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THE BIG PICTURE BRENT WILLIAMS


A 40 Day Overview of the Bible Fewer and fewer Christians are familiar with the overall story and structure of the Bible. As such, people lose interest in reading the Scriptures and if they do, they don’t have a broader context to their reading. This book is a simple introduction to the ‘Big Picture’ of Scripture. How to use this resource This book has been written to be used both in group and individual applications. The 40 day format means that it is ideally designed to be used on consecutive days resulting in a basic grasp of the ‘Big Picture’ of the Bible’s themes and characters. We have deliberately not included full texts of Bible references so you have to have the Bible in one hand (or an electronic version) and this book in the other. There is no substitute for getting your hands on the Bible and finding where things are. It can also be used in a group context where the members agree to start and finish together, and privately and corporately maintain their commitment over the 40 day period. Whether a group meets weekly or fortnightly, they can stay accountable to the process by sharing their learning observations or doing the daily assignment when they meet. Leaders will benefit the group by having extra knowledge that fills in any gaps that come up in discussion. The anticipated study can be prepared and reference to a good study Bible will supply useful information (the NIV or ESV Study Bibles are good).

Making a personal record Get a new notebook, journal or create a new file on your laptop and use each page to record summaries, insights from the selected references and other reflections. We remember more when we write down things we’ve read or heard. The purpose of this exercise is to produce a ‘heart response’ not only an intellectual one, based on the historical data. The Biblical history is a collection of stories about God and His creation, especially people. At that level we can certainly identify, and see ourselves in these narratives. It means going a little deeper below the surface of the information and seeing God at work. The Bible has been written but the Biblical themes still continue today. You and those around you are part of that story. An old saying goes ‘the new is in the old concealed and the old is in the new – revealed!’ As you read the Big Picture, you may be familiar enough with the Old and New Testaments to recognise what is concealed and revealed. Make notes of these as you work through the book.


Day 1 Zone: Introduction Summary Welcome to the first day of this 40 day journey taking you through an overview of the Bible. Every day there will be a summary of the significant content of the selected section of Bible history. There will also be selected readings of Scripture, chosen because they are summary passages or examples of the key themes of that era. This is an overview. It is aimed at communicating the broad themes of salvation history as recorded in the Bible. It doesn’t expand on the details or debate the content. Its sole purpose is to help you grasp the ‘Big Picture’ of the Bible’s narrative and literature. The Bible is a collection of 66 books, with many human authors. They wrote under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as they were ‘moved’ by Him. The books, these sacred writings, were written over a period of more than 1,000 years. They were written in several ancient languages and many of the stories are understood to have been handed down through oral tradition before being written. The Bible is a collection of books forming one book. That book teaches theology. It tells us about the God Who created everything and His purpose in doing so. The Bible reveals how we can be restored to live in relationship with Him and others. God is the central character in the story.

Key References • • • •

2 Timothy 3:16 Romans 15:4 Luke 24:25-27, 44-45 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11

Reflection How much of your family history do you know and have you drawn any moral lessons from it?


Day 2 Zone: The Beginning Summary: God is the central character of the story. In the beginning, God already existed. God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them. Everything in creation is subject to God. Even the wonders of the universe, the sun, moon and stars are subject to God. It is all good. The crowning act of His creation was making human beings, in His own image and likeness. God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit have made us for relationship with Him. God gave the human race the responsibility to take care of the earth under His authority. Soon after this assignment of dominion was given, the first humans disobeyed their Creator God and plunged themselves and the human race into spiritual and physical death. This is known as ‘the fall’. God had warned them that this was going to be the consequence of their disobedience.

Key References: • • • •

Genesis 1:1 Genesis 1:26-28 Genesis 2:16-17 Genesis 3:6-13

Key People: Adam and Eve – the Serpent

Events: Creation – Designation of human responsibility –Disobedience

Location: Garden of Eden (Mesopotamia, Ancient Near East)

Date: Pre-history

Reflection Why have theologians called the events of Genesis 3 ‘the fall’?


Day 3 Zone: The Beginning Summary: This period is referred to as primeval by Bible historians. It is difficult to imagine the slippery slide of human corruption that quickly resulted from the entry of sin into humanity. Murder, revenge, deceit, lust and idolatry quickly took hold of the human heart. Even the imaginations of humans became obsessed with evil intentions. This was not what God created the world to be like. God said ‘No!’ to their self-destruction and potential annihilation by bringing a judgement to save a portion of humanity. That judgement was announced well in advance and came in the form of a flood. Through Noah, God started over again. God had made a covenant with Noah, promising to bless him and his family. But some of his descendants turned away and built their own tower in Babel. It was a sign of rejecting God and he frustrated their efforts by confusing their communication.

Key References: • • •

Genesis 6:5-8 Genesis 9:1 Genesis 11:5-9

Key People: Cain – Abel - Noah

Events: The Flood – Tower of Babel – Languages scattered

Location: Mesopotamia, Ancient Near East

Date: Pre-history

Reflection: How much are breakdowns in communication a matter of the heart or mere language?


Day 4 Zone: The Patriarchs Summary: God is never taken by surprise. He works through people to bring about His purpose. Abram (became Abraham) comes onto the scene about 2000 years before Jesus Christ. God formed a special relationship with Abraham when he still lived a long way from Canaan, his future homeland. Abraham became the father of a people who would live out a relationship of trust that showed God’s grace to all people. God promised Abraham a son, a land, and blessings for all people that would eventually come through his descendants. Abraham believed that promise.

Key References: • •

Genesis 12:1-9 Genesis 15:1-7

Key People: Abraham – Sarah – Lot

Events: Promise of a son and generational blessing

Location: Haran - Canaan

Date: 2160 BC

Reflection: We don’t earn or qualify to receive promises from God. He is a giver by nature. What promises in the Bible are you trusting right now and what would be the longer term benefits for others if those were fulfilled?


