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God bless CPU!  HISTORY OF CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY The birth of Central Philippine University is connected with the beginning of the Baptist Mission in the Philippines. 1898 – Rev. Dr. Eric Lund = A Swedish Baptist Missionary baptized Braulio Manikan. Braulio Manikan – a native...

God bless CPU!  HISTORY OF CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY The birth of Central Philippine University is connected with the beginning of the Baptist Mission in the Philippines. 1898 – Rev. Dr. Eric Lund = A Swedish Baptist Missionary baptized Braulio Manikan. Braulio Manikan – a native of Aklan Panay in Barcelona Spain and the First Filipino Baptist. They translated the Gospels and Acts into the Hiligaynon language. American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society (ABFMS) commissioned and financed their work. They arrived in Iloilo Philippines in May 1900. American Baptist Foreign Missionary Society (ABFMS) commissioned and financed their work. They arrived in Iloilo Philippines in May 1900. Their Mission work resulted in organizing churches in Iloilo, Negros and Capiz.  1901 Rev. Charles Briggs sought to impress on Dr. T. S. Barbour that a school should be started.  1903 Dr. Joseph Robbins and Dr. Peter planned that a boys' school should be started.  1904 The eleven (11) Baptist Missionaries met in Iloilo and organized the Philippine Baptist Mission Conf. (PBMC)  December 2, 1904 The PBMC voted to establish two schools: Industrial school for boys and Bible School to train pastors.  1904 Rev. William O. Valentine was elected principal of the two schools.  October 1, 1905 The Jaro Industrial School opened under the principalship of Rev. Valentine.  1907 The enrolment increased from 20 to nearly 300 students, all were working students.  1915-1916 The first year high school opened with 58 students enrolled and 50 of them remained.  March 1921 First High School commencement with 17 Students graduating.  1921 Jaro Indrustrial School was changed to Central Philippine School.  1922 The name of the school was formally changed to Central Philippine College.  June 1923 A Junior college opened classes enunciated by Pres. Stuart. The Stuart Hall is the oldest bldg. in CPU.  June 1923 The college was organized into two divisions: Department of Education and Liberal Arts and Department of Theology.  1942-45 World War II. CPU was devastated. Many buildings were destroyed. Many Teachers and Students went to the mountains for refuge.  1942-45 CPU remained strong because of the Central Spirit.  April 1, 1953 Central Philippine College became Central Philippine University.  1953 It is located in a 24- hectare campus, the most beautiful in Iloilo.  1966 CPU Corporation voted the Dr. Rex Drilon as the first Filipino president.  1968 The entire university property was turned over by Americans to Filipinos.  1973 All the members of the Board of Trustees and Administrative officials are Filipinos.  CPU's Motto Scientia means knowledge Fides means faith.  CPU's Colleges  School of Graduate Studies  College of Agriculture  College of Arts and Sciences  College of Business and Accountancy  College of Computer Studies  College of Education  College of Hospitality Management  College of Enginering  College of Nursing  College of Medicine  College of Theology  College of Law  College of Pharmacy  College of Medical Laboratory Science CPU's Departments Senior High School Junior High School Elementary Kindergarten  CPU's Affiliations  Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC)  International Ministries (IM-ABC)  United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA)  Asso. of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU)  Philippine Accrediting Asso. of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU)  Asso. of Theological Schools in Southeast Asia (ATESEA) CPU's Partners Iloilo Mission Hospital CPU's Partners University Church CPU's Sister Schools Filamer Christian University  Roxas City, Capiz CPU's Sister Schools  Silliman University  Dumaguete City, Neg. Occ.  