Recommended Reading: Understanding the Will of the Lord

Another book especially helpful for new Christians is this year’s lectures from the Bellview Church of Christ in Pensacola, Florida. The approach of this volume is to show how the Bible is arranged and to give a brief synopsis of each era. It begins with, “The Theme of the Bible,” which is, of course, the redemption of mankind from sin. From there it next considers, “The Church in the Eternal Purpose of God.” This comprehensive study defines what the church is and then takes a look at the way it was planned, purposed, prophesied, and promised before its establishment.

“The Arrangement of the Bible” contains the fundamental information one would expect, but it also covers sections on the inspiration of the Scriptures and the concept of canonicity.

The chapter on “Dispensations of Time” begins with definitions of time itself and then describes the Patriarchal Age (which continued for the Gentiles until the cross), the Mosaic Age in which the Law of Moses was authoritative, and the Christian era, which lasts until Jesus returns to take His followers home. The writer defines what the Law being destroyed means and deals with the fact that the Christian Age has two subdivisions—one is a time period involving miracles, and the second is the part we live in that does not. The explanations provided on this all-important subject are well worth reading and considering. The next three chapters focus on just one of these three ages. The third of these considers the meaning of a phrase that is often bandied about today—the last days.

“The Ante-Diluvian Period” (Genesis 1-6) covers important territory: the Creation, the loss of fellowship with God, and the downward spiral of humanity into sin and degradation so that God determined to destroy the perfect world He had once created with a flood. “The Post-Diluvian Period” continues where the preceding material ended. The Bible indicates that the Flood was universal because it is a type of the coming of Christ, which affects the whole world. A brief discussion of the death penalty is provided in Genesis 9, and consideration is given to the genealogies and the Tower of Babel. “The Patriarchal Period” covers Genesis 12-50—the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and Joseph. God’s providence is clearly seen in the lives of these great men.

“The Period of Bondage” traces God’s people in Egypt from the time of the arising of a Pharaoh who refused to recognize either Jehovah or the salvation Joseph had brought to Egypt. Israel became enslaved, and God authorized Moses to go to Egypt to deliver His people. This section covers the Ten Plagues, which God used to persuade Pharaoh to let His people go. Once God had freed His people, however, there was a “Period of Wilderness Wandering” which lasted 40 years because the people complained against God. They continued to complain throughout that time until they died and a new generation arose that was much more obedient, resulting in the “Period of Conquest,” which occurred under the leadership of Joshua. The key events of this era are examined.

The “Period of the Judges” followed; many dark and gruesome deeds occurred during these years. When Israel demanded a king, God gave them one—just the kind of man they had imagined, but it did not work out as well as the people thought. During the 120 years of “The United Kingdom,” David was far better than his predecessor, although he failed in certain respects, also. Solomon had all the wealth and splendor imaginable, but his wives turned away his heart, and his disobedience precipitated the next era.

“The Divided Kingdom” began when Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, refused to follow the wise advice of his father’s contemporaries and decided to make the tax burden even greater. The northern kingdom rebelled and never fully repented—in that the golden calves in Dan and Bethel remained, along with the other changes that Jeroboam had made. During this time, God sent several prophets to encourage them to repent. “No flattery was found in them” (185). The author of this chapter goes on to say:

Today, the Lord’s church is filled with people who think that the more you love God and man, the more you will tolerate and overlook sin in the lives of sinners, as well as withhold the much-needed truth from those who need to hear it the most. This, the faithful prophets of old did not believe nor do (185).

They spoke the truth to a hostile people.

Although the “Period of Judah Alone” has some mountaintops in terms of spirituality and obedience with Hezekiah and Josiah, for the most part the nation deteriorates until there was no remedy; God had to take His people into captivity (the ones that were not killed). Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel lived prior to and during the “Period of Exile.” To read of the faith of Daniel is inspiring, and gratefully the time of the captivity is followed by the “Period of Restoration,” which is described in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.

For those who do not know much about the “Inter-Testament Period,” the book contains an excellent summary of this 400-year era. It outlines what occurred during the rule of the Persians and the Greeks, which followed. When Alexander the Great died, his kingdom was divided into four parts, and one of those greatly affected the Jews. The Maccabean revolt is portrayed, as well as the rise of the Romans. Although the history of this time period may not be essential, it proves to be quite helpful. The Pharisees and the Sadducees also owe their origin to this era.

The “Period of the Life of Christ” is also quite an extensive chapter; it provides the background of the age and then follows the Lord through the various geographical regions of His ministry. The “Period of the Church” continues with a look at the Book of Acts, and it highlights the connection between Christ and His followers.

The “Second Coming and Judgment” is always a subject of curiosity. This study investigates and analyzes 2 Peter 3 thoroughly, calling attention to related passages in the process. “God’s Scheme of Redemption” takes a look at how it runs through both testaments—first in prospect and second in fulfillment.

Two chapters are similar in nature—“Worship” and “New Testament Worship.” The first of these defines worship (291-92) and then shows why God is worthy of adoration. The second answers the question, “Is all of life worship?” which a few are still claiming is the case. The various acts of worship that Christians engage in are described, as well as explaining what is the appropriate day for worship in the Christian era. Another question answered is, “Are These Acts of Worship Restricted to the Lord’s Day?” (310-11).

Another topic of interest is: “How We Got the Bible.” Entire books have been written on that subject, but this chapter deals with revelation, inspiration, canonicity, and transmission. It answers questions that brethren are often asked by outsiders. This volume concludes with “The Whole of Man,” which is based on Ecclesiastes 12:13. Along the way, it refers to Lot, Achan, Zachariah and Elizabeth, Adam and Eve, and Solomon.

For the new Christian or for those who do not yet understand the way the Bible fits together, this book will prove to be helpful. The chapters are between ten and twenty pages, making them easily readable. The book may be ordered from The Bellview Church of Christ, and their number is 850-455-7595.