The Well: Sermon Audio

God has given men the opportunity to show the younger people around us what manhood is as we pour ourselves into the younger people around us. And they are hungry for it. They need you to show them what a man does, what a marriage looks like, how you treat your wife, how you treat your kids and how you do business. The job of replicating manhood never ends, so invite others to follow you as you follow God. Life is best enjoyed when you give it away. [Audio File]

Convivium is a Latin word that means a banquet or feast. Ordinary things that seem secular, such as a slow meal with friends, can actually be sacred if you redeem the time. This summer, think about your time differently. Consider being intentional with the time you spend with your friends and family, and redeem that time by pointing to Jesus. [Audio File]

These six books walk through the repopulation of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple and the wall of the city, but the journey of rebuilding a city fades in comparison to the difficulty in restoring a people. The struggle in these final books reflects a compromise at the highest level of spiritual leadership that then influences the masses. Ezra Author Uncertain. Hebrew tradition says Ezra is the strongest candidate, although internal evidence points to the usage of memoirs by both Ezra and Nehemiah. Date Likely approx. 450-440 B.C., after Ezra’s time in Jerusalem and during the time of Nehemiah. Theme Israel’s Return This is Israel's return from Babylon to rebuild the temple, and their return to social and spiritual reform. Additional Info Ezra and Nehemiah are one book in both the Hebrew and Greek (Septuagint) Old Testament. Ezra is written as a historical record and picks up where Chronicles leaves off. It makes no prophetic claims at all. Chapters 1-6 relate the efforts of the Israelites, under the direction of Zerubbabel, along with the prophets Zechariah and Haggai, to rebuild the temple. Chapters 7-10 relate the return of Ezra the priest with the Levites and the spiritual reformations that take place under Ezra’s leadership. © Dr. Rick Taylor Esther Author Unknown. Ezra, Nehemiah and Mordecai are good candidates. Date 484-473 B.C. between when the first and second remnants returned to Jerusalem. Theme Israel’s Deliverance Israel was delivered from zealous bigots and from a strong-willed king, through a faithful woman who became queen of Babylon. Additional Info The book of Esther takes place between chapters 6 and 7 of Ezra. The Jewish people are in exile, scattered throughout the great Media-Persian Empire. The purpose of the book was to encourage and comfort the scattered Jews and to explain and trace the origin of the Feast of Purim. © Dr. Rick Taylor Nehemiah Author Uncertain. Hebrew tradition suggests Ezra as the strongest candidate as the author and compiler, possibly including memoirs originally written by Nehemiah. Date Likely approx. 416-400 B.C. Theme Israel’s Rebuilding This is a rebuilding in Nehemiah’s heart, with Nehemiah’s plan, of the wall, and of city and national infrastructure, in spite of much opposition. Additional Info Ezra and Nehemiah are one book in both the Hebrew and Greek (Septuagint) Old Testament. Nehemiah went back to Jerusalem in 445 B.C., taking the third wave of exiles with him. He stayed in Jerusalem for 12 years, rebuilding the wall, leading the people, igniting a spiritual fervor in the people and creating a unified community. When Nehemiah went back to Persia, the people quickly fell back into their sin and he was grieved by the extent of their sin that had developed in such a short time. He returned to Jerusalem in 420 B.C. and worked to clean up the mess they had made. © Rick Taylor Haggai Author Haggai, the prophet. Date 520 B.C. during the second year of the reign of Darius, the Mede. The Dead Sea Scrolls verify this dating. Theme God’s Returning Promises These are God's promises to those who have returned from captivity to rebuild the temple, that He will bless their obedience. Additional Info Haggai’s name means “festive” and he was a contemporary of Zechariah. Their message was a reminder to the people of the main reason they had been sent back to Jerusalem. They challenged and warned the people to refocus and finish God’s temple that had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon in 586 B.C. The new, much smaller temple was finished in 516 B.C. © Dr. Rick Taylor Zechariah Author Zechariah, the prophet, son of Berechiah, son of Iddo, the priest. Date 520 B.C. during the second year of the reign of Darius, the Mede. The Dead Sea Scrolls verify this dating. Theme God’s Promised Messiah The promised Messiah is coming to build His Kingdom and restore unity; He will be

