The Bible Cover to Cover - Knowing God's Story | Foundations - Lawrence E. Adjah
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Winter / Spring 2021 Knowing God’s Story | Foundations The Bible Cover to Cover Winter / Spring 2021 by Lawrence E. Adjah | Prepared 1
12“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of 1 the heart.” 2 Hebrews 4:12 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah
3 1 Note 2 My goal is to provide frameworks and practical tips to support your spiritual wellness goals for this season of your life. This foundation is not based on information derived from a formal one-on-one spiritual guidance / discipleship relationship. As such, the expectation is for you to pursue these goals in a community with accountability to grow. Additionally, for anyone seeking to grow spiritually, I also encourage all programs to be done alongside a commitment to one-on-one faith-based counseling/ therapy, resource permitting. Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah
3 Introduction 1 2 Contents Introduction: Overview 5 Core Areas of Spiritual Growth 6-7 Introduction: Knowing His Word 9-12 Tools & Templates & Guides 13-24 A Picture 25 Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah
5 Introduction | Overview O ur journeys with God are unique, yet all of our journeys are universally pointing to the direction of growth. Spiritual growth is like exercise and in many ways my work is to help you see where your need for His strength is, and provide you with the equipment, guidance, accountability you will need to be spiritually healthy. And as you know, anything that’s healthy, grows. 1 Most importantly, God’s mission is that you would each build a strong (core) foundation in Him, where you not 2 only grow stronger spiritually, but also you grow His family intentionally by learning this foundation and passing it on to others He’s placed within (y)our realm of in uence and responsibility. It’s a lifelong commitment to being spiritually healthy. In the same way there will always be greater physical health that one can experience, on a spiritual journey you are diving into an ocean that is in nitely deep. Said simply, once God is part of your life, His goal is to make you more like Him (Jesus) in every area of your life. As a result, you will never arrive until Jesus returns, but you will always be invited to grow and that requires active and intentional exercise in every area of your life. Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah fl fi
6 Foundational Areas Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that truth and reality is irrevocable. You don’t need to earn or keep your Christian license renewed annually Talking to God to maintain it. With that said, God has a plan for you C “of becoming” more like Jesus and that began prior to your mother’s womb and did not end on the day Your Prayer Life you decided to follow Jesus. Knowing God’s Story 1 The ve foundational (Core) areas for a follower of O Jesus helps you to have a simple framework for beingYourintentional about character, Hisyour spiritual growth. 2 understanding of God, His perfect plan, His purpose and His promise throughout the Biblical narrative From Genesis to Revelation to Now To be a follower of Christ is varied, by person and Understanding context, Your God still, there are biblically-a rmed,Story gospel- centered truths about the life and behaviors R of every believer in Christ, that must intention. • be Your ability pursued to share with your story God story with others (when and why you recognized your need for God, what drew you and lead you to make a lifelong commitment) You must grow in your ability to communicate with God, • Interpreting His Word(s) You must grow in your understanding of His character, plan and promises throughout history, You must grow in your understanding of your story (“always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is in you.” 1 Peter 3:15) E • You must grow in the knowledge and understanding of His words to you through the Bible, • You must grow in your ability to use your talents for His work, your generosity and your witness, in your closest relationships. Your ability to break down, understand and apply scripture (as it was written) to everyday life From Genesis to Revelation: understanding context There are levels. In nite levels. No one will arrive at perfection in any of these areas, but the invitation Growth (and promise) is that every (Gifting, follower Christlikeness) Generosity, of Jesus will grow. I simply want to help you do that with intention. Your ability to re ect God’s character, command and calling in your life, through working, giving and living for God, with others Copyright © 2020 Lawrence E. Adjah fi fl fi ffi
