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My notes on teaching the Old Testament, by Mama Brenda. Leader’s notes: Lesson 8 - Moses and the Passover, Exodus 1:1-4:28; 12:1-42; 13:17-15:21 Don’t give out notes to start with. Ask those with books to keep them shut. Give four ladies cards with one each of the first four references on, to read out one at a time. Elicit the information from the ladies. How? God’s way was through one man - Moses Get the ladies to work in pairs to find in the story (Exodus 1:15- 2:10) ladies who God used to begin working out the “how?”. Share answers and then give out notes or open the books. Confirm their findings from Stephen’s account in Acts. God is making a way! 40-80 years old Work through this section together eliciting answers from what the ladies already know and what they are reading. God is making a way! Student's worksheet: Lesson 8 Moses and the Passover Exodus 1:1-4:28; 12:1-42; 13:17-15:21. Genesis 15:13-14 part of God’s promise to Abraham - Israel will be enslaved in Egypt for 400 years, but will come out with great provisions Genesis 50:24 God will come to your aid - Joseph’s death bed words to his brothers - God will make a way Exodus 1:6-7 The Israelites are now many people, becoming a threat to the new Pharaoh Exodus 1:8-10 They are enslaved and progressively treated worse How? God’s way was through one man - Moses 1-40 years old - God’s provisions for His appointed man Exodus 1:15-21 midwives who feared God 1:22 Pharaoh tries again 2:1-3 Moses is born to a Hebrew family, who protect him as far as they can 2:4 The baby’s sister, Miriam, watches 2:5-6 Pharaoh’s daughter bathes in the Nile, just where the mini boat is 2:7 Miriam takes the opportunity 2:8-10 Moses’ mother looks after her own baby until he is old enough to go to live with Pharaoh’s daughter in the royal palace - probably at about three years old. Three precious years to teach the young Moses about his people and his God Acts 7:17-23 Here Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is giving the Jewish leaders a lesson from their own history - Moses was well educated in the palace, as fitted the son of a princess. God is making a way 40-80 years old - murder, cultural shock, desert shepherd, God’s call 2:11-15 hot headed murder, not accepted by his own people, fled to Midian 2:16-20 welcomed by Reuel (Jethro)’s family and settled in Midian 2:21-25 married Jethro’s daughter, Zipporah - they had a son. God was concerned for the Israelites Acts 7:23-29 story corroborated in Stephen’s speech Acts 7:30 after 40 years of shepherding in the desert Moses encountered God Exodus 3:1-10 God attracted Moses with something he could not understand 3:11-22 Moses said - who am I to do this? What if the Israelites say “What is the name of this God who sent you?” God revealed Himself as “I am who I am” and told Moses to go and talk to the leaders of Israel. God said that Pharaoh would eventually let them go when a “mighty hand compels him” (3:20) and the Egyptians would load them with gifts. Compare with Genesis 15:14 4:1-17 Moses did not want to go to Pharaoh - God gave him a sign - he still did not want to go to Pharaoh - God was angry with Moses - God said that Aaron would go with him 4:18-28 Moses told Jethro what he was about to do and started to Egypt with his wife and sons, meeting Aaron on the way. God is making a way. Page 25 Leader's notes: Lesson 8 - Moses and the Passover 80-120 years’ old Work through together as a class until the two paragraphs bottom of page 26 and top of page 27. Work in pairs to find the words in Exodus 12:1-11 marked opposite by a *, and Jesus/Passover Lamb. The exact words may vary from one translation to another. 1 Peter 1:18-19 “You were redeemed……with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” Romans 3:23-25 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that comes by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement.” Student's worksheet: Lesson 8 - Moses and the Passover 80-120 years old - conflict - Passover - rejoicing - disappointment Exodus 5:1-9 Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and quoted the God of Israel – to which Pharaoh replies that he does not recognise the God of Israel, so the people cannot go. Pharaoh also says the Israelites can no longer use straw to make their brick quota, so making the job much harder. This action made the Israelites turn against Moses (5:22-23). God gave Moses an encouragement for the Israelites but they were too discouraged to accept it (6:5-9). Remember that sometimes when you are very discouraged - perhaps God IS encouraging you, but you are not willing to listen. 7:1-7 This is the introduction to the plagues that come on Pharaoh and Egypt in 7:14-11:10. Who hardened Pharaoh’s heart? Who brought judgement on Egypt? Plague Pharaoh’s reaction Who hardened Pharaoh’s heart? 1.Blood No Pharaoh 2. Frogs Yes then No Pharaoh 3. Gnats No Pharaoh ? 4. Flies in Egyptian areas Yes then No Pharaoh 5. Death of Egyptian livestock No Pharaoh 6. Boils No God 7. Hail but not in Goshen(Israelites) Yes then No Pharaoh 8. Locusts No then Yes then No God 9. Darkness over Egyptian area Yes then No God 10. Firstborn die No then Yes then chased them God Check 7:22, 8:7, 8:18-19, 9:11, then the magicians are not mentioned again! Our God is totally powerful. The institution of Passover is an integral part of Israelite history and of Jewish thinking even today. It fits in between plague nine and plague ten. Exodus 12:1-11 A perfect* year old male* sheep or goat is to be killed *. The blood is to be put on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they will eat the roasted lambs. They must eat it with bread made without yeast, and with bitter herbs. They must eat with sandals on, staff in hand and be ready to leave. 12:12-13 That night God will kill all the firstborn, men and animals, in judgement on the gods of Egypt. “The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” 12:14-16, 24-28 “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord - a lasting ordinance.” It is to be followed by a week-long festival of unleavened bread. Page 26 Leader's notes: Lesson 8 - Moses and the Passover 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival…….with….sincerity and truth.” Work through the top half of page 27, Back to the story…… Note on the numbers. Exodus 12:37 600,000 men assume 600,000 women assume 600,000 children Exodus 12:38 ? herders ? many other people – Exodus 9:20; 12:38 and 48. _______Round figure – not exact – to get an idea of the size 2,000,000 of this people movement The Sudan and South Sudan displacement/famine/refugee figures are also not exact, but accurate enough to give an impression. ‘What did God tell Moses to do?’ Answer 1, 2, 3 in pairs (See opposite) Then ‘What did Moses do?’ Answer 1, 2, 3 in pairs (See opposite below) Then share altogether to end. Student's worksheet: Lesson 8 - Moses and the Passover Before His crucifixion Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples, but He put a completely new meaning into it. Look at the * 11 lines back, on page 26 - can you make each of them refer to Jesus as our Passover Lamb? 1 Peter 1:18-19; Romans 3:23-25; 1 Corinthians 5:7 and then verse 8 - celebrate by living in sincerity and truth. Back to the story……. 12:29-30 The death of the Egyptian firstborn. 12:31-36 Pharaoh said go. Egyptians gave them gold, silver and clothing. See Genesis 15:14. The Israelites travelled from Rameses to Succoth - 600,000 (603,550 Ex 38:26) men aged 20 and over + women + children + those driving flocks and herds + many other people - (? Ex 9:20). That is 5 times the population of Juba or one sixth of the estimated population of South Sudan 2016 + animals to get moving and organise!!!! 13:17-22 The Israelites move south, guided and accompanied by a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire. 14:1-18 Pharaoh decided to chase the Israelite exodus. God said (vs4 and vs18) what would happen was to demonstrate His glory. 14:19-31 The great horde of Israelites and the chasing Egyptians camp that night separated by the angel of God and the pillar of cloud. In the morning Moses stretched out his hand over the sea and the waters divided. The Israelites went across on dry land. Late in the night God looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of cloud and fire and threw it into confusion. At daybreak Moses stretched out his hand again and the sea came back. Not one of the entire Egyptian army survived. The Israelites feared God and trusted God and Moses. 15:1-21 A song of praise for what God had done. God had made a way. 12:40-42. We need to finish the Moses story and jump ahead to finish this study. As we will find the next time - the Israelites were a very difficult group to rule. Numbers 20:2-12 Verses 2 - 5 opposition to Moses and Aaron Verses 6 - 8 Moses and Aaron went to God for wisdom. Verse 8 What did God tell Moses to do? 1. 2. 3. Verses 9-11 What did Moses do? 1. 2. 3. God had provided - but Moses had disobeyed. Verse 12 Moses had not trusted God - he had done what he thought was right - Moses had not proved that God was right in what He (God) had said - he had doubted the holy, sovereign God. Page 27 Leader's notes: Lesson 8 - Moses and the Passover There is a lot of material to cover in this lesson, but that is because there is a lot of material in the Old Testament!! The ladies may want to comment on the 6 things to note (opposite). If you have time to spare you could get ladies to share how God has made a way for them when there seemed to be no way. Some experiences may seem small and insignificant, but they were big to the person concerned and they may help others. If God has been seen to ‘make a way’, it is valid sharing. Student's worksheet: Lesson 8 - Moses and the Passover Consequently, neither Moses or Aaron entered the Promised land. Exodus 33:11 “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.” Deuteronomy 32:48-52, 34:1-7. Moses walked with God but he was still a sinful man. God requires obedience in His followers. And He definitely expects leaders He appoints live up to His standards. A solemn lesson. 6 things to note - we have to be willing to receive God’s encouragement. - God brought judgement on Egypt. - The magicians were very limited in power, God is unlimited! - Christ is our Passover Lamb - averting God’s judgement from us. - People movements are not new - 6 million people was of a lot of people to move. - Whatever God has used us to do in His service, we still need to honour Him as holy, and obey Him all the time. Please read for next time about living in the Israeli camp - Exodus 15:22-19:25; 23:20-33; 34:29-35; 39:32-40:38. Numbers 1:51-2:34. Page 28

25 lesson plans for children, young people and their teachers. Lesson 12 Ups and downs under the leadership of the Judges Bible reference – Joshua 7-8; and Judges After success in the battle of Jericho, God’s chosen people continued to conquer the land of Canaan and it’s people. They learned quickly that they must be obedient to all that God told them. Because one man disobeyed the day they took Jericho, Israel lost their next battle at the small town called Ai, Joshua chapter 7. They recognised that God had taken away His blessing from them, verse 10. Only when the sin was uncovered, and the sinner had paid the penalty, could they succeed again, verses 25-26; and chapter 8 verse 1. During Joshua’s lifetime the Israelites served the Lord, Joshua 24 verse 31; Judges 2:7. They possessed much of the land, but not all of it. They defeated and displaced most of the people, but not all of them. Stop and discuss (1) Divide the class into groups of four or five students. Have each group find Judges chapter 1 verse 19 to 2 verse 15 in their Bibles. Ask each group to read the verses to themselves and to find as many verses as they can that describe the Israelites not totally driving the people of Canaan from the land. They should write a list of the verse references. (Tell the students not to worry about all the different names! For our lesson, these are not important). See which group can find the most right answers. In Joshua and Judges there is a lot of killing. Seven whole nations of Canaanite people are almost totally killed by Israel as they possess the land God promised to them. (See Joshua 8 verse 24-26; chapter 10 verses 20, 30, 32, 35, 37, 40; chapter 11 verses 8, 11, 14, 21). We must remember why this destruction happened. This was not cold-blooded murder and stealing from a godly, peace loving people! “The Israelites came as God’s chosen people, as instruments to inflict proper judgement upon sin and sinners”.2 They were carrying out God’s judgement . This did not make them better than anyone else. They were accountable to God for everything they did. Stop and discuss (2) Have five good readers from the class read slowly and carefully out loud, the following verses: Joshua 11 verse 15 Leviticus 18 verses 1-2 Leviticus 18 verses 3-4 Leviticus 18 verses 24-25 Joshua 11 verse 20 God will always judge sin. In His mercy He had waited a long time, giving people opportunity to repent. Then, at the time of God’s choice, He used the Israelites to bring His judgement on the wicked Canaanites. More than four hundred years earlier God had told Abraham 2 Theodore Epp Joshua - Victorious by Faith (Lincoln,Nebraska: Back to the Bible) 1968, p.35-37. p.40 that this would happen, Genesis 15 verse 16. The Israelites themselves were warned by God that they would be judged in the same way if they disobeyed God by living evil lives. Now, they were being used by God to punish others. But God would use others to punish them if they did not listen to His commands and follow His way. No person, from any tribe or nation, can ever assume God is on his or her side. God will be with us, and God will be for us when we are living His way. Joshua and his elders led the people well. They encouraged them to live the right way. God helped them in their battles. But after Joshua died the younger Israelites soon ignored the great lessons from their history, Judges 2 verses 10-12. They turned away from God to worship false gods. Therefore God was against His own people. He did not break His Covenant with them. He fully kept it, as He always will, Judges 2 verse 1. But, at this time, the true and living God fought against His own people. He was trying to bring them back to the way they had been told to live, Judges 2 verse 15. Judges 2 verse 16 gives this Bible book its title: “Then the Lord gave the Israelites leaders