Invitation to the Old Testament: Participant Book: A Short-Term DISCIPLE Bible Study

by Celia Brewer Sinclair, James D. Tabor

Understand your identity in God's vision for all things.

Explore the Old Testament's story of God and God's calling of the people of Israel through the many "voices" of the biblical text. Hear the magnificence of a Creation hymn, discover the law and wisdom teachings, listen to the warning of the prophets and explore the poetry of the Song of Solomon.

In the two weekly video segments, first gain insight from biblical scholars and then take a visual tour of archaeological sites, ancient artifacts, and other physical remains, related to and illuminating scripture and events.

Ideal experience for adults who are interested in the practice of prayer and worship and would like to connect prayer practice with Scripture. The study is accessible for adults with little prior Bible experience.

Participants gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Old Testament as an integral part of the Christian Bible and a renewed discovery of our identity in God and God's vision for all things.

This eight-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations, a leader guide suggesting discussion activities for use in the 60–90-minute weekly meeting, and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts.


The Making of the Hebrew Bible
The Creation Story of Israel
Out of Bondage
Promise and Problem in the Land
Israel Has a King
Division and the Rise of Prophecy
Exile and Response
Restoration and Renewal

Genres: Religion

112 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2005

Reviews

[Carter Roberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very rewarding and informative study. The video content and weekly commentary present a deep dive into the historical context and authorship behind these texts. This academic approach, led by biblical scholars and archaeologists from UNC Charlotte, certainly furthered my appreciation of this epic story of man. The Old Testament is a diverse collection of poetry, narrative prose, and prophetic voice collected over centuries. The last session (which I read this past week), focused on the renewal and restoration period following the Babylonian exile, was a great backdrop to the promise and hope of Holy Week. Isaiah’s prophetic writings about the Lord’s servant hit different

[Kate Brumby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and studied with an online Bible Study Group.

Our group tutor helped summarise the week of reading and showed us videos which are available separate to the study books.

There was a lot to read, I was grateful for having read several books of the Old Testament just before the 9 week course, and so was able to focus on the reflections and prompts for further reading.

Discussing in small groups of 3-5 people each week was very helpful.

I look forward to studying An Introduction to the New Testament in the same series.

[Rusty del Norte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking for an introduction to old testament studies? This book can help. Set up in a group study format, it lets the reader choose the pace. Many readings are assigned to help fill in th gaps that are left by the book commentary

The commentary can be useful - but is not comprehensive. It asks the reader to reflect on the readings while giving mild suggestive tips.

Good for the novice. Short for experienced users. Needs more commentary for reflection.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A workbook for a class. Good.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Doing this with a small group at PSUMC