7 Foundational Areas Talking to God C Your Prayer Life Knowing God’s Story 1 O 2 Your understanding of God, His character, His perfect plan, His purpose and His promise throughout the Biblical narrative From Genesis to Revelation to Now Understanding Your God Story R Your ability to share your story God story with others (when and why you recognized your need for God, what drew you and lead you to make a lifelong commitment) Interpreting His Word(s) E Your ability to break down, understand and apply scripture (as it was written) to everyday life From Genesis to Revelation: understanding context Growth (Gifting, Generosity, Christlikeness) Your ability to re ect God’s character, command and calling in your life, through working, giving and living for God, with others Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah fl
8 Foundational Areas Not Exhaustive Talking to God C Your Prayer Life Knowing God’s Story 1 O 2 Your understanding of God, His character, His perfect plan, His purpose and His promise throughout the Biblical narrative From Genesis to Revelation to Now Understanding Your God Story R Your ability to share your story God story with others (when and why you recognized your need for God, what drew you and lead you to make a lifelong commitment) Interpreting His Word(s) E Your ability to break down, understand and apply scripture (as it was written) to everyday life From Genesis to Revelation: understanding context Growth (Gifting, Generosity, Christlikeness) Your ability to re ect God’s character, command and calling in your life, through working, giving and living for God, with others Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah fl
9 Introduction | Knowing His Story I’ve shared this in other guides but it’s worth repeating: The Bible is about God. This statement may seem obvious but it's not when we think about how many of us have been instructed to read the bible. One of the most common views is that the Bible is 1 "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth" which while catchy, centers the Bible around us and not necessarily God. This then leads to confusions and 2 misunderstanding when we get to sections of the Bible, like "the law" (we'll discuss that) that read more like hieroglyphics than relevant instruction. However, when you understand the Bible is about God, you change your lens to one that asks, what do I learn about God, from what I'm reading, how does it better help me to understand His purpose, plans, promises and power throughout the book, and what do I learn about humanity, myself and my need for God as a result. The most important question you must ask yourself when you read the Bible is, what am I learning about God? Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah
10 Introduction | Knowing His Story Still, even more important than that is, why do I want to read the bible cover to cover? If you're like many, it's because you want a greater understanding of God and a closer relationship with God. Or it's the understanding that if God is truly not one of waste, (John 6:12), then He wouldn't inspire the writing of the Bible for us if it all wasn't pertinent for us to read. Or perhaps, it's a feeling like you've based your 1 whole life on a movie you haven't gotten all the way through. Wherever you may fall, God has lead you to a 2 place where you nd yourself ready to go on this journey of reading the Bible in its entirety. We'll be doing what is called Familiarity Reading. What this means is that we will not be doing a traditional deep- dive reading and study for each section of the Bible (though you can if you desire - recommend using our Bible Interpretation Guide). The goal here is simply to read it and take it in as though you are watching a movie. I even do this as my rst step (I then go back and do it again) when I'm studying, pen down, and reading to take it in. While the frameworks we provide and our open sessions (for Q&A) will help you develop a greater understanding of what's happening, if we did an extensive study, we can arguably stay in one chapter on scripture for one year alone. Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah fi fi
11 Introduction | Knowing His Story As such, we're focused on "familiarity" in this challenge because the Bible is a rich, layered and supernatural book. Yes, supernatural. There is a verse in the book of Hebrews (4:12), which you encounter in the New Testament which says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it 1 judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." This means the learning is unbounded and in nite no matter 2 what verse you read. Why do you think there are different sermons written on the same text of the Bible? It's because while there are foundational understandings of what a line means, how it's communicated, understood and how its implications are drawn out for life is an unlimited endeavor. A book that's alive speaks in real-time. My goal is journey with you through the bible so you can not only have the encouragement that you've read through God's word, but it offers you better context and foundation when you dive deeper into studying particular books and sections because you've taken time to take in the bigger picture. Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah fi