who saved them from the raiders”. The word “leaders”is the same Hebrew word “judges”. (The Old Testament was originally written in the Hebrew language). Some old Bible translators used the word “saviours”. This part of the history of God’s special people is a cycle of bad behaviour followed by good behaviour followed by bad behaviour. From now on it is ‘Activity time’! Ask the class to stand up. Tell them to stand up as tall as they can, hands stretching up towards the sky. They should do this whenever you speak of ‘good behaviour’. Next, have them turn with their backs to the sky, bent down low, looking down at the ground. They should do this whenever you mention ‘bad behaviour’. Tell them that this should happen for all of the time that is left in today’s lesson. Now ask them to sit down – but be ready to stretch up, or to bend low, as you say ‘good behaviour’ or ‘bad behaviour’. Tell the class you are going to pick out some stories from the Judges: God’s special people keep forgetting that God chose them for a reason. He wants them to be His people, living in His place, following His plan. This is what God sees as ‘good behaviour’ (class stretch up). The people are often influenced by those around them. They rebel against God. God sees that as ‘bad behaviour’ (class bend down). In Judges 3 verse 7 the people forget the Lord God. They sinned against Him, worshipping the idols of Baal and Asherah. God was angry at this bad behaviour (class bend low). God let them be conquered by an enemy for eight years. When the people cried out to God for help He sent them a leader, a judge, a saviour, called Othniel. For forty years Othniel led the people in good behaviour (class stretch up). p.41 In Judges 3 verse 12 the people sin against the Lord again. God sees their bad behaviour (class bend down) and sends another enemy to defeat them. Eighteen years later the Israelites call for God to help them. He gave them a left-handed leader named Ehud. Ehud was the judge for 80 years. He led the good behaviour (class stretch up) of the people. In Judges 4 verse 1 the bad behaviour (class bend down) of the people means that God lets them be ruled by a violent and cruel Canaanite king. This lasted for twenty years. God’s people need help and call out to God. God sends Deborah as leader, saviour and judge. Good behaviour (class stretch up) brought them peace in the land for forty years. Deborah’s song of praise to God is Judges chapter 5. In Judges 6 verse 1 the foolish and forgetful people once more sin against God. This bad behaviour (class bend low) means that for seven years the strong Midianite peoples drive the Israelites to live in hillside caves. All the Israelite crops are stolen or destroyed, year after year. All of their animals are taken away. A prophet – whose name we do not know – warns the people that they are not listening to God. This prophet reminds the people of all God has done through history. God brought the Israelites from Egypt into the land He promised to give them as their own. God calls another judge to save Israel from the bad situation they were in. His name is Gideon. Gideon leads the people in good behaviour (class stretch up) that God was pleased with! Gideon leads just three hundred men to fight and defeat Midian, Judges chapter 7. God is pleased with the good behaviour (class stretch up). God wants no more bad behaviour (class bend down). Other judges lead Israel and save them from their bad behaviour (class bend down), encouraging good behaviour (class stretch up). Jephthah is a mighty warrior, Judges 11 verse 1. For eighteen years God lets Israel be the slaves of the Philistines because of their bad behaviour (class bend down). They serve other gods and forget the true and living God, who had helped them so much over many years. Samson is set apart to God from his birth, Judges 13 verse 5. God strengthens him in a special way, verse 25. The powerful Spirit of the Lord makes him strong, 14 verse 19; 15 verse 14. God uses Samson while his good behaviour (class stretch up) pleases God. So we learn how the good behaviour (class stretch up) and the bad behaviour (class bend down) of the people and their leaders has an effect on everything that happens. If God is angry at their bad behaviour (class bend down), then He is against them. When they cry out to the true and living God for help, their good behaviour (class stretch up) is seen by God. And He sends them a person who is their leader, judge, and saviour. Stop and discuss(3) Towards the end of Judges a statement is written four times which introduces the subject of our next lesson. Have students look up these four verses and write out what it says on the next page, (43): Judges 17 verse 6 18 verse 1 p.42 19 verse 1 21 verse 25 “ T w n_ k i_ I a_ t t ; a t p d j a_ t p _____”. The class could also learn the verse if there is time. Read and repeat it several times out loud. See if one female and one male can remember it, and can say it to the whole class. Answers to ‘Stop and discuss’ 1. Judges chapter 1 verse 19, 21, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34; and chapter 2 verses 12, 14, 15. Thirteen references in all. 2. I suggest you allow the class to ask any questions they may have about this topic of God commanding violence.There is no need for you to raise a problem if the class do not have one. But if any students are disturbed, share with them about God’s holy hatred of sin and yet His pure love for the sinner, John chapter 3 verses 16,17. 3. “There was no king in Israel at that time; all the people did just as they pleased”, Judges 17 verse 6. p43

Leader's page and Student's page best viewed left/right side together Lesson 10 Leader’s notes: John 12:1-19:42 Don’t forget this is not just a brain exercise, it must involve hearts as well. Pray God the Holy Spirit will move on people during your Lesson. This section of John is full of teaching which builds blocks into Christian living if applied properly. Work through these John references – involving the ladies by asking and answering my questions if discussion does not flow easily. 12:1-8 Were people right to be indignant? Why? Why not? What reason did Jesus give for Mary’s actions? What was His anticipated result? Does that surprise you? Has it happened? 13:1-17 Here is the Creator of the universe washing your feet – is there anything you should not be willing to do for Him? 14:6 Ten words in English that give us three ways to think about God the Son and God the Father. May God the Holy Spirit lead us in our answers: What does believing these three truths do for your Christian life? How does it change your life from before you believed? 15:1-8 I can picture lemon trees we planted in our Khartoum North garden. After two years they produced much enjoyable fruit. We got what we expected for our work. What fruit does your Christian life produce for your Lord Jesus? What He expects? 15:12 The little word ‘as’ makes a big difference here. It is not a full stop between two short sentences. What do you think it means to “love others as Jesus loves”? Student's page: Lesson 10 The purpose of the true story from John’s perspective, 12:1-19:42 John does not record the interaction of Jesus with the Pharisees. but he records five chapters of teaching, encouragement and prayer. Precious time spent with the disciples. Sometimes time is best thing we can give to someone. 12:1-8. John records a feast at the house of Simon the Leper in Bethany, where Lazarus, Mary and Martha lived. The story is also in Matthew and Mark –they record the perfume being poured over Jesus’ head by a woman, as He reclined at the table. Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9. John has the perfume being poured over Jesus’ feet by Mary. May be it was both? She used her hair to wipe His feet. Some people were indignant – the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus said that Mary has anointed His body for burial, John 12:7. “Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her”. Matthew 26:13, Mark 14:9. Matthew and Mark place this story during Holy Week. John has it the day before the Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem. Mary did what she could, she used what she had. There’s a challenge for us today! 13:1-17 In the Middle East it is hot and dusty. You have a bath and then go out. By the time you have walked a little way your feet are dusty. It was the lowest job in the house to be the one who washed the feet of others. In a Jewish household a Jewish servant was not expected to do this. If they had one, a Gentile slave would be made to do it. Peter would probably have washed Jesus’ feet but not the other disciples’ feet! Yet Jesus stoops to wash your feet and my feet! Compare Matthew 20:25-27. Another challenge! Sometimes women resentfully feel that the world has called them servants or slaves. Jesus says we should be willing to represent Him and take the role of a good servant. 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life”. (1) Jesus is our way to God, (2) He is the truth of God displayed and (3) He gives everlasting life. He is God in a way we could understand – in human flesh like ours. Do you really believe this? 15:1-8 Jesus says “I am the true Vine and My Father is the Gardener………..I am the Vine; you are the branches”. In many Old Testament references the vine represents Israel, but here Jesus changes the picture. He is the Vine – as a vine produces fruit through its branches we are like branches for Jesus! Are you ready for this? 15:12 Jesus said, “My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you”. Notice it is a command, not just advice. This sounds soft and cuddly. The fact is it is a big challenge. Page 24 Leader's page: John 16:7-22 Share ways you know the Holy Spirit as: your Helper, verse 7 One Who convicts you, verses 8-9 your Teacher, verse 13 One Who glorifies Jesus to you, verse 14 (What does that mean?) 17:1-5 Put into words the relationship between Jesus and His Father in heaven. Ideas may include – perfection, purity, glory, family, love, and more. 17:6-26 Choose one point from Jesus’ prayer and share why it is special for you. Again, don’t forget this is not just a brain exercise, it must involve hearts as well. Pray God the Holy Spirit will move on people during your Lesson. Work through the section on the differences between John and the Synoptics. Look up the Scriptures and let them speak to the ladies. 19:14, 16 The whole crucifixion process, from passing judgement to certifying death on the cross took a long time. This may help explain apparent discrepancies. Three more words from Jesus on the cross. Ask the ladies which of these they see as most significant. Then ask them to explain why! 19:38-42 Think of opponents of Jesus around you. Then pray for their salvation. Student's page: John 16:7-22 Jesus says He will go to heaven Then the Holy Spirit will come and “guide you into all truth.” Compare Acts 1:9, Ephesians 1:13-14, Galatians 5:22-23. If we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord, seeking His forgiveness for our sins, the Holy Spirit is promised to live in us. Jesus encourages His disciples. Be encouraged! No-one can really take away our joy. We live after Jesus’ resurrection. 17:1-5 Jesus is looking forward to sharing glory with His Father again, the way it was before He came to earth as a man. 17:6-26 Jesus prays for the disciples and all believers – that’s us!!! What is different in this ‘Gethsemane to the death of Jesus’ narrative, between John’s Gospel and the Synoptics we saw mainly in Lesson 9? 18:13 Jesus is arrested and first taken to the house of Annas, father-in-law of Caiaphas. Annas had been High Priest but the Romans appointed Caiaphas to take his place. Many Jews still felt that Annas was the real High Priest! 18:15-16 John knows the High Priest and gets Peter allowed into the compound. See how John refers to himself, but not by name! 19:7-15 At one Sanhedrin meeting Caiaphas said “it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish”. John 11:50. Pilate realises he is not now coping with common rebel, but someone beyond his understanding. Prisoners may curse and swear. The composure and words of this prisoner unnerve Pilate. The Jewish leaders did not want Caesar ruling over them, but at that moment they were angrier with Jesus than with Caesar. 19:14 “It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon”. Time passes. 19:16 “Finally Pilate handed Him over to them to be crucified”. Mark 15:25 places the crucifixion at nine in the morning. Matthew, Mark and Luke have darkness coming at noon for three hours, while Jesus was on the cross. Three more words from Jesus on the cross. He saw His mother and John the disciple. 19:26-27 “Woman, here is your son.” “Here is your mother.” In the physical anguish of bearing the weight of all sin, Jesus makes provision for the woman who gave Him birth. 19:28 “I am thirsty” Shows again Jesus’ genuine humanity. 19:30 “It is finished” Yes, His human life was at an end. His resurrection body was new, different, yet continuing life. What He had come to earth to do was accomplished. He had paid the price of sin and made a way for people to have a good personal relationship with Almighty God. Salvation is now available to all. 19:38-42 Nicodemus, who earlier met Jesus in secret one night, brings spices for the burial of Jesus’ body – Nicodemus and Joseph – two members of the very Sanhedrin who opposed Jesus, now work together to honour the Man they believe is God’s Son, Jesus our Saviour. Page 25