Day 5 Zone: The Patriarchs Summary: Abraham and Sarah have their promised son Isaac. He also receives the promise from God about the future. Isaac and his father, Abraham, are tested to trust God when He asks Abraham to offer Isaac in sacrifice. Abraham had learned to trust God over the years and as shocking as this ‘request’ sounds to us, Abraham obeyed. God saw Abraham’s willingness to obey and intervened by providing a substitute sacrifice. Isaac married Rebekah, and they had twin sons, Esau and Jacob. These two sons become the fathers of other nations and clans. The stories of these families are found in Genesis 21-39.

Key References: Genesis 22:1-3, 9-18 Genesis 26: 2-5

Key People: Abraham -Isaac – Ishmael – Esau - Jacob

Events: Ishmael born – son of a slave and becomes the father of the Arab race Isaac born – son of God’s promise, a miraculous conception Isaac’s life is spared through a substitute

Location: Land of Canaan

Date: 2000 BC

Reflection: In what way do tests show us something about our faith and obedience?


Day 6 Zone: The Patriarchs Summary: Esau and Jacob are twin brothers who compete for their father’s affection. Through an act of deception, Esau forfeits his blessing as the eldest son, giving it to Jacob. Jacob then deceives his father to get the blessing and has to flee his brother’s jealous revenge. In fear, Jacob runs away to a distant land and marries his relative’s daughters. In that place he himself is deceived, but God still blesses him, despite his many character flaws! After many years, Jacob has a life-changing encounter with God. His name gets changed to Israel and he returns to reconcile with his brother and father. Jacob fathers 12 sons who become the heads of the 12 tribes of the people who were later known as the nation of Israel.

Key References: • •

Genesis 27:27-29 Genesis 32:22-30

Key People: Jacob – Esau – Laban – Leah - Rachel

Events: Jacob cheats Esau out of the blessing Jacob becomes Israel after wrestling with the Angel of the Lord during the night

Location: Land of Canaan

Date: 2000 BC

Reflection: The story of Jacob demonstrates two spiritual principles: We reap what we sow; God’s grace to bless us despite our flaws. How have you seen this paradox in your own life?


Day 7 Zone: The Patriarchs Summary: Joseph, the favourite son of Jacob, gets sold out by his jealous half-brothers into slavery in Egypt. Famine strikes Canaan and the sons of Jacob have to go to Egypt to seek food. Joseph has gone through many trials and risen to become Egypt’s Prime Minister. Through a series of events, Joseph brings his family from Canaan to Egypt and is restored to them. He is able to save his family from starvation. This period of Israel’s history comes to a close with the extended family of Jacob (Israel), all living in Egypt where they settle down and increase in number. The sequence of Israel’s patriarchs or fathers has been orchestrated by God as He forms a nation and calls them to himself. Here they are, not in their promised land, but in Egypt, holding on to a promise. They are blessed even though the story is marked with many human failings.

Key References: • • •

Genesis 37:19-29 Genesis 41:41-45 Genesis 50:15-26

Key People: Joseph and his brothers

Events: Joseph is sold into slavery , experiences injustice but rises to prominence in Egypt Jacob and his whole family come to Egypt The Hebrews (the Israelites) spend the next 430 years in Egypt before the Exodus

Location: Egypt

Date: 1875 BC

Reflection: Good things can come through painful experiences. Can you recall such an experience?


Day 8 Zone: The Exodus Summary: The descendants of Abraham, Isaac , Jacob and Joseph migrated to Egypt. Egypt was a mighty civilization in both military and political terms. The Pharoahs were gods to the people. The Hebrews had become slaves in Egypt and had cried out to God for help. Moses was born, divinely protected from genocide and then raised in the family of Pharoah. When Moses is 80, he was called by God (Yahweh) to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, to the land promised to their forefathers. Through the leadership of Moses and his older brother, Aaron, God overcame the spiritual and governmental forces of Egypt by mighty acts of judgement. In this, God fulfilled His promise to the Hebrews, delivering them from slavery and leading them to the land He had promised. Moses became the mouthpiece of God to the Hebrews.

Key References: • • •

Exodus 1:6-8 Exodus 3:7-8 Exodus 12:40-42

Key People: Moses – Aaron - Pharoah

Events: The call of God to Moses at the burning bush The signs and wonders God demonstrates through Moses to Pharoah The final act of judgement becomes the occasion for the Passover meal The Red Sea is divided, creating a miraculous escape for the Hebrews from Pharoah’s revenge

Location: Egypt

Date: 1445 BC

Reflection: Jesus took the Passover meal and renovated its significance by linking it to his death on the cross. What was similar and what was different?


Day 9 Zone: The Exodus Summary: Leaving Egypt was only the beginning. The Israelites had been nomads and slaves for hundreds of years and God had now called them out to be His people in their own land. Their first priority was worship. Worship required responding to God in the way He prescribed – not in the way the nations around them worshipped their gods. The worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, involved priests, a portable Temple, sacrifices and laws governing all aspects of life. Many of the laws were to protect their health, whilst others were to reveal the worship of one God (monotheism). In summary, God required them to be holy, because He was holy.

Key References: • • •

Exodus 20:1-19 Leviticus 11:44-45 Leviticus 16:29-34

Key People: Moses - Aaron

Events: Mt Sinai and desert of Sin Journey to Mt Sinai where the Ten Commandments are given Israel sins by making a Golden Calf idol and worshipping it as their God The Tabernacle is made according to the design God gave Moses

Location: Date: 1445 BC

Reflection: In your desire to be holy and different to the world around you, what are the biggest battles?


