Biblical Literacy Podcast

05/28/2023

Chapter 27, The Old Testament Minor Prophets; Concludes with

Malachi.In this last Book of the Minor Prophets

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Mark addresses the book of Malachi with respect to,

1.Background

2.Book

3.Points for home

The Background is an extensive review of the history of the middle east as seen today and what it looked like from the days of Abraham, as he

walks us through the Exodus, the 12 tribes and their linage, David and Solomon, the Divided Kingdom, the Assyrian Conquest of Israel and the

Babylonian Conquest of Judah. He addressed the return from exile. He then addressed the people and their work in Judah, to rebuild the

Temple. One would wonder what the population of Judah was that could rebuild such a massive structure. Mark addresses that.

Mark then discusses Malachi’s “Place in the Bible”.

We know it is the last book in the Old Testament, King James version of the Bible, but where is it in the Hebrew version and why.

The Book

Addresses several verses in Malachi and Mark details the expectation of the Lord, with respect to what the Lord has given them

and what he expects in return. Some of the specifics are how believers should Honor their father, offering of polluted food, how you should

behave when no one is watching, and describes the full meaning of tithe and more.

Malachi definitely reveals what God, the Lord, would do if the people did not follow his teachings and expectations.

Point for Home. Zephaniah 3:17-19

Hear the God of Love

Be authentic, have faith.

5-21-23 - Biblical-Literacy

Dr. David Capes interviewed Dr. Daniel Wallace, Executive Director of The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts, CSNTM, & Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and Dr. Tommy Wasserman, Professor of New Testament at Orebro School of Theology in Sweden. Dr. Wallace and Dr. Wasserman discussed the accuracy of the New Testament Greek manuscripts of which there are nearly 6000 even after 1400 years of scribes handwriting the documents. Listen to Dr. Wallace and Wasserman passionately share details from the ancient New Testament manuscripts and fragments of New Testament manuscripts.

5-14-23 Biblical-Literacy

Mark completed the book of Zechariah in the Study of the Minor Prophets. He

offered a three-step approach to looking at Zechariah: read the passage,

understand it, and apply it to our lives. Mark discussed dark passages which

are there for a reason and not to be scanned over. He shared evil has no

place among God’s people. Jesus is Lord of all, and He came to dwell with

His people.

Listen to Mark teach how we are not to live in darkness but in the presence of

the Lord. Trust the Father to take care of us with light and life.

Biblical

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Literacy May 7, 2023

Mark continued with Zechariah in The Minor Prophets series. Scripture is for all people for all times,

pointing to Jesus as the Bread of life.

Mark focused on various passages in Zechariah

:

to read them, understanding them, and apply them

to our lives.

God is at work in us and for us, which means we need get to work with God.

Listen to Mark show us that we are the apple of God’s eye. He is the ultimate cleaner of our souls.

Let us sing and

rejoice.

Biblical-Literacy 4-30-23

Dr. David Capes taught from the book of Zechariah as part of the Study of the Minor Prophets series. We were reminded that the prophet’s name Zechariah means "God remembers”. David divided the lesson:

Define Messiah: The one who is anointed; Christ—the one who is anointed; the anointed one; Liberating Jesus. God would return to be king.

 Matthew’s use of Zechariah: The New Testament quotes Zechariah 66 times. Dr. Capes showed four of the passages in Matthew.

“On that day” Chapters 12-14 prophecies of the end times:

The Lord will be King.

Jerusalem will be victorious.

The Lord will shield the inhabitants of Israel.

All nations seek to destroy Israel will be destroyed.

Jerusalem will be forgiven.

Points for home:

The work of the Messiah is also the work of the Messiah’s people.

Who is Jesus - a most unusual King.

We are to follow His example.

Listen to Dr. Capes explain how Zechariah revealed the origin of the Messiah -and- Christology.

4-23-23 Biblical-Literacy

Mark continued the study of the Minor Prophets with the book of Zechariah. Today he provided an overview of the book written around 518 BC sharing:

Historical context: God relates to amazing people to reflect His image. When humanity fell from God, He promised a male redeemer from the offspring of Eve. Throughout the Old Testament, God promises a Messiah. He is faithful despite our unfaithfulness.

