Twelve Foundation Stones of the Scriptures

By Elmer Mulhausen

I recommend this very readable, entertaining presentationof the Christian faith by Elmer Mulhausen. I like the way poemsare used to present biblical truth in a simple, direct and balancedway. I like the fact that the book isnt long and laborious. Thebook has something for everyone along the theological spectrumfrom scholars to new comers, from conservative to liberals andespecially that broad majority in between.

Dr. Charles T. Rice
North Texas Association Minister
United Church of Christ

This book is a valuable resource for all lay Christians,especially still maturing believers and those contemplatingbecoming a believer. The Bible is a large and complex textof history, teachings and truths. It is diffi cult for even matureChristians to comprehend let alone new converts or thoseseeking information to make a decision. Elmer simplifies thescriptures in an easy to read, understandable and amazinglyshort book. He provides an overview of the bible and thepillars of Christian faith that usually take years of personal andchurch lead Bible study to comprehend.

C.W. and Carole Vowell
Southern Baptist lay Leaders

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477202036

Elmer Mulhausen

Elmer Mulhausen was raised and educated in Oklahoma City during the Great Depression. After serving in the Marines, Elmer married Evelyn Crow in 1947. Their loving fifty year marriage produced four children, nine grandchildren and, to date, four great grandchildren. After Evelyn’s death, Elmer, at age 70, married Jo Ann Albright who had three children. And at age 80, Elmer grew his family even more when he and Jo Ann adopted a teenage daughter. In 2001, in order to accommodate gatherings of their large combined family, they justified buying a large home on beautiful Lake Whitney in the central part of Texas and began operating Lakehaven Bed and Breakfast Retreat. (www.lakehavenbandb.com) Elmer’s first career was installing telephone central offices for Western Electric. At 31, he left the security of Western Electric to build a State Farm Insurance agency. He retired after thirty-four years as an agent, agency manager and agency executive. He retired in Dallas in 1993 where he directed State Farm’s agency operations. Elmer’s spiritual journey started very young. His mother, Ruth, was a devout Christian and taught her children about God from their earliest memories. After early conversion, baptism and active Christian life and study, Elmer had a period of teen rebellion. He returned to active church membership, worship and service as a young adult. He was passionate about independent Bible study and research. He and Evelyn taught and worked with high school students, although they were not much older than the students. In middle age, Elmer and Evelyn had a period of burn out. They slowly drifted away from service, then active church membership. When Evelyn suddenly died, they were not active members in any church. That was a wake-up call for Elmer who rededicated his life, joined a church and became active in worship and service. In addition to classes and sermons in church, Elmer resumed independent Bible study and research. As a result of participating in a grief seminar after Evelyn’s death, Elmer developed a hobby of writing poetry. At the insistence of his family and friends who did not want Elmer’s poems and life memories to be lost, Elmer wrote his first book, “Something Funny Happened on the way to my 80th Birthday”, published by Authorhouse in 2009. While Elmer had planned on writing a sequel book of his new poetry and memories of life after 80, God had another plan for the use of Elmer’s talents and life experiences. Inspired by God’s nudging, at age 83 Elmer wrote The Twelve Foundation Stones of the Scriptures. Like many Christians, Elmer experienced a sometimes winding and rocky road in his spiritual journey. In writing this book, Elmer lays out a road map to help others study and understand the Bible. Written from a laymen’s view rather than from a scholarly view point, he gives a “wide-angle” view of the whole Bible and how all of the books from Genesis to Revelation relate to each other, and he identifies, simplifies and demystifies twelve core foundations stones of the scriptures that support the Christian faith and beliefs.

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AuthorHouse™

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2012 by Elmer Mulhausen. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/24/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4772-0205-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-0204-3 (hc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012908506

