in the Old Covenant was the earthly place where God’s spirit dwelled, plays a significant role in Luke’s writings.  It figures prominently in the beginning of Luke, is cleansed near the end of the book, and then its destruction is prophesied, since in the new covenant God will no longer dwell in a temple made by human hands.

3) The Holy Spirit – The Spirit is very involved, guiding much of Jesus’ ministry, and will play a big role in the Book of Acts as well, of course.

4) Prayer & Joy – Jesus is shown in prayer often, and Luke includes a good deal of teaching on prayer.  Also, His salvation is often concern for rejoicing and great joy.


Memory Verse – Luke 4:18-19,21 – “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor… Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Much of this material is drawn from “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.

]]> http://newlife-glastonbury.org/bibleplan/2010/05/30/how-to-read-luke/feed/ 0