Day 10 Zone: The Exodus Summary: The Israelites consistently disobeyed God during their entire wandering in the desert wilderness. This was especially the case in the early months of their journey towards the land God had promised. God forgave them and also disciplined them for their unfaithfulness. Moses sent out 12 representatives, one from each tribe, as spies to survey the land of Canaan. When they returned, only 2 of the 12 believed God would help them conquer the Canaanites and occupy the land. The other 10 convinced the multitude to rebel and as a result, God postponed their eventual progress for 40 years.

Key References: • •

Numbers 13:26-33 Numbers 14:20-25

Key People: Moses – Joshua - Caleb

Events: The spies return and the bad report turns the multitude against Moses At Kadesh Barnea, God declares that the current generation won’t inherit the land

Location: Kadesh Barnea

Date: 1444 BC

Reflection: Do you think that we experience delays to things today because of disobedience?


Day 11 Zone: The Exodus Summary: A new generation grew up in the wilderness waiting for the day when they could enter their promised land. In truth, they were not much better than their parents. Israel was often threatened by hostile nations on their temporary borders. During this time Israel formed an army and learned to be very mobile, staying in locations for lengths of time varying from weeks to months or years. A new leader was trained to succeed Moses and a new High Priest chosen to replace Aaron. The people, humbled by their experiences, learned to fear God and His word. In the final months of their journey, Israel camped in the plains of Moab, by the Jordan River. There, before his death, Moses preached God’s laws as a reminder to the people of their covenant obligations.

Key References: • • •

Deuteronomy 1:3-5 Deuteronomy 8:1-5 Deuteronomy 34:5-12

Key People: Moses - Joshua

Events: Balaam, a false prophet hired by Israel’s enemies, is unable to curse the Israelites and blesses them instead Deaths of Miriam, Aaron and Moses Before his death, Moses renews the covenant with a new generation of Israelites

Location: Moab – Desert wilderness

Date: 1406-05 BC

Reflection: Taking God seriously by respecting his word is something most people learn through experience. Recall an occasion when this was true for you.


Day 12 Zone: The Conquest Summary: Joshua was installed as the new leader of Israel. His task was to lead the tribes into their inheritance. Joshua was also a military strategist. For modern readers, the story of the conquest of Canaan can be difficult to understand. For years, the various ethnic groups who inhabited the land had heard about what happened to the might of Egypt, when it opposed the God of Israel. God had commanded the Israelites to take the land through military warfare, either by defeating their enemies, offering terms of peace to some or driving others out of the land. They were promised success, conditional on their obedience to God. God prepared them for this task by (a) calling them to consecration, (b) leading them through a dried up Jordan River at flood time and (c) the collapsing of Jericho’s walls, without a bow shot fired in anger.

Key References: • •

Joshua 1:1-5 Joshua 24:14-24

Key People: Joshua – Caleb – Gibeonites – Canaanites

Events: Jordan River is crossed by the Israelites Jericho is defeated after 7 days of the Israelites marching around and worshipping God After surveying the land, Joshua and the tribal leaders allocate the land to the tribes Joshua dies with various tracts of the land still left to be possessed

Location: Moab – Jordan - Canaan

Date: 1405 BC

Reflection: Can you identify with Israel in how God has prepared you for your future inheritance?


Day 13 Zone: The Judges Summary: When Joshua and the elders of his generation had died, Israel continued to settle in the land. Very quickly they slipped away from their promised loyalty to Yahweh. The book of Judges records cycles of disobedience, decline and deliverance throughout the tribal lands. The troubles the people experienced were those forewarned in the covenant God had made with Israel. When the people got desperate, they cried out to God and He sent a leader who led the people to victory over their enemies. Those leaders were called ‘judges’ because of their function. The cycles of disobedience, decline and deliverance continued for over 300 years, and the political and social disorder was great. Most of the leaders God raised up to bring about victories were far from perfect. Some came from unexpected backgrounds, as God graciously intervened.

Key References: • •

Judges 3:1-6 Judges 21:25

Key People: Deborah – Gideon - Samson

Events: Note the phrase, ‘In those days Israel had no king’ Gideon’s fleece, as he seeks divine confirmation of his assignment Samson’s acts of strength and foolishness

Location: The Promised Land of Israel

Date: 1390 - 1049 BC

Reflection: The pattern experienced by the Israelites is repeated in many Christian’s lives today. What are we to learn from this history?


Day 14 Zone: The Judges Summary: During the time of the Judges, God would use natural disasters to humble Israel and cause them to turn back to Him. Things like famine, drought and invading enemies kept Israel vulnerable. At ground zero it is a very human story. The Book of Ruth is a love story about a non-Jewish widow who shows great faith and loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Naomi is her only real future and link to God’s people. Ruth, an outsider, becomes an ancestor to Israel’s greatest King. This is a small story of love and faithfulness that is woven into the ‘Big Picture’ of God’s master plan of salvation.

Key References: • •

Ruth 1:16-18 Ruth 4:13-17

Key People: Ruth – Naomi - Boaz

Events: Famine in the land of promise The birth of the Ruth’s son, who is King David’s grandfather

Location: Bethlehem in Judah - Moab

Date: 1150 BC

Reflection: What ‘little’ things are you doing right now that God may use to open a door to greatness?


Day 15 Zone: The Kingdom Summary: Samuel, a prophet-priest and the last of the Judges, responds to the people’s request for a King. Their hostile neighbours had Kings – why not Israel? Samuel anoints Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, as the first King of Israel. After a promising start, Saul fails and is rejected by God, not because he sinned but because he was too stubborn to repent. He sees out his days but in the meantime, God found a replacement, choosing David, from the tribe of Judah to succeed Saul as King. David experienced military success against Israel’s traditional enemies and enjoyed great popularity before he came to the throne.