My notes for teaching the Old Testament, by Mama Brenda. Leaders’ notes: Lesson 9 - Wanderings and war This study covers: Exodus 15:22-19:25; 39:32-40:38. Numbers 1:1-4:49; 10:11-14:45; 16:1-17:12; 20:1-27:23; 31:1-36:13. Deuteronomy 1:1-4:49; 7:1-11:32; 31:1-34:12. “Theologically, the tabernacle as a dwelling place of God on earth is of immense importance, as being the first in the series: tabernacle, Temple, the incarnation, the body of the individual believer, the church.” (From the Illustrated Bible Dictionary, IVP, Leicester, 1998 edition, Part 3/Tabernacle). In the stories we are looking at today we think of this new portable building Moses is instructed to project build, the tabernacle. We do not realise and feel the significance of this in the lives of the Israelite people. God was seen to be with them. From our standpoint 3,000 years later we need to take into our thinking the series mentioned in the quote above. The tabernacle in the wilderness, then the Temple that Solomon built, followed by the Incarnation of Jesus - God in human flesh - the God/Man, then the indwelling Holy Spirit in the the believer, and finally the presence of God seen in the gathered community of believers. You may want to think that over. It may fit in today’s lesson. It may fit when we come to Solomon. It may fit when the prophets are calling the people to show God in their lives. Back to this lesson. We will look at all the passages in two ways which will help us absorb the details and history: 1. the geography and the time involved 2. the major events Give out notes or ask students to open their books. Teach time and geography, making sure you are keeping the ladies with you. Student's worksheet: Lesson 9 - Wanderings and war This study covers: Exodus 15:22-19:25; 39:32-40:38. Numbers 1:1-4:49; 10:11-14:45; 16:1-17:12; 20:1-27:23; 31:1-36:13. Deuteronomy 1:1-4:49; 7:1-11:32; 31:1-34:12. We will look at this true history in two ways: Time and geography We pick up the story when the Israelites had left Egypt and experienced the miracle intervention of their God protecting them from their enemies, and killing their enemies. Although the words desert and wilderness are used for the wanderings of the Israelites, the land was not desert as in the Sahara or Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia, all sand and no life. The wilderness was a group of areas which did not support life, some oases, and land that could feed some animals and people for a while but not continually. Moses had spent 40 years looking after sheep for Jethro a bit further east in a similar area called Midian, which we know now as north eastern Saudi Arabia. See the map on page 2. Nomads in Sudan and Darfur have to keep moving on to have enough pasture for their animals. Three days after the miracle of the Exodus, this vast column of people, belongings and animals were in the Desert of Shur, also called the Desert of Etham, and there was no drinkable water. A month and a half after they left Egypt they were in the Desert of Sin, further south on the Sinai Peninsula. Exactly three months after leaving Egypt they reached the Desert of Sinai, further south again, and camped in front of the mountain. They camped at Sinai for a good part of a year, received the rules to live by from God and celebrated their first Passover remembrance there. On the 20th day of the second month in the second year after the Exodus from Egypt, so a month after the first Passover remembrance, the Israelites started to move from Sinai to the Desert of Paran, near to Kadesh Barnea. We have no more time details until 38 years later - 40 years after the Exodus - when the Israelites arrived in the Desert of Zin, on the northern side of Kadesh Barnea. In those 38 years they had moved around the Sinai Peninsula, camping and moving, as God told them by the pillar of cloud and fire. At Kadesh Barnea again, they were at the southern end of the land God had promised them so long before. On this second time around they headed north-east skirting round the east of the Dead Sea, avoiding Edom and on to Moab, defeating King Og and King Bashan on the way. Page 29 Leader's notes: Lesson 9 - Wanderings and war. Get the ladies to find the information for each major event reference, and then share in the whole class. You may need to elicit information and help them. You may think this is strange but it worked with my group. I asked them while we found the information in the major events, to shout out “Praise the Lord” when the Israelites praised the Lord, and to say “grumble, grumble, grumble” when the Israelites grumbled. You should hear a lot more “grumble, grumble, grumble”s than “Praise the Lord”s! You may want to teach some of the longer references to save time. Student's worksheet: Lesson 9 - Wanderings and war. The lands of those kings (see page 29) were given to the tribes of Gad and Reuben and half the tribe of Manasseh to settle in, but the men had to continue to help the rest of the Israelites capture the whole of the Promised Land first. Major events Back to the story when the Israelites had left Egypt and experienced the miracle intervention of their God protecting them from their enemies, and killing their enemies. Exodus 15:22-26 Three days later and in the Desert of Shur, at a place called Marah, the water was bitter and the people grumbled. God, through Moses, provided for them. Exodus 15:27 The Israelites arrived at Elim with 12 springs and 70 palm trees. Exodus 16:1-32 The Israelites complained again. ‘We had meat in Egypt. We are going to starve here.’ Moses told them they were actually complaining against God, not just him and Aaron. The community saw the glory of God appearing in a cloud in the desert, and God said to Moses “Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’’’ So it was, quail came in the evening, and ‘what is it’, (the meaning of the word 'manna'), was there in the morning. There were instructions about how much and when to collect the manna, which the Israelites promptly disobeyed. They could bake or boil the manna, and it was God’s provision for them until they had celebrated the first Passover in Canaan after crossing the River Jordan and before they took Jericho. They ate of the produce of the land, unleavened bread and roasted grain the day after Passover, and the next morning the manna was not there for them. Exodus 17:1-7 There was no water where they camped at Rephidim, and the people grumbled against Moses and queried whether God was with them. This time, on God’s instruction, Moses had to strike a rock to produce water. Exodus 17:8-16 The Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites. Joshua led some men to fight the attackers and Moses goes up on a hill overlooking the battle. While his hands were raised Israel prevailed, but when his hands were lowered the Amalekites prevailed. Aaron and Hur put a stone for Moses to sit on and supported a hand each until sunset when Joshua won the battle. You don’t have to be in the problem to be active in praying for those who are! Exodus 18:1-27 Moses had a visit from his wife and two sons, together with his father-in-law. Verses 9-12 Jethro rejoiced in what Moses’ God had done, and worshipped Him. He also advised Moses that all the judicial responsibility was too much for one man, and he Page 30 Leader's notes: Lesson 9 - Wanderings and war. Keep going – it’s not 40 years yet!!!! Student's worksheet: Lesson 9 - Wanderings and war. (from page 30) ... should appoint trustworthy men to be judges. Only the most difficult cases would still come to Moses. You can only do so much. You need to share responsibilities if there is too much for you, or be willing to pick up responsibilities if you see someone else is overburdened. Exodus 19:1-25 Moses went up the mountain to talk with God, and came back with a message from God that the people had to prepare themselves and be very respectful near the presence of God. In their enthusiasm they were not to rush and push into His presence because His holiness would consume them. That is our God! He is not a man, He is God. He is holy. He is pure. He is all powerful. He is all knowing. We can only approach our God because of the atoning relationship we have with Jesus Christ who is fully man and fully God. Exodus 20:1-21 Moses received the Law from God. We will look at this next time. Exodus 32:1-33:23 Aaron allowed the people to worship a golden calf in the absence of Moses. There was severe punishment. Exodus 39:32-40:33 Some of the Law was specifically about the Israelites’ worship of God. Moses had established a Tent of Meeting where he met with God and the pillar of cloud guarded the entrance while they spoke. God instructed him in a very detailed way to make a Tabernacle which could be erected, disassembled and carried. This was completed and ready for use just before the time the Israelites celebrated their first Passover since Egypt. The phrases Tabernacle and Tent of Meeting were then sometimes used interchangeably. Exodus 40:36-38 “In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out - until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.” Numbers 1:1-54 God commanded a census to be taken, in tribal order. Numbers 2:1-34 The camp was organised in a square of three tribes each side and the tabernacle in the centre. Numbers 3:14-38 The three clans of the Levites, and Moses, Aaron and his sons, made up the four groups who protected a side each of the tabernacle from other Israelites inadvertently coming too close to it. Numbers 10:11-13 The Israelites moved from Sinai to the Desert of Paran, near Kadesh Barnea. Numbers 12:1-16 Aaron and Miriam spoke against Moses. Miriam was punished and Aaron rebuked. Page 31 Leader's notes: Lesson 9 - Wanderings and war. Interesting details. God provided totally for them. They had the skills and the materials. Can you see God providing details in your life? Student's worksheet: Lesson 9 - Wanderings and war. Numbers 13:1-33 Spies are sent out into the Promised Land for 40 days. Ten reported that it was wonderful, but they could not go in, for fear of the people there. Two - Caleb and Joshua - said it was wonderful and “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Verse 30. Numbers 14:1-4 and 10 All the people grumbled. They suggested they needed a new leader and threatened to stone Moses, Aaron, Caleb and Joshua. Numbers 14:20-38 God said those who had shown contempt for Him would not enter the Promised Land. The people would wander for 40 years until those who had seen God’s dealings with them, and rebelled, had all died. Numbers 20:2-13 No water again. Moses disobeyed in providing water, and Aaron was complicit in this. God says that neither of them will go into the Promised Land. Numbers 20:22-29 Aaron was succeeded as high priest by his son, Eleazer, and dies. Numbers 22:1-24:25 Balaam spoke truly from God. Numbers 25:1-9 Camped across the river from Jericho. Israelite men are sexually immoral with Moabite women. Judgement from God, and 24,000 died. Numbers 26:1-3, 63-65 A second census, proving that those who rebelled had died. So between Numbers 14:38 and 26:65, 38-40 years have passed. See Deuteronomy 2:14-15. Numbers 31:3-6 1,000 men from each tribe, so 12,000 men, were mobilised. Deuteronomy 2:2-9; 2:24-25; 3:8-11; 3:12-20 the beginning of the campaigns to conquer the Promised Land, and the allocation of land to the tribes. Deuteronomy 3:21-29; 4:1-34:12 Moses spoke to the people about obedience to God and His laws, renewed the covenant, gave the succession as leader to Joshua. He blessed the tribes, before climbing to see the Promised Land, and then he died. Note: Exodus 26:1; 26:29; 27:16; 28:6; 30:22-25; 35:30-36:1. God given skills - some perhaps learned in Egypt during their 400 years there, especially early in that time when they were popular with the Egyptians and there would have been cultural interchange. Then three months after leaving Egypt and travelling they have all the things they need for these crafts. Numbers 12:3 What a man! Please read for next time Exodus 20:1-17, Micah 6:8, Matthew 22:37-40 Page 32

Leader's page and Student's page best viewed left/right side together Lesson 11 Leader’s notes: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24 and John 20-21 Ask the ladies not to look at their notes yet. Before we rejoice in the fact of Jesus’ Resurrection, we need to look at some possible endings of Mark’s Gospel. Get the ladies to look at Mark 16:9-20 in their own Bibles. Here we have another problem like John 7:53-8:11. (See page 18.) Perhaps ask the ladies what they learned about John 7:53-8:11 back in Lesson 7. The earliest existing manuscripts do not have Mark 16:9-20. It has been suggested that Mark stopped there to provoke his readers to realise that verse 8 was not what Jesus intended to happen and to challenge them to go out and tell people the Gospel. It is more likely that the last few verses of Mark 16 got lost from the manuscript until some well-meaning copyists later added verses 9-20, or even another ending, to ‘tie up or finish’ the story. Another possible ending found is “Then they reported all these instructions briefly to Peter and to his companions. Afterwards Jesus Himself sent them out from east to west with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation that gives eternal life. Amen.” However, this sounds like a very short summary which has been added later. Once again remember, we cannot base dogmatic and authoritative teaching on what we are not sure is an original Scripture. Now on to the Resurrection accounts. Still not looking at notes. Perhaps split the ladies into three groups to look at Matthew, Luke and John. Ask them to find the first event in their story. Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:1-8, John 20:1. Take Mark 16:1-8 yourself – the rest of the stories are not in Mark! After suitable time share your story from Mark. Get the three groups to share and compare in turn. The first part of the resurrection accounts are itemised in the notes. Follow the chart opposite starting with Luke 24:9-12, going left to right and line by line, collecting all the details from the four gospels in time order. May be you can ask someone to write them on a board for everyone to see? Think – if you were getting up very early to visit a tomb and then saw angels, you might not remember exactly the same details as the person with you! Different events meant more to different people. That is what individuals remembered. Student's page: Lesson 11 Our Lord Jesus’ Resurrection, Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24 and John 20-21 Before we rejoice in the fact of Jesus’ Resurrection, we need to look at some possible endings of Mark’s Gospel. See Mark 16:9-20. (Refer back to Lesson 7 page 18). Once again, we cannot base dogmatic teaching on what we are not sure is original Scripture. Now to the Resurrection accounts - Matthew 28:1-10 two Marys, earthquake, one angel, guards incapacitated, angel speaks to women “Don’t be afraid”, Jesus has been raised, tell the disciples He is going to Galilee, the women frightened but with great joy rush to tell the disciples, Jesus meets them all, they hold His feet and worship Him, don’t be afraid, tell my brothers to go to Galilee, they will see Me there. Mark 16:1-8 two Marys and Salome buy spices on Saturday late, at sunrise they go to the tomb, the stone has been rolled away from the entrance, they enter and see a young man clothed in white sitting, women startled, angel says …’Jesus…has been raised from the dead….go and give this message to His disciples, including Peter, Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee’. The women fled, trembling and bewildered, saying nothing to anyone because they were too frightened to talk. Luke 25:1-8 women took spices to the tomb early Sunday morning – the stone was rolled away no body present, they are puzzled, two men in dazzling robes appeared, the women are terrified and bow to them, the men ask, ‘Why are you looking in a tomb for Someone Who is alive?”, don’t you remember He said He would rise again after three days, then they remember He had said this, (the ladies were within hearing distance when Jesus said it!). John 20:1 Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb while it is still dark, the stone is rolled away. Matthew Mark Luke John 24:9-12 20:2-10 20:11-18 28:1-15 24:13-35 24:36-49 20:19-23 20:24-31 21:1-25 28:16-20 24:50-53 Page 26 The ladies need to have the opposite page of notes to help their thinking. Take time to think about feelings in both stories. Ask what did Jesus do? Ask how did Jesus do it? Ask why did Jesus do it? Encourage the ladies to listen to Jesus in their own personal situations too. Another idea to prompt sharing: “It is a Christian life-principle that the darkness of crucifixion often comes long before the glory of resurrection. Too many Christian believers want the joy and glory of resurrection without the dark pain of crucifixion. The Lord Jesus says to us all, “Follow Me”. Discuss: What does Jesus mean by this, for us in our lives today?” Colin Salter: Thoughts from my Journey with Jesus. Student's page: Think yourself into these two situations. 