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Leader's page and Student's page best viewed left/right side together Leader’s notes: Lead from the front. Share the following historical information about Corinth: see map page 4. Corinth had been a very busy, diverse city when it was captured and sacked by the Romans in 146B.C. It was rebuilt by Julius Caesar in 44B.C. and established as a Roman city and seat of government for the province of Achaia. At the time of Paul’s visits there were probably 100,000 people in the city and surrounding area. That is one fifth of the population of Juba or Port Sudan (from 2019 figures www.worldpopulationreview.com ). There was a harbour at each side of the isthmus, neck of land, (see map) and a diolkos (Greek for ‘haul across’) - a 6th century B.C. stone paved road way that connected the two - ships were dragged across the diolkos on rollers. This saved a long, time consuming and difficult trip for cargo and passengers. It was controlled by Corinth. A good money-earner for the city no doubt. A canal across the isthmus at Corinth was begun under the emperor Nero in 67 A.D. but only finally completed in 1893 - four miles of canal to provide an essential shipping route between the Ionian and Aegean seas. The Corinthians were culturally diverse - from strict Jews to many prostitute priestesses in the Temple of Aphrodite: many followed Greek philosophers in individualism, equality, freedom and distrust of all authority: so there were ascetics who shunned the physical pleasures and hedonists who indulged in them wholeheartedly: the Isthmian Games, second only to the Olympic Games, were held every two years. Corinth was known for its ‘free love’ and sexual immorality - to follow that way of life was known as ‘to Corinthianise”! Like both its ancient predecessors, modern Corinth is the centre of commerce between northern and southern Greece. Today, it has a population of about 30,000. Make sure you have understood page 52 opposite, before working through it with the ladies. The various Corinthian letters (some of which we don’t have) and the number of visits are not easy to sort out. I offer my best guess. Discover the difficulties together – top half of page 52 - before before Looking through the ‘understandable time line’ that I suggest, together. Student's page: Lesson 24 1 and 2 Corinthians 55 A.D. The city of Corinth was very cosmopolitan (representative of all parts of the world). So new believers came from many backgrounds and ideas. Paul had to be very firm and strong with them, balancing enforcement with encouragement. Remember, we have the Bible to refer to. They did not. They had what they had been taught, but not always the knowledge and wisdom to properly evaluate Corinthian ideas. As Paul wrote to help them, so he helps us. Paul visited Corinth at least three times: visit one -Acts 18:1-18 visit three -Acts 20:2b-3a we only know about the middle visit, two, from 2 Corinthians 2:1. Reading between the lines 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 a ‘previous’ letter. How was it misunderstood? 2 Corinthians 2:1 ‘I will not make another painful visit’. Why would a meeting hurt? Look in the next verses, especially 4-8. 2 Corinthians 2:3-4, 7:8 the stern letter. Sometimes ‘toughness’ brings the right result under God, note 7:9-13. It may well not be easy, but it can be necessary. Let’s try and put these details into an ‘understandable time line’: 1. Visit 1. see Acts 18:11. 2. Letter 1. A previous or warning letter, which God has not kept for us, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:9. 3. Letter 2. Our First Corinthians letter, written from Ephesus. 4. A Planned visit. Mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:6 in Paul’s last year at Ephesus – ‘perhaps I will spend the winter with you’. This did not happen then. 5. Visit 2. The painful visit 2 Corinthians 2:1. 6. Letter 3. A stern letter - letter of tears - mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:3-4, 7:8. We do not have this letter. 7. Letter 4. Our Second Corinthians letter, talking about when Paul comes for the third time, 2 Corinthians 13:1-11. 8. Visit 3. see Acts 20:2-3. It is important to recall to whom our letters are written? 1 Corinthians 1:2, and 2 Corinthians 1:1 tell us, ‘the church of God, people sanctified in Jesus, who are called to holy living under His Lordship, meeting as one people but in various places across the city and Achaia province’. Christians like these (and like us?) still have our challenges! Page 52 Leader's page: Ask ladies to read the first set of references and ask everyone to listen carefully. They are trying to discover what the problem is that Paul is addressing, and what his offered solution is. Ask for their answers – what is the problem? How do the Corinthians need to correct their thinking? What must they do to respond? Work through every Bible passage, one at a time. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 and 3:1-11 Divisions and supporting different leaders Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church, to Whom all earthly church leaders must openly defer. 5:1-5, 9-11 The church must always have very high moral standards. They lived in a very lax sexual society. They should have put the wayward man out of their fellowship, back into the realm of Satan, until he realised his wrong, repented, and reformed. Accommodating him was not loving, it was wrong. 6:1-8 Their calling as believers was to honour the name of Jesus, not to drag His name through the non-Christian courts. Always find wise and godly people in the church to adjudicate between people, or, choose to be wronged and leave it go, even suffering loss. 7:1-5 Husbands and wives should always be faithful, and fair, to each other. 8:1-13 Use your freedom wisely, carefully considering its effect on others. An idol has no power. So there is no problem. But if someone who has not thought it through thinks there is a problem, a Christian has a responsibility to the weaker sister (or brother) not to make her stumble. Better not to eat it than to upset the faith of your sister. This carries over into other areas of life as well, not just meat offered to idols. Share some of these from your own experiences if you are able. 12:1, 4-12 Receive and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit only in God-honouring ways. The spiritual gifts are exactly that, gifts. You are given a gift. You do not choose it. God the Holy Spirit chooses what gifts to pass to whom. All of the gifts are given for the good of the whole Christian fellowship. For 2 Corinthians 13:11 and 13 – see opposite. Student's page: What did Paul write about? And what can we learn for our church life and individual part within it today? From 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 and 3:1-11 key verses 1:10 and 13 5:1-5, 9-11 key verses 5:1 and 5:2 6:1-8 key verses 6:1, 5-6 7:1-5 key verses 7:2-4 8:1-13 key verses 4, 9, 13 Meat bought in the market may have been slaughtered in the name of an idol. 12:1, 4-12 key verses 1, 7, 11-12 2 Corinthians 13:11 and 13 The relationship of Paul with the churches in Corinth was not an easy one. Members of the churches came from very different backgrounds, beliefs and even moral thinking. At times some resented Paul’s authority. They could be a loud and headstrong bunch. Paul kept seeing them as his ‘children in the Lord’ and always wanted only what was best for them. ‘Peace’ comes twice in verse 11. How they needed that. Stroppy faction leaders needed to become of one mind in Jesus. They needed to rejoice in what God had done for everybody. They needed to encourage everyone else. They needed to know that other Christian churches loved them, and wanted God’s best for them, worshipping and living in a God-pleasing way. Page 53

My notes for teaching the Old Testament, by Mama Brenda. Leader’s notes: Lesson 22 - Who is the God who has done all these things? The object of this lesson is to look at all of the Old Testament and see what we have learned about God, and what God has done in the history of those 39 books. There are no easy answers for both columns (page 81) for all the books, but it will be good to revise what we have looked at and think about it again. Some words and phrases may come up again and again. No problem. You may have no answers for some of the books. Try doing this exercise yourself before presenting it to the ladies. I also suggest you have three sections for the time and divide it up carefully: 1. Explain the aim of the lesson to the class altogether. I have included a page of theological terms (page 83) - words representing an aspect of God. Don’t be scared off by long words. They are good fun. This page is in the Lesson section so the ladies will have it to take with them for further thought, together with pages listing the books of the Bible, (pages 81-82), with space for their answers. 1 Samuel to 2 Chronicles and Proverbs to Song of Songs need only one answer to each question for each group of books. Teach through the attributes so the ladies are a little familiar with these words. Leave time for 2 and 3! 2. Group time. I suggest you have groups of 4/5 ladies, and set them to work through the Old Testament books finding answers. You can go around the groups and listen in, make suggestions and encourage good answers. 3. The last section involves enough time at the end for ladies to share their group answers with the whole class, and say why they have decided on that answer, if appropriate. Sometimes more than one answer is right. This exercise also opens the door to thinking about God rather than just knowing the stories. Theology is ‘theos’ meaning God, ‘logos’ meaning words. So, it means 'words about God'. You may want to talk about Genesis 1-11 and Genesis 12-50 as a class for them to get the idea. The answers I would give to those sections would be - The attribute of God that leaps out to me from Genesis 1-11 is God the creator. Omnipotent (all powerful) would also be good. God/history? He made our world and brought us into time and space, because He wanted to. The attribute of God I would choose for Genesis 12-50 is a covenant (promise) making and keeping God. God/history? God caring about humans He made, establishing a relationship with them. The book most of these attributes come from (page 83) is on Colin’s website - www.colinsalter.net click on ‘Christian Theology in a Sudanese Context’, if you want more help. Have fun! Nudge, encourage and suggest as needed. Student's worksheet: Lesson 22 - Who is the God Who has done all these things? You have made your way through 21 lessons and today we are looking at what you have found. So, what do we learn from the Old Testament about the nature of God, and about His dealings in history? What will you put in these two columns? The nature of God What was God doing in history? Genesis 1-11_____________________________________________________ Genesis 12-50____________________________________________________ Exodus__________________________________________________________ Leviticus_________________________________________________________ Numbers_________________________________________________________ Deuteronomy______________________________________________________ Joshua___________________________________________________________ Judges___________________________________________________________ Ruth_____________________________________________________________ 1 and 2 Samuel 1 and 2 Kings 1 and 2 Chronicles__________________________________________________ Ezra_____________________________________________________________ Nehemiah_________________________________________________________ Esther___________________________________________________________ Job_____________________________________________________________ Psalms___________________________________________________________ Page 81 Leader's notes: Lesson 22Who is the God who has done all these things? Here are the answers I would have written on page 81: hope they help you. The nature of God What was God doing in history? Genesis 1-11 creator made us and our world because He wanted to Genesis 12-50 covenant keeping establishing a relationship just with man Exodus promise keeping taking His people back to the just land He promised them Leviticus just, holy giving instructions for the place where His holy presence would be seen Numbers faithful, just getting His stubborn people to the right place involved God exercising discipline Deuteronomy just giving laws to make His people to be just Joshua faithful Israel occupied Promised Land Judges patience godly judges were lights in a dark time Ruth love, omnipotent love to Ruth, to Naomi, bringing a Moabitess into the lineage of Jesus 1 and 2 Samuel faithful, just good kings honoured by God, bad 1 and 2 Kings kings rebuked, God’s wrath is 1 and 2 Chronicles felt in the exiles Ezra patience Temple foundations rebuilt Nehemiah omniscient God knew who to send to Jerusalem and how it would work out Esther omnipotent the right people in the right places at the right times Job omnipotent God’s complete power versus Satan’s incomplete power, God’s creation and power acknowledged Psalms faithful God’s people talk to Him in praise, fear and thankfulness Student's worksheet: Lesson 22 - Who is the God who has done all these things? The nature of God What was God doing in history? Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon________________________________________________ Isaiah________________________________________________________ Jeremiah Lamentations___________________________________________________ Ezekiel________________________________________________________ Daniel_________________________________________________________ Hosea_________________________________________________________ Joel__________________________________________________________ Amos_________________________________________________________ Obadiah_______________________________________________________ Jonah_________________________________________________________ Micah_________________________________________________________ Nahum________________________________________________________ Habakkuk______________________________________________________ Zephaniah______________________________________________________ Haggai_________________________________________________________ Zechariah_______________________________________________________ Malachi_________________________________________________________ Page 82 Leader's notes: Lesson 22 - Who is the God who has done all these things? More of my suggestions, this time for page 82: The nature of God What was God doing in history? Proverbs He wanted people to walk His way Ecclesiastes Without Him life was meaningless Song of Solomon ? Isaiah Holy One of Israel, showing a vision of the far judge, restorer distant future Jeremiah omnipotent vision of judgement and Lamentations distant restoration Ezekiel holy restoration of Israel to show the world that God is God; Daniel omnipotent showing He knew the future. He is sovereign Hosea love ? Joel judgement ? Amos judgement eventual restoration Obadiah eternal God’s kingdom will be seen Jonah omnipresent, love God cares about the world He made Micah judge, restorer God knows the future Nahum omniscient foretelling fall of Assyria Habakkuk omnipotent sovereignly outworking His purpose Zephaniah judgement, restorer One day God will be seen to be victorious Haggai holy Messiah will come from the line of David Zechariah omnipotent, restorer peace when the “desire of nations” comes Malachi God does not change ever! Student's worksheet: Lesson 22 - Who is the God who has done all these things? Attributes of God - what God is like. God is Spirit - He exists in a different life form from us. God is eternal - He is apart from and outside of time. God is omnipresent - He is everywhere present at the same time. God is a person - He is a Living Being who can think, feel and decide. God is omnipotent - He is able to do anything His character allows Him to do. God is omniscient - He knows everything. God is holy - He is purely God; He is ‘other’. God is love - He actively cares for our well-being. God is just - He treats everyone fairly while being true to His character. God is merciful - He does not give us what we deserve. God is faithful - He can always be trusted. (From 'Christian Theology in a Sudanese Context': Colin Salter, chapters 7-20, Khartoum, 2004). God does not change - He is always the same in His being and promises. God is patient - He is slow to anger. God is creator - He made our world out of nothing. There is no definitive list of attributes or description of God - He is beyond our understanding. You will find many lists in different books - but this page is a good starting place for thinking about God! Page 83

Leader's page and Student's page best viewed left/right side together Leader’s notes: Lead from the front. Use the historical information below, if you think it useful to the ladies. Rome was founded 753 B.C. and grew through monarchy into a republic, governed by regularly elected consuls in 509 B.C. By 146 B.C. Rome ruled much of Spain, parts of North Africa and Greece. In 45 B.C. Julius Caesar became dictator of Rome for life. He was murdered in 44 B.C. There was leadership turmoil until Octavian became sole ruler, and assumed the title of Emperor Augustus in 27 B.C. ‘Pax Romana’ (the peace of Rome) had arrived and with it the golden age of Rome’s Empire. Augustus died in A.D.14. Rome built roads in every direction – roads that really lasted well. Some survive in England, where I live, today! They were definitely in charge. God used this improved communication network to give freedom for the Gospel to spread. The golden age continued until about A.D.192 when the Empire began to decline and disintegrate. Finally, in A.D.476, a Germanic prince won control of the Roman army in Italy. “Among the many legacies of Roman dominance are the widespread use of the Romance languages (Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian) all derived from Latin. The modern Western alphabet and calendar and the emergence of Christianity as a major world religion .............. Rome’s military conquests led directly to its cultural growth as a society, as the Romans benefited greatly from contact with such advanced cultures as the Greeks. The first Roman literature appeared around 240 B.C., with translations of Greek classics into Latin; Roman people would eventually adopt much of Greek art, philosophy and religion.” ( http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/ancient-rome ) The God of history used the times and the people He had created to facilitate the spread His message. Jesus is Lord! God can use nations, governments and leaders who do not acknowledge His authority. Ultimately, nothing and nobody can frustrate His eternal will. Now start teaching page 54. Ask different ladies to read a Bible passage, one at a time. Listen carefully and all share answers to any of these questions as you go along: 1. What do we know about Paul’s desire to go to Rome? 2. What makes up the different parts of ‘Paul’s gospel’? 3. Can you see ‘another side’ of the usual Paul coming through? What is it? Why? Student's page: Lesson 25 Romans 57A.D. “Romans is one of the most important theological documents of all time. Its influence on the course of Christian history and the development of Christian theology is inestimable”. - NIV Zondervan Study Bible. This letter was most likely written during Paul’s 3 month stay in Corinth, Acts 20:2-3. Paul’s desire – can you find reasons Paul wanted to go to Rome? Romans 1:8-15 Acts 19:21 Acts 22:29-30; 23:1, 9-11; 25: 10-12 Romans 15:23-24 What essentially is “Paul’s (my) Gospel”? Romans 16:25-27, see verse 25 Romans 1:14-17 1 Corinthians 15:1-7 Galatians 1:6-9 Colossians 1:13-23 Has Paul a more human side than we often see? What describes it? Look up Romans 15:13-16:24 – we are used to Paul’s preaching and correcting, and we are grateful to God for Paul’s teaching writings, but this passage at the end of Romans provides us with insights into another side of Paul. What are the insights and what do they show us? How may we apply them into our daily lives and dealings with people? 15:13-14 15:23-24 15:25-27 15:28-29 15:30-33 16:1-2 see Acts 18:18 16:3-5 still leading a house church, this time in Rome see Acts 18:19, 24-26 16:5-16 men, women, Jews, Gentiles, working together, followers of Jesus. 16:19 16:21-24 Page 54 Leader's page: Invite the ladies to work in twos or small groups, writing, or composing and sharing, one short sentence explaining each of the references opposite. Share their sentences for each reference. If you still have time you could ask the ladies if they have thought of any other verses, from different Bible books, or elsewhere in Romans, which reinforce these same truths. (I have given some possibilities in brackets below). Romans 1:16-17 God’s righteousness is faith revealed to us by faith (Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38; Romans 3:22) 1:18-20 God is angry with sin (Romans 2:5) 3:11-12, 23 Everyone has sinned (Romans 5:12) 3:24-25 We have been declared not guilty (Ephesians 1:7) 5:1, 9-11 We have a restored relationship with God (Colossians 1:21-22) 6: 23 We have the gift of eternal life (Matthew 25:46) 8:1-4 There is now no condemnation (Romans 8:31-34) 8:12-17 Live as sons and daughters of your heavenly Father - suffering and glory (Galatians 6:7-10) 11:33-36 God did it all - what an awesome God we have (Job 11:7) 12:1-2 How to live it out – principle (Ephesians 4:1; 5:15) 12:3, 9, 14, 21 How to live it out – practice 13:1-8 How to live it out – more practice 14:1, 12, 13 , 19 How to live it out – still more practice 15:7 How to live it out – even more practice! (1 Peter 4:10-11) Notice how practical Christian discipleship is, affecting all areas of life. Student's page: Paul’s gospel outline in 15 chapters! Write, or think of, one sentence explaining each of the references below - to build your own ‘theology page’ of Paul’s teaching on What is the Gospel? ‘Theology’ is the study of the nature of God. What we believe ought to affect how we live. Romans 1:16-17 1:18-20 3:11-12, 23 3:24-25 5:1, 9-11 6:23 8:1-4 8:12-17 11:33-36 12:1-2 12:3, 9, 14, 21 13:1-8 14:1, 12, 13 , 19 15:7 Page 55