At Present  In 113 years, CPU has grown from an industrial school with only 17 pupils to a widely known university with an enrollment of about 14,000. The 24-hectare campus, which was originally chosen for its quiet and relative isolation, is now a veritable community by itself, with more than 40 buildings used for classrooms and support facilities. Vision A University committed to Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL) and responsive to the needs of the total person and the world. Mission The mission of Central Philippine University is to carry out a program of spiritual , intellectual, moral, scientific, technological, and cultural training, and allied studies under influences which strengthen Christian faith, build up character and promote scholarship, research and community service. God bless CPU!  CPU CORE VALUES Faith Character Justice Stewardship Excellence  CPU CORE VALUES Faith –the act of believing the things God has revealed about Himself and acting on those beliefs. This includes commitment, cooperation, trust and confidence.  CPU CORE VALUES  Character- the aggregate feature and traits that form the individual’s nature of a person, moral quality, and good report. This includes honesty, integrity, humility and loyalty.  CPU CORE VALUES Justice – righteousness or lawfulness and fairness. It is observing due process in administrating, the deserved punishment or reward. This includes fairness, equality, morality, and peace.  CPU CORE VALUES Stewardship – the proper responsible management of life, position, possessions and other resources entrusted by God to man. This includes service, accountability, culture and outreach.  CPU CORE VALUES Excellence – highly commendable quality or feature of a person’s worth or deeds. This includes competence, technology, scholarship, and research. Prayer Bible Reading Prayer Prayer- is talking with God. Every Christian has the privilege of communicating directly with God. If we desire a fulfilling Christian Life, we need to learn to talk with God. Through prayer we can appropriate all of God’s resources for us in Jesus Christ. Bill Bright, CCC Material Ten Reasons Why One Prays 1.) Acknowledges God’s power and goodness 2.) Assures us of the Lord’s presence 3.) Brings blessings from God 4.) Brings physical and spiritual healing 5.) Encourages our growth in faith 6.) Fulfils God’s command 7.) Helps us align our will with God’s will 8.) As a witness to others 9.) Reveals God and His purposes to us 10.)Strengthens us against temptation Types of Prayer *Adoration- Praising God for who He was, is and will be (Psalm 63) *Confession – Listing our sins and telling God we are sorry (Isaiah 6:5) *Thanksgiving – Thanking God for what He has done (Ephesians 1:15) *Intercession – Making requests to God on our behalf for others (1 Samuel 12:23) *Petition – Asking God to help us in a specific way (Matthew 6:11) *Submission – Determining to recognize God as our Master (Job 1:20-21) Manner by Which One Prays Thumb- personal weaknesses. (Since the thumb is the part of the hand nearest one’s body. Pointing finger – pray for people who point the way for us like teachers, pastors, missionaries and the like. Middle or Tall Finger – pray for people who occupy high positions in the community like mayors, councilors, Baranggay Captain, President etc. Ring Finger – Pray for people we love like friends, family, husband, wife , children, father and mother. Little Finger – pray for those who are less fortunate ,like the orphans , widows etc. Bible Reading A meaningful relationship with the Lord is dependent on hearing and understanding what He is sharing with us. Bible Reading The Bible is the most important book one could read. The Bible is God’s inspired Word to man.. Bible Reading Throughout history, God has desired to communicate with the people of His creation. Before Jesus came, God spoke to and through the committed people of the Old Testament who recorded His Word. Bible Reading While Jesus was on earth as well as after His death and resurrection God again directed committed men to record the words and ministry of the Son of God. The result of their faithfulness and availability is the New Testament. Bible Reading The New Testament is the entire record of God’s communication to us. It has been given to us by God Who desires our fellowship and worship. Things to Observe in Bible Reading Preparation – pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your study. Observation – ask the question “What does the passage say?” Interpretation - ask the question “What does the passage mean?” What does it say about God and man? What does it imply to my life today? Application- How does this passage apply to my life? Is there a command to obey? Is there a promise to claim? Is there a sin to confess? Is there an attitude to change? Is there an example to follow? (Bill Bright - CCC Materials) Thought to Ponder “As the bird’s left and right wings are important to it, so are prayer and Bible reading important to every Christian.” Question for Reflection 1.) Why is it important for us to read the bible and pray? *Considering 21st century -Consumerism -Moral Relativism -Materialism -Etc. Question for Reflection “As the economy increases morality and spirituality decrease.” 