I. Core Learning Method of This Lesson: Identify Key Points, Grasp the Theme, Connect with Context

1. This course aims to teach a universal learning method, namely how to "identify key points, grasp the theme, connect with context."
2. This method is not only applicable to examining the Bible, but also widely used in fields related to engineering, such as text management and software engineering. It can even be applied to writing novels, but it is not suitable for prose, humor, or "nonsense" content.
3. Without proper organization, learning is not truly mastered, easily leading to the problem of "hearing a lot, then not being able to find the key points, grasp the theme, connect with the context, and ultimately learning nothing."
4. This training is actually a training in logical thinking, which is especially important for children's learning.

II. Case Study: Genesis Chapter 18

Theme of Genesis Chapter 18

1. "That I may bring upon Abraham that which I have spoken of him": This is the core theme that runs through the entire chapter, connecting all the events in the chapter.

Abraham Receives God and His Messengers

1. The reason Abraham was able to receive God is because the Lord appeared to him, and he was protected by God throughout his life, so he could recognize and receive them by faith.
2. This act of hospitality is an important prerequisite for the fulfillment of God's promised word; if Abraham had not received them, the promise might not have been fulfilled. It also teaches us to imitate Abraham's hospitality in order to receive God's promises.

God Promises Abraham a Son About This Time Next Year

1. Sarah and Abraham were both old, and Sarah's menstruation had ceased, making childbearing seem impossible in human terms. The Lord responded: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?". This emphasizes the power of God, that even in impossible situations, God can fulfill His promises.
2. God revealed His plan to Abraham in order to "command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him."
3. God hopes to pass on the principles of righteousness and doing the way to his descendants through Abraham, thereby ensuring that God's promise to Abraham can be passed down from generation to generation and realized.

Abraham Intercedes with God for the City of Sodom

1. Abraham's intercession is based on his deep understanding of God's righteous nature: "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" and "That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee".
2. Abraham's concern is for the righteous in the city, not the shortcomings of the wicked, reflecting Abraham's character of "doing justly, and loving mercy", which is what God wants Abraham's descendants (including us today) to emulate, that is, to be a blessing to all nations on earth, rather than bringing disaster.
3. God will never destroy the righteous with the wicked, which is a great comfort and guarantee to God's people.

III. Summary

1. Through the case study of Genesis 18, this lesson aims to teach us how to accurately identify the core theme of the text and connect all the detailed events to this theme. This learning method can help us to understand the logic of the text and the mind of God more deeply.
2. By emulating Abraham's faith, righteousness, and mercy, we can also enable God's promises to be fulfilled in us.

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