Bible reading - Revelation (of John) 5:1-14. There is some debate whether Revelation 1:1 entitles this book “the revelation of Jesus Christ” or “the revelation from Jesus Christ”. Translations vary. I think the meaning is found by taking both together. It is the way our Lord Jesus showed Himself to John. It is God’s view of Jesus shared with us via John. Both of these statements make Revelation important, even essential, for us to meditate upon. Perhaps we don’t do it enough? In chapter 4:1 John sees an open door in heaven. He is invited to come up and to see reality. In effect he is told to look away from his exile on Patmos; to look away from his own bodily weaknesses; to look away from his legitimate concern for all of the churches – whether persecuted by opponents or poisoned by false teachers. (Sometime, we should consider which does more damage: suffering by fire or scarring by false teaching, but not just now). We all do well from time to time, to look away from our immediate circumstances – from ourselves and our ministries – and to invest some time deliberately looking to our Lord Jesus Himself. What we are going to think about now happens after two things have already been shared. 4:1, “After this”. These two things set our context: The glory of the Lord, 1:9-18. Glowing, dazzling, brilliant in appearance, God is speaking to man. Jesus, the reconciling redeemer has risen from the dead and is seen to be reigning on high. The state of the churches, chapters 2 and 3. Fallen from their first love; accommodating false cultic figures and followers; too tolerant and unrepentant; thinking too highly of themselves; relegating Jesus to the outside or the edge of their lives. It is the same now as then. Churches are a mixture of pure and less pure Christianity. The weekly BBC TV Songs of Praise programme and the variety of statements on current issues by different church leaders testify to both the good and the bad. “After (seeing) this”, 4:1, John is given an intensely awesome vision of heaven’s throne – thrones to be more exact, twenty five in all. 4:2-8 describe a shining, glistening, radiating, emanating quartz-like Person on THE throne – red, yellow, brown, dark green when seen from different angles. The Person sits inside a bright luminous green circular rainbow. On twenty-four adjacent thrones (probably representing twelve patriarchs from the Old Testament and twelve apostles from the New Testament) are crowned white-robed, holy beings called “elders”, verse 4. These are the ones who govern for THE ONE – Who appears to be more than one – THE ONE Who reigns from THE THRONE. There is thunder to be heard, lightning to be seen, blazing lamps, the fire of purification and judgement reflected in a glass-like crystal clear sea – miraculously calm in view of the thunder. This is the stunning presence of God: the holy presence of the central Person in all of history . Immediately around THE ONE, WHO APPEARS MORE THAN ONE, ON THE THRONE are four other-worldly creatures. John hears a loud chant. It must have been loud to be heard above the thunder! (The word “loud” – Greek megas – or something similar, comes some twenty-five times in Revelation including: 1:10; 5:2; 5:12; 6:1; 6:10; 7:2; 7:10; 8:13; 10:3; 12:10; 14:7; 14:9; 14:15; 14:18; 19:17; 21:3). The chant John hears I paraphrase as: Holy, pure and set apart, is the ever able, always, God, 4:8. This chant of objective statements of who God is, is genuine worship, verse 10. And it is worship worthy of the worthy one, which sadly not all “Christian worship” or “church worship” seems to be! Worship must be centred on God, not on me, nor on the leader nor the congregation. God alone is worthy. Verse 10 describes prostrated praise which has two ingredients: What You, God, have given us we give back to You. Note the crowns in verse 10. Everything is from You and for You, God. We restate Your unchallengeable worthiness, verse 11. God, You have the glory. God, You have the honour. God, You have the power. True worship centres on God. It is not, “I want, I feel, I think”. It is “God, You are, God You do, God You must have”. I notice that they are very economical and holistic in heaven because the scroll mentioned in 5:1 has writing on both sides! They don’t waste their resources! Interestingly, they don’t use computers either! (You can’t roll up a computer, and I don’t think it refers to the “scroll bar” on one)! No-one can open the sealed parchment scroll except, verse 5: “The Lion of the tribe of Judah”, Who is, verse 6, the “Lamb, … slain”. Let’s just let God speak as we survey the references in Revelation to the Lamb. Enjoy communion with Him as we do so. Worship Him. He is fully worth everything we can offer Him … and so much more besides. Thinking of Jesus the Lamb: 5:6, “the Lamb” … sacrificed …now “standing in the centre of the throne”. Central to heaven is the crucified and now risen Lord Jesus. 5:8, they “fell down before the Lamb”. Jesus is worshipped by earth and heaven’s rulers. Never mind apparent world powers! This is where reality happens. Let’s join in. 5:12, “Worthy is the Lamb, Who was slain, to receive” the perfect seven plaudits! Jesus, receive power. Jesus, receive wealth. Jesus, receive wisdom. Jesus, receive strength. Jesus, receive honour. Jesus, receive glory. Jesus, receive praise. 5:13, “To Him Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb”. The Lamb on and by the throne is with God and is God. He is one, Who appears to be more than one. He is forever to be praised. He is completely different to anyone else we know. 6:1, “The Lamb opened the first of the seven seals”. In sovereign judgement Jesus acts, and He continues to do so, 6:3; 6:5; 6:7; 6:9; 6:12; 8:1. Absolute authority is His. We are absolutely accountable to Him. What He releases happens. It is awesome. 6:16, this judgement includes “the wrath of the Lamb!”. It is an aspect of the purity of God. It is holy, judicial anger. It is self-controlled God-ness (and that’s my made-up word!!) in dealing with sin. 7:9, a multinational assembly is called to stand “before the throne and in front of the Lamb”. The participating audience is the biggest ever gathered. Beside this, the Olympics, the United Nations, the G7 or G8, the Organisation of African Unity, all fade into their rightful eternal insignificance. 7:10, Jesus has all rights over salvation. “Salvation belongs to our God … and to the Lamb”. One, yet being more than one. He is the owner of salvation. Us being saved or lost is His decision. 7:14, people praising Jesus are there, “washed … in the blood of the Lamb”. The only way into heaven is through this purifying act. Sometimes on earth visas are denied by governments to those who want to enter a country that is not their own. When it comes to entering heaven, God holds all of the visas and He grants them on the conditions He has stipulated. 7:17, these folk fear nothing because “the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd”. A shepherd cares for every need his flock may have. Each single sheep gets his attention. English farmers look after their new lambs especially in late winter, considering the weather for being outside, the possible diseases and predators, the food necessary. They spend their time and energy on this. But God cares so much more for His people. 12:11, we are reminded of earth’s battles – now ceased – and when people “overcame (Satan and his hosts) by the blood of the Lamb”. We do not rely on human effort alone. We do not rely on human weapons. Blood is best! And Jesus’ blood is far superior to all the rest! 13:8, “ the book of life belonging to the Lamb”. Jesus owns the book of eternal life. “The Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world”. Christians – saved ones – are part of God’s forever plan. As eternity surrounds time, so God envelopes humankind. Big things are little to Him. And little things are precious to Him. God’s plans will come to pass. 14:1, “the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion”. Jesus has disciples who follow the Lamb, verse 4. They are the first of many millions. Our Christian ancestors are already into eternity. Thank God for Christian tradition through which we have the gospel today. It is not found in a museum, but is found in many faithful men and women around the world. 14:10, the Lamb is also a witness of the eternal fury of God. “In the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb” God’s wrath torments those who have gone with the devil. We must weep over this now for there are no tears in heaven! All people are sinners, but there are saved sinners and lost sinners. Those who remain lost are those who chose to rely on themselves. They are not willing to trust themselves to Jesus the Saviour. 15:3, seven angels lead a massive choir singing “the song of the Lamb”. Harp accompaniment is prescribed by the heavenly ethno music logician. Singing stories about Jesus is a great way of reaching lost people today, around Sudan’s nomadic campfires and elsewhere. 17:14, those who “war against the Lamb” are overcome by the Lamb because He is Lord of lords and King of kings”. Jesus is always able, no matter who or what is against Him. Those on His side enjoy His eternal protection. 19:7, the “wedding of the Lamb” comes. Our Christianity is a love relationship which is building towards its consummation at that time. In my country many of today’s weddings are devalued as people live together before getting married. It is a strange fact that we must live with our Lord Jesus before this heavenly marriage supper comes! 19:9 is one of seven beatitudes in Revelation, 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14. Here it says, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”. Blessed means truly happy. 21:9, “the bride, the wife of the Lamb” is made up of the people of the new Jerusalem. 21:14, there are memories of “the twelve (founding) apostles of the Lamb”. No later apostles are the same as these. Christianity is built securely on its earliest foundation, the first friends of Jesus. 21:22, “the Lamb” is the place and the person of worship. There is no temple in heaven. The heavenly reality has replaced earth’s representation. 21:23, “the Lamb is (heaven’s) lamp” the radiant shining of the glory of God. From the exact representation of God’s being emanates His glorious glory. 21:27, another reminder that “only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” will be in heaven. Born again Christians and those God gives them by their witness will all be there. It is worth risking our lives here on earth so that more Christian people will be able to enjoy real life there. No others will ever enter heaven. There is no alternative route. 22:1, the “throne of the Lamb” is the source of the water of life. It is fruitful wherever it flows. Like the Nile flood plain brings creative life to the desert through which it flows, so Jesus brings life to dry and thirsty souls. Drink of Him, and you’ll never thirst again except for more of Him. 22:3, and in heaven we servants will still “serve” “ the Lamb”. What we do now we will do for eternity, living in order that Jesus be praised. I make that twenty-five glimpses of the Lamb we have had from scanning Revelation. Revelation shows us that what God starts He also finishes. Revelation shows us that God wins! There is a mosque and Islamic school on the airport road in Khartoum, Sudan, which had an English sign up when I lived there. A quote from the Qu'ran it read this: “If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted of him, and in the hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost”. Bible reading Christians will totally disagree! Revelation 11:15, “The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ, and He will reign for ever and ever”. Revelation 19:1, “Salvation and glory and power belong to our God”. And remember where we began our study survey, Revelation 5:6,9. The slain Lamb is worthy – He has bought people for God from every tribe, language, people and nation on earth. And He has made them into both a kingdom and a priesthood. God has used missionary endeavour. We imperfect people have an imperfect church, but always our perfect God works through it! Ultimately, Jesus has done it all. He is worthy of our worship 24/7, until our last breath on this earth takes us to the fresh air of heaven. With that pure air we will continue to sing the praise of Jesus: the slain Lamb, now risen, and so, so, so worthy! by Colin Salter. Original message 23rd February 2005; this one revised 28th September 2007. Part of a series: “Who Jesus really is”.