Key References: • • • • •

1 Samuel 8:4-9 1 Samuel 9:15 1 Samuel 13:13-14 1 Samuel 16:8-13 1 Samuel 17:50

Key People: Samuel – Saul – David - Jonathan

Events: Israel asks for a King, contrary to God’s highest for them Saul is anointed King David defeats the giant, Goliath and becomes successor to Saul

Location: Shiloh – Gibeah – Bethlehem – Philistine territories

Date: 1067 – 1011 BC

Reflection: What was the most significant difference between Saul and David?


Day 16 Zone: The Kingdom Summary: After Saul died, David came to power as King, but only ruled over his own tribe of Judah. Eventually, the other tribes gave their allegiance to him, united under his kingship. David captured Jerusalem and established the city as his capital, his place of government. David had many high ranking leaders around him, some of whom were reckless and treacherous. He also experienced jealousy from his own family. David was not perfect. His life was made up of events including adultery, conspiracy to murder, pride and family breakdown. But David was repentant and exhibited a heart for God. He had a zeal for God’s Name and for God’s people.

Key References: • • •

2 Samuel 5:6-12 2 Samuel 8:15 2 Samuel 11:1-5

Key People: David – Joab – Nathan

Events: Saul dies in battle with his sons, including David’s best friend, Jonathan David takes Jerusalem David commits adultery with Bathsheba

Location: Israel - Jerusalem

Date: 1011 - 979 BC

Reflection: What things in life have you had to overcome so that God’s purpose can be brought about in you and through you?


Day 17 Zone: The Kingdom Summary: David, in his zeal for God, had a desire to build a Temple for God’s dwelling place. In David’s mind, this was the pinnacle of his life and Jerusalem was the perfect place. God commended David for the idea but because he had a violent and murderous past, said it wasn’t right for him to be the builder. Instead his son, Solomon, would be the one to build the Temple. In an amazing twist in the discussion, God makes a promise to David that He will ‘build David’s house’, meaning his family line. That promise would culminate in one of his descendants (sons), ruling forever. Jesus fulfilled this promise 1,000 years later! David delegated the task to Solomon and provided the resources. Before his death, David endured a painful challenge to his King-ship from another of his sons, Absolom.

Key References: • • •

2 Samuel 7:1-7 2 Samuel 7:11b -16 1 Kings 2:1-4

Key People: David – Solomon – Absolom - Nathan

Events: David plans to build a Temple Absolom revolts against his father David David dies and is mourned as Israel’s greatest King

Location: Jerusalem

Date: 1000 - 971 BC

Reflection: Sometimes we don’t get to do what it’s in our heart for reasons known by God. How do you feel about that?


Day 18 Zone: The Kingdom Summary: This period marks the high-point of Israel’s history in the promised land. Solomon was the ‘Son of David’, the anointed one, who made sure the Temple was built under his leadership. His palace was also built and Israel enjoyed peace on its borders. A royal dynasty was now established, embodying the fulfilment of the promises God had made to David. This was a foretaste of the Kingdom to come in Jesus Christ. Solomon was famous for his wisdom, administrative skill and foreign diplomacy. He also settled some old scores with his father’s enemies and led the nation into unprecedented prosperity, receiving adulation from many nations. At this point Israel was not under any other nation’s rule and free to worship Yahweh, the God of Israel, in the beautiful Temple with its priests and extravagant ceremonies.

Key References: • • •

1 Kings 6:1 2 Chronicles 7:1-3, 11-16 Proverbs 10:1

Key People: Solomon - Bathsheba

Events: Solomon is enthroned as King God appears to Solomon twice in visions The Temple and palace are built and dedicated with great celebration

Location: Jerusalem - Lebanon

Date: 971 - 950 BC

Reflection: The freedom to worship God often comes at a price or is due to the foresight of others. How is this applicable to your own spiritual journey?


Day 19 Zone: The Divided Kingdom Summary: Solomon made many political alliances with neighbouring nations, marrying women of religions that God had forbidden His people to marry. This was the beginning of the end. When Solomon died, his son, Rehoboam, foolishly rejected the advice of the elders and a rival arose to oppose him. This rival, Jeroboam, led a revolt against Rehoboam and split the Kingdom. Only two tribes in the southern region of Israel stayed loyal to Rehoboam – Judah and Benjamin. The remaining tribes joined Jeroboam. The experience of a nation unified under godly leadership in covenant with Yahweh lasted less than two generations.

Key References: • •

1 Kings 11:9-13 2 Chronicles 10:12-19

Key People: Solomon –Rehoboam – Jeroboam

Events: Solomon dies Rehoboam becomes King The Kingdom splits into north and south

Location: Jerusalem – Judah –Bethel - Dan

Date: 930 BC

Reflection: Can you think of a time personally or in corporate life where harmony and peace was lost because of disobedience to the known will of God? What did you do about it?


Day 20 Zone: The Divided Kingdom Summary: So after a brief period of relative peace and order, the people of God were divided into northern and southern territories. The northern area was known as Israel and the southern as Judah. Each kingdom drifted further away from God. A succession of kings occurred for hundreds of years. God sent prophets to warn the leaders and the people of potential and often impending consequences. Some kings were worse than others, especially in the north, where idolatry had replaced the worship of Yahweh. The history books of the Bible summarise each reign of the kings, whilst the Prophets record the sermons and warnings foretold in God’s name. The summaries have few bright spots, as the people stubbornly went on in their rebellion.