2.)Is it possible for the country to be materially abundant while spiritually filled and morally upright? How? Why not? An Overview of the Bible  2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work." Bible – Good Book  Bible = 66 Books OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT 39 books 27 books  The Bible: Book Classification OT Books Division  THE PENTATEUCH comes from the Greek term "pentateuchos" meaning five-volumed" The Jews called it "Torah" TORAH  THE EEVREET Israel's history covers the possesion of the land down to the two deportations and loss of land because of disobedience and unbelief. EEVRET KETHUVIM NEVI'IM NEVI'IM  j o o r r P P P r oO r H pE o I hT ep S h R T Y O L R A Y W NT Books Division  It is from the Greek word “evangelion” which means “good news” and “evangelizo” which means “to bring good news.” It is the sum total of the saving truth as God communicated to the lost humanity through Jesus Christ. GOSPELS  It tells about the acts of the apostles, history of the church and its growth, from the ascension of Christ to the imprisonment of Paul at Rome and the opening of his ministry. HISTORY  They tell about the meaning and the application of the gospel for Christians. They give the interpretation of the person and work of Christ, and apply the truth of the gospel to believers. PAULINE LETTERS  They speak to the Christian church in general rather than to individual churches. They reflect the essential challenge Christians faced in the Roman Empire and how to follow Jesus in a difficult environment. GENERAL EPISTLES  “APOCALYPSE” It is about John's visions in the Island of Patmos dealing with religious history. Here, a great moral conflict is portrayed between the divine and satanic powers, ending in the victory of the Lamb. APOCALYPSE  N A AE P UR O LA C IL A L N E Y EPH PS I I LE S S T E T G T O O T R S Y P E L S WHAT  What is the Bible? The Bible is God’s word. It is known as the Good Book. It is divided into two sections: Old Testament (39 books) & New Testament (27 books). Total = 66 books What does the Bible Mean? Gk. τα Βιβλια which means "books". Latin = singular (the Bible) or Βιβλιον = byblos which means "papyrus or book". It is more than a book, it is a library.  Word Meaning Testament - The word “testament” is from the Latin “testamentum” which translate the Hebrew word meaning “covenant.” Covenant - is a sacred agreement between God and his people (John Mark Terry, RE 1 manual).  Word Meaning Scriptures – sacred or divine writings  BIBLE The Bible is now supplemented being supplemented by an older source of information – material objects left behind by ancient cultures.  BIBLE The Bible is now supplemented being supplemented by an older source of information – material objects left behind by ancient cultures.  BIBLE The material remains include all tangible things such as: *writings on the stone *metal *clay *parchment *papyrus  BIBLE The material remains include unwritten documents: *Fortifications *Buildings *Sculptures *household vessels *tools *weapons *personal ornaments Who wrote the Bible?  Writers of the Old Testament Through the centuries, God spoke through many individuals. Their messages were brought together to become our Old Testament.  Writers of the Old Testament Many of the people who spoke the Words of God did not record their own messages. Other people recognized the importance of the messages and preserved them – sometimes after the messages had been passed orally from one generation to another. (Oral Tradition)  Writers of the Old Testament Pentateuch = Moses Narrative Books (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings and Chronicles) = work of nameless priests, scribes and archivists. Great prophets (Amos, Isaiah, Micah and others) delivered their messages orally and their words were collected and written down by later disciples whose names are unknown.  