1. The road to Emmaus - Luke 24:13-45 There is immediate confusion and incredulity on that Sunday morning. ‘I simply cannot believe it’. What has happened? Can you feel the anguish and disappointment begin to lift as they dare to start believing? Only to be followed by thinking, “what happens now?” Later that Resurrection day two men, part of the larger group of followers, set out to walk the seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They talk about Jesus – the hopes they had had, His death and now rumours that His body was missing and women from their group had seen angels. Jesus comes alongside them – like He does with us even though we may not see Him. He asks what they are discussing. Then He explains from the Old Testament all the things there about Himself. They still did not know that it was Jesus. Nearly home, they invite Him to stay with them. Suddenly, as the visitor gives thanks and breaks the bread, the two men realise Who had walked and talked with them. They rush back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples with other followers that they have seen and talked with Jesus! While they are talking Jesus appears – shows them His hands and feet, eats in front of them and “opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures”. Jesus cares for each one of us, just as He cared for those two men. He wants us to learn and understand about Him – and be excited by our faith in our Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. Jesus reinstates Peter - John 21:1-19 Seven of the disciples have gone back to Galilee and are out fishing. It was what they knew how to do. They have not caught any fish. A stranger watching on the shore tells them where to throw their nets. John realises it is Jesus on the shore. Ever impetuous Peter cannot wait. He jumps out of the boat and wades ashore. Jesus had a fire burning, some fish cooking and bread there. Jesus provided breakfast for them. He provides for us too – probably not always fish! After they have eaten, Jesus initiates a chat with Simon Peter. It was a conversation Simon Peter needed to have with Jesus. We often get things wrong and need to talk to Jesus, asking His forgiveness. However large or small those wrong things are, we need to talk to Jesus about them. Very carefully, but directly, Jesus redirects Peter’s thinking and recommissions him. What our Lord Jesus Christ had come to earth to do was accomplished at Calvary’s cross. He had paid the price for sin and made a way for us to have a great living relationship with God - an eternal relationship – human death is not our end. Salvation is now available. In the Resurrection our omnipotent God raised Jesus from the dead and He promises a future eternal life in glory for all true believers. Page 27

25 lesson plans for children, young people and their leaders. Lesson 13 A king is appointed – Samuel and Saul Bible reference – 1 Samuel chapters 1-15. The book called ‘Judges’ ends with the words: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he pleased”, chapter 21 verse 25. A summary of the events of this time is found in Judges chapter 2 verses 18-19. (Ask two good readers to read aloud one verse each, to the class). God was angry. He was sad and disappointed with His chosen people. Samuel was the last of the judges to lead Israel, 1 Samuel 7 verse 15, Acts 13 verse 20 . He was born in answer to the prayers of his mother, Hannah, 1 Samuel chapter 1. Let’s see how it happened. Stop and act (1) Appoint three class members to be actors, one female and two males. Ask them to act out the story as you read from the summary below. They play the parts of Hannah, Eli and the young Samuel. Encourage the students to use their imaginations in playing their roles. To involve more people, change the actors for each of the three scenes. (There is no Samuel in scene one). Read the story slowly. Scene 1: (based on 1 Samuel 1 verses 9-18). “The old priest Eli was sitting on a chair by the door of the tabernacle (the place of worship, the house of the Lord) at Shiloh. Hannah came in. She slowly walked to the place for praying. She knelt down and bowed her head. Her heart was breaking because she had no children. She wanted a baby. She made a promise to God: “If You give me a son, I will give him to You to be Your servant here, as soon as he is old enough”. She did not know what more to pray. Her mouth moved, but no words came out. Eli looked at her. He thought she had drunk too much wine. He walked towards her and began to tell her off. Hannah replied: “I have not been drinking, sir. I am telling the Lord all of my troubles. I really do need and want His help”. Eli looked kindly at Hannah. He realised he had made a mistake. He said: “May God give you what you have asked Him for. Now, go in peace”. Hannah walked slowly out of the tabernacle. Eli returned to his chair and sat down. Scene two (based on 1 Samuel 1 verses 24-28). About three or four years later, Eli was lying down at home. Hannah arrived with her young son, Samuel. She also brought some things to make an offering to the Lord. Eli stood up and came to greet Hannah. Hannah told Eli how God had answered her prayer. She was so happy! Together, the three of them went into the house of the Lord. Hannah kept her promise to God. After making her offerings, she prayed a long and happy prayer to God. Then she went home alone. p.44 Samuel was left to worship God and serve in the house of the Lord under the guidance of Eli the priest. Scene three (based on 1 Samuel 3 verses 1-21). As the years passed, Samuel served the Lord. He did what Eli told him to do. He kept the lights burning by filling them with oil and trimming the wicks. Eli was now nearly blind. Samuel slept in the house of the Lord, next to the Covenant Box. Eli slept in his own room nearby. (Warn the class that you will soon want them all to speak out the Lord’s voice. They must slowly say: ‘Samuel, Samuel’, every time you point at the sleeping boy). One night God spoke to Samuel. (Point at the boy – the class say, ‘Samuel, Samuel’). Samuel got up and ran to Eli saying ‘You called me, sir? Here I am’. Eli woke up and said: ‘I didn’t call you. Go back to bed’. Later God spoke again to Samuel. (Point at the boy – the class say, ‘Samuel, Samuel’). Samuel got up and ran to Eli saying ‘You called me, sir? Here I am’. Eli woke up a second time and said: ‘I didn’t call you. Go back to bed’. A third time God spoke to Samuel. (Point at the boy – the class say, ‘Samuel, Samuel’). Samuel got up and ran to Eli saying ‘You called me, sir? Here I am’. Eli woke up again and said: ‘I didn’t call you. But I think I know Who did! If He calls again say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening’. Now, go back to bed. Samuel was soon asleep. The Lord came and stood nearby Samuel. (Have the class come and stand as carefully as they can, near to Samuel). God spoke to Samuel once again. (Point at the boy – the class say, ‘Samuel, Samuel’). Samuel said: ‘Speak, for your servant is listening’. The Lord told Samuel some sad things that were soon going to happen to Eli and his family. In the morning, although he didn’t want to, Samuel told Eli what God had said. Eli accepted the message from the Lord. Samuel continued in the tabernacle. He learned how to listen to God’s voice and how to tell other people what it meant for them. This was very important. God was going to use Samuel to do this for the rest of his life. (Have everyone return to their places). This Samuel became the first of the prophets to bring God’s word to the whole of Israel. A prophet is someone who listens to God. and then speaks to others. He passes on what he ‘sees’, or understands from God. The Hebrew word ‘roeh’ means a ‘seer’. It is used more of Samuel than anyone else in the Bible.4 Not all prophets or seers come from God, but Samuel definitely did. Everyone recognised this, 1 Samuel3 verses 20-21; chapter12 verse 18. 4 See 1 Samuel 9:11; 9:18; 9:19; 1 Chronicles 9:22; 26:28; 29:29. p.45 Samuel also became the last of the judges to rule Israel, 1 Samuel 7 verse 15. God had prepared and called this man for a very special purpose. He was going to anoint Israel’s first ever king! During 1 Samuel chapters 4 to 7 Israel fight against the Philistines. They fight for the land of Palestine (a form of the word ‘Philistine’). The people of God are defeated. The Covenant box is stolen, chapter 4 verse 11. God brought trouble on the Philistines wherever they put the captured Covenant box, chapters 5 and 6. God does not need His people. He is able to do His own work by Himself! After twenty years the Lord defeated the Philistines. Loud thunder from heaven made them panic, and Israel chased them away, 1 Samuel 7 verse 10-11. About twenty-five more years go by and Samuel is now an old man. The people “commit a great sin against the Lord by asking Him for a king”, 1 Samuel 12 verse 17 (second part). Let’s hear how it happened. Ask two good readers to read aloud, one verse each, 1 Samuel 8 verses 4-5. Stop and discuss (2) Ask, ‘can anyone remember the verse learned last lesson?’ Answer: Judges 17 verse 6 “There was no king in Israel at that time; all the people did just as they pleased”. Ask, ‘why did the Israelites want a king?’ (If no-one knows, have the two children read again 1 Samuel 8 verses 4-5). Answer: The people of God wanted to be like the other countries around them. Ask, ‘What had God called His people to be?’ Answer: God’s people in God’s plan in God’s place – different from other people because they are the people of God! Stop and read (3) Have different children read aloud: Genesis 12 verses 2-3; Exodus 19 verses 4-6; Leviticus 20 verse26; Deuteronomy 7 verse 6; Joshua 1 verses 6-9. In our lessons so far, we have seen God is patiently fulfilling His promise to Abraham. Over hundreds of years God was faithful to His word. God’s special people have not always been so good. Now, in 1 Samuel chapter 8 verse 5, they ask for a king “as other countries have”. Verse 20 they want a king, “so that we will be like other nations , with our own king to rule us and to lead us out to war and to fight our battles”. How sad God must have been. Samuel was not pleased with the peoples’ demand either. But in verse 7 God says to Samuel: “You are not the One they have rejected; I am the One they have rejected as their king”. p.46 Even when people choose not to do God’s will, God is still in control of events. God will give people what they ask for but, at the same time, He will be working out His own good purpose. God is so great. God knows everything past, present and future. God is never defeated . “God is never surprised by what His people do, nor is He at a loss to know what He should do”. 4 God promised Abraham a great nation through whom the whole world would be blessed, Genesis 12 verses 2-3. God promised some kings would be among his descendants, Genesis 17 verses 6 and 16. Through Moses God said that He Himself would choose a king, at the right time, Deuteronomy 17 verses 14-15. The verses which follow these explain how the kings would learn to honour the Lord and lead the people wisely. BUT this was not the right time. Saul was not the right person. God lets the people have what they want. In doing so He is judging them for their disobedience. Through Samuel God warns them what they will have to pay to have a king, 1 Samuel 8 verses 10-22. Stop and discuss (4) Ask the class to quietly read to themselves 1 Samuel 8 verses 10-18.Can they find a list of twelve things that a king will take from the people? Answers: sons, verse 11 daughters, verse 13 best fields, verse 14 best vineyards, verse 14 best olive groves, verse 14 one tenth of corn, verse 15 one tenth of grapes, verse 15 servants, verse 16 best cattle, verse 16 best donkeys, verse 16 one tenth of flocks, verse 17 even the people themselves will be slaves, verse 17 The people still choose to have a king. God told Samuel to let them have what they wanted. God would judge them by letting them have their own way, 1 Samuel 8 verses 18-22. In chapters 9 and 10 Samuel anoints Saul to be the first king for Israel. God tells him to do this, 9 verses 15-16. God will use Saul to save Israel from the Philistines. God will send His Spirit to strengthen him for his new role, 10 verse 6. Stop and read (5) Ask three or five students to read these Bible verses: 1 Samuel 10 verse 25 Samuel probably based his teaching about a king on Deuteronomy 17 verses 14-20, where Moses gave God’s plans to the people. 1 Samuel 12 verses 14-15 4 Warren Wiersbe Be Successful 1 Samuel (Colorado Springs:Cook/Victor) 2001, p.47 p.47 Although God was sad the people asked for a king, if they and the king honoured and obeyed God, God would be with them and bless them. It is sad Saul soon ignored God’s commands for a king. 1 Samuel 13 verses 13-14 God, keeping true to His word, would replace Saul with the king He wanted to be king.