Key References: • • • •

1 Kings 18:27-39 1 Kings 22:41-44 Isaiah 37:1-8 2 Kings 17:21-23

Key People: Elijah – Elisha –Ahab -Hezekiah

Events: Elijah defeat the prophets of Baal in a challenge of who is the true God in Israel God protects Jerusalem from enemies during the reign of Hezekiah The northern kingdom is defeated and falls in disgrace to the Assyrian army

Location: Jerusalem – Damascus - Samaria

Date: 930 -722 BC

Reflection: How have you observed the patience of God towards yourself or others?


Day 21 Zone: The Exile Summary: When Israel (northern tribes) was taken into exile and resettled in various regions, Judah (southern tribes) barely escaped. For another 136 years, they experienced the grace of God. Kings, both good and evil reigned in Jerusalem. Many prophets continued to warn the people. A brief revival in the time of King Josiah only prepared them for the inevitable judgement and subsequent exile to follow. The King of Babylon, who had arisen to displace the hated super-power of Assyria, came with even more ruthless and devastating power. Jerusalem, its temple and palace was ruined. The people were transported far away from their promised land, now lost to their pagan enemies. Only a fraction of the population were left to live in the land, as prisoners.

Key References: • • •

2 Kings 25:8-12 2 Chronicles 35:16-19 Psalm 137:1-6

Key People: Jeremiah – Josiah - Nebuchadnezzar

Events: Prophets preach judgement on Judah for repeated lawlessness Josiah leads a spiritual renewal Jerusalem falls to the fearful Babylonian army The exiles are taken to the vast territory governed by Babylon

Location: Jerusalem – Judah – Babylon - Egypt

Date: 586 BC

Reflection: ‘Exile’ is descriptive of distance from God. Can that description apply to Christians when God is ‘all-present’? Explain what that can mean for God’s people today.


Day 22 Zone: The Exile Summary: Jeremiah prophesied that the exiles would be in Babylon for 70 years. This would have seemed like an eternity. Far away from their cherished Jerusalem, the Temple and the land of promise, with a long time to think about their mistakes –nearly twice as long as their ancestors spent in the wilderness. How were they to cope during this exile period? Would they lose their faith? Would they compromise their beliefs, further invoking the wrath of God? Could they worship Yahweh without the Temple? Would God come to their aid in such an ungodly culture? God sent prophets to encourage them about His promises and to stir hope in their hearts. He also showed them favour despite some enemies plotting even worse things. Furthermore, Yahweh reveals Himself not only as the God of the Jews, but as the God of all nations, who acts in sovereign power to judge the great civilisations. He is the true King of Kings.

Key References: • •

2 Chronicles 36:20-23 Jeremiah 29:10-14

Key People: Ezekiel – Jeremiah - Cyrus

Events: The kingdom Persia defeats Babylon God sends multiple messages of hope through His prophets

Date: 586 - 536 BC

Reflection: How have you felt when situations seem hopeless or beyond your control? How have the promises of God’s faithfulness been helpful?


Day 23 Zone: The Exile Summary: The exiles were eventually spread to other parts of the middle east. God’s blessing on His people was still active and revealed in many situations. God was not only the righteous of Israel, He was also the Lord and judge of all nations. God dealt with nations and their gods, who cruelly oppressed the Jews. Even though God used those once great ‘super-powers’ to carry out His discipline, He also judged them for their own sins and especially their excessive use of force on God’s people. God had promised to bring back the exiles to the land He had promised them. Throughout the Old Testament stories, the relationship Israel had with God is played out in their proximity to the land.

Key References: • • • •

Zechariah 10:6-12 Daniel 1:17-21 Daniel 9:1-3 Esther 9:20-22

Key People: Daniel – Darius - Cyrus

Events: Daniel predicts the rise and fall of kingdoms Some exiles return to Jerusalem Jews are persecuted in other places as ethnic hostility becomes more common

Location: Babylon – Susa - Judah

Date: 538 -465 BC

Reflection: How do these biblical perspectives help you find peace in the huge global issues?


Day 24 Zone: The Return Summary: As God began to fulfil His promise to bring the exiles back to their land, there is a mixed response. The land was under the control of the Persian empire, with its capital over 1200 kilometers away. God prompted the Persian rulers to allow exiles to return as well and paid for repairs and reconstruction. Great favour was shown to Jewish leaders who started work on the rebuilding projects. Rebuilding was not just physical – it was social and spiritual. The return of exiles took place in several main phases. The first of these was under a leader named Zerubbabel.

Key References: • •

Ezra 1:1-4 Ezra 4:1-5

Key People: Zerubbabel – Samaritans - Cyrus

Events: Cyrus makes a decree to return the exiles to Judah Rebuilding starts Rebuilding stops for several years

Location: Jerusalem – Judah - Persia

Date: 536 BC

Reflection: This part of Israel’s history demonstrates the sovereign acts of God in bringing people back. How does this encourage you about your own life?


Day 25 Zone: The Return Summary: After a delay of several years a new King, Darius, upholds the original decree for work to continue, funded and supported by the Persians! Back in Persia, Daniel, now an old man, is still in a very influential position with the new King. A Jewish Prophet named Haggai and some other prophets, encouraged the workers with their preaching, so that the Temple was rebuilt and dedicated. Although it was only a shadow of its former glory under Solomon or Hezekiah, it was symbolic of much more concerning their hopes for the future.

Key References: • • •

Ezra 6:13-18 Haggai 1: 1-4 Haggai 2: 1-5

Key People: Haggai – Darius – Artaxerxes - Zerubbabel

Events: Rebuilding continues Temple rebuilt and dedicated More exiles return

Location: Jerusalem – Judah – Persia

Date: 520 - 516 BC

Reflection: How do you feel when the present seems like a poor version of the past? Have you been tempted to despise or trivialise the moment you’re in now?