Writers of the Old Testament Jeremiah dictated many of his messages to his scribe – Baruch. King Jehoiakim destroyed the first scroll, God told Jeremiah to dictate a second scroll. Baruch faithfully recorded these words as well. Writers of the New Testament Some of the authors of the New Testament were also anonymous just like the Old Testament. Paul – writer of some of the books (between 50-62 C.E.) Luke – author of Luke – Acts (a Gentile) Who wrote the Bible? The Bible was written by about 40 people whom God had chosen throughout the centuries. They wrote the Bible with inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Who wrote the Old Testament? The OT authorship was typically anonymous. But later, Moses was attributed to the Pentateuch. Most narratives are the work of the nameless priests, scribes and archivists. Prophecies were delivered orally and recorded by later disciples. Baruch was the scribe of Jeremiah. Who wrote the New Testament? The NT authorship was attributed to various prominent disciples and apostles. Paul was the author of 13 epistles. All were written by Jewish writers, except Luke-Acts which was written by a Gentile. Only Hebrews has an unknown writer. When was the Bible written? Most scholars date the first connected written account of biblical history–from the creation to Israel’s conquest of Palestine–at about the 10th century B.C.E. When was the Bible written? The last books of the OT were composed only a century or two before the birth of Jesus. When was the Bible written? NT was composed during a much shorter period, probably between about 50 B.C.E. (for Paul’s earliest letters) and 150 C.E. (for the final form of 2 Peter). When was the Bible written? 10th century BCE. The last books of the OT was composed one or two centuries B.C.E. In all, the Bible was approx. 1,100 years in the making. What's the Language of the OT? The OT was written in classical Hebrew, with some parts in Aramaic. They are the work of masoretes, they are medieval Jewish scribes who added vowels symbols making it a Masoretic Text (MT). What's the Language of the OT? It was translated into Greek in Alexandria from about 3rd c. BC. 70 scribes worked independently which is known as the Septuagint (LXX). There were other ancient Greek translations by Aquila, Symmachus and Theodotion. What's the Language of the NT? It was written entirely in Greek, is different from classical Greek which is called koine (common). Other translations include the Syriac, Coptic and Latin. The Latin is known as the Vulgate, a work of St. Jerome (4th-5th CE). OT Books in Summary  (Book of Origins) Author: Moses The origin of the Universe, human race, and the Hebrew Nation.  (Book of Deliverance) Author: Moses Main theme: The deliverance and beginnings of the history of Israel on the way to Canaan, under the leadership of Moses.  (Book of Rituals/Ceremonial Laws) Author: Moses The book of laws concerning morals, cleanliness, food, among others.  (Book of the Wanderings) Author: Moses The pilgrimage of Israel. The forty years of wanderings in the wilderness.  (Book of Repetition of Laws) Author: Moses A repetition of the laws given shortly before Israel entered Canaan.  Author: Joshua A record of the conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, and the division of the land among the twelve tribes.  Author: Anonymous The history of the six servitudes of Israel and the various deliverances of the land through the fifteen judges.  Author: Samuel A beautiful pastoral story in which Ruth appears as ancestress of David and of Jesus Christ.  Author: Samuel The history of Samuel, with the beginning and early years of the monarchial period in Israel under the reigns of Saul and David. Author: Samuel or Jeremiah The early history of the kingdom of Israel, and later the divided kingdom.  Author: Ezra Largely a record of the reigns of David, Solomon and the Kings of Judah up to the time of the captivity. Author: probably Ezra A record of the return of the Jews from captivity, and the rebuilding of the temple.  Author: Nehemiah The account of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, and the re-establishment of the sacred ordinances.  Author: Anonymous, possibly Mordecai The story of Queen Esther's deliverance of the Jews from the plot of Haman, and the establishment of the feast of Purim.  Author: possibly Job; a wise man The problem of affliction, showing the malice of Satan, the patience of Job, the vanity of human philosophy, the divine wisdom, and the final deliverance of the sufferer.  Author: Mostly David A collection of one hundred and fifty spiritual songs, poems and prayers ugh the centuries by the church in its devotions.  