Pleasing God
Spring 2023
Peace and grace all–
Peace and grace WORKERS in God’s vineyard —
Attached are the Lesson Two Bible Study exposition (pdf) and a puzzle (jpg).
- Work in Rituals (Baptism, Holy Communion),
- Work in Warfare (Fighting Temptation, Resisting the Devil), and
- Work in Practice (Representing the Father, Participating in Ministry, Living the Faith).
- Recall a time when you were sorrowful or deeply distressed about something about to happen.Did you have anyone close to you help or assist you in going through it?
- Have you ever prayed earnestly to God for a situation to have a different outcome than what occurred?Have you come to peace with the outcome although it wasn’t what you prayed?
- What are some practices when facing the reality that God’s will is different from your will in a matter?
- What do you make of Jesus’ statement in Matthew 26, verse 45 –“The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.”
- Describe who is in the mob found in Matthew 26, verse 47.
- How do you feel about Judas kissing Jesus to identify Him as the one to be accosted and arrested?
Unit II is Jesus’ Example thru Sacrifice. Please read the attached Lesson 5 scripture (Matthew 27:38-54) and Exposition, Crucified for Sinners. We will discuss how suffering pleases God. Prepare answers to the following four (4) questions for our Wednesday (6:30pm) ZOOM Bible Study.
- What do you feel is the real motivation for the crowd going from praising Jesus with palms and singing, “Hosanna,” on one day and screaming “Crucify Him,” a week later?
- While Jesus is on the cross, what can be said of the people’s mood based on Matthew’s text (v39-49)?
- Read Matthew 27:50-54. In your own words, write down what is to be understood by the veil being split (top to bottom) and the graves opened with bodies of saints moving?
- Jesus gave His life for us physically and spiritually. While God has not asked us to die physically for the Kingdom, what should die spiritually in us as believers? Finish this sentence:Since becoming a Christian, in my spirit I have died to… a. b. c.
Unit II is Jesus’ Example thru Sacrifice. Please read the Lesson 6 scriptures (John 20:1-10, 19-20 and Ephesians 1:15-23) and the attached lesson exposition, Risen from the Dead! We will challenge the class to determine what sacrifice Jesus is making in this lesson. Prepare answers to the following five (5) questions for our Wednesday (6:30pm) ZOOM Bible Study encounter.
- Why does the Christian church worship on Sunday when the Biblical Sabbath is still Friday eve (sunset) thru Saturday?
- What do you feel about the entire tomb scene (ie rolled stone, cloths, head wrapping, missing body)?
- In John 20, verses 1 and 19, emphasis is made that it’s the First Day. If one still keeps God’s creation week of seven days intact, the Sunday after is considered the 8th day. Research and describe the phenomena of the 8th day? Can Christians be considered an 8th Day creation?
- What negates the conversation that Jesus’ body was simply stolen and there is no resurrection?What three things should all Christians have according to Paul’s letter, in Ephesians 1:18-19?
- What do you make of a resurrected Jesus saying, “Peace to you!” the first time He is seen by His followers who were thinking the worst? a. b. c.
- Work in Rituals (Baptism, Holy Communion),
- Work in Warfare (Fighting Temptation, Resisting the Devil), and
- Work in Practice (Representing the Father, Participating in Ministry, Living the Faith)
- Sacrifice in submission
- Sacrifice in suffering
Spiritual Formation
Fall 2022
Peace and grace all–
Ou Fall 2022 Bible Study on Spiritual Formation begins TOMORROW eve, Wednesday, Sep 14th (7pm). The study will be interactive and stream LIVE to via Zoom, Restream.io and Facebook. We will be able to field and answer chat questions from facebook Live this time. Below and attached is information to prepare you for the pre-study Lesson-0.
You should acquire a composition type notebook for this study. This will serve as your personal journal. Each week’s assignment will ask a few questions and you should write your answers and thoughts in your journal. When we get on the Zoom/Facebook meeting, you should be sharing from your journal writings. You can also jot down new questions you have and present them during the study.
Read the overview below and the Lesson-0 wording attached. Write in your journal what you understand about…
- where we are headed in this study,
- the Christian journey and spiritual formation in general, and
- if you AGREE or DISAGREE with statements on page 1 under the RED lettering.