25 lesson plans for children, young people and their leaders. Lesson 14 The best times for Israel – David and Solomon Bible references – 1 Samuel 16-19, 31; 2 Samuel 7; 1 Kings chapters 1-8. Samuel tells Saul that God has rejected him as king because of his rebellion against God’s way. Saul wanted to avoid this. He grabbed hold of Samuel’s cloak as he was leaving. The cloak tore. (You could tear a piece of cloth in two as a visual aid). Samuel said: “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel away from you today”, 1 Samuel 15 verse 28. God was preparing another man to become king. This man will take the place of the disobedient Saul. He was a “man after God’s own heart”, (7 below) “the kind of man God wants” to be ruler of Israel, 1 Samuel 13 verse 14. In some tribes men fight and kill to become the tribal chief. Or, local tradition may state that the oldest man becomes head of his village. In other places people vote, choosing the most popular person to lead them. God’s method was not like these. Samuel, the judge / leader of God’s people, heard God speak to him. “Get some olive oil and go to Bethlehem, to a man named Jesse, because I have chosen one of his sons to be king”, 1 Samuel 16 verse 1. Jesse had eight sons. David was the youngest. At first, Samuel wanted to decide by looking at the shape and health of their bodies. God reminded him it was more important to think about the person’s heart, 16 verse 7. God chooses a person because of their ‘heart condition’, not because of mere ‘physical appearance’. Stop and discuss (1) Ask the class to look up and to compare two verses in their Bibles. The verses talk about Saul and David. Ask them to find an important difference between Saul and David. 1 Samuel 16 verse 14 and verse 18. Listen and pretend (2) This story is from 1 Samuel chapters 16 and 17. God pointed out David as His chosen king. Samuel anointed David with the oil he had brought. (Ask students to pair with the person sitting next to them. Then let each one pretend to anoint the other with oil, to make them king – or queen!). David was a shepherd. (In the same pairs, the students can pretend to look after and to defend their sheep). As a shepherd David learned how to care for and protect his sheep. God was going to use David later on to care for and protect God’s special people. Saul was still the king. David waited for the right time before taking leadership responsibility for the nation. (In their pairs, the students can pretend to be patiently waiting). The right time is always God’s time. 7 New International Version of the Bible p.49 David took a job carrying Saul’s weapons. (Students pretend to carry weapons). He played a musical instrument called a harp. Saul enjoyed listening to it. (Students pretend to play, or to listen to, good music). The Philistines come to attack Israel and king Saul. (Let the pairs join together into larger groups, some pretending to be Israelite, others Philistine, soldiers). The Philistine champion was a giant called Goliath. (A few students climb onto another’s shoulders to pretend to be giants). Goliath was nearly three metres tall. No Israelite soldier would fight Goliath. Everyone was afraid of him. (In their pairs, students hide away, pretending to be afraid of the giants). David heard about it. He was willing to fight Goliath. After a little while Saul let him do it. David took his sling. He picked five smooth stones from a stream. (In pairs, students pretend to choose small stones). He walked towards the giant. (Students pretend to walk). He put one stone into his sling. (Students pretend). David swung his sling around and around his head. (Students pretend – perhaps they can also sway backwards and forwards). The stone hit Goliath in the forehead. He fell to the ground, dead. (Pretend giant students carefully fall to the ground). David became the hero of Israel. (In pairs, students pretend to cheer and clap). God used David, the man He had prepared to lead His people. The people were pleased. But Saul was jealous of David. (In pairs, students pretend to be jealous of each other). (pretending ends here). Stop and discuss (3) Ask students to read 1 Samuel chapter 19. Can they find how many times Saul tried to kill David, either by himself or by urging others to do it? As time went by three important things happened: 1. Samuel died, 1 Samuel 25 verse 1. 2. King Saul was badly wounded in a battle with the Philistines. He died by killing himself with his own sword, 1 Samuel 31 verse 4. 3. David was made king over all Israel, 2 Samuel 5 verses 3-5. The Bible story of David is a long one. It goes from 1 Samuel 16 through to 1 Kings 2. Some of the story is told twice, see 1 Chronicles chapters 2-29. Seventy three of the Psalms are noted as being ‘by David’ (see note 7 below) Ask a good reader to read the first phrase of Acts chapter 13 verse 36: “David served God’s purposes in his own time …”. In the New Testament, Jesus is often called, “Son of David”. Matthew chapter 1 verse1 begins, “This is the list of the ancestors of Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was a descendant of Abraham”. Ask a good reader to read Acts chapter 7 verse 46: 7 Examples are Psalms3,4,5,6, and 7. See footnotes in the Good News Bible. p.50 “David won God’s favour and asked God to allow him to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob”. Up until this time, the worship of God was enjoyed in a tent. God’s Covenant Box was kept in the ‘Tent of the Lord’s Presence’, Exodus 33 verse 7. This was where the people met with God – it was also called ‘the tent of meeting’. God’s people were nomads (this means they moved from place to place rather than living in one place).(note 7 below). Some of the herding (note 8) tribes in Sudan live like this today. Now that they were settling into Canaan they built more permanent homes for themselves. Although God can be worshipped anywhere, King David thought that there should also be a more permanent building for the community worship of God. Stop and discuss (4) Ask the students to look up 2 Samuel chapter 7 in their Bibles. They could work in small groups if you choose. From verses 5 to 16, God remindsDavid – through Nathan the prophet – that He is working out His plan through Israel. 1. Ask the students to count how many timesGod says, “I”, in those verses? It was God Who brought David from being a shepherd boy to being a king. It was the Lord Almighty Who defeated Israel’s enemies in battle. It was God Who settled them in the land He chose for them. God keeps His promises. Now God promisedDavid something else. 2. Ask the students what it was that God promised David? (There are seven things altogether). David ruled with God’s blessing. He was very happy. Ask three students to read 2 Samuel 22 verses 2-4; and two others to read Psalm 18 verses 2-3. (If you know a song based on these words, you could sing it with your class. It is a good way to memorise parts of the Bible).See note 9 below. Stop and discuss (5) Ask students to find this description of David’s rule as king from Psalm 78 verse 72: “David t c o_ t w u d a l t w s ”. David made Solomon the king who would follow him, 1 Kings 1 verse 30. God gave Solomon very great wisdom– some of which is written for us in the Bible’s book of Proverbs, 1 Kings 4 verses 29,30; and Proverbs 1 verses 1-7.10 Solomon did build the temple of the Lord, 1 Kings 6 verse 1. He started to build 480 years after the miracle of God bringing this people out of Egypt. It was in Jerusalem. It took seven years to build, verse 38. God’s Covenant Box was soon put inside an inner room – the Most Holy Place of the Temple, 1 Kings 8 verse 6. Notes: 7 MacMillan SchoolDictionary (Oxford:Bloomsbury) 2004, p.495 8 Tribes “where animals and herds move as groups together”. 9 You may need to look at these verses in the New International Version or the Authorised Version (King James) of the Bible. 10 See especially Proverbs 10 verse 1 to 22 verse 16; and 25 verse 1 to 29 verse 27. p.51 God’s people were in God’s place just as He promised them. God’s words to them were in the centre of their lives. Solomon’s prayer at the dedication begins: “Lord God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below! You keep Your covenant with Your people and show them Your love when they live in wholehearted obedience to You”, 1 Kings 8 verse 23. Stop and learn (6) Ask the students to learn this Bible verse. Perhaps you could write it in chalk on a board. Ask the students to read it two or three times. Then rub out some of the words. The students keep reading the whole text, (as if all the words were still there). You rub out more words, and more words, until the board is empty. Which students can volunteer to say the text from their memories? Answers to ‘Stop and discuss’ 1. “the Lord’s spirit left Saul”, but people who knew David could see “the Lord is with him”. 3. verse 1, verse 10, verse 11, verses 14-15, verses 19-21 (three attempts), and verses 22-24.(eight times in all). 4. 1. twenty times! 2. 1. God will make David very famous, verse 9, 2. God will keep him safe, verse 11, 3. God will make one of David’s sons king, after David dies, verse 12, 4. That son will build God’s temple, verse 13, 5. God will be like a father to David’s son, verse 14, 6. God will never stop supporting him, verse 15, 7. God will make David’s kingdom last forever – his family will never stop ruling the kingdom, verse 16. 5. “David took care of them with unselfish devotion and led them with skill”. (Other versions read “with integrity of heart”). p.52

Leader's page and Student's page best viewed left/right side together Lesson 12 Leader’s notes: Acts 1-2 Work through the first four paragraphs opposite. More thoughts about Luke’s authorship of Acts. Remember or review the second paragraph, Lesson 3 page 10. Luke also accompanied Paul on some of his missionary travels Ask the ladies to listen for a change of personnel as you (or an able volunteer) reads Acts 16:6-9 and straight into 10-17. “They” becomes “we”. See also Acts 20:5-21:18 and 27:1-28:16 – the so-called “we/us” passages. It seems that Luke joins Paul at these times. He sees and hears firsthand what he writes about. Starting point for the group of believers Look at the references one at a time, working as one group. If time is an issue, divide into small groups taking two references each. Ask folk to describe how believers felt in each reference. A range of emotions – but they were also beginning to think how to go forward. Student's page: Lesson 12 Starting points and Pentecost Acts 1-2 Starting point of the author 1:1,2 compare Luke 1:1-4 “During the apostolic age books were not typeset with machinery such as we are accustomed to in this day. Books were written by hand, usually on parchments made out of papyrus. In antiquity, the standard length of a book written in this manner was about 35 feet (10.7 metres) long. The scrolls were then rolled up to be preserved carefully as they were read and passed from church to church”. “Initially Luke penned two volumes on separate scrolls. His gospel account of Christ, … was carried along with the book of Acts. Very early on, it became the practice of the church to collect the four biographical sketches of Jesus that we call the four Gospels … keeping them together in the church to be read and studied. As a result, the Gospel of Luke was separated from his volume two, the book of Acts.” Adapted from R.C Sproul: Acts commentary. The authorship of the book of Acts has never been seriously questioned, and is mentioned in the Muratorian Canon around A.D. 170 - ‘Luke author of the third gospel and the Acts of the Apostles’. It has had several names: Acts - Acts of the Apostles - Acts of the Holy Spirit - The History of the Acts of the Holy Spirit. The date of writing has been a matter of conjecture. However, Luke seems to use Acts 1:8 for his structure – from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria and to the ends of the earth. This makes a writing date between A.D. 62 and A.D. 64 possible. The story covers Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, modern day Turkey and Greece, and Paul has reached the distant capital of the empire, Rome, by the end. There is no mention of Paul’s trial and execution A.D. 65-67, or of Peter’s execution, or of the destruction of Jerusalem A.D.70. This indicates that the book of Acts was probably written before AD.65. Starting point for the group of believers Acts 1:3-26, Luke 24:36-53 The Ascension was 40 days after the Resurrection. Pentecost 50 days after the Resurrection. Think about what all this was like for the believers at the time! Luke 24:36-43 Acts 1:3-8 44-49 9-11 50-51 12-14 52-53 15-20 21-22 23-26 2:1 Page 28 Leader's page: Ask three ladies to each read one of the references for the background history to the annual celebration of Pentecost. Closer to the early Church time it had begun to be used to celebrate the giving of the Law. It was one of the obligatory feasts for men to attend in Jerusalem. It was a feast of joy and a public holiday. The ladies in your group may or may not have developed views on’ Pentecost’ in Acts 2. It is important that we put aside any ideas we may have to look at what scripture says. By the early 1900s teaching on the Person and role of the Holy Spirit had been sadly neglected. Suddenly it was emphasised to the exclusion of other basic teachings. The emphasis split churches. The Holy Spirit and