Author: Solomon A collection of moral and religious maxims, and discourses on wisdom, temperance, justice, and many more.  Author: Solomon Reflections on the vanity of life, and man's duties and obligations to God.  Author: Solomon A religious poem symbolizing the mutual love of Christ and the church. What is a Prophecy?  Why It's Relevant? 1. The message came from God. 2. The message is rooted in real life. 3. The message speaks to human nature. 4. The message addresses the problem of sin.  Author: Isaiah A great prophet of the resemption. A book rich in messaianic prophecies, mingled with woes pronounced upon sinful nations.  Author: Jeremiah The weeping prophet. The backsliding, bondage and restoration of the Jews.  Author: Jeremiah (Book of mourning) A series of dirges by Jeremiah, bewailing the afflcitions of Israel.  Author: Ezekiel One of the mystery books, full of striking metaphors vividly portraying the sad condition of God's people, and the pathway to future exultation and glory.  Author: Daniel A book of personal biography and apocalyptic visions concerning events in both secular and sacred history.  HOSEA Contemporary of Isaiah and Micah. The apostasy of Israel characterized as spiritual adultery. The book is filled with striking metaphors describing the sins of the people.  JOEL A prophet of Judah. National repentance and blessings. The day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment, may be transformed into a season of blessing.  AMOS A herdsman prophet, a courageous reformer, denouncing selfishness and sin. This book contains a series of five visions.  OBADIAH The doom of Edom and final deliverance of Israel.  JONAH The story of “The Reluctant Missionary” who was taught by bitter experience the lesson of obedience and the depth of divine mercy.  MICAH This book gives a dark picture of the moral acondition of Israel and Judah, but foretells the establishment of a Messianic kingdom in which righteousness shall prevail.  NAHUM The destruction of Nineveh. Judah is promised deliverance from Assyria.  HABAKKUK Written in the Chaldean period. The mysteries of providence. How can a just God allow a wicked nation to oppress Israel?  ZEPHANIAH This book is somber in tone, filled with the threatening images, but ends in a vision of the future glory of Israel.  HAGGAI A colleague of Zechariah. He reproves the people for slackness in building the second temple, but promises a return of God's glory when the building should be completed.  ZECHARIAH Contemporary of Haggai. He helped to arouse the Jews to rebuild the temple. He had a series of eight visions, and saw the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.  MALACHI He ministered between Nehemiah's first and second term as governor of Judah. He called the people to renew their commitment to the Lord and His ways; only then would they begin to receive the blessings from Him. NT Books in Summary “Gospels”  Author: Matthew Narrative especially adapted to the Jews, showing that Jesus was the kingly Messiah of Jewish prophecy.  Author: John Mark A brief, picturesque record, emphasizing the supernatural power of Christ over nature, disease and demons. All this divine energy exercised for the good of man.  Writer: The beloved Physician The most complete biography of Jesus It portrays him as the Son of man, full of compassion for the sinful and the poor.  Author: “The beloved disciple” The narrative unveils Jesus as the Son of God, and records his teachings. “Faith” and “Eternal Life” re-echo throughout the book. BOOK MATTHEW MARK LUKE JOHN Date 55-60 A.D. 50-60 A.D. 58-60 A.D. 85-95 A.D. Author Matthew Mark Luke John Recipient Jews Romans Greeks The World Portrait of King Servant Perfect Mighty God Christ Person Depiction Teacher Preacher Historian Theologian of Christ Emphasis His sermons His miracles His parables His doctrines (writer) Emphasis Deity of Christ Humanity of Christ (book) Place of Jerusalem in Action Capernaum, Galilee Judea Gospel Influential Brief/Short Loved Spiritual  Writer: Luke A sequel to the Gospel of Luke. The origin and growth of the early church, from the ascenscion of Christ and to the imprisonment of Paul at Rome.  Addressed to the Church in Rome Part 1: (1-11)A mastery of the need of, and the nature of, the plan of salvation. Part 2: (12-16) Largely exhortations relating to spiritual, social and civic duties. DATE: 56 A. D. RECIPIENT: The saints in Rome who are loved by God. PURPOSE: To establish the church through instructions concerning the basics of salvation.  