Peace and grace all–
Fall 2022 Bible Study on Spiritual Formation continues on Wednesday, Sep 21st (7pm). The interactive study will stream LIVE to via Zoom and Facebook. Below and attached is information to prepare you for the week2 lesson.
You should acquire a composition type notebook for this study. This will serve as your personal journal. Each week’s assignment will ask a few questions and you should write your answers and thoughts in your journal. When we get on the Zoom/Facebook meeting, you should be sharing from your journal writings. You can also jot down new questions you have and present them during the study.
Read the definitions of spiritual formation below and the Process of Becoming wording attached pdf.
Then read Colossians 3:8-14, to answer the following:
Write in your journal about…
- What do you feel about Calvin’s view on Spiritual Formation in the paper (attached pdf)?
- What consistency or difference do you see in what we discussed last week (Regent excerpt)?
- Do you AGREE or DISAGREE that Calvin’s teaching on process is consistent with what Paul is saying in Colossians 3?
———————————————————-
Differing Definitions for Spiritual Formation
- Used within the Catholic Church to denote the training of full-time ministers in both the academic arena and spiritual disciplines such as prayer, bible reading and fasting (Sheldrake, 2005).
- Some proponents of spiritual formation have expressed it as the practice of spiritual disciplines such as Lectio Divina where there is a strong emphasis on prayer, meditation, and contemplation on God’s word derived from the bible (Tang, 2014).
- Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) has defined spiritual formation as “the biblically guided process in which people are being transformed into the likeness of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit within the faith community in order to love and serve God and others” (CCCU, 2011, p. 13).
- Hull (2007) has equated spiritual formation as the same as discipleship but expressed in a modern term that will relate better with believers today.
- Willard distinguished discipleship as the decision to follow Jesus as an apprentice whereas “spiritual formation is the direct action of the Holy Spirit upon the inner person” (Hull, 2010).
- The group of 2009 spiritual formation leaders has defined spiritual formation as the “process of being shaped by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ, filled with love for God and the world” (A Call to Spiritual Formation, 2009).
- Throop’s Five (5) Facets of Spiritual Formation: reflective reading, active repentance, total stewardship, penetrating prayer, and community accountability.
Amb Ross
Pray you are living in the imago Dei–
Fall 2022 Bible Study on Spiritual Formation continues to week3. We will move this coming session ONLY to TUESDAY, Sep 27th (7pm), because of the Bishop’s town hall meeting via Zoom on this coming Wednesday. The interactive Bible study will stream LIVE to via Zoom and Facebook. Below and attached is information to prepare you for the week3 lesson.
On the attached Spiritual Formation syllabus (pdf), READ pages 25 thru 28 and complete the very short exercises:
- Exercise 1 (page 25)
- Exercise 2 (page 26)
- Exercise 3 (page 27)
- Exercise 4 (page 28)
Be ready to share YOUR answers to the four (4) short exercises while on the Zoom/Facebook meeting Tuesday.
Also, read the italicized instructions at the bottom of page 29 and make a spoke-like drawing (like the one on page 30) in your journal. Then evaluate yourself on a scale of 1-to-10 in each of the spiritual formation areas and construct YOUR very own wheel of balance! The specific areas include Holiness, Contemplative, Incarnational, Charismatic, Social Justice, and Evangelical.
Given the short turn-around to Tuesday, I wanted to send you this early,
Amb Ross
The Prayer in the Garden
32 Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and He told His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and horrified. 34 Then He said to them, “My soul is swallowed up in sorrow[i] —to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” 35 Then He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.
The Message Bible [Mathew 4:1-11]
1-3 Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of in the first test: “Since you are God’s Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread.” 4 Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” 5-6 For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, “Since you are God’s Son, jump.” The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: “He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone.” 7 Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: “Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.” 8-9 For the third test, the Devil took him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth’s kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, “They’re yours—lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they’re yours.” 10 Jesus’ refusal was curt: “Beat it, Satan!” He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.” 11 The Test was over. The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus’ needs.
- John 14:15-17 & 25-26
- John 15:26-27
- John 16:7-15Read the passages above and write in your journal concerning:
BONUS Question: What do you make of this scripture from Acts 19?
