Part One:

For 400 years the Hebrew people serves as slaves under the Pharaohs of Egypt. In their bondage they cry out to God who sends them a deliverer.

Part Two:

Moses returns to the people of Israel with a mandate from God that He has heard His people and the time for their deliverance is at hand. When Moses goes to the great Pharaoh, ruler of all Egypt, with God’s command and directive it is not well received and only increases the pain of the Hebrews.

Part Three:

When Pharaoh refuses to heed the message from God and His messenger Moses, God begins a series of to plagues to get the attention of Pharaoh. The might of God is released in a total of ten plagues that devastate Egypt and finally compel Pharaoh to release the people of Israel.

Part One:

The story of Ruth is a story of genuine familial love and uncompromising sacrifice. This story also demonstrates that there are no “accidents” in life and that God is sovereignly in control. In Part 1 of Ruth, the mother Naomi loses both of her sons and decides to return to her homeland, but one daughter-in-law makes an astonishing decision that will affect the future kingship of Israel.

Part Two:

God rewards faithfulness and abundantly blesses those who seek to live obedient lives. Ruth’s sacrificial decision to stay with and protect her mother-in-law results in her finding love again and bearing a son whose descendants will include King David as well as Jesus Christ.

The prophet Habakkuk struggles with the fact that God’s chosen people suffer at the hands of enemies even more wicked than they. God answers the questions of Habakkuk and demonstrates His wisdom, sovereignty, and salvation.

The time between the last writings of the Old Testament and the coming of Jesus Christ to earth is known as the “intertestamental” (or “between the testaments”) period. This span of time is from the time of the prophet Malachi (about 400 BC) to the preaching of John the Baptist (about AD 25). Because there was no prophetic word from God during this time this period is sometimes referred to as the “400 silent years.” During these 400 years the political, religious, and social atmosphere of Israel changed significantly before the arrival of Jesus Christ.

The book of Philippians was written by Paul while imprisoned in Rome. This book reminds us we have the joy of Jesus regardless of our situation or circumstance.

The book of James gives us practical ways to live out the Christian life. This book teaches how works demonstrate that we have been justified by Christ and that good actions naturally flow from those who are filled with the Spirit. James also questions whether someone really has saving faith if the fruits of the Spirit cannot be seen.