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Sometimes

Foreword

McAdoo’s Presentation

The Golden Thread

Charts

Old Testament Books

Timelines of Kings and Prophets

Old Testament Historical Timelines

I.   The Beginning—One God—Creator

Poem-   Faith In The Creator

Poem-   God Gives To Me

Poem-   In The Hand Of God

II.   Sin and Satan—The Fall Of Man

Poem-   Struggle Between Good and Evil

Poem-   The Time Of My Life

III.   God Chooses a People

Faith Counted for Righteousness

Poem-   Hear—Believe—Act

Poem-   Faith

IV.   The Passover and Exodus

Poem-   The Passover

Poem-   Just Close Your Eyes

V.   The Giving Of The Law—

The Ten Commandments

Poem-   Prayer

Poem-   Through The Storms of Life

VI.   God’s Chosen People

A. History

Poem-   The Goal

B. Books of Poetry, Praise, and Wisdom

Poem-   Responsive Worship Prayer or Litany Prayer

Poem-   Popa’s Proverb

C. The Prophets

Poem-   Take My Hand

History Addendum

Poem-   Reason For The Season

VII.   The Birth of Jesus Christ

God With Us

Poem-   This Baby is God

Poem-   One Perfect Rose

VIII.   The Life, Teaching and Miracles of Jesus

Poem-   This Man Jesus

Poem-   In His Presence

Poem-   I Want to Follow Jesus

IX.   Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus

Poem-   Calvary

Poem-   Splendor Of The Cross

Poem-   Do You Love Me?

Poem-   I Know Why

X.   Pentecost—Coming of the Holy Spirit and New Testament Church

Poem-   My Name Is Barabbas

Poem-   Ordinary People

Poem-   Wonderful Jesus

Poem-   Conform, Reform or Transform

Poem-   Thanksgiving Prayer

XI.   The Epistles

Poem-   Decisions

Poem-   Friends

Poem-   The Gifts of Prayer

Poem-   God’s Most Amazing Grace

Poem-   Teach Me O’ Lord

XII.   Second Coming of Jesus—Judgment—Heaven and Hell

Poem-   What A Day Of Happiness That Will Be

About the Author

Afterword

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to my mother Ruth who instructed me about God from my first memories. She taught me verses of the Bible to memorize before I could read. She is a true saint. As she looks down from heaven with that great cloud of witnesses, I pray she is pleased with this book. I also pray that her approval will offset some of the disappointments I have given her.

Hebrews 12:1—Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (NIV)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to thank the following for their contributions to this book:

Laura Hathaway, Editor.

My wife Jo Ann Mulhausen, for patience, love, counsel, and transcription. I write in long hand. Getting my impossible hand writing into print is the hardest job of all.

C.W. and Carole Vowell and Dr. Charles Rice for counsel.

All the Pastors and Bible Teachers I have studied under over the years. I especially thank my current pastor, Reverend R. Michael Vaughan, and my current Sunday School Teacher, J.W. Thiele.

Zondervan Press for the New International Study Bible that provided my original motivation to begin my study.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright C 1973, 1978, and 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. All scriptures quoted in this book are from this translation and marked (NIV).

Chris L. Mulhausen (1952-2011) for his inspired poems. Chris wrote five booklets entitled, Inspirations From Chris. Chris is my nephew. He had a troubled youth growing up in Oklahoma City as a child of the sixties. About 1980 he settled in Hot Springs, Arkansas and supported himself in the building trades.

About 1990, Chris was stricken with a severe case of Viral Encephalitis. When Chris was near death, members of a local church ministered to Chris and his family. When Chris’ health improved, he was born again or returned to the God of his childhood. He never fully recovered from that illness, but he did become very active in that church.

Chris began to write poetry sometime prior to 2000. Considering his educational level, his impairment, and lack of literary experience, I consider Chris’ poems inspired. I honor his memory and spread the blessings of his writing by including some of his poems in this book.

I also thank my brother, Harold L. Mulhausen and his wife Betty Jo, for granting permission to publish some of Chris’s poems. If you have an interest in Chris’s booklets, you may email his parents and executors at [e-mail].

All other poems in this book were written by me. A few of them were published in my first book, Something Funny Happened On The Way To My 80th Birthday. I own all rights to that book and grant permission to use. The previously published poems are identified with a simple (PP).

SOMETIMES

Sometimes I sit alone and wonder why,

with thoughts of wasted days gone by.

Oh Lord, You know that my heart does yearn,

to have those wasted days return.

It hurts to know I cannot change,

those days I lived so very strange.

When all I thought of was myself,

and put all other’s on the shelf.

I was so blind I could not see,

the wickedness surrounding me.

So differently I would do,

if those days I could renew.

Those days of darkness now are gone,

as my life continues on.

I can’t believe the life I led,

among the living, I was dead.

I’m now alive and I can see,

that Jesus Christ died for me.

My sins were washed white as snow,

beneath that crimson flow.

Suffering upon that tree He bled,

and claimed me from the dead.

On that tree He bought my soul,

on that tree, He made me whole.

By: Chris L. Mulhausen

FOREWORD

After writing my first book, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To My 80th Birthday, several significant things happened all within one year. During that year both Jo Ann and I battled with cancer, we laid to rest Michael our beloved son-in-law, and we grew our family by three generations: first by adopting a daughter, Crystal, second by our daughter, Avery, giving us a new grandson, and third by our granddaughter, Danielle, giving us a great granddaughter.