12 Introduction | Knowing His Story After surveying a few hundred brothers and sisters around barriers they've encountered to reading the bible cover to cover it's been due to lack of understanding and lack of accountability. During this challenge you are offered a framework to help you better understand what you are reading and a community of brothers and sisters who have either read it or are reading it live with you to encourage you to 1 make it to the nish line. 2 Additionally, we've structured the readings to ensure you are able to sustain momentum throughout the reading schedule. Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah fi
13 Introduction | Knowing His Story The one oversimpli ed high level one page T summary of the Bible. God creates a perfect world for all of us and the rest of creation to thrive in. But we thought we knew better than God about governing our lives and as a result, we let a O destructive evil force into this world called sin, that disrupts and destroys everything, including relationships: our relationship with God, our relationship with each 1 other, the environment and even ourselves (mind, body, spirit) and the effects are endless. O 2 Because God is perfect and loving He gives humans and opportunity to interact with Him in the meantime, through speci c laws, yet, because of this evil force in L the world and in us (sin), humans can’t honor their part and the disobedience and destruction continues. We see the effect of this destruction all throughout the Old Testament, yet we see the love of God throughout it S because despite our actions, God promises to save us. God hints and previews how He will do it throughout the Old Testament, previewing His return through the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus meets the perfect requirements of the law on our behalf and shares the restored relationship with us and God with all who believe in HIm. Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah fi fi
14 Introduction | Knowing His Story Lenses to View the Text - God’s Plan: God’s original design and intention for T humanity - God’s Promises: God’s promises to His people (us) to restore, redeem and bless them. - God’s Previews: God’s hints at the manner in which O He will restore and redeem His people (hinting at Jesus) - God’s Perfection: God’s character re ected through 1 the nature of His laws and actions involving humanity. - God’s Prophet, Priest and King: God’s picture of the O greater Prophet, Priest and King, Jesus, who all the 2 previous prophets, priests and kings were a shadow to. God’s Story Lens I L - Creation: God’s perfect peace and harmony - Fall: When disharmony entered (spiritual and physical death and disharmony) - Redemption: God’s active plan to save and restore S us, to perfect peace and harmony - Renewal: The process of us and the world being renewed and re ecting that restoration today - Restoration: The full restoration and renewal of the world to new peace and harmony when Christ returns. God’s Story Lens II Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah fl fl
15 Your Reading Plans | Guide Select a Plan that Works Best for You T 5 Chapters a Day | 9 Month Plan 6 Chapters a Day (No Weekends) | 9 Month Plan O 10 a Day (No Weekends) | 6 Month Plan 10 a Day, 2 a Day (2 Wk Cycle) (No Weekends) | 9 Month Plan 1 - Never Miss 2 Days in a Row O 2 - Set Aside 20 Min a Day for 5 and 6 chapters a Day and 35 min for 10 Chapters a Day - Track Your Progress (See: Tools) L To Be Successful You Need: - Commitment (Put skin in the game) - Context (for the Bible, the Structure and Themes) S - Community (for accountability and mutual encouragement) Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah
16 Your Reading Plans | Guide Old Testament = 5 Chapters The Law T History O 1 O 2 L Wisdom S Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah
17 Your Reading Plans | Guide Old Testament = 5 Chapters Major Prophets T Minor Prophets O 1 O 2 L S Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah
18 Your Reading Plans | Guide New Testament = 5 Chapters The Gospels & Church History (Acts) T Letters O 1 O 2 L S Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah
19 Your Reading Plans | Guide New Testament = 5 Chapters Letters T O Prophecy 1 O 2 L S Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah
20 Your Reading Plans | One-Line Summary Old Testament The Law The begging of everything, from creation, to sin, to the people of Israel God delivers His people from captivity into new relationship with Him God provides His people with detailed instructions on how to worship Him (perfection) T The Israelites wander int he wilderness for 40 years because of their disobedience Moses gives the next generation the original law on how to obey God History Joshua leads Israel into the Promised Land and allocates territories to the 12 tribes O Israel continues in disobedience to God, and they continue to fall under the rule of oppressors and call out to God for judges which God sends them Foreign widow nds hope and redemption in Israel, out of whom charts the lineage to King David 1 Even with God with them, Israel demands a king David becomes the King of Israel O 2 The kingdom of Israel has a time of peace and prosperity under King Solomon, but afterward splits, and the two lines of kings turn away from God. Both kingdoms ignore God and his prophets, until they both fall captive to other world empires. This is a