Genesis to Esther Series – LESSON 2

The Bible

We are going to talk about the structure of the Bible, before we go further in our study of Genesis. Let’s read from our text. It is the day of Resurrection.

Luke 24: 13-32

(13) And behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. That is about 6 ½ miles.

(14) And they talked together of all these things which had happened.

(15) And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

(16) But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

(17) And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?

I want you to observe that little statement. These disciples, on Resurrection day, were sad in their hearts. I want you to notice the connection as we read on.

(18) And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

(19) And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

(20) And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

(21) But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done.

(22) Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

(23) And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

(24) And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

(25) Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

(26) Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into glory?

(27) And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

I want you to notice that he began in Genesis.

(28) And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

(29) But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

(30) And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

(31) And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

(32) And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

Before He left them, their hearts were no longer sad -- because Jesus opened the Scriptures to them. I trust that while we study Genesis to Esther that we will have the experience of the burning heart – and that the Lord will open the Scriptures to us – and we will really burn within our hearts because of the Glory of the Lord.

1. The Holy Bible Means What?

“Holy Bible” –what does it mean? – I have the answer. Some people don’t know. “Bible” simply means “Book.” The word “Holy” means “set apart.” We are going to study a set apart, Sanctified Book. It has been set apart by God.

Now repeating from our last lesson –

2. The Bible Begins With The Fact Of God.

Genesis 1: 1

(1) In the beginning God

You either accept it or you reject it.

Hebrews 11: 6

(6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

If you are going to come to God, you must believe that He is. That is God’s rule.

3. God Has Spoken In The Book Of Creation.

We have already looked at Genesis 1: 1. And we now compare this with Hebrews. This gives us the standard or measuring stick for genuine faith.

Hebrews 11: 1-3

(1) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

(2) For by it the elders obtained a good report.

(3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

In other words, genuine faith begins in Genesis 1: 1. God has spoken in Genesis 1:1 – and we understand the existence of God by Creation.

4. God Has Spoken In The Creation Of A Book

In every area of study, there is evidence of design. God has spoken in the Book of Creation – and throughout this Book there is a definite design.

The book of Genesis is the first book in the Bible – and that is the way it should be, because in Genesis you have the beginning of everything. Revelation is last – and that’s the way it should be, because you have the end of everything in the book of Revelation, before the new beginning.

5. Paul Wrote Letters To Seven Churches

6. John Wrote Letters To Seven Churches

Paul	John
1. Wrote to seven churches (Romans to Thessalonians) Rome Corinth Galatia Ephesians Philippi Colosse Thessalonica 2. Letters follow book of Acts Called the “Acts of the Apostles” The beginning of the Church age. 3. These were the first messages to the churches	1. Wrote to seven churches (Revelation: 2 and 3) Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea 2. Letters follow book of Jude Called the “Acts of the Apostates” The end of the Church age. 3. These were the last messages to the churches.

Paul wrote letters to seven churches. John wrote letters to seven churches. I want to bring to your attention – there is design in this. Seven letters to seven churches, and seven letters to seven churches.

Paul’s letters follow the Acts of the Apostles -- where Church history begins. Romans is first, and there is design in that. Thessalonians is last in which you have the Rapture and the end of the Church history as things are now.

John wrote letters to seven churches. They are recorded in Revelation, chapters two and three.

Paul’s letters were the first messages to the churches, while John’s messages are the last messages to the churches.

John’s letters follow Jude. The book of Acts is called the “Acts of the Apostles.” That’s the beginning of the Church age. The book of Jude is called the “Acts of the Apostates.” That is the end of the Church age.

We are talking about the general design of the Bible. Regarding the design of the Bible, Paul wrote letters to seven churches. The significance is that those letters follow the Acts of the Apostles where Church history begins. And in the order of the books, all agree that Paul wrote Thessalonians years before he wrote Romans. Yet, in your Bible, the book of Romans comes first and the book of Thessalonians is last. What is the significance? The book of Romans is the foundation of all Christian truths.

In-between these seven letters of Paul and the seven letters of John, you have what is called “the Personal Epistles.”

1 Corinthians 14: 37-38

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual let him acknowledge that the things that I (Paul) write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

May I remind you that as we get closer to the end of the age, you are going to meet more people making these kind of claims. If a man thinks of himself as spiritual, how do you test his spirituality?-- Let him acknowledge that the things that I (Paul) write are the commandments of the Lord.