During that year, I started a new file folder labeled, The Second Eighty. Notes on happenings and my new poems were filed in this folder just in case I ever become motivated to write a sequel. That subject never motivated me. However, a totally new subject kept bouncing around in my mind and finally settled in my heart. I could not resist the compulsion to begin a companion Bible study book. I started on Jo Ann’s sixty second birthday. I was eighty three years old.

Several years ago, my sister, Betty Ruth Millus, told me that her New Year’s Resolution was to read the Bible in a hundred days. Although, I had studied the Bible for many years, I had never read it straight through. So, I decided to copy her goal.

My New International Version (NIV) Study Bible, including references and commentaries was over twenty-five hundred pages; I decided to read twenty-five to thirty pages per day. Reading the whole Bible with the many commentaries was a great experience and I really enjoyed putting various passages into context. The reading brought me to several amazements:

1.   It is amazing that over a period of more than a thousand years, God inspired many different authors to write books of his Holy Word.

2.   It is equally amazing that ecclesiastical leaders compiled the books that would become the scriptures and omitted other writings. It was also God’s inspiration that these people chose the books God wanted to comprise His Holy Word.

3.   It is amazing that there is a golden thread that runs throughout these books tying them together to form God’s written message to his people.

   Hebrews 4:12—For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (NIV).

4.   It is also amazing that God has given me a gift of faith along with millions of other believers. I believe with all my heart, that the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament comprise God’s Word. The Bible is not only His Holy Word, it is His living word. The Bible has remained relevant to people of all races and cultures over all these centuries. God continues to speak to us through His Word in all kinds of circumstances and environments.

5.   As the Apostle John closed out the last Book; he wrote;

   Revelations 22:18-19—I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. (NIV)

Apostle John was writing about the Book he was just finishing, but his words are also an appropriate way to close the entire Bible. Over my eighty-three years, I participated in many bible studies and listened to many sermons that dwell on specific scriptures. I have participated in many others that taught a specific value and used various passages to prove the point. These micro lessons were a blessing, but for common lay persons like me, we also need macro lessons. I needed to visualize a wide angle view of the Bible as a whole, understand the linkage between the books of the Bible, and to find the scriptural basis for my foundational beliefs about God. Therefore, I began to study.

Then I started waking up at night and feeling urged to share this study. I protested, Lord I’m too old and tired to write another book. I am not qualified. I have no theological degrees. I do not know Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek languages. I have no position of authority in any church. I am a simple layman. In fact, I did not even live like a Christian for much of my life. Who would pay attention anyway? In another dream when I protested that I was too old, I heard a voice say, Elmer, your responsibility is to start it. I will decide if you finish it. Despite my lack of qualifications, I still felt compelled to share my study. This book is for lay persons like myself. Serious Bible scholars will already know what I present. I have no authority to tell you what to believe. I can only tell you what I believe.

When I think of my compulsion to share this study, I am reminded of McAdoo. He developed his musical talent late in life. Even so, he had a burning desire to share his talent with others. I penned the following piece about McAdoo’s adventures in sharing.

MCADOO’S PRESENTATION

When McAdoo first heard bag pipe music, it filled his heart and soul.

He loved that unique, emotional sound and playing became his goal.

When McAdoo finally found a bag pipe music teacher,

And learned to play, he was one happy creature.

He practiced long and hard until his music could bring one to tears.

But by the time McAdoo was really good he was also up in years.

He enjoyed his retirement playing for funerals and special events.

He traveled far and near and he even earned a few extra cents.

One day McAdoo got lost going to a funeral but was finally found.

He was getting older and having trouble finding his way around.

McAdoo’s family wanted him to quit but he was too contrary,

And booked a funeral out in the country at a family cemetery.

He lost his way trying to find the funeral, driving around and around

Until he came upon some folks standing by a fresh hole in the ground.

Looks like most folks and the funeral vehicles left; just couldn’t wait.

McAdoo parked, got his bag pipes out and apologized for being late.

Then, he said, I’ll play for you if that is all right.

The folks nodded and McAdoo began playing with all his might.

The eerie strains of The Old Rugged Cross set hearts a glow.

Then his beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace caused tears to flow.

One of the men asked, "What’s your name, need to know who to thank.

I’ve never seen people get this emotional over a new septic tank."

Please forgive this interruption for a little bit of levity. I introduce McAdoo to express humility. Older folks like myself, must keep alert and try to be aware of when to stop sharing and when to get out of the way.