Day 26 Zone: The Return Summary: The Temple was rebuilt and a small number of exiles returned to Judah and Jerusalem, but the city was in great disrepair. Nehemiah, a servant to the King of Persia in Susa, made a visit to his home city of Jerusalem. Appalled by what he saw, he was stirred to action. He returned to Jerusalem to undertake a massive reconstruction of the city walls and towers. He too experienced opposition but succeeded in very quick time. Ezra, the priest and Nehemiah, who followed him, lead a large scale return of Jews. In the process, they had to address issues of racial intermarriage, social injustice and spiritual ignorance, as they rebuilt a society.

Key References: Ezra 7:1-10 Nehemiah 1:1-4 Nehemiah 6:15-16 Nehemiah 9:1-3

Key People: Nehemiah – Ezra – Artaxerxes

Events: Ezra leads the return of many exiles Ezra leads city wide repentance Nehemiah leads the rebuilding of the city walls, gaining greater security

Location: Jerusalem – Judah – Persia

Date: 458 - 432 BC

Reflection: What disturbs you from what you see around you as a reflection of the spiritual and moral decline of our age? In what ways are you moved to act?


Day 27 Zone: The Ancient Wisdom and Poetry Summary: We now take a detour from the chronological path of the Old Testament to engage in the wisdom and poetic literature of the Bible. This literature however, is deeply connected to the historical context of God’s people. It is found in many of the books in the Bible. Just as the music and art forms of today reflect the events and issues of our own generation, so do the art forms of poetry and wise sayings of people long ago. They are the vehicles for comment and debate on local and global issues. The songs and prayers in Israel‘s ‘Psalter’, their hymn book, span hundreds of years and several writers. King David is the most prolific song-writer. We will sample only a few.

Key References: Psalm 1:1-3 – a simple affirmation of the role of God’s law Psalm 44:20-26 – A group expression of discouragement that reveals deep feelings but ends with hope. It is written by a clan of families who had duties in the Temple, the sons of Korah. Psalm 23 – The most famous of all Psalms; A song of trust by David who was a shepherd boy.

Key People: David – Sons of Korah – Sons of Asaph (a clan of Levites who led the worship)

Events: Royal weddings – Festive celebrations – Threats of war – National humiliation and mourning – Personal victory and defeat

Location: Jerusalem - Wilderness of Sinai – Exile in Babylon

Date: 1200 -400BC

Reflection: What art forms help you express your love to God?


Day 28 Zone: The Ancient Wisdom and Poetry Summary: Wisdom was presented in various forms but always with reference to God. To fear God was the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom was practical and social. It was learned from others, usually parents and elders, who trusted in the Lord. The wisdom of the Bible is presented in short stories, sayings and in some cases, through reverse-wisdom, the kind we find in Ecclesiastes. They contain philosophical insights, but always in the Jewish form of God-centredness. Like many modern sayings, they are meant for ease of memorising, rather than explanation or complex instruction. They invite reflection. The wisdom and poetry deal with many daily realities and some big questions, about life, work, suffering and relationships.

Key References: • • •

Proverbs 9:10-12 Job 40:1-10 Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

Key People: Solomon – Job

Events: The testing of Job with suffering Solomon’s reign as King of Israel

Location: No particular place

Date: Job is considered an old story, passing through generations. Job lived in the times of Genesis, perhaps in a similar time to Abraham. Solomon reigned in 950BC.

Reflection: In looking at the verses in the references above, what wisdom do you find for your own questions?


Day 29 Zone: The Ancient Wisdom and Poetry Summary: The poetry and wisdom literature does reflect two big picture themes of God’s relationship with us. God is sovereign, He rules as Lord over everything. He is also very personal, caring about everyone and everything, everywhere. These truths are somewhat obscured because these writings are seeing life through the lens of God’s covenant people, Israel. Even though Israel is centre stage, the fingerprints of God’s plan for all people can still be traced. This tiny land-bridge of a nation was the literal plot of ground that God chose to grow a people that would shine His glory and ultimately receive the Saviour of the world.

Key References: • • •

Psalm 67 Psalm 8:3-5 Psalm 89:1-8

Key People: David, King of Israel Ethan the Ezrahite – a songwriter who lived later in Israel’s history when things had turned bad.

Events: Temple worship in Jerusalem – Exile in Babylon because of judgement

Location: Jerusalem – Exile in Babylon

Date: 1000 -400BC

Reflection:

“If I’m so blessed then why aren’t things going better?” This was a question asked by God’s people time and time again. What answers can we offer?


Day 30 Zone: Jesus Christ Summary: After approximately 400 years of silence, during which time the religious and political landscape changed, Israel had come under Roman rule. King Herod ruled as a puppet pulled by Caesar’s strings. Herod wasn’t a descendant of King David but a cruel and treacherous ruler who had no proper claim to the throne. Forms of faith had arisen during the years of silence that were either legalistic or liberal, with highly nationalistic overtones. The language of business and literature had become Greek following the dominant influence of Alexander the Great and the expansion of his Hellenistic kingdom in the 4th Century BC. Israel awaited their promised Deliverer-King, who would conquer her enemies and establish the nation in their promised land. Many religious zealots had arisen and led groups of people in rebellions against the Romans in this outpost of Caesar’s rule. The Pharisees, a highly religious sect of Judaism, believed the only way a Messiah would come was if the people were faithful keepers of the Mosaic covenant. Strict adherence to the Law and their traditions was the only guarantee for deliverance. The four gospels are four biographies of Jesus Christ. They are the records of eye-witness accounts of Jesus teaching, life and deeds.