Pentecost are important for every Christian. Each one of us needs to be working with the indwelling Holy Spirit because He points out our sin and reminds us of Jesus day by day. Work together through Acts 2:1-4 verse 1 they were together – more likely 120 than 12 see 1:15 verse 2 a sound like a violent wind – where they were sitting verse 3 seemed like tongues of fire resting on each of them verse 4 filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them Add in what you learn from these Old Testament references These would all be part of the picture of God that these people had Exodus 13:20-22 God’s presence with them in cloud and fire Exodus 19:17-19 the giving of the Law – and the presence of God – fire, smoke, earthquake and noise Matthew 3:11-12 Jesus will baptise with the Holy Spirit and with fire speaking of purity and judgment. Acts 2:5-13 verse 5 godly men verse 6 each heard what was being said in their own heart language verse 7 amazement verse 12 amazed and perplexed Consult the map for verses 9-10. Ladies may find a few places (not all). See pages 3-4. Work through the sermon Acts 2:22-41 Five main points verses 22, 23, 24, 33 and an appeal verse 38 Response in verse 41 What important changing actions were happening in that first church? Verses 42-47 Apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer, miracles, everything in common, met together publicly. You may come up with different numbers, but how important are these things? Student's page: Pentecost Acts 2:1-13 Pentecost – 50 days after the Sabbath of Passover week. Also known as Feast of Weeks Deuteronomy 16:9-10 Feast of Harvest Exodus 23:16 (first fruits of first harvest after the Exodus – like USA Thanksgiving or British Harvest Festival). Day of first fruits Numbers 28:26 in the Feast of Weeks Try to disregard any personal history you may have about Pentecost – what do we learn by reading Acts 2:1-4? verse 1 verse 2 verse 3 verse 4 Now mix in Exodus 13:20-22 God’s presence with them Exodus 19:17-19 the giving of the Law – sound and sight Matthew 3:11-12 purity and judgement For any Jew the things that happened in 2:1-4 spoke clearly of “God”. Reaction Acts 2:5-13 What do you learn from these verses? verse 5 verse 6 verse 7 verse 12 See the maps on pages 3-4 and spot some of the places listed in verses 9-10. Sermon Acts 2:22-41 Pick out the main points or structure Jesus accredited by God crucified raised again by God exalted - Peter uses Psalm 110:1 as he had heard Jesus do in Luke 20:42 ‘just over seven weeks ago you crucified Jesus – now God has shown Him to be the Lord and Christ (Messiah)’ verse 37 response verse 38 repent and be baptised - forgiveness - gift of Holy Spirit verse 41 3000 people responded positively Actions Acts 2:42-47 What important actions were happening in that first church in Jerusalem following Pentecost? Try to find seven key transformational things? Page 29

My notes for teaching the Old Testament, by Mama Brenda. Leader’s notes: Lesson 10 - The Law Exodus 20:1-17; Micah 6:8; Matthew 22:37-40. Teach through page 33, and page 34 as far as point 2. You are giving information which will then allow more class participation later in the lesson. Student's worksheet: Lesson 10 The Law Exodus 20:1-17, Micah 6:8, Matthew 22:37-40 The Law, the rules by which the Israelites were to live, was given by God to Moses while they camped near Sinai after leaving Egypt. In our Bibles this Law comes in: Exodus 20:1-31:18; 34:1-39:31 - an account of what was said and written at Sinai Leviticus 1:1-8:36; 11:1-27:34 - mainly relating to the Levites, the sons of Levi, the priests, offerings and festivals Numbers 5:1-6:21 - rules with specific relevance to camp living, and beyond Deuteronomy 4:1-14; 5:11-26:19; 31:1-13 - a farewell address from Moses, repeating the Law Let’s ask some questions here. 1. What does the Law contain? When we read the whole of the Law in the references above we discover that there are three main divisions. (1) There is religious ceremonial law: Describing how the Tabernacle, the symbol of God’s presence, was to be made and set up; Giving the rules for the life and work of the priests, the sons of Levi; Showing us pictures of the sacrificial Lamb, the sacrifices to atone for sin, the Passover celebration. When we looked at the first Passover (see earlier page 26) just before the Israelites left Egypt, we said that Jesus Christ fulfilled all that those pictures represented. He is our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14 “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.”) The pictures are now not needed anymore. We have the reality in Jesus Christ. We are His priests, 1 Peter 2:5 “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.” And we are the symbol of His presence in our world today. 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Page 33 Leader's notes: Lesson 10 - the Law You may want to ask some questions towards the end of section 1 (What does the Law contain? From halfway down page 33). Try to make sure the ladies are following you. Use questions like: How many kinds of Law were there? What was the ceremonial law? Do we still need to make sacrifices for our sins? Why? Work through point 2 together with all of the Old and New Testament references. Student's worksheet: Lesson 10 - the Law. So we see that the ceremonial law is fulfilled in Christ and transformed in the mission He has given us in our world. We can still learn from it, but it is superseded in the reality of Jesus Christ and His presence in the world today. We also see in the Law two other types: (2) moral law and (3) civil law. Moral law tells us how to behave ourselves, and civil law regulates how groups of people – nations, states and districts - live together. The Ten Commandments summarise the moral law and are the basis of the civil law. Exodus 20:13 and Deuteronomy 5:17 say “You shall not murder”, number six of the ten commandments. So the moral command to us as individuals is that we should not intentionally set out to kill anybody. The Old Testament Law expands its conditions in great detail to cover killing by accident, and the punishments for various situations. The judiciary of the state may have the right to take life if life has been taken. Remember that when the Law was given there were no prisons because the Israelites were then a nomadic people! This changed as they settled into towns. The civil law in the Old Testament covers all kinds of details in life - criminal law, family law, treatment of animals - from rules for a king to not taking slaves of your own people - from treating servants as people not as animals, to not being mean with what you left to be gleaned around the fields. 2. So we do not have to follow the ceremonial law, but what about the moral and civil laws? We cannot adopt the whole civil law because situations of life have changed over the centuries, but we need to take the moral law in its entirety and work it out its practical implications and applications to our lives. Moses himself summarised the Law in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, 18-20 but the Israelites did not do well with following the moral law. Years later they were being called back by the prophets of God to live the right way, as well as to ceremonially sacrifice the right way. Isaiah 1:10-17 Zechariah 7:8-10 Micah 6:8 Hosea 6: 6 Jesus summarised the Law: Matthew 12: 1-8 Matthew 22: 34-40 Matthew 22:37-40 Matthew 25: 31-46 Mark 12: 28-33 Page 34 Leader's notes: Lesson 10 - the Law. Discuss the two pages of the Ten Commandments, pages 35 and 36 – especially discussing applications for today as you go through. For point 3 you will know the minor expletives that are used where you are. Let God speak to the class on this (and other) issues. Student worksheet: Lesson 10 - the Law. 3. So what do the Ten Commandments say for us today? Christians have taken the Ten Commandments as a shortened version of the Law. I remember having to learn the Ten Commandments in day school when I was 8 or 9 years old. This moral code is the basis of the British legal justice system. Even in a largely un-Christian United Kingdom, that fact is still largely acknowledged. It means that with the way history has happened, many other countries which had British influence also have the morals of the Ten Commandments enshrined in their national laws. 1. “You shall have no other gods before me.” Deuteronomy 5:7 ’Before Me’ meaning more important than. There should be nothing in your life or mine that is more important than God. This prohibits God’s people from having other gods - our exclusive allegiance is to God. This is not a philosophical idea but a practical loyalty. 2. “You shall not make for yourself an idol……You shall not worship them.” Deuteronomy 5:8-10 Make no images of God. A statue is lifeless, visible, finite. Our God is life itself, invisible, infinite. This is a command with punishment for disobedience. 3. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 5:11. We must not use the name of God worthlessly - supporting lies, supporting evil intentions, as blasphemy, in hollow mindlessness or thoughtlessly. Honest women and men do not need to resort to oaths: their word is sufficient. We know major expletives contravene this law but what about ‘minor’ expletives? Many are euphemisms for ‘major’ ones. Like: for heaven’s sake what the heck/what the hell for God’s sake God knows This is a command with guilt potential. 4. “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Use a Sabbath to remember what God has done in creation (in Exodus 20:8-11) and in rescuing His people (Deuteronomy 5:12-15). One day in seven is to be different. This is a creation gift, a deliberate device, to stop work and money from taking over seven days out of seven. It is to be to the benefit of all - the boss, the workers, the servants, the animals. Mark 2:27 - the Sabbath was to benefit man, not for men and women to have rules to obey. See also Luke 13:10-16: Luke 6:1-11. Page 35 Leader's notes: Lesson 10 - the Law. 7. Control of the mind is not reserved for men – women need to control their minds. In this instance especially in sexual thinking? wishing? imagining? Are some of these thoughts you have, not what you would like to explain to Jesus? By the way – He knows them anyway! 8. Stealing covers many issues – boundary markers and true weights are still valid examples. But so are ideas, like using written material from the Web as your own writing when you copy it word for word into your essays for the teacher. 10. There is a line between saying things are nice, or we like them, and desperately wanting what someone else has for ourselves. Think carefully – think…..think….keep control of YOUR mind. Student's worksheet: Lesson 10 - the Law. 5. “Honour your father and your mother.” Deuteronomy 5:16 This is not only or even primarily to children of a young age. We are all children even if we are also parents, especially in an extended family. ‘Honour’ means to respect, appreciate, esteem, as well as including to obey. This is a command with incentive. 6. “You shall not murder.” Deuteronomy 5:17 Killing with intention is wrong. Any form of illegal or unauthorised killing is wrong. The basic reasoning here is from Genesis 1:24-27. Men and women are special creations, made in the image of God, and are therefore worthy of greater respect than animals. God has the right to take life. The state may have the right to take life. We do not have the right to say who lives and who dies. Matthew 5:21,22 Jesus widens the definition of murder – to include murder of the spirit? 7. “You shall not commit adultery.” Deuteronomy 5:18 Many laws about family matters also fit in this area. Matthew 5: 27-28 Jesus also widens the definition of adultery! 8. “You shall not steal.” Deuteronomy 5:19 19:14 says don’t move boundary markers and 25:13-16 talks about using true weights 9. “You shall not give false testimony.” Deuteronomy 5:20 19:15-21 at least two or three honest witnesses required. 19:18-19 if a witness is proven to be lying he must be punished with the punishment he was trying to inflict on the accused. 10. “You shall not covet.” Deuteronomy 5:21 This takes me being able to control my mind and you being able to control your mind. My neighbour, according to the parable of the Samaritan, is anyone I meet – not just my next door neighbour For the next time please look at Joshua 1:1-8:35; Judges 1:19-2:23; Ruth, and 1 Samuel 1:1-3:1. Page 36