Addressed to the Church in Corinth The cleansing of the church from various evils, together with doctrinal instructions. DATE: 54 A. D. RECIPIENT: To the church of God in Corinth PURPOSE: Paul gives advice to problems inside the Corinthian church i.e. immorality, food offered to idols, public worship, doctrine on the resurrection and rebukes division. The characteristics of an apostolic ministry, and the vindication of Paul's authorship. DATE: 55 A. D. RECIPIENT: To the church of God in Corinth PURPOSE: To show Paul's concern and love for his converts.  Addressed to the Church in Galatia A defense of Paul's apostolic authority, and the doctrine of justification by faith, with warning against false teachers and reversion to Judaism. DATE: 52 A. D. RECIPIENT: To the churches in Galatia. PURPOSE: Paul directs them concerning the legalism of the Jews (requiring Gentiles to observe festivals and practice circumcision) endangering the teaching that faith alone can save. Addressed to the Church in Ephesus An exposition of the glorious plan of salvation. Special emphasis is laid upon the fact that all barriers between Jews and Gentiles are broken down.  KEY ISSUES The clear theme of the letter is unity. God's plan is to bring to an end all that divides men and women, social classes, cultures, nations and religions. Jesus Christ is the unifying force, as the head unites the human body. Addressed to the Church in Philippi It reveals the apostle's intense devotion to Christ, his joyful experience in prison, his deep concern that the church should be steadfast in sound doctrine.  KEY ISSUES It is a warm personal letter to a church. He shares about being imprisoned and how he used his situation to share the Gospel to the Roman officer. He also shares about Jesus as the servant willing to gice up his rights for the good of others, encourages them to do likewise.  Addressed to the Church in Colossae The transcendental glory of Christ as the Head of the Church.  KEY ISSUES There's a wrong teaching creeping in the church. Paul stresses: Jesus is absolutely central. he existed before time and bring God and human race together. “Rituals, regulations and philosophical reasoning and self- denial are not required but right relationship and attitudes in the church, family, workplace and the world. Addressed to the Church in Thessalonica it is composed of apostolic commendations, reminisces, counsels and exhortations. Special emphasis is laid upon the comforting hope of the future advent of Christ.  KEY ISSUES Paul insists on his authorship. Timothy was sent to visit them and returned to Paul with the message of encouragement. Other questions include, “What will happen when Christians die?” and “When will Jesus return?” Addressed to the Church in Thessalonica Written to enlighten the church concerning the doctrine of Christ's second coming and to warn believers agaisnt unrest and social disorders.  KEY ISSUES The Thessalonians were confused about Paul's message in 1 Thessalonians Jesus' return, some say He already had and this affected some people's work attitudes.  Addressed to the Timothy Counsels to a young pastor concerning his conduct and ministerial work.  I TIMOTHY The first letter of Paul to Timothy is like a “leadership manual for church organization and administration.” Paul instructs Timothy with the qualifications of church leaders and guides him how they should be ordained in the church officers.  Addressed to the Timothy Paul's last letter, written shortly before his death, giving instructions and counsels to his beloved “son in the gospel.”  II TIMOTHY The second letter are like Paul's last words to his protege. Paul testifies about his experiences and expresses his concern for the churches, encourages Timothy to remain devoted to Christ, rooted in sound doctrine to avoid ungodly beliefs and practices, and be free from immorality.  Addressed to the Titus An apostolic letter giving counsels and exhortations to a trusted friend, who was a pastor in a hard field. Special emphasis is laid upon the doctrine of good works.  TITUS Titus was also instructed by Paul to helpalleviate tension in Corinth and also to collect money for the poor. He was not only Paul's trusted friend but a spiritual son like Timothy. He was also assigned to take care of the newly established churches and appoint leaders to them.  Addressed to the Philemon A private letter written to Philemon, beseeching him to receive and forgive Onesimus, a runaway slave.  