Paul at Ephesus1It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. 2He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. 7There were in all about twelve men.
- Luke 4:16-20a; 42-44 Read the passages above and write in your journal concerning:
Amb Ross
- Luke 10:13-17
- Matthew 25:31-46Read the passages above and write in your journal concerning:
Amb Ross
Galatians
Spring 2022
Peace and grace all–
The Letter to the Galatians is often called the Magna Cart of Christian liberty, as it deals with the age old question of whether a Gentile must become a Jew before he can become a Christian. Certain Judaizing teachers had infiltrated the churches of Galatia in central Asia Minor, which the Apostle Paul had founded. They claimed that in addition to faith in Jesus Christ, believers were also obligated to keep the Mosaic law. Paul’s letter is an attempt to set the record straight and show the church once and for all that faith is Jesus is the only requisite for full salvation.
Peace and grace all–
On last week in the first lesson, we established the problem the early church in Galatia faced, namely, religious legalism had been championed by certain Jewish converts to Christianity. They had convinced the Galatians that many of the Mosaic laws and traditions had to be followed for the people to be “true Christians.” It is not surprising that in our day almost every cult and distorted form of religion involves some type of legalism. Even within the major Christian churches, there is always the danger that we will substitute our own requirements for God’s way of redemption.Paul took offense to this and penned the letter that strongly argues against all false gospels. He begins his argument with an appeal through his personal history (Chapters 1-2), an appeal through doctrinal or theological considerations (Chapters 3-4, and finally an appeal by a challenge to spiritual living (Chapters 5-6). We pick up where we left off last week, chapter 1 verses 11-12 and go to the end of the chapter 1. See if you can identify with anything Paul reveals about his own conversion and introduction to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Galatians – Week3Peace and grace all–Last night, Wednesday, Jan 26th, (7pm), we shared in Lesson 3 of the Galatians study.
See the attached Lesson 3 study notes and map of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys and trip to Rome.Feel free to revisit the Zoom meeting of the lesson on our church FaceBook page.https://www.facebook.com/DiscipleshipAdventure/videos/2690090574620959Amb Ross
https://strawbridgeumc.org/livePeace and grace all–
On last week in the fourth lesson, the Apostles Paul and Peter meet in Antioch and a public confrontation ensues. Paul accuses Peter of being a hypocrite and confusing others (like Barnabas) because Peter first participated in full fellowship with Gentile converts and only pulled back after friends of James came to town and instigated. Peter appeared to have been more afraid of the Circumcision Party than protecting the truth of the gospel. We learn that Christian leadership can be in error and gravely lead others to errors as well. Paul goes on to show that our salvation is built on two principles, justification and faith.
Justification is the ability to be made right (or righteous) by one who is the Judge. Faith is then the belief that justification is made possible and available, and knowing that it comes only on account of Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith and propitiation for our sins. In this lesson, we dig deeper and explore the opposite of justifying faith, works of the law or the “works” gospel.
See the attached notes (pdf) for TONIGHT’S encounter.
Peace and grace all–
Tonight we venture into Chapter 3 of Galatians, and we warn some of you, this is some of the most radical theology Christianity has to offer.
While you know well how Jesus died, do you recall the reason He was put to death? I challenge you to research how the following pioneers of the faith were subsequently put to death:
John the Baptist
Peter
Paul
John the disciple
James
If you thought this gospel message and faith of ours came easy, your eyes will be widened in tonight’s study. The sixty verses of Galatians 3 and 4 are some of the strongest writing Paul ever penned. My description of it (and message on Sunday) will call it “gangster.” Paul was in a battle to prove salvation is by GRACE ALONE, and not by works of the Law. The Apostle is no amateur when it comes to debate and uses six different arguments to prove that God saves sinners through faith in Christ and not by human effort through works. Here is the scripture argument category breakdown:
personal argument – Galatians 3:1-5
scriptural argument – 3:6-14
logical argument – 3:15-29
historical argument – 4:1-11
sentimental argument – 4:12-18
allegorical argument – 4:19-31
Examining these critical scriptural text gives us clarity for Jesus’ response in Luke 18:26-27, when He was asked “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus responded, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Join us in the study and let’s together fully understand this Radical Provocation: Justification by Faith Alone!