25 lesson plans for children, young people and their teachers. Lesson 15 The prophets speak for God Bible reference – 2 Kings 17 verses 13-20. In Africa, like the rest of the world, many people claim to speak messages from God. Some may be witch doctors, spirit mediums or those who practise ancestral worship. Islam has its angels, prophets (or apostles), and meditation leaders at shrines to dead holy men. Islam includes Jesus Christ as one of the six great prophets: along with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Muhammad.(see note 11 below). The Bible speaks of prophets. The Good News Bible ‘Word List’ defines a prophet as “a person who proclaims a message from God”. (note 12). There are many examples in the Old Testament and a few in the New Testament. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is much more than a prophet. It shows us that He is the Son of God, Matthew 3 verses 16-17; Colossians 2 verse 9. In the School Dictionary a prophet is “someone who is believed to have been sent by God to lead people and teach religious beliefs”. It gives as an example the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. (see note 13 below). But this Dictionary does not explain what prophets do. It only says that the noun ‘prophecy’ and the verb ‘to prophesy’ refer to saying what will happen in the future. Muhammad in the Qur’an and the prophets of the Bible, claim to do much more than that! The Bible shows us there are true prophets and there are false prophets. It is important for us to know the difference between the two, Deuteronomy 13 verses 1-4. Stop and discuss (1) Ask every student to look up and read for themselves Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 18. Then ask them to complete this – God’s own definition of a true prophet: “I w t h w t_ s , a h_ w t t p e I c .” In the Old Testament prophets are sometimes called “man of God” or “God’s servant”. They often had a very important role in the nation. They were to keep the nation on the right path. They called the people back to living the right way – living to honour God because they were His special people. There are many prophets in the Bible. In this lesson we will look at two examples. David was king of Israel. 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12 tell us that David sinned very badly. He stole another man’s wife. He tried to cover up what he had done. When that did not work, he had the man fight in the most dangerous place in the war. The man was killed exactly as King David hoped. Notes: 11 Qur’an Sura VI verses 84-86 12 See at the end of the New Testament, after the Index. 13 MacMillan School Dictionary, Oxford, 2004, p.581. p.53 God was not pleased, 2 Samuel 11 verse 27. God sent the prophet Nathan with a message for King David. Stop and role play (2) Ask the students to divide into groups of 4/5. In their groups ask them to quietly read 2 Samuel 12 verses 1-15 for a few minutes. These verses include a parable – an everyday story with a much bigger (or deeper) meaning. The Good News Bible has two drawings from the parable for students to look at. Ask the children to choose two volunteers from every group. One is to be King David for that group, and the other is to be Nathan the prophet. David sits on his throne (wearing a crown if you can make one!). The prophet Nathan comes in to tell him this story, (perhaps with a scroll of paper from which he pretends to read the parable). Encourage the other 2/3 students in the group to tell ‘Nathan’ exactly what the story is. They should do this a little piece at a time. ‘Nathan’ can then pass it on, step by step, out aloud, to King David. Point out that the 2/3 students are being like God! God told Nathan what to say. Nathan, the prophet, passed God’s message on to King David. Quicker groups could repeat the process, with students changing roles. Allow enough time for all groups to do the whole story at least once. Stop and discuss (3) In the groups answer these questions from 2 Samuel 12:1-15: 1. Who sent Nathan to David? 2. Why did He do this? 3. What did David do when he heard the prophet’s message ? 4. How did God answer David? Years later, Ahab was king of Israel. 1 Kings chapters 16 verses 29, 30 tell us Ahab was a very evil king. He was worse than all the kings before him! God sent the prophet Elijah to King Ahab with a message. Stop and role play (4) Ask students to divide into bigger groups of 9/10. In their groups have them quietly read 1 Kings chapter 17 verses 1 to 6 and chapter 18 verses 16 to 46. In the Good News Bible there are two drawings for the students to look at. Each group needs five volunteers. One is to be King Ahab (with his crown). Another is to be the prophet Elijah (with his paper scroll). Three more are to be the false prophets of Baal and Ashera. Encourage the other 4/5 students to tell the student playing the prophet Elijah exactly what God tells him to do. They should do this a little piece at a time. ‘Elijah’ can then pass God’s message on to King Ahab. Students may want to act out and speak the challenge on Mount Carmel. God’s prophet Elijah and the false prophets of Baal build their altars. p.54 Be careful that God’s message is clearly passed on from ‘Elijah’ to ‘Ahab’. Remind everyone that this is always the role of a prophet– to hear what God is saying and to pass it on to the people. Allow time for the groups to act the whole story. Stop and discuss (5) In the groups answer these questions from 1 Kings 16 verses 29-30; chapter 17 verses 1-6; and chapter 18 verses 16-46. 1. What was God’s message to King Ahab? 2. What was the miracle God used to provide for Elijah in the drought? 3. Why did the prophet Elijah want his prayer to be answered by fire? Ask the class if anyone can remember God’s definition of a true prophet? (It was from Deuteronomy 18 verse 18: “I will tell him what to say, and he will tell the people everything I command”). Nathan and Elijah were two of God’s prophets. Because they walked closely with God they brought His message to the people of their day. They were very brave. They feared God more than they feared human kings who could have killed them for what they said and did. They lived for God and for others, not for themselves. Over hundreds of years God’s special people saw God chose men to preach His message, especially when they stopped worshipping the true God. The people did not like to hear the truth! Some of the prophets suffered badly. Look at Jeremiahfor example: Jeremiah 26 verses 7-9, he received death threats. Jeremiah 36 verses 1-26, his writing was cut up and burned. Jeremiah 37 verses 12-16, he was imprisoned in an underground cell. Jeremiah 38 verse 6, he was left in the mud at the bottom of a well. See Acts 7 verse 52. Stephen accuses the leaders of God’s people: “Was there any prophet that your ancestors did not persecute?” But these men like Nathan, Elijah and Jeremiah, were faithful to God. Their characters and ways of life are written in the Bible for us to learn from. Their messages form large parts of our Old Testament. We should use the Bible to test ‘prophets’ today. Jesus Christ said many false prophets would appear after Him. Some would even perform amazing miracles: See Matthew 24 verse 11, 24. See Matthew 7 verses 15-23. If someone claims to speak from God, examine their personal character very carefully. Do they serve themselves or do they seek the good of others? Does their message always agree with God’s rules for His people, given to us in our Bibles? God’s chosen people were warned by the prophets many times. After a little time living by God’s plan, they would fall away again – just like animals roaming around and getting lost. p.55 Finally, “God rejected all the Israelites … and banished them from His sight”, 2 Kings 17 verse 20. Answers to ‘Stop and discuss’ 1. “I will tell him what to say, and he will tell the people everything I command”, Deuteronomy 18 verse 18, (second part). 3. 1. The Lord, 2 Samuel 12 verse 1. 2. Because David had sinned against Him, 2 Samuel 11 verse 27, and 12 verses 7-9. 3. David confessed his sin, 2 Samuel 1 verse13. 4. God forgave David. The penalty for the sin was paid by another – the baby died, 2 Samuel 12 verses 13,14 and 18,19. 5. 1. It will not rain until God tells me, 1 Kings17 verse1. (In Deuteronomy 28 verses 15, 22-24, God warns that if His special people turn to other gods then He will stop sending rain to the land). 2. ravens brought him bread and meat two times every day, 1 Kings 17 verse 6. 3. So that people would see the true and living God and come back to Him. 1 Kings 18 verse 37. Remember to teach the ACTIONS and VIDEO overview found and demonstrated on the homepage and introductory lesson. p.56

Leader's page and Student's page best viewed left/right side together Lesson 13 Leader’s notes: Acts 3 and 4 Healing Acts 3:1-11 Working altogether as a group, go through the five references (opposite) commenting on what happened. Focus on answering the top questions 1. The Christians at this point are still observing the Jewish times of prayer - 9am, 3pm (the time of the evening sacrifice) and sunset. They are still meeting in the Jewish Temple courts as well as in homes. 2. They were used to seeing and hearing people begging but Peter and John stopped to speak especially to this man. 3. “What you are asking for we do not have, but we do have Jesus and He is able to heal you”. 4. There is no mention of any prayer or the man’s faith until after the healing. Peter commanded and helped him up! Not only could the man walk, he could jump and praise God, apparently at the same time! 5. People around knew who the man was - they had seen him there many times on their way into the Temple. They were amazed. The power of Jesus healed and amazed. The carfuffle created an audience and Peter took the opportunity immediately to speak about Jesus. Sermon Acts 3:12-26 Continue working altogether to analyse Peter’s sermon. Introduction. Peter does not start talking about abstract concepts, He uses the immediate interest - “Why do you stare at us as if by our own power we had made this man walk?” It is no surprise when you really know God. Main points verse 13 God did this. This God has glorified Jesus. Conversely, you were all complicit in the death of Jesus. (Along with us). verse 14 You acted against Jesus. You killed “the Author of Life”. verse 15 We are witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. We’ve experienced it. verse 16 Can you see the difference placing faith in Jesus makes? Notice it is Jesus, not your faith, Who changes things. Student's page: Lesson 13 Healing, preaching, prayer Acts 3 and 4 Healing Acts 3:1-11 What do you learn from these verses? Do you find these things easy or difficult? Why? 1. Acts 3:1 Jesus’ disciples followed good habits of prayer. 2. Acts 3:4-5 They kept themselves aware of people around them. 3. Acts 3:6 When prompted, they publicly trusted Jesus to intervene. 4. Acts 3:7-8 Is there one single method to always follow when seeking healing? 5. Acts 3:9-11 Since changed lives attract the attention of outsiders, think of what to live like and to pray for. The carfuffle or commotion created an audience. Peter immediately pointed away from himself and toward Jesus. (Carfuffle, kerfuffle, kurfuffle is pronounced k’fuffle. It’s an old English word)! Sermon Acts 3:12-26 Introduction verse 12 Those believers were not surprised by God’s action. Unbelievers were. How about you reading this true story? Or by events recently in and around your life? Main points verse 13 Who did this miracle? verse 14 Why did the people reject the One God sent? verse 15 Is it easy to work against God, even by mistake? verse 16 How do you explain God and human kind working together in this healing transformation? Page 30 Leader's page: Conclusion verses 19, 25, 26 Ask the ladies to discover how many times ‘God’ or ‘Jesus’ are mentioned by Name in Peter’s sermon. Verse 19 ‘Repentance’ means a change of mind and purpose, always leading to different action. Verse 24 God told Abraham that ‘through his offspring (a singular word) all peoples on earth would be blessed’. See Galatians 3:16 and Genesis 12:3. Prayer Acts 4 Work through the references from Acts 4 opposite The Sanhedrin knew a miracle had undeniably happened. They could not see how fishermen Peter and John could possibly do this on their own. Hence verse 7’s question. The word ‘boldness” would summarise the attitude of Peter and John with the man, and then the Jewish leaders, even after a night in prison. Where had their boldness come from? Verses 8, 10 and 13. The focus on Jesus is typical of people “filled with the Holy Spirit”, verses 8-12. ‘Jesus-centred’ people show differences from everybody else, verses 13-14. There was no disputing the healing miracle, verses 15-17. Verses 18-20 Even today some folk speak of their Christian experiences. Others do not. Why is this? Verses 21-22 How do you get ‘people power’ on Jesus’ side? Is it right to try and do so? Verse 23 It is always good to respect all parts of the local Christian fellowship. If you had been through a situation like this, would your prayer be like that of this church in 4:29? Verse 31 God was pleased with their attitude! 4:32-35 is a heartwarming summary of what happened, but it also led to two problems: dishonesty 5:1-11, and organisation/administration 6:1-2. People and processes can both be difficult! 4:36 introduces us to well-named Barnabas – son of encouragement. More in 9:22. Student's page: Conclusion Verses 19, 25, 26 Notice how God is the centre of Peter’s preaching. Christian conversion and Christian living - both responses to what God has done. Jesus has come to you first of all - don’t miss the opportunity of meeting God His way. Peter started from where the people were - amazed at a healing - and took them to Jesus. A very good example for us in preaching, and in daily conversation. Look for opportunities this week to lead conversations to Jesus. Prayer Acts 4 4:1-3 By now it was getting towards evening and the upset Temple authorities decided to jail overnight these men who spoke about Jesus and Resurrection. The gates of the Temple were closed after the evening sacrifice about 4p.m. 4:4 Despite threats of prison, the believers’ group grew to about 5000 men. 4:5-6 The next morning the rulers, elders and teachers of the Law met. 4:7 What does this question imply? Compare verse 9. 4:8-12 Where is the focus of Peter and John’s answer? Why? 4:13-14 What makes people describe others as ‘Christian believers’? 4:15-17 What was the controversy about? Why? 4:18-20 What makes a person ‘unable to stop sharing experiences of Jesus? 4:21-22 Describe the value of ‘people power’. 4:23 Why did Peter and John do this? 4:24-31 (especially 29) How do you know God was pleased with this prayer? See the summary in 4:32-7. Compare to Acts 2:43-47. Would other people say you are a ‘daughter of encouragement’? Page 31