The city of Jerusalem has fallen and the Babylonians have taken the Southern Kingdom of Judah captive. What's next for the people of God? Through prophetic revelation, He reveals His plan for human history, including the restoration of His people. Both Daniel and Ezekiel point to the reign of the Messianic King (Jesus Christ) as the focal point of human history. Through turmoil and suffering, the people of God are restored from captivity and promised a restoration in the land. Daniel Author Daniel, also known as Belteshazzar, as renamed by the Babylonians. Date Between 605 to possibly 520 B.C., from the year of the first siege on Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in his first year as King of Babylon into the reign of Darius. Theme God’s Anti-Christ Foretold The anti-Christ will come in the last of four great kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome, and lead into Tribulation. Additional Info The root of the name Daniel means “to judge.” He was a Jewish nobleman of royal Jewish lineage, advisor to 9 kings in 2 different empires (Babylon and Medo-Persia) and God’s prophet to the exiled Jewish people and the nations over a span of at least 85 years. He experienced the beginning of the exile in 605 B.C. and saw the first 50,000 exiles return to rebuild the temple. Ezekiel mentions him three times as a man of highly recognized faith and wisdom. Half of the book is history and half is prophetic. Half is written in Aramaic (chapters 2-7) and half is in Hebrew (chapters 1, 8-12). © Dr. Rick Taylor Ezekiel Author Ezekiel, the priest, son of Buzi. Date Between July 31, 593 (Ezekiel 1:1-3) and March 26, 571 B.C. (Ezekiel 29:17). Theme God’s Future Kingdom The future kingdom will include a restored land, a new Jerusalem, a new temple, a new redistricting of the land and an eternal promise. Additional Info Ezekiel’s name means “God strengthens.” He was meticulous about dating each prophecy and arranging them in chronological order. He was among the exiles from Judah, most likely taken with King Jehoiachin in March 597 B.C. by King Nebuchadnezzar, and he prophesied for 22 years. He was a contemporary of both Jeremiah (in Judah) and Daniel (in Babylon). Throughout his writings, there is an emphasis on the “glory of God.” © Dr. Rick Taylor Lamentations Author Likely Jeremiah, as credited by early Christian writers the, the Talmud and the superscription in the Septuagint. Date Soon after August 15, 586 B.C., when Jerusalem and the temple were burned. Jeremiah likely wrote the poems before he was taken captive to Egypt, not long after the city’s destruction (Jeremiah 43:1-7). Theme God’s Faithfulness God is faithful in the midst of judgment; his faitfulness is sure and new every morning. Additional Info Lamentations is the sequel to Jeremiah. It is Jeremiah’s lament (a sorrowful song) after the fall of Jerusalem by the Babylonian hordes. It is written as an acrostic, each chapter starting with the letter “A” and progressing letter by letter through the Hebrew alphabet. © Dr. Rick Taylor and Bill Parkinson Resources for Daniel, Ezekiel and Lamentations Daniel / Ezekiel / Lamentations Life Group Guide Daniel Hermeneia Series (Hermeneia: A Critical & Historical Commentary on the Bible) by John Joseph Collins The Book of Ezekiel, Chapters 1–24 (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) by Daniel I. Block The Book of Ezekiel, Chapters 25–48 (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) by Daniel I. Block Lamentations (New Century Bible Commentary) by Iain Provan [Video File] [Audio File]