Blessings students of the Bible–
see the links below for two short videos on Galatians. We are halfway through our winter Bible study and we want to make certain we are on the same page concerning this important epistle. The videos give further insight into the purpose of the letter and our correct handling of the primary message:
Justification from God by faith in Jesus Christ alone. After viewing each, please feel free to let me know if these items were helpful to you and our study.
1. The Galatians Effect
2. Galatians – #BibleProject
Amb Ross
https://strawbridgeumc.org/live
Peace and grace all–
TODAY is ASH WEDNESDAY and our SEASON of LENT 2022 begins!
We invite you to share in the 5 minute ceremony and imposition of ashes at 7pm tonight. Each of us will apply the ashes at the beginning of Bible Study, streamed live via Zoom and Facebook. The scripture text for the imposition of ashes is Joel 2:1-2 and 12-17.
Ash Wednesday Observance:
Prepare the ashes ahead of time by completely burning either a piece of the palm from last year, a small piece of paper, dead leaf, or a stick match. Burn the item completely in a small glass bowl and pulverize or crush the remaining black ash. Finally, add a few drops of olive or other oil and mix to make a slurry.
Tonight as we gather, apply the ash in the shape of the cross to either your forehead or back of your hand with a finger or Q-tip. Do this for all members in your household. Even if you do not join us on the media platforms, you may participate with your family in the Ash Wednesday observance at 7pm. Simply read the scripture aloud, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; offer a short prayer and apply the ashes saying,
“from dust I came, and to dust I return as my spirit is set free.”
Bible Study – Galatians chapter 4:
See the attached notes (2 pdf files) for last week and tonight’s study. We are in week 8 and will study the entire chapter 4 tonight.
The Apostle Paul makes his final arguments for justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone!
Join us in the study as we begin the Lenten season.
Peace and grace all–
TODAY is ASH WEDNESDAY and our SEASON of LENT 2022 begins!
We invite you to share in the 5 minute ceremony and imposition of ashes at 7pm tonight. Each of us will apply the ashes at the beginning of Bible Study, streamed live via Zoom and Facebook. The scripture text for the imposition of ashes is Joel 2:1-2 and 12-17.
Ash Wednesday Observance:
Prepare the ashes ahead of time by completely burning either a piece of the palm from last year, a small piece of paper, dead leaf, or a stick match. Burn the item completely in a small glass bowl and pulverize or crush the remaining black ash. Finally, add a few drops of olive or other oil and mix to make a slurry.
Tonight as we gather, apply the ash in the shape of the cross to either your forehead or back of your hand with a finger or Q-tip. Do this for all members in your household. Even if you do not join us on the media platforms, you may participate with your family in the Ash Wednesday observance at 7pm. Simply read the scripture aloud, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; offer a short prayer and apply the ashes saying,
“from dust I came, and to dust I return as my spirit is set free.”
Bible Study – Galatians chapter 4:
See the attached notes (2 pdf files) for last week and tonight’s study. We are in week 8 and will study the entire chapter 4 tonight.
The Apostle Paul makes his final arguments for justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone!
Join us in the study as we begin the Lenten season.
Happy Thursday all–
Given, Chapter 5 of Galatians is a good summary of the entire book, and in chapter 5, the Apostle Paul makes the turning point of discussing Saving Faith and Living Faith, I wanted you to have some commentary on this all important chapter. The two(2) pdf files attached are from The Message of Galatians (revised edition, IVP 2020) by John R W Stott. The markings in the pdf are my personal emphasis and notes and indicate how I prepare for Bible study and sermons. For readability, the pdf files can be enlarged to your preference via computer, tablet or phone.
Be encouraged,
amb
Peace and grace all–
this message serves as a gentle reminder that our study of the book of Galatians did end on last Wednesday. I didn’t want for any of you to be sitting on Zoom or Facebook waiting for the study to begin later this eve. We will take a short break before beginning another study.