My notes for teaching the Old Testament, by Mama Brenda. Leader’s notes: Lesson 23 - Christmas Today we are going to work through two presentations to a ladies’ group for Christmas and Easter. The Christmas one uses some Old Testament material, and the Good Friday one is a meditation. I have set it out as if I was speaking. You will be taking a Christmas meeting and a Good Friday one for your ladies’ group. I hope that by hearing and seeing your presentation, some of the ladies will be able to use it with ladies in their home churches or groups. It will be good to have the ladies keep their books closed and/or not give out notes at the beginning. Before you start hand out the readings for the beginning of sections 1, 2 and 3, and any other readings you want read out. Remember who you have given them to! Section 1 Bible readings opposite could be used as follows- One lady to read all five references, or One lady to read Genesis chapter 2 references and another lady to read chapter 3 references, or Five ladies to read one reference each. Your choice - you know your ladies. If everyone does not have a Bible, or a Bible in the language you are using, write the references on individual pieces of paper and give them out before you start. Please notice the pronoun God uses in Genesis 3:22 in what He says. See also 1:26. These are important words in the doctrine of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit - all together before man existed. Put this information away in your mind for another study. Student worksheet: Lesson 23 - Christmas. What do you think of when you think of Christmas? Perhaps you think of getting some new clothes for your children, or of wishing you could get some new clothes for them. Perhaps you think of getting together in church to celebrate. What are you celebrating? I have been learning about the Old Testament recently, and I would like to share some thoughts which I hope will add to our understanding of Christmas. I have asked some ladies to help me with the Bible readings. Listen to the readings and be ready to answer some questions. 1. Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17, 20-24; 3:1-13, 22-24. Where did God put Adam? What restrictions was Adam given? What did the serpent (a name used for Satan, the great deceiver, or as he is called in Job, the accuser), what did he suggest to Eve? What did Eve, and then Adam, do? What had happened to their relationship with God? What would happen if Adam and Eve ate from the tree of life? In what state would they be? So what did God do? God put Adam in a beautiful garden, the Garden of Eden Adam was told not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The serpent tempted Eve to doubt God’s words. Eve ate and then Adam ate. Their relationship with God, which had been good, was immediately broken. If they then managed to eat the fruit of the tree of life, they would live forever - forever in a state of disobedience to God, in a state of sin. In love God closed off the way to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden to prevent them eating from the tree of life. He thus opened the way to the possibility of healing the relationship between God and man. God was making a way. 2. Genesis 49:1,8,10 Judah was the fourth son born to Jacob, not the first, but Jacob says that the tribe of Judah will be a leader, will have the sceptre, the symbol of authority, until the One Who holds ultimate power comes to claim it - Jesus when He comes again. When the Northern Kingdom fell to the Assyrians several hundred years later, the name of the major tribe of the ongoing southern kingdom was Judah. Jesus was a descendant of Judah. We also know that Judah was not perfect. He was the man who failed to keep a big promise, slept with a prostitute and became the father of twins with his daughter-in-law. Yet he is in the line of Jesus, see Matthew 1:3. Page 84 Leader's notes: Lesson 23 - Christmas. a blank page Student's worksheet: Lesson 23 - Christmas. (continued from page 84). ... Also in the family history of Jesus are Rahab, a prostitute who believed God; Ruth, a Moabitess whose people were banned from being part of God’s people but who followed Naomi’s God; and Bathsheba who was King David’s adultery partner and mother of King Solomon, Matthew 1:5-6. God wanted His people to show His righteousness so that other nations would believe, but they failed dismally. God showed that He would bring other people into His kingdom. 3. Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25. A virgin, or young woman, (depending on your Bible translation), would conceive and have a son. She would call Him Immanuel – meaning ‘God is with us’. Matthew records that “all this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet” and quotes Isaiah 7:14. Matthew explains the situation. Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph. This agreement was binding but there was no sexual relationship until after the marriage. So Mary was a virgin. but she was expecting a baby “through the Holy Spirit”. Can you imagine how difficult this was for her? And for Joseph? What did the neighbours say? Luke 1:26-38 tells us about Mary’s encounter with an angel, who told her she was to have a son. He specifically told her “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born of you will be called the Son of God.” A virgin birth! And Mary agreed. God had prepared a human mother for God the Son. The Holy One, Jesus, had a heavenly Father, an earthly mother and the man, Joseph, Mary’s soon to be husband, who although no blood relation to Jesus, looked after Him as a son. God made the preparation necessary for His plan of salvation to happen. God showed that people other than Jews would be in His kingdom - that’s us! God prepared a human mother to nurture His Son Jesus. The planning for Christmas started a long time ago in the heart of God. Galatians 4:4 “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” Add these thoughts to your understanding of Christmas. You are allowed to say “Wow. That’s amazing. Thank you, God!” Amen. May you be blessed by God this Christmas. (You may want to pray after this message. A quiet few minutes after a message can help people anchor in their minds what they have heard.) Page 85 Leader’s notes: Lesson 23 (continued) - Easter Good Friday meditation. This is meditation is written exactly as I would use it. I would use it slowly and thoughtfully, giving the ladies time to think. I would have hymns or songs about Jesus and the Good Friday events where it says ‘Hymn’. Some hymns I know talk about different parts of Jesus’ life, or other things. Here I would only choose to use the verses about Jesus and the events of Good Friday, to keep everyone thinking only about Jesus and Good Friday! Use it as it is right for you and your ladies, and for the purpose of your meeting. Student's worksheet: Lesson 23 (continued) - Easter. A meditation for Good Friday Have you ever noticed how different people report things slightly differently? Perhaps you and a friend are telling a third person about an event, and as you go along you begin to wonder if you and your friend are talking about the same thing? If we try to put together the stories of Jesus as recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John we struggle to find a detailed order. The stories have different details - but it doesn’t matter - we don’t need to throw the Bible away - God used the different things the gospel writers’ heard or were told, to produce their take on the events. Everything that God allowed to be collected into our Bible, and preserved through the centuries for us, He wanted there. So let’s turn to the events of Good Friday. Jesus had been arrested and held overnight - not in a police cell - but baited and mocked by a hostile group of guards who were probably employed by the chief priests. For legal reasons, when daybreak came a trial could be held. The chief priests had a theological accusation to make against Jesus, and they had no power to give a death penalty. So they took Jesus to Pilate saying He claimed to be a King, and made up a false charge of working against Caesar, the head of the Empire. Then a visit to Herod for political expediency and back to Pilate, who gave up trying to release Jesus and sentenced Him to be crucified. So the grim procession left to go outside the city wall. This was about nine o’clock in the morning. Hymn Luke 23:32-34 Two other men, both criminals, were led out with Jesus to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals - one on His right, the other on His left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His clothes by casting lots. Forgive them. For the trials? For betting on the seamless robe His mother made? For hammering nails through His hands and feet? For using the crucifixion position to produce the most pain? For being instruments in the judicial murder of the Son of God? What we know is that Jesus, in that time of extremity, asked His Father to forgive their ignorance. Hymn John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom He loved, standing nearby, He said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. Dying, giving His life for us - He provides for the human who gave birth to the human Jesus. He gives His closest disciple the responsibility for His mother. There were younger brothers of Jesus - perhaps they did not yet believe in Him - later His brother James became leader of the Jerusalem church. Page 86 Leader's notes: Lesson 23 (continued) Easter. a blank page Student's worksheet: Lesson 23 (continued) Easter. Hymn Luke 23:39-43 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Jesus. “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Three men on three crosses. Jesus and two criminals. One mocking, the other acknowledging Jesus’ innocence and power, plus his own sins. Paradise meant a place beyond the immediate heaven of earth’s atmosphere, beyond the further heaven of outer space and its constellations - into the very presence of God Himself. This now newly Christian man did not bow at Jesus’ feet or pray the sinner’s prayer. But Jesus heard this thief in agony, confess his sin and recognise Jesus’ purity – and Jesus promised him eternal life THAT same day! Hymn Matthew 27:45-46 From the sixth hour (twelve noon) until the ninth hour (three in the afternoon) darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” God is complete purity - hence Jesus’ cry of abandonment by God as He carried the sins of mankind. Hymn John 19:29 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. Wine vinegar - drink of ordinary people - a sponge, a stalk - someone thought to bring them. Hymn John 19:30 When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.’ Earlier in John’s gospel Jesus had said “My food is to do the work of Him who sent me and to finish His work.” In the prayer before Jesus was arrested, also in John’s gospel, Jesus says, “Father, I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do. And now, Father, glorify Me with the glory I had with You before the world began.” What was finished? The work His Father had given Him to do. Page 87 Leader's notes: Lesson 23 (continued) Easter. a blank page Student's worksheet: Lesson 23 (continued) Easter. What was that work? To atone for the sins of mankind - yours and mine - to make a way back to the intimate presence of God for each of us. Hymn Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When He had said this, He breathed His last. Jesus called out - not the gasping breath of a tortured man, but the conscious act of a man in agony but in total self-control. Not a victim, but a victor. Hymn From Mark and Luke and John - “At that moment the curtain of the Temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom” - symbolic that the way to God was open for all, and that God had made it so - from the TOP to the bottom. Jesus and the repentant thief had gone to heaven! “The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” Was it fear of divine retribution, or an honest acknowledgment? “It was the Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached. Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Jewish Sanhedrin Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. With Pilate’s permission, Joseph came and took the body of Jesus away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who had earlier visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no-one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” Two brave and caring men. “The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how the body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.” Hymn Dear heavenly Father, our Almighty God. Thank You that You loved us so much You planned a way for us to get back into a good relationship with You. Page 88 Leader's notes: Lesson 23 (continued) Easter. another blank page! Student's worksheet: Lesson 23 (continued) Easter. Thank You that You sent our Lord Jesus Christ to die in our place, to pay the debt our sin demanded. Help us to remember the events and words of Good Friday, and to think about them as we await the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter morning. Amen. Page 89

Leader's page and Student's page best viewed left/right side together Leader’s notes: Acts 21:27-28:31 I suggest that you go through this exercise yourself before the day the ladies try it. They may need more paper for making notes. Walk round the groups as they work – encouraging and helping. This is not an easy exercise! Divide the ladies into four groups and give each group a Bible section to work on 1. Acts 21:27 -23:22 2. Acts 23:23-24:27 3. Acts 25:1-26:32 4. Acts 27:1-28:31 Each group must aim to be able to tell their part of the big true story to the assembled other groups. Ask them to put themselves into the sandals of the people they are reading about – Paul, the Roman commander, the centurion, Felix and Drusilla, (see Appendix 2 page 69), Agrippa and Bernice, Julius and the shipwrecked, people who visited Paul in prison at Caesarea, people who visited Paul under guard in Rome. Imagine what were they feeling at the described events. Things like: *apprehension? *joy? *fear? *opportunity? *curiosity? *stress of leadership? *anger? *peace? *responsibility? *anything more you can see in the narratives? ? ? ? These were real people, not just names! They had feelings just as we all do. After an appropriate time ask each group to share the story with the whole class, commenting on how people in the story must have felt. Some extra information if required: Paul’s bad eyes? Acts 23:1-5, compare Galatians 4:15, 6:11. Questions are raised here, but there are no definitive answers. Lots of security given to protect this ‘special’ Roman citizen from known threats, Acts 23:23-24. Paul was in prison for two years – waiting, not even serving a sentence, 24:27. Student's page: Lesson 26 Back to the Book of Acts – 21:27-28:31 We pick up again the narrative of our true story in Acts, with Paul in Jerusalem to bring the monetary gifts from Philippi, Berea, Corinth, (no international banks or Western Union then!). He also reports to James and the leadership of the Jerusalem church and celebrates with others the Jewish feast of Pentecost. Group 1. Work together on imagining how people felt in Acts 21:27 -23:22. Group 2. Work together on imagining how people felt in Acts 23:23-24:27. Group 3. Work together on imagining how people felt in Acts 25:1-26:32. Group 4. Work together on imagining how people felt in Acts 27:1-28:31. This will be a challenge – please enjoy rising to it! Page 56 Leader's page: To finish the true story of Paul’s life: Paul was in prison at Caesarea awaiting a court hearing, probably A.D. 57-59. He was then under house-arrest in Rome A.D.60-62. He was freed, and travelled more, but we have no record of where - see opposite. He was rearrested around A.D. 65-67 and executed in Rome. The end of Paul was not the end of his ministry. Far from it! Perhaps your own children, your church ladies group, your Sunday School class, will be what you leave to influence future generations into Christian discipleship? Can you think of more investment for Jesus you can make into other people who will live on after you? Luke the doctor, who so faithfully recorded the life of Jesus, the early history of the Church including the life of Paul, disappears from ancient records. How much we owe to his diligence in researching and recording under God! He was a doctor for Paul and an intermittent but faithful companion. 2 Timothy 4:11 “Only Luke is with me.” There are no reliable details of his life or his death. God will certainly reward Luke in glory! A great encouragement for us who work away quietly and obediently at everything God gives to us to do. God knows and He totally understands. From frightened men in Jerusalem to teaching about Jesus Christ in Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, including all over the then known world. God knew what He was doing then. He still does! We can wholeheartedly trust Him, 100%. Student's page: Look up theses references – they may give some clues about Paul between his two arrests A.D. 62-65. Romans 15:24 and 28 The following letters were written during Paul’s house arrest in Rome: Philippians 2:24 Philemon 22, most probably in Colosse 1 Timothy 3:14-15; 2 Timothy 1:3-5 All these guide best guesses for what Paul did, we don’t know for sure. How did Paul cope with everything that came his way? Check the next references – share what was happening for Paul. Think how he might have reacted facing these various things? Acts 14:19-20 Acts 16:19-24 Acts 27:21-26 Acts 28:15 Romans 16:1-2, 13 1 Corinthians 16:10-11 Galatians 1:6, 3:1 2 Timothy 2:9, 4:6-8, 9-13, 16, 20-21. (written during his final imprisonment) Are you able to do what Paul says, in your life? in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18? in Philippians 4:11-13? in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10? Note: Any of these would make good verses to memorise! In your mind and in your heart God’s word can encourage you at any time, even surprising times! No-one said living Christianly was easy. Trust the One who loves you. Encourage each other. Page 57

My notes for teaching the Old Testament, by Mama Brenda. Leader’s notes: Lesson 24 - Naomi – living through depression From the book of Ruth, using the timeline of Basic facts, the ladies need to add on the right hand side of the page opposite what they think are Naomi’s feelings and reactions. The ladies can work in pairs. Show them my completed chart, not to copy but to inspire! Basic facts Feelings and reactions Famine l Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon and Killion go from l Bethlehem to Moab Elimelech dies Grief l Mahlon and Killion marry Orpah and Ruth l Ten years after arriving in Moab, Mahlon Grief l and Killion die Problem after problem Naomi hears of the end of famine and plans l to go back Orpah stays in Moab l Bitter “God against me” Naomi and Ruth go to Bethlehem l They arrive at barley harvest time Bitter l “God brought me misfortune” Ruth gleans in Boaz’ field Not Naomi’s idea l Boaz is kind to Ruth Naomi interested by l contact with Boaz Ruth gleans in barley harvest; wheat harvest A little bit of interest l Naomi schemes More interest from Naomi l Ruth goes to the threshing floor with a request l of marriage She leaves before anyone is up, with barley l and a promise Boaz goes to the town gate and in the presence of witnesses redeems the land and the name We presume Naomi was of Mahlon pleased l Boaz & Ruth marry Naomi is fulfilled – the l family land is safe – Ruth has a son, Obed Ruth is married - Naomi has Obed to care for Student worksheet: Lesson 24 - Naomi – living through depression From the book of Ruth, using this timeline of basic facts, add your suggestions for Naomi’s feelings and reactions to the right hand side of the timeline. Basic facts Feelings and reactions Famine l Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon and Killion go from l Bethlehem to Moab Elimelech dies l Mahlon and Killion marry Orpah and Ruth l Ten years after arriving in Moab, Mahlon l and Killion die Naomi hears of the end of famine and plans l to go back Orpah stays in Moab l Naomi and Ruth go to Bethlehem l They arrive at barley harvest time l Ruth gleans in Boaz’ field l Boaz is kind to Ruth Ruth gleans in barley harvest, wheat harvest l Naomi schemes l Ruth goes to the threshing floor with a request l of marriage She leaves before anyone is up, with barley l and a promise Boaz goes to the town gate and in the presence l of witnesses redeems the land and the name of Mahlon Boaz and Ruth marry l Ruth has a son, Obed Page 90 Leader’s notes: Lesson 24 - Naomi – living through depression Have the ladies share their answers with the class. Then work through the story again using the top paragraph of page 91. This paragraph highlights the events that encouraged Naomi, things that we can learn from. Learn from Ruth. Truth and promise. Student worksheet: Lesson 24 - Naomi – living through depression Naomi experiences grief and then more grief – problem after problem. She feels God has made her life bitter. She and Ruth return to Bethlehem. Naomi is angry and upset. She thinks life is unfair. She seems to be living on in spite of God, not living with God. Ruth is a support for her. Naomi is still depressed and does not suggest Ruth goes gleaning – Ruth, the foreigner, has to make that suggestion. Through her work Boaz provides for them. Slowly Naomi shows interest in what is going on – and perhaps realises that God knows what He is doing. Naomi’s hopes come to pass. The family‘s land is redeemed. Boaz and Ruth marry and have a son, and Naomi is once more enjoying a full life. She had been encouraged by Ruth’s love and care. She was encouraged by the welcome back home. She was encouraged by Boaz’ involvement. Slowly, with the provisions God has made for her, she moves from emptiness to fullness, from bitterness to fulfillment. God sometimes puts us in situations where we can come alongside someone to help them in a down time. That is what Ruth did. She walked beside Naomi on the long walk from Moab to Bethlehem. Ruth suggested that she should find a way to support them both back in Bethlehem. She stayed with Naomi even when Naomi had nothing