-Like a sermon in letter form

-3 Fold Chapters 1-4~God's true messenger

Chapters 4-10~Jesus as high priest

Chapters 10-13~Partnership with Jesus

-Written tot scattered Christians

-Sturggling to go back to Jerusalem

What period in the life of Israel doe the author compare his readers to?

-the wilderness generation who didn’t have faith

What Old Testament (a Psalm) anticipated a future rest?-Hebrews

-Israelites will “receive light in the desert”- pillar of fire.  “Tasted the heavenly gift “–Mannah. 

“Shared in the holy spirit.” 

“Tasted the goodness of God’s word.”

“Tasted the power of the coming age.”

Arminian-loss of Slavation and status as God's people

Calvanist-people are not truyl saved, they only appear to be

What is the author of Hewbrew's  view of the Old Covenant? What does he see is wrong with it?

-not power enough to save you.  Necessity of Christ.  You can’t fully keep the law.

What is new about the New Covenant?

-new relationship-can come into presence of the lord.

-complete forgiveness of sins.

-ability to keep God’s law.

-God acting in a way to establish a relationship with his people.  Conditions/stipulations,

God’s promises to those who live within relationships.

-resembles wisdom literature, similar to other letters to Jews who were dispersed. 

-testing and endurance

-poverty and generosity

-wisdom and speech

How does James differ from Paul on the theme of faith and works? When do we need to hear the message of James?

-justification through faith- Paul-refering to Jews trying to achieve salvation through Mosaic law

-faith, but provide evidence through actions-James-addressing social justice works

-works are true indicator of someone’s faith, and what you do on earth will determine how you are judged- JAMES.

-to motivate leaders to live life that is holy and give them a sense of identity because they are ostracized from rest of society, in dispersion.

How should we understand 1 Peter 3 and the “preaching to the Spirits in prison?” What Old Testament passage lies behind Peters teaching about the spirits in prison?

-at the time of Christ’s resurrection.  Perhaps the heavenly realm.  Spirits in prison awaiting judgement- genesis 6:1-6.  Message of judgement. Appealing to common understanding of the day

-false teaching- there will be future judgment.

What were the objections to the coming of Christ to judge? How does Peter respond to them?

1) apostles were teaching myths. 1:16-19 -> No, eyewitnesses of christ’s glory.

2) Prophets were simply wrong -> Prophets spoke through Holy Spirit.

3) Judgment simply will not happen -> God has judged in the past and will do it again.

4) God’s delay proves there will not be judgment –> God’s timing is not our own, giving chance to repent.

What problem was the author of 1 John addressing? What was the situation of the readers?

-ppl /heretics who had left church for false teaching, ppl left are worried they will not receive salvation.

-Love, obedience, confession that Christ has come in flesh.

-heretics attacking from outside of church. Don’t let them back in to church.

What is the setting and message of 3 John?

-2 Peter and genesis 6:1-6/1^st enoch.

What three types of literature does Revelation belong to? How do they affect the way we

interpret Revelation?

-Apocalypse, prophecy, and letter/epistle. 

Identify and describe the four main approaches to interpreting Revelation.

-          Preterist- refers to events that took place in 1^st century

-          Historical- forecast of entirety of human history

-          Idealist- all symbolism-struggle between good and evil

-          Futuristic- Prediction of events that will transpire directly before Christ’s return.

What main principles should guide us in interpreting Revelation?

-symbolic, not literal.  Meaning would have been understood by his readers.  Do not lose sight of book because of details.

What is the Old Testament background to the seals, trumpets and bowls?

-refer to plagues in Egypt—God will judge those who oppress his ppl the same way he did with the Egyptians.

What is the name given to the books Hebrews-Jude?

How would you characterize persecution in the 1^st Century?

Which books addressed the problem of false teaching?