That said, I awoke this morning to a Joyce Meyer event on TV and she was confirming what we learned in the final two weeks of studying Galatians. She explains in her own way how the Spirit in us should take control of our living and thinking. I don’t often listen to Joyce but this teaching is dead on. She explains that salvation in Christ is separate from living in Christ and uses some personal examples to encourage us. Please take a listen and let me know what you think. On her website, it is the show for today (Mar 23rd).
https://joycemeyer.org/todaysshow
Be blessed and RUN WELL,
amb
The Ark of the Covenant
Fall 2021
Ark of the Covenant – Overview
Ark of the Covenant – syllabus
Peace and grace saints–On next Wednesday, September 15th (7pm), we begin our Fall Bible Study on the Ark of the Covenant, also in scripture called the Ark of the Testimony. We will uncover what Almighty God intended when he instructed Moses and the Israelites to build this spiritual vessel and what it means concerning Christ and us, the Kingdom of God.As always, we want for you to be thoroughly prepared and ready to dig in to the scriptures. For that purpose, attached is a short summary (pdf) of some things you need to know concerning the Ark of the Covenant. Read through it and jot down any questions or thoughts you would like to share as we study. The study will be accessible via ZOOM and FaceBook.
Peace and grace all–Our week 2 lesson for Fall Bible Study is tomorrow Wednesday, Sep 22nd (7pm) via Zoom and Facebook.In last week’s lesson we covered overview information about the Ark of the Covenant and also delved into details as described in the Book of Exodus chapters 25 and 31. The take home or preacher’s message for last week should ensure you know these facts:
- God desires to come and meet His covenant people and tabernacle with them via sanctuary
- The single thing preventing this Holy convocation is humankind’s SIN
- God gives Moses detailed instructions in how His desire can be achieved and they have to be followed exactly
- To build the sanctuary where God will dwell amongst us requires an offering, but only from WILLING givers
- The specific things that make up the offering are treasures and will be used to make the tabernacle and all it’s furnishings
- God also instructs Moses to appoint Bezalel, of the tribe of Judah, to craft and build the sacred items
- The Ark of the Covenant will serve as the actual meeting place and the glory of the Lord will be over it
- The testimony or commandments of the Lord will reside inside the Ark of the Covenant
- The lid of Ark of the Testimony will be made of pure gold, with two cheribum facing each other and a mercy seat is between them
- very careful instructions concerning this Ark’s building, transport and placement must be strictly followed
This weeks lesson has us focusing on Exodus chapters 35, 36 and 40. In your reading, you should first determine if Moses does everything God instructs. You should also begin to understand the things that are required for God to dwell amongst us and their spatial juxtaposition. The following terms and items should be so clear to you that you can visualize them. There are many pictures and artist renditions of these items on the internet and in your Study Bibles. Take a look and compare what you see to your own church or worship facility. Write down how much we still have in common and what things have been replaced. The list of items and terms in no particular order are:
- The Tabernacle
- The Tent of Meeting
- The Ark of the Lord
- The Table
- The Lampstand
- The Altar of Incense
- The Bronze Altar
- The Basin
- The Courtyard
- The Garments for Aaron
- The Holy of Holies
- The Curtain or Veil
- The Cloud by Day and Fire by Night
This may appear to be a lot, but a picture is really worth a thousand words. Find and study a few pictures and it will make sense and be easily visualized. Next week in preparing for Worldwide Communion Sunday, we will go to the Book of Leviticus and look another set of Offerings that get offered in the tabernacle [Burnt, Grain, Fellowship or Peace, Sin & Guilt Offerings]. We will also see the penalty for not presenting an offering as God desires. (Leviticus chapters 10 and 16).
