PART 1 UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE NON-DISPOSALBE CURRICULUM.

PART 1

UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE NON-DISPOSALBE CURRICULUM.

UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE NON-DISPOSALBE CURRICULUM.

• Biblically based• Written by competent authors who have

academic skills and pastoral qualities• Excellent teaching resources provided at no

additional cost• Affordable audio-commentary material for

teachers creates virtual weekly teacher training• High quality books encourage regular study• Allows laymen to build a basic Christian library• Weekly memory verses promote long term

retention

PART 2

OVERVIEW OF GOD’S REDEMPTION STORY

The Story Line

• Creation• Fall of Man• Flood• The Call of Abraham: The Choice of a People

(Patriarchal Period)• Redeemed with Purpose (Exodus)• The God Who Speaks and Acts (Linking Exodus

19 and 20)

The Story Line cond.• Rebellion and Restoration (Period of the Judges)• The Building of a Nation (1-2 Samuel and

transition to the Monarchy)• The Kings and God’s Kingdom (Monarchy, Divided

Monarchy, Davidic Promise)• Division, Deterioration, and Deportation (2 Kings)• Exile to Babylon (Being God’s People in an Alien

Land (Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel)• Return and Restoration (Ezra, Nehemiah, and

Esther)• Coming of the Messiah

Week One—Creation (Gen. 1-2)

Intro. The worldview implications of the doctrine of creation.a)“In the beginning” is a solemn affirmation that created everything from nothing. Creation was the first fruits of God’s divine activity. – Means that everything was created with

intentionality.– God is moving everything toward His ultimate

kingdom purpose.b) “God” is the subject of the first sentence of the Bible– It is an act of God that bears witness to His power and

character (Rom. 1:20)– It contains reliable scientific information, its focus is

more on theology than biology or geology


c) “Created” means that everything is the direct object of God’s creative activity

1. Written in 2 complementary partsThe first (1:1-2:3) focused on God the

CreatorThe second (2:4-24) is focused on earth and man

2. Both the concept and language of creation is found throughout the Bible

3. The implications are profound (p. 5)


d) “The earth and everything in it” 1. God calls everything into being with 8 specific

commands2. The declaration that creation is “good” (given

value and meaning by its relationship to its Creator


e) “In the Image of God”1. Relational2. Rational 3. Responsible4. Enabling us to serve as stewards of all creation

and thus advance God’s kingdom to the ends of the earth.

Week 2 The Fall of Man

a) The Enticing Offer– Begins with a question that contains a suggestion (a

loving God would not withhold good)– The Tree is a symbol of God’s authority reminding

man that freedom must be exercised within God’s guidelines.

– The serpent’s question implies that God’s Word is subject to human judgment.

– The first two doctrines under attack are the integrity of God’s Word and the reality of accountability

b) The Devastating Fall

Week 2 The Fall of Man c) The Staggering Consequences– They now see the beautiful world through a lens

marred by sin and thus project evil onto innocence.

– Their shame causes them to hide from the presence of God.

– Shame leads to fear.– Sin impacts all relationships. – The woman’s punishment is related to the role of

filling the earth.– Man’s toil as caretaker will be frustrated by

thorns and thistles.

Week 2 The Fall of Man

d) The Amazing Love of God– God calls out to man. – Genesis 3:15 is often seen as first glimpse of the

gospel. – The expulsion from the garden and the securing of

it was an act of mercy, indicating that man cannot save himself.

Week 3 The Flooda) Man’s Rebellion and Fall– Genesis 6:5 serves as a summary statement

of man’s condition– God’s response to sin is one of great sorrow– Against the backdrop of sin, we see God’s

grace.b) God’s Provision– The righteous remnant is a new beginning.– The partnership between God and man in the

plan of redemption.– The time required to build the ark indicates

God’s patience with sinful man.