to offer her in a strange country nor was the happiest of company. She walked and suggested and stayed, but we do not read that she lectured Naomi. Grief is real and affects different people differently. Grief may involve denial, anger and depression before there is acceptance of circumstances, with the ability to move on. ”Snap out if it” and “Pull yourself together” are not helpful phrases and attitudes. Gentle coming alongside and allowing time to heal is much more likely to help. Coming alongside someone with an arm round their shoulder, and some dinner in a dish, is a real ministry. If depression happens to us, remember: God allows difficult things to occur in our lives – and He is there with us as well. Don’t let go of God. He will not let go of you, not ever, never!!! Page 91 Leader’s notes: Lesson 24 (continued) Wisdom/knowledge Work through the information in the top four paragraphs of page 92 (opposite). My aim is a gentle nudge in the direction of ‘more knowledge requires more wisdom’; encouraging the ladies to know how to make the best use the knowledge we have now got from this course. Invite the ladies to find these verses, read them, and apply them to daily life. You may find the ladies’ answers to these questions interesting! Give time for discussion, or you may prefer to give out a sheet of paper which can be returned to you when completed by students. Why don’t you say this altogether to one another – catching the eyes of other people? This is Jude 24 paraphrased - 'To Him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty. power and authority. through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever! Amen'. Student's worksheet: Lesson 24 (continued) Wisdom/knowledge We have covered a lot of information in this book and on this course. Hopefully it is knowledge to help us spiritually grow and for us to use in helping other people. The book of Proverbs, which guides us into living in a godly way, says in 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” and in 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Knowledge is information we have gained through learning or experience. Wisdom is the good way we use our knowledge. The fear of the Lord is living out a total respect for God. Some ways to live in total respect for God are: Romans 12:10 1 Corinthians 8:1 James 3:13 1 Peter 3:15 2 Peter 3:18 And there are many more we could look at. From what you have learned please share: 1. what was the most surprising? 2. what was the most interesting? 3. what was the most useful? This is Jude 24 paraphrased - 'To Him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty. power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever! Amen'. Page 92 Bibliography for the whole course: Bible Maps Son Light Publishers Inc.: Arkansas, 2007/2008 Illustrated Bible Dictionary Inter-Varsity Press: Illinois 1998 Reflections on the Psalms C.S.Lewis, Inspirational Press: New York, 1994 reprint Lion Handbook of the Bible Lion Publishing: Berkhampstead, 1974 What the Bible is all about Henrietta Mears, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: London, 1966 edition NIV (New International Version) Study Bible Zondervan: Grand Rapids, 1985 “God Rules”, O.K.? Unpublished sermons on the minor prophets, by Colin Salter, Khartoum International Church, August to December 2002 (From November 2016 available in print and as audio sermons on the website: www.colinsalter.net) Christian Theology in a Sudanese Context Colin Salter, Khartoum, 2004 A Guide to the Psalms W. G. Scroggie, Kregel Publications: Grand Rapids, 1995 Deuteronomy Christopher Wright, Hendrickson Publishers Inc.: Peabody, 1996 Living as the People of God Christopher Wright, Inter-Varsity Press: Leicester, 1983

Leader's page and Student's page best viewed left/right side together Leader’s notes: Ephesians - Share this information with the ladies: Second Missionary Journey Acts 18:19-21, a short visit to Ephesus that left Aquila and Priscilla behind while he (Paul) went to Caesarea and Antioch, before starting his third journey - this time overland to Galatia and Phrygia. Third Missionary Journey Acts 19:1 - 20:1 Paul continues overland to Ephesus. This was the most important city in what is now Turkey - a harbour, on a river, leading into the Aegean Sea, at an intersection of trade routes, with a famous temple to a pagan Roman goddess, Diana (in Greek ‘Artemis’). Paul used Ephesus as a centre of evangelism throughout the area, for two years three months plus, Acts 19:10. Colosse is quite nearby. In Revelation 2:7 the first of the ‘seven churches of Asia’ mentioned is Ephesus. Laodicea is the furthest from Ephesus, about 100 miles, Sardis, Smyrna, Thyatira, Pergamum, and Philadelphia are all within that mileage, although not that direction. Every one of them may well be results of Paul’s concentrated evangelism in Ephesus. There are no specific greetings in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians - perhaps it was designed to be a circular letter to be read in all the churches associated with Ephesus. Compare with Colossians 4:16, Revelation 1:4 and 11. Invite one or two of the ladies to read Ephesians 1:1-14 out loud and slowly. Ask the ladies to try and find each phrase (opposite) as the lady reads. Take a few moments to think about each of those mentioned blessings. Then answer the questions together. Don’t rush! Be wowed! Enjoy! Notice the word ‘mystery’ or ‘secret’ in Ephesians 3:1-6. God’s plan through the ages is now revealed, opened up to our view, our way back to God and the inclusion of the Gentiles. These buzz words for Gnosticism (mystery, secret) show that the teaching of Gnosticism - the need of special knowledge - was now proved false. God had shown clearly what was previously a mystery. There is no other specific teaching against Gnosticism here. Perhaps Paul was warning them beforehand? Challenge the ladies to keep their Christian thinking and their understanding in line with the way they live. That way their lives will have impact on outsiders who watch them. The prayers of Ephesians 1:17-19 and 3:16-19 we can pray for each other. Student's page: Lesson 27 Letters written from house arrest in Rome A.D. 60-62 The people receiving these letters lived in cosmopolitan towns and cities, with a variety of cultures. They did not live in ‘all Christians together’ ghettos. Do you live in a Christian community or are you challenged with other cultures next door and nearby? Ephesians falls easily into two sections: theory: God’s purpose for the church living out our spiritual blessings in Christ wherever we are practice: God’s purpose for believers; always living as children of Light. Let’s look at blessings Paul lists for us. He lists them for us to know, but he really lists them so we will live always conscious of them. Let’s be excited by them: Ephesians 1:3-14 verse 3 we are blessed in our Lord Jesus Christ verse 4 God chose us - I wonder why? – in Christ, how? – before the creation of the world, when? – to be holy in His eyes, why? – predestined us to be His sons and daughters, why? – for His praise, why? - in Him we have redemption, how? - in Him we have forgiveness, how? - He lavished His grace on us, how? Take time to absorb every Bible phrase above. Then answer the ‘bold word’ questions. wow wow wow wow wow wow! An action meditation: God (one finger pointing up) loves (cross arms as in a big hug) me (pointing to your own heart) Before you ask me – yes, our ladies group in UK did the actions. So sit there, close your eyes, do the actions while saying the true words in your heart (or out loud). Let the truth refresh you again. It’s incredible and it’s wonderful! The challenge to us is to express our beliefs about Jesus always, by everything we do and every word we speak in our daily lives. Page 58 Leader's page: Lead from the front – share the information. Colossians We have no record in the Book of Acts that Paul visited Colosse. It is in what is now Turkey. It was on an east to west trade route from Ephesus to the river Euphrates and was primarily a Gentile area. Look at Acts 19:10, Colossians 1:7-8, 4:12. It seems as though Epaphras was converted under Paul’s ministry and took the Christian Gospel of Jesus Christ to Colosse. The church started had later problems for which Epaphras sought Paul’s advice. Ask ladies to read from the references opposite to discover possible problems the church was experiencing. Then look at Paul’s answer texts. Paul mentions a letter to Laodicea in 4:16. We do not have it. Philippians Second Missionary Journey - Acts 16:9 “Come over to Macedonia and help us”. Acts 16:11-12, Singing in prison at midnight. What songs might they have sung? First church members: probably a business woman - Lydia from Thyatira (see seven churches of Asia, proximate to Ephesus), a jailor plus family, and a healed slave girl! Philippi was on the main highway from the east to Rome - the Via Egnatia. It was in a gold producing area of Macedonia. By Paul’s time it had many Italian settlers, retired soldiers from the legions. It was a vigorous and cosmopolitan city. Ask ladies to read the Bible passages listed opposite to discover the main subjects Paul wrote about. Philemon Read the whole letter out loud together – it’s only 25 verses! This is a very personal note from Paul. Onesimus’ name means ‘useful’. By running away he had become useless as a slave to Philemon. Now he has become a born again Christian. Paul asks the slave master to take back Onesimus the slave, this time as a brother in Christ. A big ask – but it should be possible because of Christ’s work in both men. The issue of slavery - Paul does not say that slavery is wrong. In verses 15-17 he says slavery should not happen in a Christian setting. “Master” and “slave” are brothers in Christ, even if different in rank and job. Encourage the ladies to pick up the four challenges from the four New Testament letters. And never forget the wow factor! Student's page: Colossians Several possible problems in the church are referred to by Paul: 2:16-17, 2:20-23; 3:11 legalism – observances and rules for special days 2:18 angel worship 1:15-20; 2:2-4, 9 deprecation, disapproval, deep criticism of Christ 2:2-3 supposed secret knowledge for some, Gnosticism Paul’s answer is a strong emphasis on the all sufficiency of Jesus Christ. 1:15-23 See if you can find at least 11 truths about our Lord Jesus here. WOW! 2:6-15 Next Paul says ‘live out what you know to be true’. 3:1-17 Share the positives and the negatives here. There are many of both! 4:2-6 The challenge to us is ‘stand firm in right doctrine (belief) and daily lifestyle’ . Philippians Philippians 1:13-14 fits the period described in Acts 28:16-31 1:5; 4:14-19 very sincere thanks for the gifts sent him 1:27-30; 4:4 encouraging the Philippians to stand firm in Jesus 2:1-11; 4:2-5 encouragement to humility and unity between everyone 2:19-30 Timothy and Epaphroditus were coming to visit 3:1-4:1 warning against Judaisers, and antinomians, people who believed they could have a faith in the true God and yet live as they wanted to! The challenge to us is Paul’s prayer for the Philippians 1:9-11,27a. Do you pray those things for yourself, for believers you know? Why/why not? Philemon Written with Colossians, taken to Colosse by Onesimus and Tychicus. A letter of tactfulness and courtesy. verses 1-3 note who the letter is from............................? and to ...............................................? Philemon was a slave owner (reportedly Athens had 21,000 freemen and 4,000,000 slaves) Apphia - probably his wife Archippus - Colossians 4:17 - leader of a house church, fellow soldier of Paul verses 4-7 praise and thanks for Philemon - a reviver and revitaliser of other people in the church - “Well done my friend” verses 8-16 Onesimus, called ‘my son, my brother’ verses 17-21 please take Onesimus back, with no recriminations. I (Paul) will repay anything he owes to you because he is so important to me verses 22-25 I (Paul) want to stay with you – greetings to five other men – a mixture of Jews and Greeks on his team. Think about slavery, verses 15-17, in light of both our relationships and responsibilities? The challenge to us is to visit, to speak with, to encourage and to spiritually renew someone else. Page 59