This week we see the fall of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, the rise of the Babylonian Empire, and the reform of a third-grade boy. The continual sin of the people of God has brought judgment upon them from the east and they will be taken captive for seventy years in Babylon. Though Jeremiah, Nahum, Zephaniah and Habakkuk spoke clearly about the wrath that would come with their continual disobedience, they rejected the call of repentance and suffered just judgment in exile. At the close of 2 Kings, the city wall is destroyed, the temple is burned and the city is reduced to ashes. 2 Kings See 2 Kings. Nahum Author Nahum, the Elkoshite. Date Between approx. 663 and 654 B.C. because Thebes (which fell in 663 B.C. and was restored in 654 B.C.) was already destroyed (Nahum 3:8), and Assyria had not yet fallen. Theme God’s Judgment on Nineveh Judgment on Nineveh is coming very soon in spite of the fact that God is slow to anger. Additional Info Nahum’s name means “comfort, console.” He was a prophet to Judah about Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. Assyria was then in its height of strength and power, and they were a brutal, treacherous people. Nahum’s prophecies served as a warning to Nineveh, but also a hope and promise of relief for Judah. © Dr. Rick Taylor Jeremiah Author Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, as declared by himself (Jeremiah 1:1) and confirmed by Daniel (Daniel 9:2), Ecclesiastes, Josephus and the Talmud. Only chapter 52 was evidently not written by him and may have been added by Baruch, his secretary. Date Between 627 and 580 B.C. during the time of Jeremiah’s ministry. The book was likely finalized shortly after 580 B.C., possibly by Baruch. Theme God’s Patient Promise God promises to judge Judah for their sin, and yet restore a remnant in the future with a new covenant and the Righteous King. Additional Info Jeremiah was a contemporary of Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Daniel and Ezekiel. He dictated all his prophecies to his secretary, Baruch. After King Jehoiakim burned all his writings, he dictated a more complete edition to Baruch (Jeremiah 36:1-4). © Dr. Rick Taylor and Bill Parkinson Zephaniah Author Zephaniah, son of Cushi, grandson of Gedaliah, great-grandson of Amariah and great-great grandson of Hezekiah, King of Judah. Date Between approx. 622 and 612 B.C. since it was before the fall of Nineveh and he quotes Old Testament Law that was found in 622 B.C. Theme God’s Fiery Judgment Fiery Judgment will come to the entire earth eventually, after Jerusalem and its enemies are judged, and then Jerusalem will be restored. Additional Info Zephaniah’s name means “YHWH hides” (in the sense of protection). He is the only written prophet of the Old Testament that we know his lineage back so far, and he is the only one with such clear ties to royalty. He prophesied in the days of Josiah, son of Amon, King of Judah. In 622 B.C. the priests found the tablets of the Law in the temple and Josiah instigated a spiritual reform. No one in that generation or even earlier had ever seen the Law. Josiah repented and led the nation into a national revival, cleaning out the Assyrian idol worship in the land. © Dr. Rick Taylor Habakkuk Author Habakkuk, the prophet. Date Approx. 605 B.C., after Babylon defeated Assyria in 612 B.C., but before Babylon took Judah into captivity. Theme God’s Justice Questioned Habakkuk questions God because He is going to use a horribly unrighteous nation to judge His chosen people. Additional Info Habakkuk was a prophet in Judah in the days leading up to the Babylonian captivity and saw the nation so quickly turn away from the reforms that King Josiah had instituted. The book is written as a conversation between the prophet and God, where God revealed what Babylon was about to do to Judah. © Dr. Rick Taylor Resources for 2 Kings, Nahum, Jeremiah, Zephaniah and Habakkuk 2 Kings 21-23 (Nahum / Jeremiah / Zephaniah / Habakkuk) Li