Week 3 The Flood

c) God’s Covenant Promise– Gen. 6:18 is first use of word “covenant”– Many of the images are related to a new

“beginning” (8:16-17)d) Lessons from the Flood– Flood was prompted by man’s rebellion.– The time to build the ark demonstrates God’s

patience.– God provides a way of escape.

Week 4 The Call of Abraham, the Choice of a People

• Sin and its impact continue unabated.• Primeval history reaches its fruitless climax with

construction of Tower of Babel.• Motivating force is sinful man’s insecurity (11:4b). • A monument to man’s attempt to control his own

destiny. • God scatters sinful man, literally causing them to

fulfill command to “fill the earth.”


• Once again we see God’s redemptive activity as He selects a people to join Him in His redemptive activity.

• The genealogy of Shem (11:10-31) leads us out of old world into the time of patriarchs.

• The call of Abraham signals God’s intention to work through a chosen people to bless the nations.

• The focus is on a son of promise and a land of promise.

• The continuing selection of the “younger son” demonstrates God’s grace and sovereignty.


a) A Call and a Response– God’s covenant was from the beginning a matter

of faith and not law (Gal. 3:6).– God has chosen to work through an obedient

people to expand His kingdom. b) Blessed to Bless– Father of a great nation– Receive God’s blessing—presence, provision, and

protection– God will make his name great– The blessing must be conveyed not consumed


c) Abram Begins a Journey of Faith– Abram is quickly tested by famine.– The only structures he left behind were places of

worship. – God reveals many of his “names” (attributes) to

Abram as He builds his faith. – The faithfulness of God to His promises is a major

theme.

Week 5 Redeemed with Purposea) The Context– The patriarchal period ends with the Israelites

in Egypt. – Preservation through Joseph. – A small number enter Egypt and a large

number leave (Abrahamic promise).– The guests become slaves under a new

pharaoh. – God prepares for redemption by raising up

Moses.– Note the connection to the Abrahamic

covenant (Ex. 2:24)

Week 5 Redeemed with Purposeb) The Divine Initiative– The revelation is God’s spoken word not the

burning bush. – God’s call is personal, specific, inviting, and

transformational. – God’s identification of Himself as the God of

the Patriarchs connects the Exodus to the Abrahamic Covenant.

– God’s further revelation by His covenant name—Yahweh—reveals Him as active in the present and future.

Week 5 Redeemed with Purpose

c) Moses’s Mission– Notice the balance between sovereign activity and

human response.– God’s promise of His presence is the answer to all

Moses’s objections.d) The Divine Name– Comes from the verb “to be” in the Hebrew. – God is absolutely self-existent. – I am who I have always been.

Week 5 Redeemed with Purpose

e) The Priestly Nation– “Brought you to myself” indicates they are

God’s by creation and redemption.– “For all the earth is mine” is statement of

missiological intent. – Israel to be a “kingdom of priests and a holy

nation.”– They are to represent the King as a people

who obey His Word, reflect His character, and advance His kingdom.

Week 6 The God Who Speaks and Acts

a) The God Who Speaks (Ex. 20:1)– Setting is a covenant-making ceremony– This covenant is a confession of God’s redemptive

activity and requires the response of His people– We are entering the “theocratic period” of Israel’s

history– The men who speak for God are Moses, Joshua,

and Samuel– The ten commandments reveal God’s moral

nature and are designed to enable man to worship God


b. The God Who Acts (Ex. 20:2)– The phrase “brought you out” speaks of

redemptive activity– God is active in all of history, gathering His people– “Brought you to Myself” shows the personal

provision of God– God’s people are to be a “kingdom of priests”– The law must be understood in the context of

grace


c. The Commandments Reveal the Nature of God and the Requirements for His People (Ex. 20:3)– God redeemed Israel to be the showcase of His

greatness among the peoples of the earth– “Holy” means set apart for service and holy in

behavior– The first four commandments focus on Israel’s

undivided loyalty to the One True God– The final six commandments focus on man’s

relationship to man


d. A Modern-Day Priestly People– Peter applies the imagery of this passage to the

church– Israel consumed God’s blessing rather than convey

them

Week 7 Rebellion and Restoration

• The books of Judges and Ruth record the period between theocratic rule and the beginning of the monarchy.