Peace and grace all–
Our week 3 lesson for Fall Bible Study is tonight Wednesday, Sep 29th (7pm) via Zoom and Facebook.In last week’s lesson we covered the arrangement of items in the Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting) and the courtyard. We preached on the strategic plan of God in making this “arrangement” the blueprint for how salvation for all would come to the earth and also, how we can obtain the same salvation by willingly walking thru the “Gate,” going thru each item and being presented in the Holy of Holies before God. To recap, here are the items again (Exodus 40)
- The Ark of the Covenant – God sends His only begotten to earth
- The Veil – Jesus went amongst His own and they knew Him not
- The Incense Altar – Jesus was in constant communication with the Father (not My will, but Thy will be done)
- The Lampstand – Jesus is the Light of the World
- The Table of Showbread – Jesus is the Living Bread and the Word made flesh, a Life-Giving food
- The Lavar or Bronze Basin – Jesus is the Living Water; one is re-born of water and Spirit
- The Altar of Sacrifice – Jesus laid down His life as the sacrificial Lamb to atone for humankind’s sin
- The Gate or Door – Resurrected Jesus is now the Way to access the Father; Jesus is the Door
By traversing these items in reverse, we realize and live in the free salvation offered to us thru Jesus. 1) We come in at the Door (Jesus), 2) we lay down our own way of living and thinking on God’s altar (self-sacrifice), 3) we are baptized via water as an outward sign of regeneration and we accept the Living Water that is Christ, 4) we eat of His body (bread) and drink of His blood (vine) and take the Word into the world as He instructs all disciples to do, 5) we become His light in the world and are called Salt and Light to the nations, 6) we learn to communicate with the Father (pray without ceasing) and meditate in the Word to learn His will for us, and 7) Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross rips the Veil from top to bottom [that is, we know Jesus’ true identity – Colossians Chptr 1], and 8) like the Cloud over the Ark, the Spirit of the Living God (Holy Spirit) rest on us, speaks, teaches, comforts and guides us in this life and into the next.Bless the LORD, YOU GOT IT!For tonight, we are going to see the danger of approaching this Ark of the Covenant in a way God did not intend and we will see how the forgiveness of sin (atonement) requires blood be applied or sprinkled on the MERCY SEAT. Read Leviticus 10:1-7 and chapter 16.Pay strict attention to how often the atonement sacrifice is made, what is the procedure and what on earth is the meaning of Azazel. On this coming WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY, all these things will be part of the message.
situations and settings.Read the following scriptures and make notes concerning any BIG PICTURE ideas you get–
- Numbers 3:1-4 and 11-13 (understand the ordinance of Levites and Firstborn)
- Numbers 4:4-6 (preparing the Ark for movement and travel)
- Numbers 7:89 (the Lord speaks from His Ark)
- Numbers 9:15-23 & 10:11-13, 33-36 (the Ark was not to move unless the Lord moved)
- Numbers 14:36-45 (fool-heartedness of going into battle without the Ark)
- Numbers 17 (God establishes the Levites as caretakers of the Holy Place).
Until we meet…
Priestly greetings all–
Greetings carriers of God’s covenant —
Greetings God’s representation in all the earth —
Peace and grace all —
You made it to the final lesson in our fall Bible Study where we took up the task of learning and following the Ark of the Covenant, the sole object of God’s presence in the earth during the time of the Old Testament nation, Israel. Last week with King David’s help, we discovered “the ark is called by the Name, the name of the Lord of Hosts who dwells between the cheribum.” [2 Samuel 6:2] King David was the anointed leader of the single nation who God made covenant with to make him an “everlasting kingdom.” The joy for us is, through David’s seed (or offspring), the Messiah would come and God’s glory would never again depart from Him. David had many characteristics and attributes that elude to Christ, namely being born in Bethlehem, of the tribe of Judah, anointed King, age 30 when ministry begins and crowning achievement is to get the Ark called by the Name into the City of Zion, a city of Shalom (His peace). Jesus fulfilled all these things in His birth, earthly ministry, sacramental death on the cross, resurrection, appearance 40 days and ascension into heaven. He now sits in the Holy of holies at the right hand of God, interceding for those He came to save.Our final lesson will trace the last OT scriptures that speak on the Ark and a few others that will give us a clue as to what became of it after the single nation (Israel) split into two (Israel & Judah) and ultimately went into exile in both Assyria and