This week we cover the demise of the Northern Kingdom and the prophetic warning to the South. Micah and Isaiah were contemporaries during the time of the Assyrian invasion of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and cautioned the South regarding their similarities to the Northern Kingdom. Hezekiah will be a focal point of the 2 Kings text as we watch both his reform and compromise. 2 Kings See 2 Kings. Isaiah Author Isaiah, son of Amoz. Date circa 700 B.C. Theme God’s Call to Reason This is God's call to Judah, who is rebelling against God, whose judgment and captivity are coming and who will later be rescued by God. Additional Info Isaiah’s name means “the Lord saves.” He was a contemporary of Hosea and Micah and prophesied to Judah, although he did have some things to say to Israel as well. He prophesied during a very tumultuous time in Israel’s and Judah’s history. The nation was divided and the Northern Kingdom was deteriorating politically, spiritually and militarily; it fell to Assyria in 722 B.C. The Southern Kingdom withstood the Assyrian attack. Isaiah’s message was one of judgment, repentance and salvation, speaking loudly and clearly to Jew and Gentile alike. © Dr. Rick Taylor Micah Author Micah of Moresheth. Date Between approx. 757 and 686 B.C., because Micah prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. He had to have prophesied much of what is written before the fall of Israel in 722 B.C. Theme God’s Salvation is Sure Salvation through the coming Shepherd-King is sure, in spite of Samaria and Jerusalem’s horrid sin and the judgment that is coming. Additional Info Micah’s name means “who is like YHWH.” His messages were to both Jerusalem (Judah) and Samaria (Israel), and the book is likely comprised of three separate prophecies that were delivered at different times and compiled into one book with one message. He speaks of the future destruction and exile of all of Israel and Judah, and the eventual reuniting and peace for all the seed of Abraham. The elders of Jerusalem spoke very highly of him over 100 years later (Jeremiah 26:18). © Dr. Rick Taylor Resources for 2 Kings, Isaiah and Micah 2 Kings 15:8-21:26 (Isaiah / Micah) Life Group Guide 1 and 2 Kings (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series) by Iain W. Provan Isaiah: The NIV Application Commentary by John N. Oswalt The Books of Amos, Hosea, Micah (Cambridge Bible Commentaries on the Old Testament) by Henry McKeating [Video File] [Audio File]

We continue through our Generations series, focusing on some additional kings and the messages of four prophets. As we examine our character and our commitment to God, it is important to note God's commitment to those He has chosen. Even when we walk away from our dedication to Him, He remains faithful to us, and will do whatever it takes to bring us back. He loves us that much. 2 Kings See 2 Kings. Joel Author Joel, the son of Pethuel. Date Likely near 800 B.C. or earlier, since Joel is quoted by both Amos (Amos 1:2, Amos 9:13) and Isaiah (Isaiah 13:6). Theme God’s Promise God promises that judgment will come, but there will come a time when all Israel will repent and God will bless the nation and the land. Additional Info Joel’s name means “whose God is Jehovah.” Very little else is known about him. He wrote the book after a locust invasion devastated the entire region of Judah and clarified that it was a warning from God. The book focuses on the final days and the events leading up to them. Daniel and Revelation speak of yet future prophesies, but there are gaps. Joel fills in more of those gaps than any other book. In the Hebrew Bible, Joel 2:28 is the first verse of chapter 3. © Dr. Rick Taylor Jonah Author Jonah, the son of Amittai. Date Likely shortly after two plagues and a total eclipse of the sun between 765 and 759 B.C., which would explain why Nineveh was so quick to repent when he spoke to the people there. He prophesied in Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II, which lasted from 782-753 B.C. Theme God’s Warning to Assyria God warns Assyria, through a reluctant prophet, to repent or face immediate judgment; Assyria repents and Jonah grieves. Additional Info Jonah’s name means “dove.” He was a contemporary of Amos and Hosea. He reluctantly went to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, and the people repented after hearing his prophecy. Assyria was located in the modern area of Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon and Syria. Nineveh’s location is roughly equivalent to modern day Mosul. In contrast to Israel, the Gentile sailors Jonah spoke to and the city of their archenemy were quick to respond to God and repent; yet Israel was not. © Dr. Rick Taylor Amos Author Amos, a sheepherder from Tekoa. Date Likely between 762 and 758 B.C. because he was sent as a lay prophet to Jeroboam II, which means he must have been prophesying between 767-753 B.C., he probably spoke for a short period of time, and we know from archaeology that there was a major earthquake in the predicted area around 760 B.C. Theme God’s Final Judgment God's final judgment will follow a soon judgment on Israel and other nations, after which He will restore Israel. Additional Info Amos’ name means “a burden” or “a burden-bearer.” He was not from the school of the prophets, yet God chose him to be His messenger of His warning to Israel in the north. Amos cried out against the injustices of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. In 753 B.C., Jeroboam II ended his reign, and Israel fell to and was exiled by Assyria in 722 B.C., just as Amos predicted. Amos is quoted twice in the New Testament (Acts 7:42-43 and Acts 15:16-17). © Dr. Rick Taylor Hosea Author Hosea, son of Beeri. Date Between approx. 755 and 713 B.C., because he spoke during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah and Jeroboam II. Theme God’s Living Illustration Hosea is a living illustration of Israel’s harlotry with foreign nations and gods, of God’s love, of Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s faithfulness. Additional Info Hosea’s name means “salvation.” It can also be spelled Hoshea or Joshua. He was called by God to send a message to the nation Israel that they were being unfaithful to their husband, God, and that He was going to deal severely with them through the nation Assyria. In 733 B.C. Assyria took Israel captive, and took away all

