1. 16 February: The Bible Part I – Principles for Interpretation 23 February: The Bible Part II – Interpreting Hebrew Poetry The Bible is truly one of the most amazing books. It took about 38 authors over a span of 1,500 years to write the Word of God. These authors came from various backgrounds ranging from kings, prophets, shepherd, fishermen and tax collector. It was written in three languages spread over three continents with different historical, political, cultural and religious contexts. Furthermore, the Word of God is written in different genres such as, narrative, poetry, prophecy, apocalypse, parable and epistle. Due to all these complexities, we need rules to guide us in interpreting the Bible. This ACE Class on the Bible is divided into two parts. In Part I we will learn the Principles for Interpreting the Bible. In this lesson, you will be given tools that will help you arrive at the meaning of a passage. In Part II, we will focus on one particular genre: poetry. We will learn the art of interpreting the unique features of Hebrew poetry. Date: 16 Feb, 23 Feb 2014 (Sun) Date: 16 Feb, 23 Feb 2014 (Sun) Time: 12.45pm – 2.00pm Venue: Venue: ACE Room (#03-05/06) A DULT C HRISTIAN E DUCATION Rev. Peter Teo is the pastor in charge of Missions and Heartlanders Outreach. He is married to Terrie and they have 3 children: Daniel, Matthew and Ruth

2. Law (5) Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deut. History (12) Joshua Judges Ruth 1 & 2 Samuel 1 & 2 Kings 1 & 2 Chron. Ezra Nehemiah Esther Poetry and Wisdom (5) Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Songs Major Prophets (5) Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Minor Prophets (12) Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi Old Testament (39)

3. New Testament (27) There is no single book written in poetry in the New Testament. However, there are many passages that are written in “poetic” format in Greek. Examples: 1.The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10) 2.The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) 3.Quotation of Old Testament written in Hebrew (Matthew 12:18-21) 4.Mary’s Song (Luke 1:46-55) 5.Zechariah’s Song (Luke 1:67-79) 6.Kenosis – emptiness (Philippians 2:5-11) 7.Song of the Lamb (Revelation 15:3-4)

4. Why are some books in the Bible written as poetry?

5. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How we wonder what you are. Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky

6. Mary had a little lamb, Its fleece was white as snow, And everywhere that Mary went The lamb was sure to go; He followed her to school one day- That was against the rule, It made the children laugh and play To see a lamb at school.

7. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men Couldn't put Humpty together again

8. Jack and Jill went up the hill To fetch a pail of water Jack fell down and broke his crown And Jill came tumbling after

9. Interesting and Different Interpretations What are the rules for interpreting poems ?

17. Prelude: Hear my cry, O God Listen to my prayer From the end of the earth, I call to Thee When my heart is faint Lead me to the rock that is higher than I Listen to Psalm 86 as a Modern Day Hymn for Prayer and Worship

18. Hear O Lord and answer I am poor and needy Guard my life for I am devoted to You

19. Hear my prayer O Lord And my cry for mercy In this day of trouble I will call to You

20. Teach me O Lord I will walk in Your truth Give me an undivided heart

21. Nations You've made will worship You For You alone are the living God

22. I will praise You, I will praise You Glorify Your name O Lord I will praise You, I will praise You Glorify Your name O Lord

23. Hear O Lord and answer I am poor and needy Give me an undivided heart

24. I will praise You, I will praise You Glorify Your name O Lord I will praise You, Lord

25. Hear O Lord and answer I am poor and needy Guard my life for I am devoted to You

26. Hear my prayer O Lord And my cry for mercy In this day of trouble I will call to You

27. Hear O Lord Hear my prayer O Lord

28. You can listen to 33 songs from The Psalms for your prayer and worship from The Internet