Babylon. The nation Judah ended up (after Babylonian exile and Medo-Persian reign) returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple (Ezra), wall (Nehemiah) and nation state. Sadly, the coveted Ark was not part of this rebuild and the nation went some 400 years before the covenant promise to David was realized in the birth of Christ. The world had changed drastically of course, and Rome became the dominant national force in the area. The New Testament began and the words reminding us of the two sacred covenants are telling: “The historical record of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.”This week we look at scriptures in 1 Kings 5:1-5; 6:1-28 & 37-38; 8:1-13; and 14:21-31. Read the following excerpts from scripture and answer the questions for discussion:EXERCISE for Preparation–1. Read 1 Kings 5:1-5 and 6:1-28, 37, 38 a. Who becomes king of the single nation after King David? b. What new thing do we learn about why David was not allowed to build God an earthly house? c. Note some differences between the temple and the Tent of Meeting? d. Is there a place in the temple called the Holy of holies? What is it called and what does it look like? e. [*How long does it take to build the temple?]2. Read 1 Kings 8:1-13 a. [*When does the dedication of the temple take place?] b. What is inside the Ark? How many animal are sacrificed? c. Read verse 7 — Can you draw a picture of this? d. What comes to mind when you read verses 10-11? e. (Extra credit: Pray Solomon’s prayer 8:23-30 over yourself once a day until Sunday, Nov 14)3. Read 1 Kings 14:21-31 a. In this text, the kingdom is now divided: Jeroboam is Israel’s king and Rehoboam is Judah’s. What event do you recall concerning David is the reason for the divided kingdom? b. Name the grievous sins the Kingdom of Judah commit? c. Who does the Lord raise up to attack Judah as punishment? d. In addition to the Ark, what do we learn is kept in the temple as “treasuries?” (see 1 Kings 7:48-51) e. [* What does 1 Kings 14:25-26 tell us Shishak takes from Jerusalem?] f. Given what he took, do you think Shishak would leave anything as beautiful and mobile as the ark? g. One location for the Ark today is a small church in Ethiopia. Is this plausible based on what we read?
Thank you all much for a great fall Bible Study on the Ark of the Covenant. In nine short weeks, we covered a lot of scriptural territory and discovered a lot about our God and ourselves. Attached are the final notes from lesson 9 and below is a short (10 min) video that encapsulates the Garden of Eden, the Tent of Meeting and the Temple built by King Solomon. The video is nicely done and will give you a visual while explaining many of the things we covered in the study on the Ark. Of course, it all points to Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
The Book of Habakkuk
Spring 2021
- The role of a Prophet
- The prophet Habakkuk
- The History
Again, remember that the study guide is meant to be printed landscape and double-sided; therefore, one has to zig-zag down the screen to follow correctly on a computer, phone or tablet, or simply follow the page numbers in the document. Also, see the attached picture. In Lesson 1, we will discuss the role of a prophet and the history of Israel while making certain you understand the layout of the Old Testament, the chronology of the history and know to whom each prophet was speaking. While you don’t necessarily have to remember all this information, you should easily be able to have a reference and be able to tie simple things together to enhance your understanding of Old Testament scripture.
- What makes Habakkuk a prophet?
- What time period did he prophecy?
- What is the status of the Israelite nation when Habakkuk speaks?
- The major crime against God committed?
- The gist of the message or punishment God sends given the king’s actions?
- Do you feel the punishment fits the crime?
Answer the questions above for each of these persons:
- King Manasseh – 2 Kings 21:1-18
- King Amon – 2 Kings 21:19-26
- King Josiah – 2 Kings chapters 22 & 23
- King Jehoahaz – 2 Kings 23:30-34
- King Jehoiakim (aka Eliakim) – 2 Kings 23:34 thru 24:6
- King Jehoiachin – 2 Kings 24:6-17 [imprisoned in Babylon]
- King Zedekiah (aka Mattaniah) – 2 Kings 24:17 thru 25:7 [gouged out his eyes, taken to Babylon]
This may seem like a lot, but it reads quickly and is meant to put you in the mindset of the prophet before he speaks to God.
- What specifically is the prophet Jeremiah telling the Babylonian exiles to do?
- To whom is he telling them not to listen?
- What promise from God does Jeremiah give the exiles if they do as he says?
- Name three (3) of the prophet Habakkuk’s complaints to God?
- Do you feel the prophet’s complaint is a prayer?
- What reason does the prophet give for why justice never prevails?
- What is the context of the two scriptures? Are they different or the same?