Therefore, sharing this study is a blessing and honor for me. The following pages will contain much opinion. Please keep in mind, your opinion is just as valid as mine. My intention is that you will read this book with your own Bible open, compare notes and timetables, form your own opinions, and add your own foundation stones.

When I started to write this book, I planned to name ten foundation stones. I just could not fit it into ten so I expanded to twelve. At that time, I did not think about the importance of the number 12. There are 12 tribes of Israel, 12 Apostles and Jesus was 12 years old when he made his first public appearance. The breast plates of the chief priests had 12 precious stones representing the 12 tribes. (Exodus 28:15-21)

The Apostle John describes the New Jerusalem (heaven) in the 21st Chapter of Revelation. The city walls have 12 gates with 12 angels and the names of the 12 tribes inscribed on the gates. The walls have 12 foundations made of the 12 precious stones. The names of the 12 Apostles are engraved on the 12 precious stones. Much has been written about the number 12 and the 12 foundation stones. Many writers have written about the significance of the number twelve. This book does not infringe on any of those writers. God has not lead me to explain any symbolism. My goal in this book is to walk through the Bible with you. We will discuss how all of the books of the Bible are knit together and discuss key truths that are foundations of our belief in God. The number of chapters just happens to be 12.

It is my prayer that reading this book along with the Bible will clarify rather than mystify, simplify rather than complicate, answer more than question, unite rather than divide, generate love over conflict, strengthen faith over doubt, bring peace over anxiety and help unbelievers believe.

*     *     *

I added this paragraph to the Foreward after writing the twelfth chapter. Even if I am not able to get this book published, if not one person reads it—I have already received my reward. The research, study, prayers and struggle tying these stones together has been an incredible blessing. I pray that your study will be a blessing like mine.

THE GOLDEN THREAD

From Genesis chapter one through

the book of Revelation,

A golden thread ties sixty-six books

together by God’s inspiration.

All scripture is important, but foundation stones

can help us to our goal

Of understanding all the inspired books

as a whole.

There is joy in studying God’s Holy Word

and learning more,

Though we won’t fully understand

till on the other shore.

Please join me in this search for

special stones laying the foundation

Of what we Christians believe is God’s

Plan for our salvation.

2nd Timothy 3:16—All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (NIV)

OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS

This arrangement is mine to aid study rather than the arrangement of the original ancient scrolls. A collection of the ancient scrolls can be viewed at the Christian heritage foundation in Cleburne, Texas. Call 817-641-2591 for an appointment.

Old Testament Historical Timelines

1876 BC—Joseph sold and taken to Egypt.

1446 BC—Passover and Exodus from Egypt.

1406 BC—Joshua leads invasion of the Promised Land.

1050 BC—Rule by Judges ends. Saul anointed as 1st King.

1000 BC—King David conquers Jerusalem—Makes it the capital.

930 BC—Split of Kingdom making two nations, Judah and Israel.

722 BC—Israel falls to Assyrian Empire.

586 BC—Judah and Jerusalem fall to Babylonian Empire.

End of sovereign nation until after World War II.

539 BC—Fall of Babylonian Empire to Mede and Persian Empires.

538 BC—Return of remnant from exile to Jerusalem.

516 BC—Temple restoration in Jerusalem completed.

455 BC—Restoration of Jerusalem walls completed.

410 BC—Prophet Malachi. End of Old Testament.

330 BC—Alexander The Great conquers known world.

323 BC—When Alexander died, empire divided between

Ptolemy based in Egypt and Seleucids Of Syria.

320 BC—Greek or Hellenistic rule tolerant to Jews continues under Ptolemy.

198 BC—Seleucids of Syria gain control of Promised Land and try to eradicate Jewish religion and force Hellenization.

166 BC—Maccabean Revolt (twenty-four year war) starts Hasmonean period of Jewish Independent worship with Hellenistic influence.

63 BC—Roman Empire conquered Promised Land and known world.

Timelines of KINGS and PROPHETS

I

The Beginning—One God—Creator

The first foundation stone begins the golden thread that runs throughout all the books of the Bible. It begins with the very first verse of the Bible and forms the foundation for all we believe. I added the dash marks for emphasis.

Genesis 1: 1—"In the beginning—God—created the heavens and earth." (NIV)

The foundation for any religious belief, for any Holy Word or book is God and His being before anything else. There are people on earth who say they do not believe in God or any higher power. However, most humans who have inhabited this planet have believed in God or gods of some kind. Most have worshiped something in the creation including the sun, wind, or images they created themselves. Most ancient people worshiped multiple gods because they