This week we close the book on the life of Solomon. We saw his rise to power and the expanse of his influence. Now we look at the three books of wisdom literature that he wrote or contributed to during his reign. These writings include a book on marital love and romance, a body of work containing nuggets of poetic truth, and a twelve-chapter swan song that communicates his striving for meaning outside of God and the futility of those pursuits. Song of Solomon Author King Solomon, who claims to be the author in the first verse of the book. Date Between 971 and 931 B.C., during Solomon’s reign as King. He likely didn’t compile it in its final form until he had been married for several years, and it was probably finished before the last years when he strayed away from the Lord. Theme Israel’s Love Story This is Israel’s love story of Solomon and his bride as an example of marital courtship and love in the midst of life’s daily challenges. Additional Info The book is a collection of songs and also one song. Solomon’s object of affection is the Shulammite, who was not his first wife, but was well known as the queen, even among the 60 queens and 80 concubines of the time. He eventually had 700 wives and 300 concubines. © Dr. Rick Taylor Proverbs Authors The Hebrew title of the book is Miashle Shelomoh, which means “Proverbs of Solomon.” Solomon’s name appears at the beginning of three sections (Proverbs 1-9; 10-22:16 and 25-29) and we know he weighed, studied and arranged “many proverbs” (Ecclesiastes 12:9). The section from 22:17 to 24:34 consists of “words of the wise,” which may have been collected and arranged by Solomon. Agur, an oracle (Proverbs 30) and King Lemuel (Proverbs 31) contributed the final chapters. Date Solomon’s proverbs were written by 931 B.C. King Hezekiah collected the material in chapters 25-29 about 230 years later. Theme Israel’s Wisdom This is wisdom given for temptation, morality, marriage and family, daily living and daily choices. Additional Info Proverbs is a collection of topical maxims where the author uses a combination of poetry, parables, pithy questions, short stories and wise sayings to share in a memorable form the common sense and divine perspective necessary to handle life’s issues. It was designed to serve as a teaching manual, especially for the youth (Proverbs 2:1). © Dr. Rick Taylor Ecclesiastes Author Likely Solomon, which is consistent with Jewish and early Christian traditions. The text itself claims to be written by the “son of David, king in Jerusalem” (Ecclesiastes 1:1), which describes Solomon. Date Likely between 971 and 931 B.C., during the reign of Solomon, probably closer to 931 B.C. toward the end of his life. Theme Israel’s Philosophy Human life on planet earth is empty activity without God; therefore man should fear God and obey Him. Additional Info Most of the history of Solomon includes his great accumulations and accolades (1 Chronicles 29:25, 2 Chronicles 1:11-12). The book of Ecclesiastes indicates Solomon eventually concluded that a life on earth lived apart from God is empty, worthless and meaningless. © Dr. Rick Taylor Resources for Song of Solomon, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon / Proverbs / Ecclesiastes Life Group Guide Song of Solomon Sermon Series The Message of the Song of Songs (Bible Speaks Today) by Tom Gledhill The Book of Proverbs: Chapters 1-15 (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) by Bruce K. Waltke The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 15-31(New International Commentary on the Old Testament) by Bruce K. Waltke Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs: The NIV Application Commentary by Iain Provan [Video File] [Audio File]

