In your other studies, your Old Testament studies have centered on the Torah and the Prophets.

Disciple IV centers on The Writings:

Ruth, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations and Daniel.

The New Testament portion of Disciple IV "Under the Tree of Life" will include the Gospel of Saint John, the three letters of John, and James, Jude, and the Revelation of John

These "Johns" are not the same person, but they are all books that see fulfillment and completion in each day of life.

In Genesis we read with the image of a tree of life. It sets in the midst of the garden, and is off limits!

In the Revelation of John, the tree of life rests along the river. Revelation promises us access to the tree of life (the paradise of God). This will be our year-long theme - called to sense the completion and fulfillment God has in mind.

We live between the two gardens: the one in Genesis and the one in the Revelation of John.

So, along the way, from tree to tree :), we will stop in Proverbs, visit the Psalms, catch words of insight from Ecclesiastes. We will also lament with Daniel.

The colour for Disciple IV is GOLD.

Gold symbolizes the majesty and the reign of God. We are reminded that the ancient temple was not thrown together. Nor was it made from left-overs. The temple was a place of finest beauty and materials. Gold was used for trim.

Gold is also a reminder of the refiner - and the refiner's fires.

Through this study we seek "golden light." It is the light that shines through the darkness (and catches us in the shadows).

Finally, Gold is the symbol of the city of God. It is a city viewed as "a city of pure gold."

Disciple IV "Under the Tree of Life" is identified as having been written by Julia and Richard Wilke. I do not remember previous authors being identified. I think we will see more warmth and personality through this study.

I hope to attend the Tree of Life training in Denver the first week in September. John Richard