• The book of Ruth shows loyalty and purity in a time of disobedience and immorality.

• The book of Judges is about a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, and deliverance.

Week 7 Rebellion and Restorationa. Three key themes of the book of Judges.– Disobedience or partial obedience leads to oppression

and bondage.– God is long-suffering and desires to deliver His people.– A theocratic nation needs a righteous king.

b. The Death of Joshua and Israel’s collective memory. – The people served the Lord during the days of Joshua.– The next generation did not embrace the faith of their

fathers.

Week 7 Rebellion and Restorationc. An angelic message and a failure to respond. – Israel’s failure is one of obedience.– They weep but do not repent.– The cycle—rebellion, servitude, supplication, and

deliverance.d. God’s gracious redemption. – A statesmen-deliverer is empowered by God.– Rebellion increases in intensity after each judge

died. – “There was no king in Israel; everyone did what was

right in his own eyes.”

Week 7 Rebellion and Restoration

e. An enduring promise.– God is faithful to His covenant.– From the judges to the prophets to the coming of

His Son, God is faithful.

Chapter 8 The Building of a Nation

• Samuel, a priest, was also last of the judges. • First Samuel features Saul• Second Samuel features David• These books show the beginning of the

Monarch and the Davidic line


a) Samuel: A Bridge from the Judges to the Kings– The story of a the fall of Eli’s house is woven

together with Samuel’s development– The captivity of the Ark provides the historical

setting– Samuel calls Israel to revival– The failure of Samuel’s sons was a factor which

led Israel to desire an earthly king

Chapter 8 The Building of a Nationb. A king like all the nations – Israel’s rebellion is only one event in a pattern of

sin– An earthly king will come at a high cost– Lessons from Israel’s desire to have a king• Demonstrated a spiritual rebellion against

God’s rule• Based on desire to conform• Denied Israel’s unique status • Their choice was based on physical and not

spiritual criteria


c. The Establishment of the Davidic Throne– David first anointed in Hebron– David is to be a shepherd-ruler

d. An Anointed King Who Will Reign Forever– David is not allowed to build the Temple– The promise of a King and an eternal kingdom

Chapter 9 The Kings and God’s Kingdom

• 1 and 2 Kings provide a political history of the period of the kings

• These books also introduce us to the ministry of the prophets

• 1 Chronicles covers roughly same period as do 1 and 2 Samuel

• 2 Chronicles covers same period as do 1 and 2 Kings

• Chronicles is written from priestly point of view


• Chronicles contains three compelling truthsa) God’s faithfulness to His promisesb) The power of the Word of Godc) The centrality of worship


a. The United Monarch under Solomon– David anoints Solomon as King– David charges him to radical obedience– Solomon prays for wisdom– Solomon builds the Temple—a house of prayer

and praise– A rule that began with such promise ends in

failure, yet God remains faithful


b. The Divided Kingdom– Rehoboam’s foolish rejection of wise counsel– The ten northern tribes make Jeroboam king– All the kings of the northern kingdom are

corrupt–Many kings of Judah are corrupt, with a few

notable exceptions– The prophets warn of impending judgment

Chapter 10 Division, Deterioration, and Deportation

a. An Example from the North–Ahaziah consults with the god of Ekron– The messengers of the king are met by

Eliajah– This pattern of disobedience is repeated by

each northern king


b. A Bright Spot in the South–Athaliah attempts to assume the throne– Joash is hidden in the Temple – Joash repairs the Temple– In spite of the positive contributions of

Joash, he failed to remove the high places


c. The Deportation of Israel– The Northern Kingdom is defeated and taken into

captivity by Assyria in 722 B.C. – Israel’s rebellion is traced back to the time of the

Exodus– The Assyrians leave some Israelites behind and fill

city with men from foreign lands– This leads to intermarriage and a people called the

Samaritans


d. The Deportation of Judah– Hezekiah begins his reign with much promise– Josiah inaugurates a great revival that leads to

many reforms– The final years of Judah is marked by a succession

of weak kings– The southern kingdom is taken into captivity by

Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C.