PHILEMON Philemon owned slaves who worked in his property and one of them was Onesimus. This slave robbed Philemon with some valuables and run away from him. That made Philemon angry. GENERAL EPISTLES  HEBREWS Writer uncertain. The transcendental glory of Christ, and of the blessings of the new disposition, compared with those of the Old Testament.  HEBREWS AUTHOR: Anonymous (Paul, Luke, Barnabas etc.) DATE: A. D. 70 RECIPIENT: Jewish and Roman Christians. PURPOSE: To present Christ’s superiority. SETTING: Jews undergo persecution from both Jews and Romans, needed the assurance that Christianity is true and Jesus is the messiah.  Writer: James, the Lord's brother Practical religion, manifesting itself in good works, as contrasted with mere profession of faith. AUTHOR: James, brother of Jesus, leader of the church DATE: A. D. 49 RECIPIENT: Christians in Jerusalem, 12 tribes. PURPOSE: To expose unethical practices; teach right Christian behavior and true intent of the law. SETTING: James shows his concern for persecuted Christians in Jerusalem.  1 PETER Writer: Apostle Peter A letter of encouragement to the saints scattered throughout Asia Minor. The privilege of believers following the example of Christ, to have victory in the midst of trials, and to live holy lives in an unfriendly world.  1 PETER AUTHOR: Peter, Apostle of Christ DATE: A. D. 62-64 RECIPIENT: Christians scattered in Mediterraenean world. PURPOSE: To encourage suffering Christians SETTING: Persecution under Nero, Christians are tortured and killed.  2 PETER Writer: Apostle Peter Largely a warning against false teachers and scoffers.  2 PETER AUTHOR: Peter, Apostle of Christ DATE: A. D. 67, last epistle to be included in the NT. RECIPIENT: Christians scattered in Mideterraenean world. PURPOSE: To warn Christians against false teachers, exhort them to grow in their faith and knowledge of Christ. SETTING: Peter's time was limited; remind believers about the unchanging truth of the gospel.  1 JOHN Writer: Apostle John A deep spiritual message addressed by the apostle John to different classes of believers in the church. It lays great stress upon the believer's privilege of spiritual knowledge, the duty of fellowship and brotherly love.  I JOHN AUTHOR: John, the Apostle DATE: A. D. 85-90 RECIPIENT: Gentile congregations PURPOSE: To reassure Christians of their faith and counter false teachers. SETTING: John was not yet banished to the Island of Patmos. He was an eyewitness of Christ.  2 JOHN Writer: Apostle John A brief message of John on divine and worldly error. Addressed to “the elect lady and her children.” A warning against heresy and false teachers.  2 JOHN AUTHOR: John, the Apostle DATE: A. D. 90 RECIPIENT: To the elect lady, and the Christians everywhere. PURPOSE: To emphasize the basics of following Christ; warning against false teachers. SETTING: Love letter from the elderly saint.  3 JOHN Writer: Apostle John An apostolic letter of commendation written to Gaius, containing characer sketches of certain persons in the church.  3 JOHN AUTHOR: John, the Apostle DATE: A. D. 90 RECIPIENT: Gaius, the prominent Christian. PURPOSE: To commend Gaius for his hospitality and to encourage him in his Christian life. To correct Diotrephes and affirm Demetrius. SETTING: Travelling church leaders depend on hospitality of churches.  JUDE Writer: Apostle Jude Historical examples of apostasy and divine judgments upon sinners, together with warnings against immoral teachers.  JUDE AUTHOR: Jude, James' brother and Jesus' half-brother DATE: A. D. 65 RECIPIENT: Jewish Christians PURPOSE: to remind the church of the need of constant vigilance to keep strong in the faith and defend against heresy. SETTING: Church was threatened by heresy.  Writer: Apostle John Mainly a series of apocalyptic visions dealing with events in religious history. A great moral conflict is portrayed between the divine and satanic powers, ending in the victory of the Lamb. Significance of Studying the Bible  "Bible reading is education in itself." Lord Tennyson  "It is impossible to rightly govern this world without God and the Bible." George Washington  Why was the Bible written? 1. For our faith to grow. _______________ __________ Romans 10:17  Why was the Bible written? 2. For our conviction of sin. __________________ ____________ Hebrews 4:12- 13  Why was the Bible written? 3. For our avoidance of sin. __________________ ____________ Psalm 119:11  Why was the Bible written? 4. For our guidance to life. __________________ ____________ 2 Timothy 3:16- 17