During an age of kings and kingdoms, prophets stand up in a historically dark time for the people of God, and they speak great truth and insight to a lost nation. It takes courage to stand up and face the threats of this world, and we can have hope and encouragement from watching men like Elijah and Elisha. One thing that has always been true of God and His desire for us as mankind is to see consistency with our lives. The problem is we turn away from daily dependence on Him and trust in our own decision-making. The insights in this text will draw us back to consistent, holistic and joyful devotion to God and His work here on earth. 2 Kings Author Unknown. The prophet Ezekiel and the priest Ezra are the two most likely candidates. Some traditions also support Jeremiah’s authorship. Date Between approx. 560 and 538 B.C., after the release of former King Jehoiachin to the kings’ court in Babylon, and likely before the first return of the captives from Babylon to Palestine, since that was such a huge event in Israel’s history and would probably be mentioned. ThemE Israel’s Divided Kingdom Divided Kingdom…many evil kings, some good kings, prophets begin to speak out, Hezekiah and Josiah, Israel and Judah fall Additional Info Originally written as one book, the books of 1 and 2 Kings record the history of the coming to the throne of Solomon after his father David in 971 B.C. until the final collapse of a divided kingdom in 586 B.C. © Dr. Rick Taylor Obadiah Author Obadiah, the prophet. Date Likely between 848 and 841 B.C. during the reign of Jehoram (2 Kings 8:20-22, 2 Chronicles 21:16-17). Most place his writing either very early, around 845-840 B.C. or much later, after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. Theme God’s Judgment on Edom Judgment on Edom…will come soon and be a complete destruction, for a several reasons, but Israel will be restored Additional Info Obadiah’s name means “Servant of Yahweh.” Very little else is known about him. The book is written to Edom, the descendants of Esau. Obadiah is not quoted anywhere in the New Testament, but it is quoted many times by other prophets, including Jeremiah (Jeremiah 49) after the fall of Edom to Babylon. © Dr. Rick Taylor Resources for 2 Kings and Obadiah 2 Kings 1-10 / Obadiah Life Group Guide 1 and 2 Kings (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series) by Iain W. Provan Joel, Obadiah, Malachi (NIV Application Commentary, The) by David W. Baker [Video File] [Audio File]

This week we witness the rise and fall of Solomon. The monarchy dissolves and a revolt occurs, taking 10 tribes to the north under a new king, setting the stage for the continued conflict between the divided kingdom of Israel (North) and Judah (South). The moral decline of the nation becomes apparent in the turmoil within as they experience oppression from the surrounding nations. May our journey through these dark pages encourage us to take an alternative route in our personal walk with God, and may we learn the lessons of moral failure and spiritual decline from those who have gone before us. 1 Kings Author Unknown. The prophet Ezekiel and the priest Ezra are the two most likely candidates. Some traditions also support Jeremiah’s authorship. Date Between approx. 560 and 538 B.C., after the release of former King Jehoiachin to the kings’ court in Babylon, and likely before the first return of the captives from Babylon to Palestine, since that was such a huge event in Israel’s history and would probably be mentioned. Theme Israel’s King Solomon King Solomon…his triumphs, his wives that led him into idolatry and divided the nation at his death Additional Info Originally written as one book, the books of 1 and 2 Kings record the history of the coming to the throne of Solomon after his father David in 971 B.C. until the final collapse of a divided kingdom in 586 B.C. © Dr. Rick Taylor 2 Chronicles Author Likely compiled by Ezra, with help from the extensive library of the Governor, Nehemiah. Date Likely approx. 400 B.C. when Judah returns from Babylon (1 Chronicles 9:1, 2 Chronicles 36:22-23). Theme Israel’s Story (Part 2) Story…of the Divided Kingdom, of the fall of Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon Additional Info The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally written as a single document, and they are directly related to the book of Ezra (2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-3). The book of 2 Chronicles specifically records the achievements of King Solomon to the fall of the Kingdom of Judah in 586 B.C. It deals only with the Southern Kingdom, Judah, which was the Davidic line that Ezra was writing to. Special emphasis is placed on the building achievements of each King, especially if he contributed to the Temple or the religious life of Judah. © Dr. Rick Taylor Resources for 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles 1 Kings (2 Chronicles) Life Group Guide 1 and 2 Kings (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series) by Iain W. Provan I and II Chronicles: A Commentary by Sara Japhet [Video File] [Audio File]

