The lesson schedule below follows the Old Testament Gospel Doctrine class study guide for 2002, which was developed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The church normally repeats this class every 4 years and will, from time to time, make minor revisions to lesson topics in order to make sure that the course study is balanced throughout the year. We have not made any attempt to make sure the topics we cover in our lessons coincide with any changes in the course structure that may have been implemented since 2002. However, for those of you who are currently attending the Old Testament Gospel Doctrine class and would like to use our lesson material to supplement their experience in the class, the following document maps chapters and topics covered in the church’s lessons with our lessons. See the Sripitures101.com LDS.org Old Testament Course Comparison Chart.
- Brother Van Sweden introduces himself and welcomes you to the class.View Lesson
- The importance of studying the scriptures is addressed, including gaining the spirit. Steps to invite the spirit into our lives are offered. It is the spirit that enriches our study of the scriptures.View Lesson
- This lesson provides an introduction to the Old Testament including: a timeline table, classification of the book of the Old Testament, list of the lost books, major stories, and seven keys to better understand the Old Testament.View Lesson
- The Creation is addressed supplemented by information from the Pearl of Great Price. The subjects include: The Council in Heaven; The Father's Plan and need for a Savior; The Creation—Organization; Adam as the first man; and the issue of Evolution and Creation.View LessonReading: Genesis 1-2; Moses 1-3; 4:1-4; Abraham 3-5; D&C 138:53-57; Alma 30:44
- This lesson covers the Fall of Adam and Eve. The major events are: its consequences and blessings, life outside the garden, and the tragedy of Cain killing Able.View LessonReading: Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5
- The genealogy of Adam, the people of Enoch, Noah, and the flood are addressed. It concludes with the city of Babel and the building of the tower.View LessonReading: Genesis 5-11; Moses 6-8
- Upon returning from Egypt, Abraham and his nephew, Lot, secure land. When conflict occurs, Abraham offers Lot his choice of land. Lot eventually moves to Sodom. When Sodom is to be destroyed, Lot and his family leave Sodom.View LessonReading: Genesis 13-14; 18-19
- We discuss the prophet Abraham and the Abrahamic Covenant. The four blessings of the Abraham Covenant are addressed. The sacrifice of Isaac and its parallel with Christ is compared.View LessonReading: Genesis 15-17; 21-22; 24; PGP, Abraham 1-2
- Through the sons of Isaac, Esau, and Jacob, we learn the importance of the birthright blessing and the marriage covenant. Jacob leaves and later returns home with his wives.View LessonReading: Genesis 25-35
- Joseph is given a coat of many colors. His jealous brothers sell him as a slave and he is taken to Egypt. After serving in Potiphar's home, he is cast into prison. Here he interprets dreams, eventually Pharaoh's dream. His brother's come to Egypt for food. Reconciliation brings blessings to his family.View LessonReading: Genesis 37-50
- Moses is raised in Pharaoh’s court; becomes a fugitive in the desert; and is called by the Lord to free the children of Israel. After a series of plagues, Pharaoh lets the people go. His army follows the Israelites into the desert.View LessonReading: Exodus 1-15
- The people murmur. Moses learns two important leadership lessons. Israel prepares to be a Holy People. The Decalogue or Ten Commandments is given.View LessonReading: Exodus 16-20
- This lesson addresses the House of the Lord in the wilderness; A Golden Calf, Consequences of transgressions; A Second set of tablets, and Moses’ return to the children of Israel.View LessonReading: Exodus 21-25; 31-34
- We explore the priesthood in Ancient Israel; the importance of the laying on of hands, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Justice and Mercy, and the Day of Atonement.View LessonReading: Leviticus 5-7; 10-11; 16
- We address: The Appointment of Seventy men; Opposition to Moses by Miriam and Aaron; and, the Waters of Meribah. We also review Aaron’s deny of entrance into the Promised land, the importance of the Serpent of Brass, and the Lord choosing Joshua as His Prophet.View LessonReading: Numbers 11-14; 20-21; 27
- Balaam, due to his closeness with the Lord, is called upon by the Moabite King, Balak to curse Israel. Balaam in the beginning is resolute, but as time passes, he falls. The importance of enduring in faith is illustrated.View LessonReading: Numbers 22-24; 31:1-16
- We cover the journey from Kadesh from Sinai; the highlights of Moses' First discourse and Excerpts of Moses’ Second discourse. We note the parallel between Moses and Jesus Christ and conclude with Psalm 78.View LessonReading: Deuteronomy 4; 6-11; 17-18; Psalms 78:1-8
- We review Moses' Third discourse, and his relationship with Joshua. Moses sees the Promised land, but does not enter. We address the promises of the Lord to Israel and conclude with Moses disappearance.View LessonReading: Deuteronomy 26-32; 34; Leviticus 26