(38) But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

That means:– if anyone is ignorant of Paul’s teaching – and if he ignores Paul’s words – you are to ignore that person.

Now you are going to test my spirituality. How do I respond to Paul’s letters? I know that all the Bible is inspired, but there is something about Paul’s letters that has to do with the spirituality of the Church that is outstanding.

Not too many days ago I had someone come into a class that I had never met before, and I have never met since. The individual lasted for forty minutes and would not continue to listen to me. She listened for forty minutes, and beyond that, she walked out. This woman claimed to be “making perfection.” She is striving for perfection. I showed her a few things in the Bible, but she wouldn’t listen to what the Bible had to say. She walked away. I’ve had other people do that – and especially when you turn to Paul.

Your Spirituality is really measured by how you bow to what Paul says – Why?

Romans 15: 8 and 16

Let me compare verse 16 with verse 8 so you will get the contrast of what I am saying..

(8) Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God

(16) That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ

Did you notice in verse 8 – Jesus Christ was a minister to the Jews.(the circumcision). Why? Peter was too. And John was too. All the apostles were ministers to the Jews. But Paul stands out. He is separated from Peter in this regard. Paul is not a minister to the Jews – he is the minister to the Gentiles. Do you see that?

Are you a Jew, or a saved Gentile? Well I can tell you what I am – a saved Gentile. Where do I get my meat, my theology? – I get it first from Paul. I am not denying that the rest of the Bible has a message for me – but my spirituality is to be challenged by how I respond to what Paul says. Where is the foundation of all Church Truth? – it is in the letters of Paul.

The book of Romans begins with the fact that all are sinners. Here is the layout of the book of Romans:

Chapters 1, 2 & 3 ----- begins with the fact that all are sinners.

Chapters 4 & 5 ---------the ground of justification by faith.

Chapters 6 & 7 ---------the ground of our sanctification.

Chapter 8 ----------------the ground of our glorification.

Chapters 9, 10 & 11-----have to do with dispensation

Chapters 12 to 16 -------practical application of doctrine.

The greatest doctrines that the Church can build on, are found in the book of Romans. Can you dare believe that? You will never understand Church Truth, if you don’t understand Romans. Romans is so important. That is why it is first. It is foundational, – and you build upon it.

What is the last in the order of Paul’s epistles?– Thessalonians. What is Thessalonians about? – the Second Coming of the Lord. The first letter, or epistle, tells us details about the Rapture that you can’t find in any other place in the Bible. The second epistle tells us about the return of Christ. You see, there you have the beginning in Romans and you have the Rapture – the end – in Thessalonians. And so there is a reason why the books are as they are.

John’s letters come after the Acts of the Apostates. The book of Jude is the Acts of the Apostates. And then comes John’s letters. As Paul’s letters come after the Acts of the Apostles, John’s letters – the messages to the churches, come after the little book of Jude.

7. In-Between Paul’s & John’s Letters

Between Paul’s and John’s letters, are what are called the General or Personal Epistles-- Timothy to Jude.

1 Timothy 4: 1

(1) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times. Will you notice that Timothy is talking about the latter times.

in latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

What are we going to hear about in the last days? – some very strange doctrines and some very strange spirits.

2 Timothy 3: 1

(1) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Does it not make sense to you that these must have to do with the last days of the Church on earth? Between the last message of Paul and the last message of John, you have these epistles describing the end of the Church age – perilous times. The days shall be “full of dangers.” That’s what it means.

James 5: 3

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

This is talking about the last days of the Church on earth because in the days of James there wasn’t an accumulation of wealth as James talks about here.

2 Peter 3: 3-4

(3) Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, (lustful living as they scoff the Second Coming of Christ)

(4) and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.

1 John 2: 18

(18) Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

In all of these epistles there is reference to the last day experiences of the Church on earth. I think we should pay attention to something that is repeated so often.

Jude, verses 17-19

(17) But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

(18) How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

There it is again – the last time of the Church here on earth – people walking after their own ungodly lusts.