Few books capture the raw reality of life with God like the book of Psalms. Through 150 chapters of poetic worship, the reader is brought through the entire spectrum of emotions. Worship, thanksgiving, desperation, hope, grief, affliction and confession are heard in every line. Written and captured over a thousand-year period, the Psalms serve as an ancient Hymnal of Praise to a God who has been almighty from the beginning. Authors King David wrote at least 73 of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, a Levite in charge of worship in the Tabernacle; Moses, who led the people out of Egypt; ancestors of Korah, the priest under Moses; King Solomon, heir to King David’s throne; and Ethan, the Ezrahite. A few psalms have no authorship attributed to them. Ezra is a good candidate for the final compiler of the Psalter. Date Between approx. 1400 and 450 B.C. Theme Israel’s Songbook Songbook…of songs that praise God, honor Him, lament circumstances yet show confidence in His response, and a future hope Additional Info The Greek word psalmos is the translation of the Hebrew designation mismor, meaning “music accompanied by stringed instruments.” The actual Hebrew title for the Book of Psalms is seper tehillim meaning Book of Praises. They were written by individuals over approximately 900 years, then collected and compiled into the five books included in the overall Book of Psalms. Psalm 90, written by Moses about 1405 B.C., is likely the oldest Psalm. © Dr. Rick Taylor Resources for Psalms Psalms Life Group Guide Psalms: (The Expositor's Bible Commentary) by Tremper Longman III, David E. Garland and Willem A. VanGemeren [Video File] [Audio File]

Serving God is not an event or an experience. It is so much more. The reason we give our entire life away is because we have been pursued by the Most High. We operate out of the desires of our heart. When God grants a new heart through Christ we have a basic disposition to "be" and "do" for his glory. This kind of service affects every area of our life at all times. [Video File] [Audio File]

2 Samuel We continue our trek through the Bible in our Generations Series, looking at the life of King David in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. We concentrate on 2 Samuel 11-21, and on a couple of misconceptions about sin: that our sin is our own and it doesn't affect anyone else, and forgiveness means there is a lack of punishment. Neither of these were the case in the life of David. He was not called a man after God's own heart because he didn't sin, or because his sin was that “severe.” David's heart was revealed when he was confronted with sin. He repented (turned away from it) and took full responsibility for it, and when he faced the consequences for his sin, he continued to worship and follow God, trusting His decisions. What about you? What does your response to your sin and discipline reveal about your heart? Authors Samuel the seer, Nathan the prophet, Gad the seer (1 Chronicles 29:29). Date Compiled between 931 B.C. with Solomon’s death (1 Samuel 27:6) and 722 B.C., because there is no mention of Israel’s captivity. It must have been compiled after 971 B.C. because it ends in the last days of David. Theme Israel’s King David King David…his triumphs, his tragedies, his last days Additional Info The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) divides Samuel into two books, even though it is one continuous account. The book of 2 Samuel records the major events of David, a king-elect and eventual king who was appointed by God, and whose ascension to the throne takes more than a decade. It covers David’s 40-year reign from 1101-971 B.C. and ends in his last days. © Dr. Rick Taylor and Bill Parkinson 1 Chronicles Author Likely compiled by Ezra, with help from the extensive library of the Governor, Nehemiah. Date Likely approx. 400 B.C. when Judah returns from Babylon (1 Chronicles 9:1, 2 Chronicles 36:22-23). Theme Israel’s Story (Part 1) Story…of roots, of genealogies, of the united kingdom Additional Info The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally written as a single document, and they are directly related to the book of Ezra (2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-3). As a whole, it is similar in nature to the book of Deuteronomy, in that both books are meant to inform as well as challenge the nation before it embarks on a new adventure. © Dr. Rick Taylor Resources for 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles 2 Samuel (1 Chronicles) Life Group Guide 1 & 2 Samuel: A Commentary by Robert P. Gordon I and II Chronicles: A Commentary by Sara Japhet [Video File] [Audio File]