Chapter 11 Exile to Babylon: Being God’s People in an Alien Land

• Lamentations expresses sorrow over destruction of Jerusalem and points to faithfulness of God

• Daniel looks forward to the political restoration of Israel as a nation

• Ezekiel anticipates the spiritual restoration of the temple


a. The Sorrows of Zion and their Cause– Several images describe the utter devastation of

Jerusalem– Rather than turning to God, Judah attempted to

find a military solution for a spiritual problem– The righteous punishment for sin has taken the

form of captivityb. A Cry of Hope– The cry of hope is based on God’s lovingkindness– Hesed speaks of God’s loyalty to His covenant

promises


c. Anticipation of Political Restoration (Daniel)– Comforts and assures the exiles that their nation

will be restored– Further, an eternal kingdom will be established by

the rightful King– Daniel condemns the existing powers– He affirms that God is in control of all affairs of

history


d. God’s People in an Alien Land– Youths chosen based on exacting criteria– To bear an effective witness in an alien culture

these men had to have a solid foundation – These men had to know what was non-negotiable


e. The Coming Dissolution of Earthly Kingdoms and the Triumph of God’s Kingdom– The great metallic statue represents man’s

attempt at self-rule– The vision of the beasts has essentially the same

content– God is in control of history and will establish His

eternal kingdom


e. The Coming Messiahf. Anticipation of a Spiritual Restoration– Ezekiel focuses on the restoration of the temple

and the religious system– The focus is on the glory of God which assures

both judgment and vindication– The physical act of returning to the promised land

was only the beginning– God’s plan to gather the nations is renewed and

expanded

Chapter 12 Return and Restoration• Ezra pays primary attention to the rebuilding

of the temple and the restoration of religious life

• Nehemiah focuses on the rebuilding of the city

• First section of Ezra deals with return under Zerubbabel while the second section deals with return under Ezra

• Esther falls between the two sections and shows God’s provision for Jews still in exile

Chapter 12 Return and Restoration

a. A Promise Fulfilled– Biblical events are placed in context of world

events and the will of God– The return from exile occurred in first year of

reign of Cyrus, king of Persia– The Cyrus Cylinder and the prophecy of Isaiah give

us an interesting perspective– The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged

the people to complete the work


b. A Spiritual Restoration– God raises up Ezra, the priest, to bring revival– Ezra is uniquely prepared for his task– His prayer of intercession is one of the great

prayers of the Bible


c. God’s Protection of His People (Esther)– Addressed to the Jews who did not return to

rebuild the temple– It demonstrates God’s providential care – God places Esther in a position of honor– She boldly goes before the king and becomes the

vessel God uses to preserve His people– This event is celebrated by the feast of Purim


d. The Reconstruction of the City (Nehemiah)– He was a layman with a prestigious position– He was a great man of prayer– When he faces opposition, he prays and points to

the activity of God– The rebuilding of the city leads to sweeping

revival. – God’s people are once again in the Holy Land,

awaiting the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy

PART 3—RESOURCES TO HELP THE TEACHER

1. Free teaching guides are on the auxanopress.com website.

2. The church may choose to download them to the church website or print them out for teachers.

3. We will continue to add resources as churches share ideas with others.

4. An audio commentary provides additional teaching ideas and material.

PART 1 UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE NON-DISPOSALBE CURRICULUM.

Documents

creator slide

geology slide

messiah slide

gods people

devastating fall slide

gods guidelines

doctrine of creation

language of creation