(19) These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

I will not be dogmatic on what I am going to say at this moment, but I think I see something in that. – sensual, having not the Spirit. Is it not implied they claimed to have the Spirit? The Scripture doesn’t make any sense without that. Here are people who claim to be baptized and filled, and endued with the Spirit of God, but they are sensual, and they are living after their own ungodly lust. That is quite a description. These epistles (Timothy to Jude) are all connected with the Church age: Therefore, these writers must have reference to the last days of the Church on earth – that period in time, just before the eventful events of the book of Revelation.

Revelation comes next with the prophecy of all the horrible destruction that is going to happen. These are the last days of the Church in Paul’s epistles and in the general epistles. Therefore, as we draw ever nearer to the end of this age, we should be giving very careful attention to these books which have a special message for us at this time. We are not saying that the writings have not had a message for generations past – but we are saying that the value of the message of Timothy, Titus, Hebrews, James, John and Jude has never been as important as it is right now. We need to heed the message of these books.

Let’s look at a few things that are going on. Today, what I read in the newspapers and the magazines persuades me that we are getting very near to the end of the age.

Whether it be the American or Canadian press, there is a continual fun being made of President Reagan because he has taken a few stands for righteousness.

1. Here is a cartoon . He’s got the whole world in his hands. It shows Mr. Reagan holding the world in his hands and he is singing -- He’s got the world the wide world in his hands. Not too long ago, some of us heard that choir from Africa singing He’s got the world in his hand. So the press is making fun of the hymn. And then finally Mr. Reagan drops it and breaks the world.

2. There is another writer in McLean’s magazine. He makes the statement The President of the United States has recruited God as a member of his cabinet. He is making fun of the fact that this President will have time to listen to people who pray.

3. In the Vancouver Sun, on the book “Not Wanted on the Voyage.” Here is a man whose picture is in the paper, who was here in Vancouver, and this man was interviewed by a Sun writer. I am only going to quote a few things that are stated.

In the author of Timothy Finley’s glowing imagination, God is a quirky old man who suffers from arthritis, gets depressed, sucks on lozenges, and is an easy mark for a second-rate magic trick.

Noah, of Ark fame, is a tyrant who beats his wife, and refuses to let her bring along her favorite cat on the famous forty-day voyage, while Mrs. Noise, as he calls Noah’s wife, is a gin-drinking feisty old woman who likes to pound out “I’ll take you home Kathleen on her dusty piano.

And in perhaps the boldest move of all in this fictionalized account of the Bible’s great flood tale, Finley portrays Lucifer as a seven-foot, dark-haired beauty called Lucy – a sort of good Samaritan in drag who was more kind, more reasonable, and more moral than the bombastic Noah, or the often absent God.

I don’t need to read more, to let you know that that is blasphemous. It is degrading to read it, but it shows you the depths of the apostasy that is coming. In the last days will come mockers – mocking.

4. Since 1977, there has been a plan to make a movie film on The Sex Life of Christ. Thank the Lord they received 300,000 letters against it – so they have tabled it. But you watch – it has been tabled for the moment, but as things go on, things like that are going to be produced.

5. Another article says: “Churches send in the clowns.” It tells about churches in Burnaby with clowns. And it says a minister in Langley likes playing the clown. To get the people to come to church, they bring in the clowns.

6. This one says: “Sex for Laughs Done in Church.” It is an immoral play put on in the church in downtown Vancouver located at Hastings and Gore. It is reported in the paper that they are putting on a play to get people to come into church.

7. Here is another article: A United church minister from Toronto was fired because fifteen charges were signed by eighteen families. The charges ranged from poor hygiene, inappropriate dress, swearing, politicking, and attacking people from the pulpit.

But, the thing is this: The church dismissed him , and yet he goes to the courts, and the courts decide that an internal church decision can be reviewed by civil courts. In other words – this can happen to any church. Imagine if you had a pastor who was not behaving himself and eighteen people were big enough to put their names on the sheet asking him to leave. The court could over-rule you because of what is called “human rights” these days. We are getting ourselves in a box.

8. A Church for Homosexuals. The Metropolitan church in Spokane Washington is now a church for homosexuals. Some churches are going to have to change their name. And in Canada, some churches are going to have to change their name – because they are known as Metropolitan. This is a sad account. In my opinion, the thing that is so terrible is that this man is a former Pentecostal preacher. And he is now the leader of the homosexual church in Spokane, Washington.

