Here are the topics we will be diving into:
So expect lots of fun fellowshipping, worshipping and studying God's Word.
Thanks!
We started our small group bible study last night with James. Allen and myself led the study. We thought we shared with you what we were trying to achieve in terms of an overall theme of the Book of James.
A central theme in James is how vital christianity is characterized by a faith that works, in other words, true faith is demonstrated by spiritual fruitfulness. In Chapter 1, James discusses (1) the test of perseverance in trials and suffering, and (2) the qualities needed in trials.
You can download the participant handout if you like. (Download the PDF)
I finished the rest of Exodus last night. (Yep I'm finally caught up) I found the last half of exodus rather dry and hard to get anything out of, but upon further reflection, its actually pretty interesting. Hope this helps.
I'm still catching up... But here are my more completed thoughts so far on Exodus 1-23. I had an interesting 4 hrs on sunday trying to get through all of exodus. Sadly when I hit chapter 23 my pen died, therefore I stopped. If this overview is helpful lemmie know and I'll post my Genesis one.
Had a good time at disneyland w/ you guys. Back to business here we go on week 2.
Gen 12-15, Ps 5
-Though Abram was “chosen” out of the nations, whom else did God want to bless through his offspring (Genesis 12:2-3)? Compare this “Old Testament Great Commission” to the New Testament version in Matthew 28:18-20.
-What “saved” Abram according to Genesis 15:6? (Romans 4 and Galatians 3:6-14 are Paul’s inspired commentary on this passage.)
-How does experiencing God’s favor inspire us to reach others with that love? Why do we sometimes lose concern for the lost?
Almost finished with Week 1. Quote from Gladiator: "Strength and Honor" - Maximus
Gen 7-8, Ps 3
The ark was one and a half football fields long, holding the volume of 569 railroad cars. Imagine yourself building such a huge structure – and so far away from any body of water, with hostile neighbors watching!
What do you think might be the significance of who closed the ark? ( Genesis 7:16)? Does this teach you anything about God?
What do you learn from these New Testament passages that comment on Noah and the Flood: Hebrews 11:7, 1 Peter 3:18-22; 2 Peter 2:5 and Matthew 24:37-39?
What was God’s response to Noah’s offering (Genesis 8:20-22)?
I'm praying for you all.
Gen 5-6
-In Genesis 5, the pattern is… “… and he died” after each person’s name – except for what exception is verse 24?
-What does Hebrew 11:5 say about Enoch’s special status?
-What was true about Noah that made him the exception to the rest of the world?
-Why do you suppose God waited so long (120 years) to begin the Flood after telling Noah it was coming?
-What does it tell you about God’s character that so many years went by before He judged sin? How are you doing these days mimicking God’s patience even when retribution is justified?
Day 3 was hard! I think this is where its gonna start getting rough for me. It feels like I'm running a marathon and can't see the end, not like i've actually ran one though, but I figured you guys can understand that analogy =) Stay strong! You're all in my prayers.
Gen 4, Ps 2
-In Gen 4, sin spreads from the individual to the family. How are families you know still experiencing the fallout of sin today?
-In addition to the offering itself. What (or rather who) was "out of favor" (Gen 4:4-5)
-What details from the story of Cain and Abel does Hebrews 11:4 stress?
-What insights about sin's effects do you get from Gen 4:7?
Today is a good day. Here's today's Old Testament Challenge... game on! I'll be praying for you guys.
Gen 2-3
What clue about our need for community is contained in Gen 2:18? Is a spouse the only solution for this need?
How did the serpent twist God's words in Gen 3:1 and 4 (compare Gen 2:1-6-17)
In spite of the curses, how did God show grace after the Fall? What does this tell you about him?
What NT event does Gen 3:15 foreshadow?
Continue reading "OTC: Day 2 - God's Breath of Life & the Fall of Humanity" »
Holla party people! Let's start STRONG TOGETHER for OTC day 1! If you have time post a comment with some answers to today's questions. I'll comment with mine later today =)
Gen 1, Ps 1
-What Hint about the "community nature" of God (the Trinity) can you see in Gen 1:2, 26-27?
-If God is invisible, what do you think "created in the image of God" means?
-How would we all treat each other differently if we really believed we were made in God's image - even w/ all our faults?
Per what Kat said at small group on thurs, OTC starts MONDAY, nov 7th... Just incase you haven't bought the bk yet like me or it hasn't come in... No problem! Don't wait till it comes, here's the first week. I'm really excited to do this with ya'll. Its gonna be awesome.
I've been chewing on the 11/3/05 study "who killed Jesus" and finally nailed down why it's been bothering me so much (I was struggling to articulate something along this line in small group but couldn't figure out how to say it). This was the study where we learned that we all killed Jesus because He died for our sins. Please comment - I'm curious to see what you all think:
I’m not disagreeing that there is some truth to the fact that we may have “killed” Jesus.
"Kill" literally means to deprive of life. Under that definition, while we didn’t literally take his life, it is probably not incorrect to say we had a role in depriving Him of life since he wouldn’t have died but for our sins.
The problem lies with the motive behind this strong word choice. "Kill" is a strong word, synonymous with SLAY, MURDER, ASSASSINATE, DISPATCH and EXECUTE. These are violently negative words. When someone tells you that you killed Jesus, it is obviously meant to invoke feelings of guilt and sadness, among other things.
Yet, the gospel is about the Good news, not the bad news. the fact that Jesus died for our sins is not something that should cause anyone to be despondent or guilt-ridden, but rather filled with gratefulness and joy. To say that we killed Him would be to turn the good news into the “bad news,” totally disregarding the message of grace: e.g., (1) God died out of love, not necessarily obligation; (2) Jesus’ gift of salvation was freely given, not something we that we took by force, (3) Jesus chose to die for us, as opposed to was forced to die for us,. (4) the responsibility for the plan of Jesus’ redemptive work - and ultimately the all glory and credit for it– should be all to God, not to us.
The challenge last week was to think in all things, even the minutia of daily life, what would Jesus do. My thought is, blame shifting is not probably something Jesus would be doing. moreover, this message of guilt may also cause others to stumble. Just my thoughts - I hope I don't get flammed for this posting!
Howdy folks,
For those that are "Game on!" for the OTC
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=49134&event=CF
When buying christian books or stuff I can buy at Christian bkstores, I like to do that instead of the normal AMZN or half.com purchases.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310249139/104-6938136-5990364?v=glance&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance
Amazon = 13
CBD = 10
Half = 6-13
Ever see christian bkstores go out of business? Support em!
We're going "ALL IN" right?
~dab
Last night a few of the cores met at Starbucks to go over this week's group study — caring for all people. While the study in itself is interesting, what I walked away from is that I need a community to learn about God. The dynamics and give and take of interaction of Shar, Kat, and Allen helped tremendously for me to realize points that I would never considered.
I learned also that each of us bring certain backgrounds, abilities, and gifts to "the table" and that is what it says in the Bible, in Ephesians about the Body of Christ.