Key References: •

John 1:6-18

Key People: Herod – John the Baptist – Pharisees – Jesus of Nazareth

Events: Birth of John the Baptist and his ministry – Birth of Jesus – Life and teachings of Jesus – death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus

Location: Galilee – Judea – Jerusalem

Date: 30AD

Reflection: How do you feel when God is silent? What do you do?


Day 31 Zone: Jesus Christ Summary: The gospel according to Matthew was written for Jewish Christians in the first century. Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled many prophesies of the Old Testament and is presented as the new Teacher of Israel, like Moses, only better. Jesus taught using parables and preached about the Kingdom of heaven as a present reality. Matthew’s gospel is well structured and records the main events of Jesus birth, ministry, teachings, death and resurrection. It was used as a teaching manual in the early churches.

Key References: • • • • •

Matthew 1:1 Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 12: 15-21 Matthew 13:31-35 Matthew 16:13-16

Key People: Herod – Scribes and Pharisees - Disciples

Events: Jesus birth – Jesus temptation – Jesus sends out disciples –Jesus arrest and trial – Jesus death and resurrection

Location: Galilee – Judea - Jerusalem

Date: AD 45-60 (Jesus lived approximately between 4BC and 33AD)

Reflection: How much do you think of yourself as living in the kingdom of God – is that a paradigm you think much about?


Day 32 Zone: Jesus Christ Summary: The gospel according to Mark is considered to be oldest and first gospel. It is also the shortest. Mark was a relative of the Apostle Peter and the gospel is understood to be an account of his memoirs of Jesus’ life. The gospel of Mark is action packed. Jesus is a healer, deliverer, miracle working teacher, who confronts the powers, both natural and spiritual. Mark’s gospel has less teaching and more action. It has no content about Jesus’ early life but begins when Jesus is launching into ministry. Characteristic of Mark’s biography of Jesus are the times when Jesus requests that his identity be kept secret. The dominant revelation of Jesus in Mark is that he is the ‘Son of God’.

Key References: • • • • •

Mark 1:1-8 Mark 2:1-12 Mark 7:36-37 Mark 14:61-62 Mark 15:38-39

Key People: Disciples – Chief Priests – Mary Magdalene

Events: Healings – Miracles – Jesus suffering - Resurrection

Location: Galilee - Jerusalem

Date: 45-60 AD (written)

Reflection: Why did Jesus ask people not to tell others what he had done for them or reveal his identity? What could have happened?


Day 33 Zone: Jesus Christ Summary: The gospel according to Luke forms the first of a two part record with the book of Acts. Luke is generally understood to have been a non-Jewish physician. He has recorded a carefully structured biography of Jesus with great story telling skills. In Luke’s gospel, we discover a very human Jesus and a Jewish Messiah who seeks non-Jews. This gospel has many famous parables not found in other gospels. Jesus, in Luke, is a very social person; a Saviour who associates with all kinds of people, including women. A prominent feature of interest to Luke is the role of the Holy Spirit. This is continued in the book of Acts. There is more information in Luke’s gospel about Jesus’ birth from the perspective of Mary.

Key References: • • • •

Luke 1:1-4 Luke 9:51 Luke 15:1-7 Luke 24:36-49

Key People: Mary, the mother of Jesus - Pharisees

Events: Birth of Jesus – Jesus ministry – Jesus arrest and trial – Jesus death – Jesus resurrection and appearances – Jesus ascension to heaven

Location: Galilee - Jerusalem

Date: 60-70 AD (written)

Reflection: If you were there at the time when the resurrected Jesus appeared to the disciples, what emotions and thoughts do you think you would have experienced?


Day 34 Zone: Jesus Christ Summary: The gospel according to John is different to the other three gospels, generally known as ‘synoptic’ because of the overlapping content. Most of John’s account is concerned with the final weeks of Jesus’ life and ministry. John wrote to validate Jesus as both divine and human, to an audience who were influenced by opposing concepts of what was true. John’s gospel is often referred to as the ‘gospel of belief’. The word ‘believe’ is used constantly and defines the person who entrusts themselves to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus refers to himself as ‘I AM” on seven occasions in this gospel. This expression meant Jesus equated himself with the God of Israel. There are several miracles, called ‘signs’, in this record as well as other very personal conversations Jesus had with people, not recorded elsewhere. This gospel also contains the most teaching from Jesus about the Holy Spirit.

Key References: • • • • •

John 1:1-5 John 5:24-27 John 7:37-40 John 15:1-4 John 20:30-31

Key People: ‘The Jews’ – Lazarus – Martha and Mary - Nicodemus

Events: Jesus confrontation with Jewish leaders – ‘Signs ’of Jesus divinity, including raising Lazarus from the dead – Jesus last 48 hours with his disciples

Location: Samaria – Bethany -Judea - Jerusalem

Date: 95 AD (written)

Reflection: Have you experienced a season in your life when you have been ‘pruned’? Recall that experience and identify the benefits that followed.


Day 35 Zone: The Jesus Movement Summary: The Book of Acts catalogues the growth of those who followed Jesus Christ in the first 30 years. The story picks up where the gospel of Luke left off, in Jerusalem. The Jewish sect who believed Jesus was the Messiah, burst forth in God’s power, grew and spread. By the end of the book, the church had reached Rome – a multi-ethnic movement of Christ-followers. In obedience to Jesus’ command to ‘Go and make disciples of all peoples’, the early church encountered many obstacles, including religious, philosophical, societal and political. Many suffered for Christ as this small group of disciples multiplied remarkably, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Key References: • • • • •

Acts 1:1-8 Acts 8:1-8 Acts 9:1-6, 31 Key People: Peter – John - Paul

Events: Day of Pentecost – Persecution of the Jerusalem church, notably Stephen – Conversion of Saul of Tarsus/Paul

Location: Jerusalem – Samaria - Damascus

Date: 35 AD

Reflection: Being a witness for Jesus Christ has many challenges. In what ways has God empowered you to carry out this role?


