Oxford Bible Church - Living in the Last Days

After Saul, David reigned 7 years and 6 months in Hebron, then 33 years from Jerusalem. The 6 months explains the origin of Tishri years for the reigns of the kings of Judah. We also deduce David's age when he killed Goliath, and when his son Absalom rebelled, and the age difference between David and Jonathan.

A literal reading of Judges confirms Acts 13:20 in revealing the Time of the Judges must have been longer than what's allowed by the 480 years of 1Kings 6:1. This is explained by the Key of Unreckoned Time. Likewise, we see how Jephthah's 300 years fit with a long chronology, and how Saul's 40 years (Acts 13:21) agree with his 1 year (1Samuel 13:1).

After Eli's 40 years, Israel entered her 7th Servitude of 20 years (to the Philistines), the time of Samuel, the Prophet (Acts 13:20). Israel's repentance released God to raise up Samuel as their Judge (1Sam 7), who called them to Mizpeh for a national repentance, resulting in a great victory over the Philistines. Samuel then judged Israel until Saul's reign.

The time of the Judges consists of 7 repeating Cycles of Israel's (1) Sin, (2) Servitude to a foreign power, (3) Sorrow (repentance), and (4) Sovereignty restored. This video covers the 5th and 6th Cycles. The 6th Servitude, coinciding with Samson' life, was followed by the 40 years of Eli, the time of Samuel's youth.

The time of the Judges gives us many spiritual lessons. It consists of 7 Cycles, which begin with Israel in fellowship with God under His chosen Judge, but then they sin and come under Servitude to their enemies, until they repent. Then God raises up a new Judge to deliver them. This video covers the first 4 Servitudes.

This video continues Derek's Series on Bible Chronology based on his book: 'The Keys of Time.' It starts to cover the next Great Jubilee Cycle, including 40 years in the Wilderness, the Conquest of the Land, and the time of the Judges, with its repeating pattern of (1) Sin, (2) Servitude, (3) Sorrow, and (4) Sovereignty restored.

We have a powerful Helper and Prayer Partner, the Holy Spirit. Together with Him we form a Dynamic Duo, for as we call on His help in prayer and depend on Him, He fills us and empowers our praying. We are told to always 'pray in the Spirit' (Ephesians 6:18), so His help must always be available to us, as we trust in Him.

God's will for believers is that they grow spiritually through His Word. Our prayers for them are important, for they release His Spirit to them, Who works with His Word to bring forth fruit. There are many examples of Bible Prayers we can pray. To pray the Word, is to pray God's will, so we know He hears and answers these prayers.

God's will for every man is Salvation through the Gospel, but these words must be backed up by Prayer, to release God's Spirit. Pray God: (1) removes their spiritual blindness and opens their eyes to see their sin and Saviour, (2) sends them anointed labourers, (3) gives us opportunities and boldness to share the Gospel, with clarity, accuracy and power.

God wants us to PRAY for all men (1) to be saved and (2) come to the knowledge of the truth (1Timothy 2:1-4). This is the fulfilment of the 2 parts of the Great Commission: (1) Salvation thru the Gospel, and (2) Discipleship in God's Word. So the Great Commission must be backed up by Prayer, for it to be fulfilled. So when we pray: "God's will be done and His Kingdom come" for others, our prayers should be focused on the fulfilment of the Great Commission in their lives, that is, on (1) their salvation and (2) their spiritual growth.