Leader's page and Student's page best viewed left/right side together Leader’s page: 1 Timothy, Titus, 1 Peter, 2 Timothy, 2 Peter, Hebrews, Jude, 1,2,3 John Encourage the ladies to work in twos or small groups to find good things and bad things about the churches mentioned in these letters and to write them down. Perhaps study one book at a time – there are ten in all. Share the general information (my first paragraphs below) – encourage the ladies to find answers (like my second paragraphs) and then share them together. 1 Timothy 1:3 Writing to Timothy, a valued, younger friend, an apostolic representative left in charge of the church at Ephesus. It was written after Paul’s release from house arrest in Rome. Warnings about false teachers of Jewish myths, wrong behaviour, asceticism (self-denial of physical pleasures to attain spiritual goodness), dangers in the love of money, are all in this letter, as well as qualifications for church leadership, praying for government leaders, and ‘trustworthy sayings’. These were accepted sayings of Christian truth probably being passed around from local church to local church. Titus This letter was also written after Paul’s release from house arrest in Rome. 2 Corinthians 2:12-13, 7:5-7; Titus 1:4-5. Titus was left in Crete to superintend the formation of good and proper local churches there. Look for Jewish false teachers again, the need for sound doctrine to be taught, and encouragement for Titus himself. Note 3:12 the west of modern Greece, and 2 Timothy 4:10 Dalmatia, modern Albania, the next country north west of Greece. 1 Peter The Apostle Peter, writing from Babylon, possibly a small town on the Euphrates River in modern Iraq, or more likely, he is using a hidden, Christian codeword reference to Rome. Peter writes to Christians in what is modern day Turkey. Written 62-65 A.D. It is a letter with many themes – suffering, persecution, glory, hope, the grace of God, encouragement to live holy lives, reminding that elders should be shepherds not bosses. 2 Timothy Paul writing to Timothy, from his later imprisonment in Rome. Check the details opposite. This letter is more to Timothy than to the church he serves. It is noticeably encouraging, encouraging, and encouraging. Student's page: Lesson 28 1 Timothy, Titus, 1 Peter, 2 Timothy, 2 Peter, Hebrews, Jude, 1,2,3 John These books were written after the close of Acts 28. We are looking for facts about the growing early church from them. They may be things we have mentioned already, but write them down with the new ones. Do you see any of these traits in your own life or church? 1 Timothy 1:3-7 1:15 compare 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11-13; Titus 1:9 2:1-2 compare Matthew 5:43-47 3:1-13 3:2-3, 6:10, 17-19 4:1-6 Titus 1:10-16, 3:9-11 2:1 2:15 1 Peter 2:12 5:1-4 2 Timothy What was Paul’s situation? 4: 9-13, 1:15-18, 2:8-9, 4:6-8 I know Timothy was a leader, but can you take encouragement from what Paul says here to Timothy? Which of Paul’s encouragements challenge you? Think about them with Father God. 1:3-14 2:1-7 2:14-18 2:25-26 3:10-15 4:1-5 Page 60 Leader's page: 2 Peter 3:1-2 It looks as though we have both of the letters that Peter mentions. Again, written to Christians in modern day Turkey – to stimulate wholesome thinking by them. The letters were written 65-67 A.D. Peter was martyred in Rome 67-68 A.D. There are strong similarities between 2 Peter and the letter of Jude. Did one copy the other? Did they both quote from the same teaching? We do not know. But God chose to put them both into the canon of scripture for us to learn from Him. 1:5 Make every effort to add to your faith. 2:1 There were, and there will always be, false teachers. 3:10 Jesus is coming again – God is in control. Grow, learn, persevere, keep on! Hebrews We do not know who wrote Hebrews but whoever it was knew Timothy, 13:23. It was written before the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D.70 – there is no mention of what was a major event for Jews – the destruction of their Temple. It was written for Jewish Christians to show that Jesus is the fulfilment of everything God had said and done in the Old Testament. Jude This letter was written either by Judas the Apostle Acts 1:13, or Judas the brother of Jesus Matthew 13:55. It is more likely Jesus’ half-brother as Jude does not claim to be an Apostle in Jude 17, simply saying he is the brother of James. The most famous James in Acts was the leader of the early church. He was Jesus’ brother. Written A.D. 65-80. Verse 3 ‘Contend’, argue in order to defend. Verse 4 ‘Secretly slipped in among’, infiltrated. Three letters from John These letters were written by John the Apostle, the son of Zebedee, the fisherman, ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’ in John’s gospel. The recipients were most likely Christians in churches around Ephesus, where John is thought to have lived A.D.70-100, and also others in the province of Asia. John wrote in a context of, but against, Gnosticism which says – matter is entirely evil and the spirit is entirely good – man’s body is therefore bad, and God is good – salvation is escape from the body achieved by ‘special knowledge’, not by faith – Christ’s humanity was therefore denied outright – these beliefs spawned asceticism – ‘the evil body is to be treated harshly’ - and ‘love God and do as you like’ - matter was evil, so things done with the body are of no consequence and breaking God’s law consequently was not wrong. We need to be knowing and holding the truth so we can safely recognise heresy. Student's page: Remember to keep looking for facts about the growing early church. 2 Peter 1:3-11 Can you pick out one phrase which summarises this section? 2:1-3 Peter says these kind of people will always be around – be careful. 1:12. 3:8-13 What is the great encouragement Peter uses? 3:17-18 Grow in what? Explain exactly what this means for you. Becoming a follower of Jesus is one event – but what do we all need to be doing afterwards? Hebrews 1:1-4, 5-6 Jesus is greater than …………………………………….................................................................................... 3:1-6 Jesus is greater than……………………………………...................................................................................… 4:14-5:10, 7:22-27 Jesus is the Great ........................................ of the new, far superior covenant. 2:1 Have you gradually slipped away from God in the last year? What is the remedy? Or have you grown in love and admiration for Him? Keep on going! Jude Verse 3 What is the strong word that reminds you of athletics or wrestling? Verse 4 What is the phrase that implies these people sneaked or crept in unnoticed? There is a balance between readily welcoming new people into the church, and not being gullible to troublemakers. We all come to Jesus Christ with baggage from the past, and we have to work at being the new creations God has made us into. Some people come with their baggage and want to spread their misunderstandings (or deliberate mischief) through the fellowship. Beware! Three letters from John What do you learn from each of these key references? 1 John 2:20-27 2 John 7-11 1 John 3:16-18 3 John 9-11 1 John 5:18-21 When we recognise heresy we must confront it. Both love the truth and ‘love one another’. You love your child enough to teach her the dangers of the river she plays by. Try to avoid ‘Christian accidents’ over truth. Keep on going your entire life! Page 61

Leader's page and Student's page best viewed left/right side together Leader’s notes: Lead from the front and share these two paragraphs first of all: The book of Revelation – together with Daniel and Ezekiel – talk about end times, latter days. The picture language used has been interpreted in many ways. Different churches and Christian denominations have different interpretations in their statements of faith. We are not going there. It is not the purpose of this book to create or prolong divisions. I want to help our ladies have ‘a working understanding’ to aid their Christian walk. The book of Revelation – or apocalypse, unveiling, disclosure - was written by the Apostle John about A.D.95 from the island of Patmos, 50 miles off Ephesus in the Aegean Sea. He was exiled there because of his Christian teaching. Christians were being persecuted due to their opposition to emperor worship. The angel sent by God tells John to write what he sees. The resulting letter is to reassure struggling Christians that their ultimate victory is coming when Jesus the Christ returns, the wicked are forever destroyed, and God’s people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness. However this book is still difficult to fully understand! Invite the ladies to look at the Acts references top opposite. Share the story as a group and then answer the two questions. Ask one lady to read the promise of Revelation 1:3. Ask the ladies to find what items are mentioned in the next six Revelation verses. Suggest: ‘Write them in your notes’. The significance of ‘seven’ meaning ‘completeness’ is lost on us when we don’t understand it. Ask five pairs of two ladies to read the Genesis/Revelation listed verses and one pair to read the other three references from Revelation. ‘Jesus comes!’ In Revelation 2 and 3 Jesus is looking at all seven churches He is speaking to. Look at each one in turn: Find what Jesus says was ‘good’ about that church? Find what Jesus says was ‘bad’ about that church? Most (all?) local churches I know are a mixture of ‘good and bad’ even today. Perhaps look at one church, compare answers and then move on to the next. What do you think Jesus says when He looks at the church you are part of? Are there things to learn here? Invite your ladies to share as many as they can. Student's page: Lesson 29 Revelation and Acts 1:6-7 You will have noticed that one Bible reference in the heading of this lesson is not from the book of Revelation. This text is, however, a key basis for understanding, or trying to understand, the book of Revelation. Acts 1:1-11 What is happening? Tell the story. Acts 1:6-7 What do these verses warn us about? According to our Lord Jesus can we know all the future timings and details? Yes or no? Revelation is difficult, but 1:3 is the only promise like this for a particular Bible book: ‘Read, think, apply, and be blessed’. There are many symbols, images and numbers used. For example: Seven is prominent - the symbolic number for completeness. Seven ‘what’ in these? Revelation 1:4 5:1 8:2 two items 10:3 15:1 two items 16:1 What is the real meaning of ‘seven’ in each of these contexts? There is symmetry between Genesis and Revelation – the beginning and the end: Symmetry means exact similarity between two parts. Genesis 1:1 heaven and earth Revelation 21:1 1:16 sun and moon 21:23 2:22 a wedding 19:7 3:6-8 the beginning, and the end, of sin 20:10, 21:8 3:1-6 success of, then defeat of, Satan 20:10 There is also symmetry within Revelation itself - 1:7-8 and 22:7, 12-13. ‘Jesus comes!’ Seven churches of Asia Revelation 1:4-5 2:1-7 Ephesus 2:8-11 Smyrna 2:12-17 Pergamum 2:18-29 Thyatira 3:1-6 Sardis 3:7-13 Philadelphia 3:14-22 Laodicea Page 62 Leader's page: One really encouraging idea is to follow ‘the glory of Jesus’ through Revelation. So let’s do it! Lead the whole group to work together. Invite ladies to read references as necessary. 1:10-19 - fill in the descriptions opposite Five of the descriptions used in the messages to the seven churches are also in 1:10-19. 3:7 and 3:14 add tremendous new descriptions. What are they? Just stop and think over the descriptions you have written down and talked about so far - close your eyes and think…….and look in visionary wonder. Our Lord Jesus is amazing. If it was not for the fact the Bible says this, all of it would seem incredible (unbelievable). No power failures in heaven! Humanly generated light is not needed, 21:22-24; 22:1-5. Another vision of Jesus, with some songs of praise and worship, is in chapter 5. Try reading 5:8-13 with the leader reading the narrative and all the ladies together reading the three sections of songs. There may be a problem with various Bible translations, but it would be very good to involve the ladies speaking those words of praise. Never forget you may always laugh in joyful praise too! Yet another description in chapter 19. What more can you learn from it? Always think of the majesty, the mystery and the moral might of our God. Praise comes from a pure heart. A pure heart comes from a close relationship with Jesus. Pure hearts can get dirty – so walk in step with Jesus. Every moment of every day in every way. Student's page: Let’s look at the glory of Jesus in Revelation. We need to remember that we are looking at scenes in heaven, not on earth, with beings whose bodies are spiritual bodies even if with the appearance of man. Think, imagine and meditate on our Lord Jesus with: 1:10-19 a voice like - looking like - dressed in - hair like - eyes like - feet like - hand holding - mouth with - face like - 2:1, 2:8, 2:12, 2:18, 3:1 present descriptions almost verbatim from 1:10-19. Check them out. Additionally see 3:7 - see 3:14 - 21:22-24 22:1-5 5:5-14 19:11-16 Acts 1:7, Ephesians 1:3-10. God has a plan and purpose in history past and history future. If we think about that, we realise how infinitely small we are as individuals in that plan, but as individuals we are very important to God. Amazing! So can we trust Him for His future plan? Remember, our Lord Jesus said, “It is not for you to know” all the details. Be satisfied with the glory of Jesus that we can begin to appreciate now. Wait for everything else to become clear, in God’s time. Look at Luke 21:27-28; Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:12-14. Then Look up, and keep looking up, because Jesus is coming again. He said so. Do you believe Him? John 14:2-3 says we have a certain future home. Thank You, Lord. Hallelujah! Hope to see you all there. Page 63

Christian Theology in a Sudanese Context. A primer in Christian Theology: with examples throughout drawn from Sudanese life and culture. Copy deposited with British Library 978 0 9559549 0 0 published by: Weefour Publications 4 Adelaide Road, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 2HQ Email: saltinstudy@colinsalter.net printed in England and Sudan copyright Colin Salter 2004. (this 3rd edition – July 2009) also available in Arabic. Acknowledgements. My family, special friends and colleagues, have all helped in producing this book. Without their specific contributions it would be a much weaker work. I say a sincere ‘thankyou’ for their perspectives, expertise, and their encouragement. Of course, the final responsibility for the views presented here is mine, and not theirs. Their graciousness is a lesson to me. In Sudan: • Dick Brogden – lecturer at Sudan Theological College • Gerald Donker – lecturer at Nile Theological College • Mufid Farid – principal of Faith Theological School • Peter Ford – lecturer at Mekane Yesus Theological Seminary, Ethiopia • Nagi Konagi – SPEC pastor at large, who introduced me to Sudan in 1979 • Khartoum International Church members and friends 1999 - 2003 • Madut Tong Ngor – lecturer at Gereif Bible School • Reinhold Straehler – lecturer at Gideon Theological School • George Taban – former director of the Fellowship of Christian University Students In England: • John Gillespie – pastor of Grace Community Church, Morval, Cornwall • Sharon Lindo – my daughter, who proofread and made corrections on the computer • Ray Main – retired elder of Blenheim Free Church, Maidenhead, Berkshire • Colin Richards – pastor of Scorrier Chapel, Cornwall • Brenda Salter – my wife, who brought me through many times of despair • John Salter – my son, who gave me my English dictionary! “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed”. (Proverbs 15:22). © Colin Salter, Redruth, Cornwall, England. June 2004. Contents: Section 1. Theology is to be considered and experienced 1. Introduction 2. Is the God of Islam the same as the God of Christianity? 3. Hungry to get to know God better 4. What comes into your mind when you think about God? 5. A helpful exercise 6. Why study theology? Section 2. The essential nature and character of God 7. God perfectly exists in a different life form from us 8. God is One complete God 9. One God in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit 10. God is apart from and above time 11. God is everywhere present at the same time 12. God is a living being Who can think, feel and decide 13. God is able to do anything His character allows Him to do 14. God knows everything 15. God is purely God 16. God’s heartfelt and active care for our well-being 17. God’s fair treatment of everyone while being true to His character 18. God does not give us what we deserve 19. God can always be trusted 20. God always agrees with the mind of God Section 3. God’s word written down and published 21. God’s purpose for the Bible 22. The truth of the Bible 23. God breathed the Bible 24. How our Bible is like it is 25. How the Bible came to Sudan 26. Translating the Bible 27. Interpreting and applying the Bible Section 4. The beginning of the story of God and humankind 28. Starting where the Bible starts 29. God’s creation of man 30. Mankind’s sin against God Section 5. God’s chosen Saviour – Jesus! 31. Jesus, the Man Who is God 32. Jesus, the God Who is man 33. Jesus, past, present and future 34. A ‘just peace’ with God 35. The unique Jesus 36. “Another One like Me”, Jesus said Section 6. God the Holy Spirit and our Christian experience 37. A living Person: God the Holy Spirit 38. An Old Testament pattern of the Holy Spirit 39. A New Testament presence of the Holy Spirit 40. Recent controversies concerning the Holy Spirit 41. Testing and discerning for truth 42. Spiritual warfare Section 7. How God saves His people from their sins 43. Explaining a mystery – how God saves His people from their sins 44. Extracts from ‘Statements of belief’ from different churches of Sudan 45. Definition of key ‘salvation’ words 46. Explaining how salvation is experienced 47. Taking care in our evangelism Section 8. God lives in the church 48. The Old and New Testament church 49. Christian worship 50. Christian ministry 51. Church ordinances 52. Leadership and membership of the local church Section 9. Conclusion: our need to put theology into practice 53. What God wants His people to be and to do Section 10. Appendices One-line Dictionary of English words and their usage for this book Asking and Answering Questions – a suggested Catechism

Introduction, Chapter Index and 'How to use this book'. Introduction Every Christian must live as God wants them to. The Bible does not allow us to be conformed to all the other people around us. We are slaves of our King – the Lord Jesus Christ. This means we must live differently. I pray that this little book will help my readers to think Christianly about day to day living. Only when we obey God, rather than drift along with all human beings around us, will our Christianity shine brightly as an attractive alternative to any life without Jesus Christ as Lord and Master. 1 Peter 2:11-12, “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though the accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us”. (All Scripture quotations from New International Version 2001 edition). Rev. Colin Salter, M.A., Redruth, Cornwall. July 2013. Chapter Index Godly, yet in the Government Trusting God over People from Other Tribes and Religions Responding to Ethnic Violence Christian Salt & Light at Election Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain Being a Christian with Tribal and Family Loyalties God keeps His Promises, even when it does not appear that He is Deserving Respect from Outsiders Good Words – Whatever the Language Starting Again – Moses, David, Peter, Paul Incarnation, not three gods, but One God Almighty Why Jesus tells us to Love Our Enemies The Way of Jesus on the Cross – Do not Repay Anyone Evil for Evil Praying for our National Leaders Seeing by Insight not by Eyesight Polygamy and Christian Values Sent to be the World’s Saviour God Helps His People to Suffer and to Succeed Choosing the Right Type of Revolution Stopping the Cycle of Violence How to use this book When you walk beside a river you can often see many reflections. The opposite bank appears twice, once the right way up, the other time upside down. The same is true of boats as they make their way up and down stream. Clouds scud along in the sky and apparently “in the river”. Even the brilliant sun shines from above and below – “in the water” without its fire being put out. When you put your life alongside His word, the Bible, God will show you a true reflection of how Christian you appear to be. As He shows you what you need to know, ask Him to help you change your life for the better. This exercise will then have been worthwhile. My Life Alongside God’s Word (Volume 1) Published by WeeFour Publications, July 2013 Mail: 4 Adelaide Road, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 2HQ, England Phone (from within UK): 01209 315652 Email: saltinstudy@colinsalter.net Website: www.colinsalter.net Deposited with the British Library ISBN 978-0-9559549-4-8