What did we read from Timothy? Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.

9. They are now trying to change the Scriptures – and what a mess they are making of it. A committee is working on the Scriptures to change 313 Bible passages to take out the sexism in the Bible. The Bible talks about Father God – and so whenever it talks about God being Father, they are going to put in brackets (and mother) so that they won’t offend anybody. It is sick, sick, sick! But that is what is happening!

In Britain in the Anglican church, David Jenkins – the Bishop of Durham in England says:

the virgin birth is a story to symbolize the faith, and he doesn’t believe Jesus walked on the water. He doubts the New Testament miracles and he does not believe that Christians are obligated to believe in Christ’s divinity, or that Christ is Divine.

When preachers act like that – how do you expect the people to act? These are the kinds of things that are happening in the Church today.

10. Another article in Christianity Today If I were to make some of the statements here, they would challenge me with being a “basher of churches.” I claim to be an Evangelical. Some of these churches do not claim to be Evangelical. The statement is this: of late the Evangelicals have out-liberated the Liberals with self-help books, positive thinking preaching, and success gospels.

I think that is really something we should think about. We are being flooded today with books on “how you do it.” I’m talking about the Evangelical church. You go to church and you are told how to do this, and how to do that – but how many sound Bible doctrines are being proclaimed? Do you know what Christians need to hear? – not what they can do, what Christians need to hear is what the Lord can do for them. I think it is time we got back to sound, sane, Evangelicalism. What are all of these things? – they are proof of apostasy. We are on the verge of a flood of apostasy. Malcolm Muggeridge whom I quote, calls it a “slippery slope.” We are on a slippery slope and there is no way of stopping it except God intervene with a revival. Let’s pray for a revival where we are – that something will stop this decline that is upon us.

2 Peter 2: 1

(1) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you

Don’t forget that passage of Scripture.

1 John 4: 1

(1) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 John 1: 7

(7) For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

It is time we pay attention to what the Bible says regarding these last days. In these last days in which we are living, we have so many positive thinkers. We are being surrounded by them. We are being told not to talk about anything negative – so we have more or less swallowed the “power of positive thinking.” We have done so to the point where the power of our thinking has almost replaced the Power of Christ. Oh to learn the Truth of Scripture – that we do not live by the power of our faith.

Galatians 2: 20

(20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh ( I do not live by my powerful faith, but) I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

The emphasis should not be on our faith, but the emphasis should be on the faith that He gives to us. It originates with Him. You may talk positive all you will, but all you will do is live in a dream world – and you will never be able to face the issues as they really are- remembering and observing that Jude describes the last days , and our having to face the real world out there – facing things as they really are. There is no point in trying to use mind over matter – to persuade ourselves that perilous times are not upon us. The Bible declares they are. In the Bible we have the mind of Christ, and God will never contradict the Bible – never, never, never. If they speak not according to the Bible – it is because there is no light in them. Anything that is not Scriptural is not Spiritual! May I say that again –

Anything (I don’t care about the source, or how great the preacher is) –anything that is not Scriptural is not Spiritual!

The book of Jude is a last days message.

Jude, verses 1& 2

(1) Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

(2) Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

“Sanctified” means “set apart.” You need to know that if you are a believer, you have already been Sanctified by Christ Jesus. You have been set apart from this world. It is time we started announcing, like Abraham, and confessing that we are but pilgrims and strangers on the earth. God has Sanctified us. “Holy” also means “set apart.” If you are a believer, you have been Sanctified Holy, you have been set apart from this world. You don’t belong to this world, you belong to Heaven. I’m glad I belong to Heaven. I’m only a stranger and a pilgrim here. Jude says you need to know that you are Sanctified by God the Father – “preserved.” If you are sanctified, you are preserved. Some people don’t like the word “preserved.”

A man known for his sour disposition got up and testified. He said “I thank the Lord that he has preserved me these many years.” And somebody who knew him well ,whispered to the one next to them: “He’s not preserved, he is pickled.” Well, whether pickled or preserved – thank the Lord he has preserved those who have been Sanctified and called. We are sanctified, preserved and called. That is what the Lord has done for us.

Jude, verse 24

(24) Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.

I think you need to hear that in these days of apostasy, I think you need the comfort of that verse. I think you need the encouragement of that verse. You are not able to keep yourself, but thanks be unto God, He is able to keep you from falling.