Key passages:  Zechariah 1:1-17 reveals the prophet’s name means "God remembers and will take action." God says return to me, and I will return to you.

Points for home: We need God to be the God of our past, present, and future.

Listen to Mark teach that our God longs to be our God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow to grow us into what He wants to be.

Biblical Literacy -4-16-23

Dr. David Fleming taught the book of Haggai as part of the Study of Minor Prophets. A book only 2 chapters in length not of Haggai’s opinion but God’s word to his people thru the prophet.The context of Haggai was during the reign of King Darius who allowed the Jews in Babylon to return to Jerusalem from exile, but they are dissatisfied.

Themes included:

God speaks -a time to line up our ways with Him

Consider your ways -misplaced priorities. Jesus?

Go and Do -Put God first and step out of your comfort zone.

He is with you

God is faithful

Points for Home in today’s context:

What did God say to you?

Go and do it.

The Lord will be with you.

Listen to Dr. Fleming share how God’s words to the Israelites apply to us today. Through God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, persistent faithfulness, and sovereignty, He has the ability to get us to the finish line.

Apr 6, 2023

Mark continued the study of the Minor Prophets with the book of Habakkuk. Mark started his review of Habakkuk with some context. Neither the writer nor the date of Habakkuk is known, leaving the reader to also question why, how, and where. Jesus and other New Testament writers quoted from Habakkuk.

He continued analyzing the dialogue. We learn that Habakkuk protests against God. We read a cry for help, protest against violence, and why is the evil happening. It is acceptable to bring a sincere heart to the Lord. Jesus cries out God in the garden of Gethsemane. He questions God - Why are You allowing this evil to happen? God was getting Easter ready. Victory is at the end. The righteous will live by faith.

Points for home:

God knows what is going on in our lives. He cares, listens, and loves.

I will rejoice in the Lord and take joy in my salvation.

God is my strength. He makes me tread in high places.

Trust with patience for God’s timing.

Mark discusses passages in the book of Zephaniah.

Lesson objectives include:

1. Looking at the passages in a different way

2. Apply the passages to me and you

3. Wash, Rinse and repeat

Zephaniah 1:1

Mark breaks down the meaning of each name and why the name Zephaniah is followed by his family linage and how the Name of God is incorporated in the name. Key point is, make a name for yourself by how you live. Bring Glory to God by how you live.

Zephaniah 1:2-3

God wants to “Clean you up” in ways you never dreamed. How will you know when he is finished?

Zephaniah 1:4-6

Mark discusses, if you were going through four doors which door would you choose.

Flu. Covid. Cancer. Good Health

Mark discusses how this passage identifies what is behind the doors of life and which door God expects us to open and live a Godly life.

Zephaniah !:7

Mark explains what the meaning of this passage with reference to being silent.

It is not what you might think.

Points for home:

Zephaniah 3:1-2 Instruction about people

Homework. 1. No rebellion

2. Listen to God

3. Accept Correction

4. Trust God!

5. Draw nearer to Him

Dr. David Capes delivered an overview of Zephaniah in the Study of The Minor Prophets. Zepaniah's name means God has hidden. Names that contain the name of God, those ending in iah or el, are theophoric.

Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah in 640-630 BC.

Dr. Capes focused on three areas:

Oracles against nations - who have sinned against God. Utter destruction of creation.

Oracles against Judah - I will destroy all idolatry and the people who have turned against God.

Vision of hope - Restoration and hope for Jerusalem.

Points for home:

1. Obedience to God brings blessings and disobedience brings hardship.

2. The God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament is the same.

3. God hates idolatry and will punish those who practice it.

4. Every empire and superpower is one generation from collapse and become the dust of history.

5. Seek the Lord while He may be found. Humble yourself.

6. In days to come, there is a new world coming.

Listen to David offer hope to those who seek, trust, and hold fast to God.