Concordia Adult Bible Class

A family apart from faith can attempt some spectacular things, as does the human family in Genesis 11 when they build the tower of Babel. But our success will only be temporary. Each family must ask: what is most important?

When God created Adam and Eve, He created history’s first family. He also placed them in an idyllic setting. Their yard was perfect. But Adam and Eve’s sin stained not only their family, but the whole human family. The white picket fence was replaced by a flaming sword to keep Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24). But in the middle of this mess, God promises a descendant who will restore their family. What our family needs most of all is not a white picket fence, but a cross.

When God is putting forth plans for the building of the tabernacle, He gives people the talents to do the work He needs. God has given us talents, too. How we steward our talents will guide how we feel about our work. Work can be a burden. But when we steward our talents well, work can also be a gift.

Moses dies before Israel enters the Promised Land. But Moses leaves a lasting legacy. He had a special, close relationship with God that ultimately foreshadows Christ’s perfect relationship with God.

God warns the Israelites that if they do not obey Him, there will be consequences. They will be cast out of the land God is getting ready to give them. Sadly, the Israelites do fall into rebellion and the lessons they learn are painful. We are called to learn from Israel and live in obedience to God for our own good.

As God establishes a covenant with Israel, He expects them to obey the stipulations of His covenant. Obedience leads to blessings. History, however, reminds us that the Israelites do not obey this covenant. This is why God must establish a new covenant in Christ.

One of the most common questions that people ask about the Old Testament has to do with the violent stories in it. In this section, God lays down some rules of engagement for war. We see that God is not bloodthirsty, but careful and thoughtful and uses battle not as a first, but as a last, resort.

God forecasts that the Israelites will eventually cry out for a king to lead them, which they do (1 Samuel 8:4-21). In this section, God reminds the people that any leader they have should be led first by God and His Word. A leader is at his best when he first follows the Lord.

God blesses the Israelites bountifully. But God also expects the Israelites to use their bountiful blessing to bless others. Israel’s generosity is to extend both to people to whom they are close and to people who are outside their social circles and national identity.

The ancient Israelites lived as monotheists in a polytheistic society. Anything that takes their attention away from the one, true God is spiritually dangerous. In this section, Moses instructs the people how to discern true religion from false religion.