My major in college was history.  At one time I was preparing to teach history in public schools.  That was until the Lord intervened and informed me that He had other plans.  Those other plans included the ministry.  So I took my B.A. in history from Stetson University to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where I earned the M. Div and Ph.D. degrees.  My doctoral work centered in church history with a particular emphasis on Baptist studies.  After leaving seminary, my wife and I went to the local church where I have been a full time pastor since 1975.  I was a part time pastor beginning in 1972.  I have had opportunities to teach seminary extension courses, Stetson extension courses, New Orleans Seminary courses at the Jackson, Ms., center, and Bible courses at Mississippi College in Clinton.

Over the years as I have taught history and Bible, I have realized how closely together these two subject areas fit.  Now, whenever I teach Bible, I do it with a strong historical background.  Especially is this true in the Old Testament survey course.  Without an historical background, the Old Testament message is difficult to comprehend.  So I have developed a time line approach to teaching the Old Testament.  Since using that approach, I have found that even I get the message better.  I can imagine how much better it is for the students.

Recently some of my church members have encouraged me to think about developing a course in Bible history for lay persons.  I believe I could get up a class here in our church.  I am thinking seriously about doing that.  Why am I including this information in this space this week?  I guess to inquire if there is anyone out there who might like something like that--either here at church or perhaps on  line.  I don't know how I would do that yet, but if there is an interest, why not try?

If you are reading these paragraphs and would like to respond, please do (fthomas@altawoodsbaptist.org).