My notes for teaching the Old Testament, by Mama Brenda. Leader's notes: Lesson 11 - Joshua 1:1-8:35, Judges 1:19-2:23; Ruth; 1 Samuel 1:1-3:1 Work through page 37 together as a class eliciting the information. Rahab. Some Bible translations say she was an innkeeper, some say she was a prostitute. Either way she was not working in a job that good people would have approved of. Perhaps that is why some translators found it difficult to say she was a prostitute. But she saw what was happening and believed that the God of the Israelites was going to win. She believed. God looked for her faith, not at her job. It appears Rahab told lies, yet we know God accepted her faith. See Proverbs 6:17; Matthew 5:37; John 8:44. Rahab’s family were saved because they obeyed and put the scarlet cord in the window. It is a picture like the blood on the doorposts and lintels during the death of the firstborn and Passover, when God passed over the houses which had blood on the lintels and doorposts. Both these pictures point to the blood of Jesus given for our salvation. Student's worksheet: Lesson 11 Battles, backsliding and belief Joshua 1:1-8:35, Judges 1:19-2:23; Ruth; 1 Samuel 1:1-3:1 Israel’s leadership had passed from Moses to Joshua. He prepared the people to cross the River Jordan, reminded the two and a half tribes who already had their land that their men were needed to fight with the rest of the Israelites, and sent two spies to check the situation in the land and especially in Jericho, their next objective. Joshua 2:1-24 The spies went to Rahab who lived in the city wall. She was probably a prostitute. She hid them, misled the king’s soldiers and said to the Israelite spies “I know that the Lord has given this land to you and that great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.” Joshua 2:9. She said that she had helped them and asked for their protection for her and her family. They promised that if she kept the secret, and when the attack came, placed a scarlet cord in her window, she would be safe. She let them through that window, down the outside wall of the city. They hid in the hills for three days before returning to the Israelite camp and reporting to Joshua. Joshua 3:1-5:12 When Joshua heard the news he started a sequence of events designed to re-emphasise to Israel that their God was powerful and was the living God. He was taking the Israelites into the Promised Land. These events also underlined to the watching Canaanites how completely powerful and authoritative the God of Israel was. Joshua moved the camp to the edge of the Jordan, opposite Jericho, where the people could see the river in flood. Then he instructed the people to watch for and follow the ark of the covenant, which was normally in the tabernacle, but was now being carried by Levites. They must keep a safe distance from it. When the priests carrying the ark of the covenant got to the river they were to walk into the water, wait for the water to stop flowing and their feet to be on dry ground, then move to the middle of the river and watch all Israel walk past them. One man from each tribe had to go back into the river bed and pick up a stone as a memorial of what they had seen God do. They camped at Gilgal, and Joshua re-instituted circumcision, which had not been observed in their wanderings. The Israelites then celebrated Passover, using local unleavened bread and roasted grain. The next day there was no more manna. Joshua 5:13-15 Joshua was confronted by the commander of the army of the Lord, whom he acknowledged and obeyed. This was certainly an angelic appearance, and may have been a pre-incarnation appearance of Jesus Christ. Joshua 6:1-27 The Israelites took Jericho. Rahab and her family were kept safe. Joshua 7:1-8:29 Israel was defeated at Ai and sin was discovered. Judgement was imposed and then the Israelites took Ai. Joshua built an altar and led Israel in a renewal of their covenant with God and in the reading of the Law “to the whole assembly of Israel, Page 37 Leader's notes: Lesson 11 - Battles, backsliding and belief. Encourage the ladies to stop after the hectic story, and think about these six ideas, listed opposite. Work through the rest of the page and next page 39, encouraging the ladies by involving them in reading references and finding information in passages, as your time allows. Student's worksheet: Lesson 11 - Battles, backsliding and belief. (from page 37) including the women and children, and the aliens who lived among them.” Joshua 8:35. Let’s pick up up on some ideas from page 37 for ourselves - 1. Even those doing the work of God must be prepared to show faith to the extent of getting their feet wet in faith! 2. It is important to remember and be reminded of Who our God is and what He has done. Take time to think about God acting in your life, and thank Him. 3. Even leaders need to acknowledge the leadership of the commander of God’s armies. 4. Sin must be dealt with. 5. We must always be aware of how our God wants us to live, what His plans and rules for our lives are. 6. God brought Rahab into the lineage of Jesus - a Canaanite woman, who trusted Israel’s God is a direct forbear of our Lord Jesus Christ. (See Matthew 1:5) The conquest and settlement of the land took 25 to 30 years. The author of the book of Joshua was not only setting out a history. He was showing what God had done and how the people had worked with their God and sometimes how they had not. He includes stories, official lists of those conquered, and lists of land allocations. In Joshua 11:23 we read that Joshua took “the entire land, just as the Lord had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.” Joshua 12 is a list of defeated kings. Joshua 13 starts “when Joshua was old and well advanced in years the Lord said to him, ”You are very old and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over”.” There follows a list of areas still to be captured. The book then continues with lists of land allocations, including towns for the Levites, until Joshua 21:45 “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.” The men of Gad, Reuben and half of Manasseh returned to their families and their land east of the River Jordan, Joshua 22:9. Joshua was coming to the end of his life. He again gathered the people to Shechem where Abraham had built an altar, Genesis 12:6-7. Joshua summarised the history of the previous 70 years and challenged the people to serve God faithfully. “Joshua said to the people. “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God, for He is jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, He will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after He has been good to you.” 24:19-20. The people promised to serve God and obey Him. Page 38 Leader's notes: Lesson 11 - Battles, backsliding and belief. Can you think of an example from your own life to bring the last paragraph home to the ladies - or are there influences where you are now that are tempting Christians away from following Jesus totally? Student's worksheet: Lesson 11 - Battles, backsliding and belief. Joshua 24:28-32 Joshua died aged 110 and was buried in his allocated land. Joseph's bones, which Israel had brought with them from Egypt, were buried in Shechem, land which Jacob had bought nearly 500 years before (Genesis 33:19). This was in the area allocated to Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Verse 31 “Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel.” Joshua 21:45 “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” God kept His promises. Joshua 24:19-20 “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God, for he is jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.” Will Israel keep her promise? Judges – Israel failed to totally take and consolidate the land. Joshua had died, and then the generation, who had seen what God had done in the Israelite conquest of Canaan, also died. Then “the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals …They provoked the Lord to anger…and the Lord handed them over to raiders...He sold them…They were in great distress”. Judges 2:11-15. “Then the Lord raised up judges who saved them out of the hands of the raiders…But when the judge died, the people turned to ways even more corrupt than their fathers...They refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.” Judges 2:16-20. Look for other judges 3:9, 3:15, 3:31, 4:4, 6:11-12, 10:1, 10:3, 11:5, 12:8, 12:11, 12:13,13:24-25 Major judges Minor judges Othniel Shamgar Ehud Tola Deborah Jair Gideon Ibzan Jephthah Elon Samson Abdon This sad period of Israel’s history, regularly doing evil in God’s sight, covers 250-300 years. The last verse of the book of Judges says that there was no authority figure in the tribes of Israel, and everyone did as he or she saw fit. So the answer to the question at the end of the Joshua section (above) is - No! Israel did not keep her promise. Israel took other people’s ideas and worshipped other people’s gods. We know they were wrong. But how strongly do we hold on to what we know God wants, when other people are involved in other – attractive - beliefs? Page 39 Leader's notes: Lesson 11 - Battles, backsliding and beliefs. Tell the story of Ruth, or elicit the story if the ladies know it, or if you have time get them to tell you the story from the Bible book of her name. Make sure that those who are not familiar with the story now have the outline of it in their minds. Names may vary a little from one translation to another – as from Arabic to English! Ruth going to the threshing floor at night with a request of marriage rings alarm bells in my culture but in her culture it may not have been unusual. The significance of uncovering Boaz’ feet, lying down there, and asking him to spread the corner of his garment over her is understood by Boaz. She and Boaz were careful that she was not seen at the threshing floor to protect her (and his) good name. All five effects opposite are worth thinking about and may be discussed if time allows. Remember, Jesus used Genesis 2:18-25 as His authority for one man to have one wife, in Matthew 19:3-9. With the story of Elkanah and Hannah, and then the birth of Samuel, the scene is set for the next great leader of the Israelites. A godly man came from a godly mother and father, even though the world they lived in was not living God’s way. God has His people in every situation. Student's worksheet: Lesson 11 - Battles, backsliding and belief. Ruth The story in the book of Ruth is set in the period of the Judges - a glimmer of hope in a dark world. Not everyone behaved badly as most of the people mentioned in Judges did. Story Famine. Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon and Killion (or Chilion) go from Bethlehem to Moab. Elimelech dies. Mahlon & Killion marry Orpah & Ruth. Ten years after arriving in Moab, Mahlon & Killion die. Naomi hears of end of famine and plans to go back home. Orpah stays in Moab. Naomi and Ruth go to Bethlehem. They arrive at barley harvest time. Ruth gleans in Boaz’ field. Boaz is kind to Ruth. Ruth gleans in barley harvest and wheat harvest. Naomi schemes. Ruth goes to the threshing floor at night with a request of marriage. Ruth leaves with barley and a promise before anyone is up. Boaz goes to the town gate and in the presence of witnesses redeems the land and the name of Mahlon. Boaz and Ruth marry. Ruth has a son, Obed. Effects Naomi has so demonstrated her God that Ruth believes in Him too. Boaz also represents His God well. Ruth has a husband. Naomi has a grandson, an heir to Mahlon’s land. God has brought a Moabite woman into the ancestral line of Jesus (see Deuteronomy 23:3 and Matthew 1:5). Samuel 1 Samuel 1:1-3:1 Here we have another encouraging story. We meet Elkanah, his wife Peninnah and her children, and his other wife, Hannah. Hannah had no children. Each year at the feast Elkanah gave Hannah a double portion of meat because he loved her. Each year Peninnah reduced Hannah to tears at this feast. One year Hannah stood up at the feast, wept and prayed, promised to give the child to the Lord if only she could have a son. Eli, the priest had seen her and thought she was drunk because she was praying quietly but forming the words with her mouth. What a commentary on the state of worship in the temple that Eli should even think such a thing! Hannah had a son, Samuel. When he was weaned, at about three years old, she took him to Eli at the temple and gave Samuel to God’s service. Her song in 1 Samuel 2 is very similar to Mary’s song when she is told she will become the mother of Jesus, (Luke 1:46-55). 3:1 now follows the time of the judges - people were not living close to God. But Hannah was an exception. She trusted, loved and gave - she believed God (it seems that Elkanah did too) even when the world around her did not. Things to think about! Please read any part of 1 Samuel 3:1-31:13; 2 Samuel; 1 Kings 1:1-11:43 for next time. Page 40