Here we are! It is finally here! We will complete the Old Testament readings this month.
We go from Amos to Malachi. Some of the books have funny and hard to pronounce names. The message of judgment and hope is throughout each of the books. The message in each book shares the message of God’s hatred for sin and brokenness and judgment. But the goal of the message is grace to share His mercy and love and deliverance to remember the covenant of the promised Messiah to come. Let me share a brief summary for each.
Amos: God wants social justice, warns and judges sinfulness and yet continues to love undeserving Israel. The remnant of those who seek the Lord and repent will live. Key verses 9:13-15
Obadiah: God is Edom’s enemy. In this small book, God highlight’s the Lord sovereignty on His people and the promise of Jesus to reign forever as King and Lord. Key verse 21
Jonah: The book is one that is surrounded with a question of whether it’s real or not. When Jesus quoted the story he taught it as history not a parable. God in His mercy wants to share His grace and hope and salvation. This message of hope is fulfilled through Jesus. Key verse 3:6-10
Micah: A message of judgment and hope. People need to see God is holy. He is just. He is patient. He demands perfection and faithfulness to Him. He cares and He will send a Savior. He is our all in all. Key verse 5:2
Nahum: This short book shares a message of prophesy and judgment and jealously of God for people to be faithful to him. God is also a God who cares for His people and frees them from oppression. His Word is powerful! Key verse 1:7
Habakkuk: This world is full of evil and problems. The message is that God is a God of mercy and brings faith in the midst of this trouble. Real joy comes from God. Key verse 2:4
Zephaniah: God shows His wrath to unfaithful nations including Israel. He is in control and wants all people to trust in Him above all things. He will destroy sin. We need to repent and seek the Lord. Key verse 3:16-17
Haggai: The rebuilding of the temple of God needs to be the main focus for people. The priorities that we place in our lives cannot leave God as secondary and our self-serving attitude first. God needs to be the main priority in life - everything else follows. Key verse 2:7-9, 23
Zechariah: The rebuilding in the temple as a prophecy of the coming Savior Christ as perfect prophet and priest for us to save His People. Key verse 13:7-9
Malachi: God hates sin. The people must be faithful to God, return and repent of sin. The book points to the prophecy of God and His faithfulness and love for Israel to send a Savior. Key verse Malachi 3:1-3
God's blessings to enrich you and guide you in Jesus as you RTTB!!
Pastor Jon
Mount Olive’s "Read Through The Bible" continues! Join us in the Coffee Shop on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM. We will review the discussion questions each week and meet until 9:30 AM. The Elders will be facilitating this study.
Read Through the Bible Discussion Groups. A discussion group opportunity is offered weekly on Thursdays at 7:00 PM in the Meeting Room. John and Ellen McKee facilitate this group. We will always discuss the previous week’s reading schedule.
The Wednesday Morning Men’s Bible Study meets at 6:00 AM in the coffee shop where they are also studying "Read through the Bible." Contact Jeff Paschke at 763.427.5539 for more information.
Various HOME Groups are also studying "Read through the Bible" as they meet. Email randy@mtolive-anoka.org for more information on these groups.
If you choose to use your own Bible, the reading schedule for each month are listed below.
Read through the Bible in Two Years Schedule and Discussion Questions:
Year 1 - 2011
Year 2 - 2012