As we read the Old Testament we find that after God delivered Israel from their bondage to the Egyptians and as they traveled towards the land that God promised to give them, they, the nation of Israel, continually fell into unbelief, discouragement and sin. After approximately three months into their journey God called Moses up to the top of Mount Sinai to give Israel His Laws. In addition to the ten commandments, which is God's moral Law, He also gave Moses the ceremonial Law. Embedded within the ceremonial Law was the institution of feasts, sacrifices, the building of the tabernacle or temple and the institution of the priesthood. Not only did all the elements of the ceremonial Law serve a particular purpose for the nation of Israel at that time period but they were also very important foreshadowings that pointed to the time when God the Father would send His Messiah, that is the Christ or Anointed One, to this earth to save His people from their bondage to sin and Satan.

Thus, the Bible studies offered in this volume of "Spiritual Foundations" are intended to provide you an in depth look at the purpose and administration of the Old Testament feasts, sacrifices, tabernacle, tabernacle furnishings and the priesthood and how they serve as foundations for the Christian faith.

For your convenience, directly underneath each Bible reference, the text of the New International Version (NIV) Bible translation is provided. If, however, you are more comfortable reading from a different Bible translation I encourage you to do so.

It must also be pointed out that in order to achieve the maximum benefit from reading this book, each Bible reference must be read and prayerfully contemplated. Since the Bible also teaches us that Jesus Christ is the Author and Perfecter of our faith and that He, through the Holy Spirit, is our Teacher it is important that prior to reading or studying the Bible we come before Him and ask for ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart to receive His teachings. Therefore, each chapter will open with a word of prayer.

Finally, since it is my belief that the Bible interprets itself, outside reference material (referenced to the bibliography by a small superscript number) such as dictionaries, encyclopedias and historical references are only used to supply necessary background material. The only exception is Part I of Volume I where, through the use of outside material, the uniqueness and authenticity of the Bible is established.

As you now begin your reading of, "Spiritual Foundations",