G'day all,
Well, our very challenging two terms on eschatology - the study of the End Times - has now come to a close with the completion of the formidable book of Zechariah.? You can see why Zechariah is known as both the Apocalypse of the Old Testament and the most Messianic of the Old Testament Prophets.? It should also be clear why it is the most frequently quoted Minor Prophet book in the New Testament.
It may also be evident now why most modern Protestants and almost all Catholics avoid the book as if afraid of catching the plagues that it discusses.?
It has been a loaded two terms as we went through the book of Revelation in Term 1, along with Daniel 9, Hosea 5:15, and many others of the 808 verses that it cross-references with.? That was followed during the intermission with a look at the End Time battles covered by Psalm 83 and Ezekiel Chapters 38-39.? Term 2 started with three sessions on Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians before moving on to the book of Jude and Peter's letters, especially 2 Peter.? Then, of course, we had five weeks being thrilled by Zechariah.
It's been heavy going and may take some time, study, and thinking to come to grips with everything we covered.? All notes are now posted on?
Please, please, please don't hesitate to ask any questions as they arise via email.? Remember, if you have a question the chances are high that others have been wondering the same thing(s).? We have this group discussion board to discuss anything within our group at large, or you can email me directly at ray.sarlin@....? Your questions and comments are greatly appreciated; they are the best feedback that any tutor can receive.? Thanks.
Have we covered everything on eschatology in the Bible?? As Paul might say (and did in Romans 11:11 and Galatians 6:14), "μ??γ?νοιτο" (God forbid!).? We've covered a large number of the 1,800 prophetic End Times verses in the Bible, enough perhaps to begin to comprehend God's overall plan of redemption.? But keep in mind that these events are predicted in 8 times more verses than predict Christ's First Coming.? Also, recall that the ONLY UNFULFILLED PROPHETIC VERSES in the Bible refer to the End Times.? So others will pop up as we study other Old Testament and New Testament books, but they shouldn't be as concentrated as experienced in Terms 1 and 2 this year.
Next week will be a bye (
no class on 2nd July).? Then we'll start another short series on the women in the genealogy of Jesus.? I'll probably skip Eve and even Mary to a degree because we did cover her (and the Three Mary's) earlier.? Most people are also well aware of both from attending church.? But three of the 66 books are specifically about women, and whole chapters have been devoted to others (Bathsheba even wrote a chapter in Proverbs).? You may recall a slide from our introduction to prophets and prophecy as we started Zechariah that listed the female prophets (prophetesses) in the Bible; some of them have very compelling lessons for today.? But you "men's men" shouldn't despair.? This is the Bible that we're studying, so there is always plenty of action!?
So I hope to see you next Thursday week, on 9 July, as we look at John's letters. You'll receive new logins and passwords the week before it starts.
And please [he begs], your feedback is really welcome!
Blessings,
Ray
Ray Sarlin
U3A Tutor, R09
Ray