I thank God that I know and I believe and I am Sanctified. And I thank God that I know and I believe and I am sure that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. I’m not able to, but He is.

Jude, verse one opens with the ground of our safety in Christ.

Jude, verse 24 concludes with the declaration of our safety because of Christ. Jude, verse 3 exhorts – that in the last days we are to contend earnestly for the faith.

Jude 1 tells you where you are.

Verse 24 tells you where you are going to be.

But verse 3 tells you, that now you have a responsibility.

Do you notice the word “beloved” throughout the book. It is found in verse 3. Notice it again in verse 17. Notice it again in verse 20.

What you need to know in these days of apostasy is that you are the Beloved of the Lord. The Lord loves you. It is wonderful to be loved by your spouse and family – but how wonderful to be loved by the Lord.

Jude, verse 3

(3) Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you

Put this in the light of what we have been talking about. Don’t forget it. We are in the last days, and we are facing the warnings. What are we responsible to do?

That ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

We are to contend without being contentious. That is our responsibility. And by the help and Grace of God, that is what I want to do as long as the Lord gives me breath. I want to contend for that which has been delivered unto me. I thank God for those who have taught me. I want to teach others and I want you to teach someone else. Contend earnestly for the faith.

8. Conclusion

1 Timothy 1: 1

(1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God, our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope.

My hope is not a thing – my hope is in a Person. Hope is not in you, but it is in Christ. Hope is not in your works, but it is in Christ. Hope is not in your faith, but it is in Christ. Are you trusting in Jesus alone? That’s the message of the Bible. For these days in which you live you trust in Him alone. Don’t trust yourself – but trust Jesus.

I want to go to 2 Timothy and link chapter 3 with chapter 4, and show you what is involved in “contending earnestly for the faith.”

2 Timothy 3: verse 1, and verses 12-17

(1) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

(12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution

That’s the last days. The secret in that verse is – although you are living godly in Christ you are going to suffer persecution – Why?

(13) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

All these things (newspaper and magazine articles) I used to show you exactly what we are talking about. We have men that are going to get worse and worse. But what are we going to do?

(14) But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them:

(15) And that from a child thou hast known the Holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

(16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

(17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

What are we going to do? – continue. Now don’t stop there. The reason I read all that was to show you the connection.

2 Timothy 4: 1-2

(1) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

(2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

What does this generation need? What do people need today? – they need the Bible. Preach the Word. What are you going to do when you preach the Bible? – You are going to reprove, you are going to rebuke, you are going to exhort, and you are going to have to do it with all longsuffering and doctrine. What we need is a Bible revival.

Here is something else that is introduced in the last days:

2 Timothy 4: 3

(3) For the time will come (we can say the time has come) when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Why sound doctrine? – it teaches you how to live. People don’t want to be told how to live today. Everybody wants to do his own thing, and they think it is all right to think that way. Paul said the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts . There is that word that is in Jude --Shall they heap to themselves teachers having itchy ears. There are going to be a lot of teachers around in the last days who are going to encourage people to live in their ungodly lusts. They are going to put their blessings upon it.

2 Timothy 4: 4

(4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

They don’t turn to fables. There is a warning. God’s word is very severe. If you turn your back on Truth, God says you will be turned unto fables. God made the rule. Matthew says “if the light that is in you become darkness, how great is that darkness.” It is a serious thing to hear Truth, to receive Truth, and turn your back on Truth. God judges those kind of people. We are living in days where people turn their back on Truth because they don’t want to live right.

Hebrews 13: 18

(18) Pray for us:

Remember this verse is in the Bible. And I ask you to do it for me and you ask others to do it for you. Pray for us. I find this interesting: in the context of all these books speaking of the last days. If ever there was a time when you needed to pray for me – it is now. If ever there was a time I needed to pray for you – it is now.

for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

I want to live right – do you? I want to live for God – do you? What do you need? – You need Saints to support you in prayer so you will live honestly and Godly in a world that is turning from the Truth.

We are told that the first principle of teaching is repetition. The second principle of teaching is repetition. And the third principle of teaching is repetition. So we are going to briefly review Lessons 1 & 2 before we begin with Lesson 3. Then we are going to give you two more introductory lessons, and then we will get back to Genesis