- The important events include: The Lord's appearance to Joshua, Rehab helping the Spies, the Israelities cross the river Jordan on dry land; the Battle of Jericho; the issue of no private sins; and, the conquest of Northern Canaan. We conclude with Joshua's final address.View LessonReading: Joshua 1-11; 14; 23-24
- We address the lives of three judges: Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. Their lives demonstrate leadership, humility, and lost potential. We conclude with the Book of Ruth focusing on Ruth’s exemplary life, and her caring relationship with her mother-in-law, Naomi.View LessonReading: Judges 1-8; 13-16; Ruth
- This lesson focuses upon the life of Samuel. As a boy, he was dedicated to God by his mother. He lived with the High Priest, Eli. Samuel responded to the call of the Lord. Through his ministry, Israel repented and was spared from the Philistines, but later turned from the Lord and requested a king, like other nations.View LessonReading: 1 Samuel 1-4; 7-8
- Saul becomes Israel's first king. Initially, he is righteous, but becomes unrighteous. As a boy, David is selected by the Lord to be the king at Saul’s death. Saul’s jealousy leads him to be desirous of David’s glory and he seeks to kill him. Despite Saul’s actions, David refuses to take Saul's life.View LessonReading: 1 Samuel 9-24; 26; 28; 31
- At Saul's death, David became Israel’s king. He united Israel and initially is righteous. He committed a grievous sin and suffered greatly. The chapters of 1 Chronicles overlap with the books of Samuel and Kings. The material included in 1 Chronicles is an effort to remind the people of being God's chosen people.View LessonReading: 2 Samuel 5-12; Psalm 51; 1 Chronicles 13, 16, 22
- Six groupings of the Psalms are addressed. They include: (1) Psalms about the Messiah; (2) The Scriptures; (3) The Holy Temple; (4) The Savior’s love, mercy, and forgiveness; (5) Trust in the Lord, and, (6) Music. The Hebrew name for Psalms was Tehillim, or songs of praise.View LessonReading: Psalms
- David dies and his son, Solomon, become Israel’s king. Initially, Solomon sought righteousness, and was blessed to build the temple. In his later years, he turned from the Lord in wickedness.View LessonReading: 1 Kings 1-11
- The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are part of the "Wisdom literature." Three sources of instruction were recognized by the Israelites. They include: (1) The words of the prophets; (2) The teachings of the priests, and, (3) The words of wise men. These two books are based more upon human observation than divine revelation.View LessonReading: Proverbs 1-3; 12-18; Ecclesiastes 1-3
- Lesson covers the division of Israel into two kingdoms. Also covers the prophet Elijah and the wicked priests of Baalim.View LessonReading: 1 Kings 12; 17-22
- This lesson reviews how the Chronicles fits together with the Books of Samuel and Kings. The four kings of Judah are reviewed.View LessonReading: 2 Chronicles 13-21
- This lesson covers the miracles of Elisha including the widow and the miracle of the oil and the leprosy of Naaman.View LessonReading: 2 Kings 2:4-7
- Lesson covers the Kings of Israel just before its destruction.View LessonReading: 2 Kings 9-10;13;15;17
- This lesson reviews four minor prophets: Amos, Jonah, Hosea, and MicahView LessonReading: Amos 2-8; Jonah; Hosea 1-6; 11; Micah
- This lesson provides an overview of Isaiah.View LessonReading: Isaiah 1-7; 9; 11; 14
- Lesson covers Isaiah's prophecies of judgment on all the earth.View LessonReading: Isaiah 29-32; 36-37; 2 Chronicles 29-32; 2 Nephi 27
- This lesson reviews Isaiah's prophecies regarding the deliverance of God's children.View LessonReading: Isaiah 40-41; 43; 45; 47; 48-49
- Lesson reviews Isaiah's prophecies of Israel's glorious futureView LessonReading: Isaiah 53-56; 58; 60-66
- This lesson reviews the decline of Judah.View LessonReading: 2 Kings 21-25; Zephaniah
- Lesson reviews the ministry of the prophet, Jeremiah.View LessonReading: Jeremiah 1; 9-11; 14; 17; Lamentations 3
- This is part 2 of Jeremiah's ministry.View LessonReading: Jeremiah 18; 23; 30-31; 33; 36-45
- This lesson reviews the ministry of Ezekiel (Part I)View LessonReading: Ezekiel 1-3; 18; 20; 22; 33
- This lesson concludes the ministry of Ezekiel (part 2)View LessonReading: Ezekiel 34; 36-37
- This lesson covers the Books of Daniel (part 1) and EstherView LessonReading: Daniel 1, 3, 5-6; Esther
- This lesson reviews the book of Daniel (part 2.) This lesson also reviews Nebuchadnezzar's dream.View LessonReading: Daniel 2; 4; 7; 9
- This lesson reviews the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.View LessonReading: Ezra 1; 7-10; Nehemiah 1-2; 4-6; 8-9
- This lesson reviews the Books of Zechariah and JoelView LessonReading: Zechariah 7; 12-14; Joel
- This lesson discussed Job. The book of Job helps us to understand how we can find peace and comfort while facing some of life's trials.View LessonReading: Job
- This lesson reviews the books of Nahum and Habakkuk.View LessonReading: Nahum; Habakkuk
- This lesson covers the books of Haggai and ObadiahView LessonReading: Haggai; Obadiah
- This lesson reviews the book of Malachi. Principles such as the return of the prophet Elijah, genealogy work, and tithes and offerings are discussed.View LessonReading: Malachi
- This short document contains Brother VanSweeden's final thoughts and testimony about the old testament.View Lesson