brief history of Israel from Adam to David, culminating with David commissioning the temple of God in Jerusalem. David’s son Solomon builds the temple, but after centuries of rejecting God, the L Babylonians take the southern Israelites captive and destroy the temple. The Israelites rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, and a scribe named Ezra teaches the people to once again obey God’s laws. The city of Jerusalem is in bad shape, so Nehemiah rebuilds the wall around the city. Someone hatches a genocidal plot to bring about Israel’s extinction, and Esther must face the emperor to ask for help. Wisdom S Satan attacks a righteous man named Job, and Job and his friends argue about why terrible things are happening to him. A collection of 150 songs that Israel sang to God (and to each other)—kind of like a hymnal for the ancient Israelites A collection of sayings written to help people make wise decisions that bring about justice. A philosophical exploration of the meaning of life—with a surprisingly nihilistic tone for the Bible. A love song (or collection of love songs) celebrating love, desire, and marriage. Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah fi
21 Your Reading Plans | One-Line Summary Old Testament Major Prophets God sends the prophet Isaiah to warn Israel of future judgment—but also to tell them about a coming king and servant who will “bear the sins of many.” God sends a prophet to warn Israel about the coming Babylonian captivity, but the people don’t take the news very well. A collection of dirges lamenting the fall of Jerusalem after the Babylonian attacks. T God chooses a man to speak for Him to Israel, to tell them the error of their ways and teach them justice: Ezekiel. Daniel becomes a high-ranking wise man in the Babylonian and Persian empires, and has prophetic visions concerning Israel’s future. Minor Prophets Hosea is told to marry a prostitute who leaves him, and he must bring her back: a picture of God’s relationship with Israel. O God sends a plague of locusts to Judge Israel, but his judgment on the surrounding nations is coming, too. A shepherd named Amos preaches against the injustice of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. 1 Obadiah warns the neighboring nation of Edom that they will be judged for plundering Jerusalem. A disobedient prophet runs from God, is swallowed by a great sh, and then preaches God’s message to the city of Nineveh. O 2 Micah confronts the leaders of Israel and Judah regarding their injustice, and prophecies that one day the Lord himself will rule in perfect justice. Nahum foretells of God’s judgment on Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. Habakkuk pleads with God to stop the injustice and violence in Judah, but is surprised to nd that God will use the even more violent Babylonians to do so. God warns that he will judge Israel and the surrounding nations, but also that he will L restore them in peace and justice. The people have abandoned the work of restoring God’s temple in Jerusalem, and so Haggai takes them to task. The prophet Zechariah calls Israel to return to God, and records prophetic visions that show what’s happening behind the scenes. God has been faithful to Israel, but they continue to live disconnected from him—so God sends Malachi to call them out. S Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah fi fi
22 Your Reading Plans | One-Line Summary New Testament The Gospels & Church History (Acts) This is an account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, focusing on Jesus’ role as the true king of the Jews. This brief account of Jesus’ earthly ministry highlights Jesus’ authority and servanthood. Luke writes the most thorough account of Jesus’ life, pulling together eyewitness testimonies to tell the full story of Jesus. T John lists stories of signs and miracles with the hope that readers will believe in Jesus. Jesus returns to the Father, the Holy Spirit comes to the church, and the gospel of Jesus spreads throughout the world. Letters Paul summarizes how the gospel of Jesus works in a letter to the churches at Rome, where he plans to visit. O Paul writes a disciplinary letter to a fractured church in Corinth, and answers some questions that they’ve had about how Christians should behave. Paul writes a letter of reconciliation to the church at Corinth, and clears up some concerns that they have. 1 Paul hears that the Galatian churches have been lead to think that salvation comes from the law of Moses, and writes a (rather heated) letter telling them where the false teachers have it wrong. Paul writes to the church at Ephesus about how to walk in grace, peace, and love. O 2 An encouraging letter to the church of Philippi from Paul, telling them how to have joy in Christ. Paul writes the church at Colossae a letter about who they are in Christ, and how to walk in Christ. Paul has heard a good report on the church at Thessalonica, and encourages them to “excel still more” in faith, hope, and love. L Paul instructs the Thessalonians on how to stand rm until the coming of Jesus. Paul gives his protegé Timothy instruction on how to lead a church with sound teaching and a godly example. Paul is nearing the end of his life, and encourages Timothy to continue preaching the word. Paul advises Titus on how to lead orderly, counter-cultural churches on the island of Crete. S Paul strongly recommends that Philemon accept his runaway slave as a brother, not a slave. Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah fi