Be careful what you ask for. The people of God had grown weary and were seeking a king, "like the other nations." Although God had been with them, they wanted a strong military leader like the ones they saw in the nations near them. God gave them precisely what they asked for in King Saul. He was talented and charismatic, but lacked a heart for the Lord. God then turned to a man after His own heart, a young boy named David. David spends most of the book running for his life from Saul and waiting for the time when he would be exalted as king. There are many takeaways, but one of the most profound is what the book says about the qualifications of a leader. Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, but a true spiritual leader shares one thing in common with those who have gone before: they have a heart for the Lord. When a man or woman yields their life to God, they can be used in tremendous ways. When their life is built upon their own talent, charisma, and charm, their leadership is short-lived and quickly forgotten. Authors Samuel the seer, Nathan the prophet, Gad the seer (1 Chronicles 29:29). Samuel likely wrote chapters 1-24. The books were likely compiled by a member of the prophetic school that Samuel established and led. Date Compiled between 931 B.C. with Solomon’s death (1 Samuel 27:6) and 722 B.C., because there is no mention of Israel’s captivity. Theme Israel’s King Saul King Saul…to replace Theocracy, the people’s choice, appointed by Samuel, becomes arrogant of heart, upstaged by young David Additional Info The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) divides Samuel into two books, even though it is one continuous account. The book of 1 Samuel covers the 94-year period from the birth of Samuel (1105 B.C.), the last Judge and first Prophet, to the death of Saul (1011 B.C.), the first King of Israel. © Dr. Rick Taylor and Bill Parkinson Resources for 1 Samuel 1 Samuel Life Group Guide 1 & 2 Samuel: A Commentary by Robert P. Gordon [Video File] [Audio File]

This week we embark on a three-book journey through Joshua, Judges and Ruth. As the deliverer (Moses) fades into the pages of history, a new leader rises in Joshua to take the nation into the land. The stories of conquest within the pages of Joshua are quickly overshadowed by the stories of compromise found in Judges. Joshua dies and another generation arises that does not know the Lord or the things that He has done for Israel. The book of Judges sets us up for the rejection of God and the desire of the people to have a "real king" (more to come in 1 Samuel). It moves through a repeated cycle of dysfunction and compromise that ultimately ends with everyone doing what is right in their own eyes. Tucked within the context of the chaos in Judges is a small four-chapter book of light. Ruth is a story of godliness in the midst of darkness and shows us the hope that redemption can bring. Joshua Author Uncertain. Likely Joshua, as unanimously ascribed by Jewish tradition. Joshua probably wrote most of this record of the conquest and settlement of the land as an eyewitness. Eleazar the priest likely wrote 24:29-32. Phinehas likely wrote 24:33. Date Approx. 1361-1350 B.C. after the 45 years it took to take the land, but not much later. Theme Israel’s Land Land…preparations, conquest, divisions by tribe, covenant Additional Info Joshua means “YHWH saves” or “YHWH is salvation.” He was the scribe and general-in-charge under Moses, and Moses chose him to be one of the 12 spies to go into the land and report back. Only he and Caleb gave good reports, and only they were promised that they would enter the land after the entire adult population died in the wilderness. The book takes place over a period of 25-30 years. © Dr. Rick Taylor Judges Author Uncertain, but likely the prophet Samuel, as unanimously ascribed by Jewish tradition. Date Approx. 1050-1000 B.C. Theme Israel’s Arrogance Arrogance…to only partially obey God, that led to cycles of sin, servitude, supplication, salvation, and silence, resulting in anarchy Additional Info The book takes place over a long period of time, between 300-350 years. The Judges were from various tribes and were raised up to lead God's rescue of His people. They did not serve as Kings, but only as rescuers and social justices of the peace. Samuel was the last of the Judges, and he appointed the first King over Israel. © Dr. Rick Taylor Ruth Author Uncertain. Likely a descendant of Ruth. Date Approx. 1000 B.C., as the manuscript is not written until early in the reign of David. Theme Israel’s Remnant Remnant…seen in Naomi returning to Israel, Ruth covenanting with Naomi and God, Boaz redeeming Ruth and Naomi Additional Info The story of Ruth begins and ends during the period of the Judges, and serves as a bridge between the promise to Judah in Genesis 49 and the beginning of its fulfillment in 1 Samuel. It likely takes place during the same basic period as either Gideon or Eli. © Dr. Rick Taylor Resources for Joshua, Judges and Ruth Joshua, Judges and Ruth Life Group Guide Joshua (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) by Richard S. Hess The New American Commentary: Volume 6 - Judges-Ruth by Daniel I. Block [Video File] [Audio File]