I am particularly excited about this new resource I wrote; it’s a four week small group resource on the book of Judges, the first in a series of small group Bible studies being published by the Youth Cartel! The series is called ‘The First Testament.’ Why that title? Words carry weight, and our labels of ‘Old’ and ‘New’ for the two testaments has the potential to, however unintentionally, communicate the idea that one is no longer relevant. A more accurate set of labels would be ‘First’ and ‘Second’ Testament. Eventually, the First Testament Bible study series will span Genesis through the minor prophets. I’m excited about it because it combines several of my passions; youth ministry, writing & and the Old Testament!

If you click through now, this first edition is on sale for only $3.99 (less than a dollar per week!)! Here’s the description from the Youth Cartel:

Description

The book of Judges was written for the Israelites as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God. Judges does not claim an author, and while the Jewish Talmud (collection of ancient Jewish teachings) hold that Samuel wrote the book, there is no evidence to support such a claim. It was most likely written around 1000 B.C., but even that is not known for sure.

What we do know is that the book of Judges records a dark time in Israelite history. In many ways, it was like the American west; with little governmental structures in place, people were largely on their own. A reoccurring theme throughout the book of Judges is found in the closing verse of the book; “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” (Judges 21:25, NLT) Judges records a downward spiral of fighting, spiritual and moral depravity, and the repeated breaking of the covenant with God. This resulted in judgement, cries for help, and then the raising of judges who would lead them to deliverance, only to see the cycle repeat itself.

Judges emphasizes God’s faithfulness; both His judgment and forgiveness displayed time and again. Twelve judges and one king are recorded, but in the end, the reader is left with an unsatisfying conclusion. The Israelites have left God again, with a need for godly leadership plain for all to see.

Study Overview

• Week 1, Othniel & Ehud
• Week 2, Deborah & Jael
• Week 3, Abimelech’s Rise
• Week 4, Horrible Times

About this Series

Why is this series called “The First Testament”? Words often communicate unintentional messages. While we have called the testaments “Old” and “New” for centuries, these labels have had an unfortunate consequence: for many, the word “old” conveys the ideas of irrelevance and being outdated. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Paul wrote, “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” Romans 15:4 (NLT). When he wrote this, he was speaking of the Old Testament! Perhaps a better set of titles would be the “First” and “Second” testaments; together they give us the message of hope! The First Testament, two-thirds of the Bible, gives us the foundation from which Christ fulfills God’s will!