23 Your Reading Plans | One-Line Summary New Testament Letters A letter encouraging Christians to cling to Christ despite persecution, because he is greater. A letter telling Christians to live in ways that demonstrate their faith in action. Peter writes to Christians who are being persecuted, encouraging them to testify to the truth and live accordingly. T Peter writes a letter reminding Christians about the truth of Jesus, and warning them that false teachers will come. John writes a letter to Christians about keeping Jesus’ commands, loving one another, and important things they should know. A very brief letter about walking in truth, love, and obedience. An even shorter letter about Christian fellowship. O A letter encouraging Christians to contend for the faith, even though ungodly persons have crept in unnoticed. Prophecy 1 John sees visions of things that have been, things that are, and things that are yet to come. O 2 L S Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah
24 Your Reading Plans | Guide Pacing Chart 5 Ch. a Day Plan 6 a Day Plan (No Wkd) 10 X 2 Plan Est. Read Min per Day Est. Read Min per Number Book Chapters Verses Words Author Genre OT/NT Chapter 6 5 10 1 Genesis 50 1533 38262 Moses Law OT 4 23 19 38 2 Exodus 40 1213 32685 Moses Law OT 4 25 19 41 3 Leviticus 27 859 24541 Moses Law OT 5 27 19 45 4 Numbers 36 1289 32896 Moses Law OT 5 27 19 46 5 Deuteronomy 34 959 28352 Moses Law OT 4 25 19 42 6 Joshua 24 658 18854 Unknown History OT 4 24 19 39 T 7 Judges 21 618 18966 Unknown History OT 5 27 19 45 8 Ruth 4 85 2574 Unknown History OT 3 19 19 32 9 1 Samuel 31 810 25048 Unknown History OT 4 24 19 40 10 2 Samuel 24 695 20600 Unknown History OT 4 26 19 43 11 1 Kings 22 816 24513 Unknown History OT 6 33 19 56 12 2 Kings 25 719 23517 Unknown History OT 5 28 19 47 13 1 Chronicles 29 942 20365 Ezra History OT 4 21 19 35 14 2 Chronicles 36 822 26069 Ezra History OT 4 22 19 36 15 Ezra 10 280 7440 Ezra History OT 4 22 19 37 16 Nehemiah 13 406 10480 Nehemiah History OT 4 24 19 40 17 Esther 10 167 5633 Unknown History OT 3 17 19 28 18 Job 42 1070 18098 Unknown Poetry OT 2 13 19 22 19 Psalms 150 2461 42704 Various Poetry OT 1 9 19 14 20 Proverbs 31 915 15038 Solomon Poetry OT 2 15 19 24 21 Ecclesiastes 12 222 5579 Solomon Poetry OT 2 14 19 23 22 Song of Solomon 8 117 2658 Solomon Poetry OT 2 10 19 17 O 23 Isaiah 66 1292 37036 Isaiah Prophecy OT 3 17 19 28 24 Jeremiah 52 1364 42654 Jeremiah Prophecy OT 4 25 19 41 25 Lamentations 5 154 3411 Jeremiah Poetry OT 3 20 19 34 26 Ezekiel 48 1273 39401 Ezekiel Prophecy OT 4 25 19 41 27 Daniel 12 357 11602 Daniel Prophecy OT 5 29 19 48 28 Hosea 14 197 5174 Hosea Prophecy OT 2 11 19 18 29 Joel 3 73 2033 Joel Prophecy OT 3 20 19 34 30 Amos 9 146 4216 Amos Prophecy OT 2 1 14 19 23 31 Obadiah 1 21 669 Obadiah Prophecy OT 3 20 19 33 32 Jonah 4 48 1320 Jonah Prophecy OT 2 10 19 17 33 Micah 7 105 3152 Micah Prophecy OT 2 14 19 23 34 Nahum 3 47 1284 Nahum Prophecy OT 2 13 19 21 35 Habakkuk 3 56 1475 Habakkuk Prophecy OT 2 15 19 25 36 Zephaniah 3 53 1616 Zephaniah Prophecy OT 3 16 19 27 37 Haggai 2 38 1130 Haggai Prophecy OT 3 17 19 28 O 38 Zechariah 14 211 6443 Zechariah Prophecy OT 2 14 19 23 39 Malachi 4 55 1781 Malachi Prophecy OT 22 13 19 22 40 Matthew 28 1071 23343 Matthew Gospel NT 4 25 19 42 41 Mark 16 678 14949 Mark Gospel NT 5 28 19 47 42 Luke 24 1151 25640 Luke Gospel NT 5 32 19 53 43 John 21 879 18658 John Gospel NT 4 27 19 44 44 Acts 28 1007 24229 Luke History NT 4 26 19 43 45 Romans 16 433 9422 Paul Letter NT 3 18 19 29 46 1 Corinthians 16 437 9462 Paul Letter NT 3 18 19 30 47 2 Corinthians 13 257 6046 Paul Letter NT 2 14 19 23 48 Galatians 6 149 3084 Paul Letter NT 3 15 19 26 49 Ephesians 6 155 3022 Paul Letter NT 3 15 19 25 50 Philippians 4 104 2183 Paul Letter NT 3 16 19 27 51 Colossians 4 95 1979 Paul Letter NT 2 15 19 25 52 1 Thessalonians 5 89 1837 Paul Letter NT 2 11 19 18 L 53 2 Thessalonians 3 47 1022 Paul Letter NT 2 10 19 17 54 1 Timothy 6 113 2244 Paul Letter NT 2 11 19 19 55 2 Timothy 4 83 1666 Paul Letter NT 2 12 19 21 56 Titus 3 46 896 Paul Letter NT 1 9 19 15 57 Philemon 1 25 430 Paul Letter NT 2 13 19 22 58 Hebrews 13 303 6897 Unknown Letter NT 3 16 19 27 59 James 5 108 2304 James Letter NT 2 14 19 23 60 1 Peter 5 105 2476 Peter Letter NT 2 15 19 25 61 2 Peter 3 61 1553 Peter Letter NT 3 16 19 26 62 1 John 5 105 2517 John Letter NT 3 15 19 25 63 2 John 1 13 298 John Letter NT 1 9 19 15 64 3 John 1 14 294 John Letter NT 1 9 19 15 65 Jude 1 25 608 Jude Letter NT 3 18 19 30 66 Revelation 22 404 11952 John Prophecy NT 3 16 19 27 3 18 19 31 S Referemce: overviewbible.com Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah
1 2 11 “ Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 Copyright © 2021 Lawrence E. Adjah
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