Evenings from Mid-may through the summer

Deuteronomy is probably one of the most influential books of the Old Testament as it brings the Pentateuch (first 5 books of the Old Testament) to a climatic conclusion.  It is the first of the prophetic books from Israel's greatest prophet Moses who is giving his farewell speeches to Israel before he dies.  It is the most quoted book in the New Testament. The title means ‘second law’ which is appropriate because it repeats many of the laws including the 10 Commandments.  However, formerly the laws were given as God's word to Moses, whereas in Deuteronomy Moses gives the people the laws himself and with all the strength he can muster he encourages Israel to keep them. The main emphasis of Deuteronomy is on the Israelites' immediate situation as they wait on the plains of Moab to cross the Jordan and conquer the land under their new leader Joshua.  Moses incites them to total loyalty to the Lord because in the past they were seduced by idolatry and they failed to trust God’s power to give them victory or supply food.  In the new campaign in Canaan they must be confident that God is fighting for them.  They must obey the law to prove their faithfulness to God’s covenant and thus guaranteeing God’s favour bringing success in battle and prosperity in the land.  (G. Wenham Exploring the Old Testament)
As we go through these chapters we will see much that is relevant to contemporary life: Ch 1:9-18 Principles of management and effective leadership; Ch 3:12-22 The importance of community responsibility; Ch 4:5-8 The need for imaginative witness to our unbelieving neighbours;  Ch 4:9-10 The educative responsibility of parents;  Ch 6:10-15 The perils of secularist materialism. (R Brown  The Message of Deuteronomy)

Deuteronomy

Autumn 2010

Three psalms for August  (6.30pm)

Discipleship Training Course (6pm)

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