Day 36 Zone: The Jesus Movement Summary: The gospel impacted non-Jews and revealed the inclusive and universal nature of the Kingdom of God. This resulted in many challenges for the early church. What did God expect of non-Jews? The gospel would eventually turn the known world upside-down, spiritually and socially. The Apostle Paul became the outstanding leader of the movement as it penetrated the Greek speaking and thinking world. To claim ‘Jesus is Lord’ was to deny that Caesar was lord. Such a confession and belief had the potential to undermine the political power of Rome. Yet the Christians were known for their exemplary moral lives and care for the poor of society. Still, the church had enemies outside and divisive issues within.

Key References: • • • • •

Acts 10:39-43 Acts 13:1-3 Acts 15:22-29 Acts 18:1, 9-11 Acts 19:1, 8-12

Key People: Peter – James - Paul – Barnabas - Apollos

Events: Peter preaches to Gentiles – Council at Jerusalem – Revival and riot in Ephesus

Location: Jerusalem – Caesarea – Asia Minor(Turkey) - Greece

Date: 35-57 AD

Reflection: Why do we not see the same impact of the church on our culture and society?


Day 37 Zone: The Jesus Movement Summary: Most of the leaders and apostles of the early church were martyred. That didn’t stop the growth of the movement in numbers or influence. Paul ended his life in Rome, but probably well after his first imprisonment there (see Acts 28). Paul was determined to preach the gospel to rulers. He boldly testified to many secular and religious leaders about faith in the resurrected Jesus. Paul survived plots to kill him, shipwrecks and sickness. His lengthy imprisonments provided opportunity for him to write letters to young churches. These letters form the larger portion of such material in our New Testament. He went to Rome to defend himself against the Jews and had considerable freedom to do ministry. The Book of Acts ends where it begins: the gospel is continued to spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. At the close of the first century, the church was fighting for survival against hostile forces and heresy. The Revelation of John is an example of these challenges that faced real, historical churches and how God was in charge of human history.

Key References: • • •

Acts 25:8-12 Acts 28:17-24, 28-31 Revelation 1:1-3, 19-20

Key People: Paul – Timothy – Felix – Agrippa – Caesar

Events: Paul’s arrest and trials – Paul’s shipwreck – House arrest in Rome

Location: Asia Minor – Malta - Rome

Date: 59-64 AD; 100 AD

Reflection: Do you think the future of the church generally is bright or under threat and what influences your conclusion?


Day 38 Zone: The Churches Summary: The 22 letters or epistles in the New Testament contain a variety of doctrine, encouragement, prayer, commendations and instructions at many levels. They are addressed to both groups and individuals. Some are very structured and others are deeply personal. The apostles wrote letters to ensure the purity of the gospel was maintained. The person and work of Christ is central in the letters to how the gospel of grace was to be lived out in families, work, society and the community of believers. The Holy Spirit gave the writers revelation about the full implications of God in Christ. This was the fulfilment of what Jesus had predicted the Spirit would do, guiding them into the truth Jesus had given.

Key References: • • • •

Romans 1:1-6; 16-17 Romans 5:1-2 Romans 12:19-21 Romans 16:25-27

Key People: Paul

Themes: Universal problem of sin and death - How to get right with God – Salvation: past, present and future – Christian living

Location: To Christians in Rome – Jewish and non-Jew

Date: 57 AD

Reflection: Read Romans 5:1-2 again and think about all the benefits you have through Jesus.


Day 39 Zone: The Churches Summary: Churches in various parts of the world were confronted with varying issues. Many were mixed congregations of Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). Gentiles themselves were comprised of many groups from ethnic and social-religious segments of society. The gospel transformed people first, then slowly transformed the societies in which they lived. If change was opposed the gospel still provided an alternative. The Christian’s love for one another and the poor became well known. It also was misunderstood. Competing spiritualities and philosophies also became factors that the church had to counter. The apostles knew that the answer was in remaining true to Jesus Christ, the revelation of God, and working from that reference point until it reworked everything else in life.

Key References: • • • •

Ephesians 2:11-18 Philippians 2:1-11 Colossians 2:16-23 Hebrews 1:1-4

Key People: Paul – Timothy – Silas

Themes: The relationship of Jew and Gentile in God’s plan – The role of religious rules – The philosophies of the age

Location: Asia Minor

Date: 59-61 AD

Reflection: What part of your personal life has most recently been impacted by the truth of Jesus?


Day 40 Zone: The Churches Summary: Letters were most often sent to leaders and then read out to the gathering, or copied so that other churches could read them. The core beliefs of Christ-followers needed to be clarified. Christianity had started as a branch within Judaism (the religion of first century Jews), but what would it become? Jesus the Messiah to the Jews had become the Saviour to all people. What did it mean to live a life pleasing to God? How was Christian worship to look? These were some of the many issues that prompted the apostles to write their letters. As churches formed and developed, they needed wise guidance about structure, the roles of men and women and the main responsibilities they should focus on as a believing community. It was also important to know how to function in the larger society and remain faithful to their calling to be salt and light.

Key References: Titus 1:5-9 James 1:26-27 1 John 3:16-24 1 Peter 2:9-12

Key People: Paul – James – Peter – John

Themes: Who should lead churches? What does authentic Christianity look like? Christian ethics and worship

Location: Asia Minor

Date: 50-60 AD

Reflection: How can you guard yourself against settling for head knowledge about the Bible and be a ‘doer’ of God’s word?


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