- What do the Old and New Testament Bible teach us about God’s sovereignty?
- Do you feel someone can do whatever they wish with what they rightly own?
- Why do you suppose you were asked to read this text?
- In verses 4 & 5, to whom is God’s anger directed?
- Do you feel God is speaking directly to our day in verse 5? Explain your answer?
- Write down three (3) things that God reveals about the Chaldeans (Babylonians)?
- According to God, what was the disposition of mankind? Is this apostasy?
- What is the punishment God sends?
- What is the disposition of those in the Northern Kingdom? Is this apostasy?
- What is the punishment God sends?
- What is the prophet’s confusion about the Holy God? (verses 12-13)
- Does the prophet accuse God of rewarding the wicked? (verses 14-17)
The Great Apostasy is a concept within Christianity, identifiable at least from the time of the Reformation, to describe a perception that the early apostolic Church has fallen away from the original faith founded by Jesus and promulgated through his twelve Apostles. Protestants used the term to describe the perceived fallen state of traditional Christianity, especially the Roman Catholic Church, because they claim it changed the doctrines of the early church and allowed traditional Greco-Roman culture (i.e.Greco-Roman mysteries, deities of solar monism such as Mithras and Sol Invictus, pagan festivals and Mithraic sun worship and idol worship) into the church on its own perception of authority. Because it made these changes using claims of tradition and not from scripture, the Church – in the opinion of those adhering to this concept – has fallen into apostasy. A major thread of this perception is the suggestion that, to attract and convert people to Christianity, the church in Rome incorporated pagan beliefs and practices within the Christian religion, mostly Graeco-Roman rituals, mysteries, and festivals. For example, Easter has been described as a pagan substitute for the Jewish Passover, although neither Jesus nor his Apostles enjoined the keeping of this or any other festival.
The term is derived from the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians, in which the Apostle Paul informs the Christians of Thessalonica that a great apostasy must occur before the return of Christ, when “the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction” (chapter 2:1–12). The Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches have interpreted this chapter as referring to a future falling-away, during the reign of the Antichrist at the end of time.
- Why do you supposed God instructed the prophet to write this time?
- In verse 3, what specifically does God declare about The Vision? Are these only for Habakkuk‘s day?
- Why is verse 4 so important for Christians? [hint: Romans 1:16-17 and Matthew 4:1-4
- What is strange about God’s word to Moses concerning Pharaoh?
- What precipitates God’s people being released from bondage in Egypt?
- Do you now see a pattern in God’s judgement and the liberation of the righteous (even going back to Noah)?
- Who does the scriptures say sends a strong delusion to unbelievers?
- Can you see any connection between this scripture and the text of the prophet Habakkuk?
- Name three (3) attributes of the non-righteous as described in verses 4 & 5?
- Who does the vision describe as mounting an uprising? What are some of it’s facets? [verses 6-13]
- What do you make of verse 14 in the midst of all the described “woes?”
- What is oddly happening to a church whose faith is growing and love for each other is increasing?
- According to Paul, your answer to the prior question is called what? [verses 5-6]
- In this text, what clearly happens when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven?
- What does Paul say in this short text that is disturbing to you?
- While this letter is written to Timothy, who do you believe is the “They,” Paul speaks of?
- Write your thoughts on terms like: a. drunkeness or drunk with wine b. expose one’s nakedness c. uncircumcision
- What is in the Lord’s right hand? [verse 16]
- What does God say about idols? [verses 18-19]
- Why do you think verse 20 is often used as a Doxology in church worship?
- What “woe” is pronounced to the earth and sea?
- What attribute is given to an image in the chap 13 reading?
- What is the prophecy for those who worship the beast and have his mark?
- Verse 1 mentions Shigionoth, which suggests this may be a passionate songwith rapid rhythm changes or a dirge — Can you see or sense this while reading?
- Why would the prophet be singing? How often and for what reasons do you yourself sing?
- What images jump out at you or what feelings do you have while reading these verses?
- Be sure to look up unfamiliar words or terms (i.e. Teman, tents of Cushan, etc)
- Does the prophet rightly summarize the vision he received? Which verses in particular retell the vision?
- Does verse 13 reiterate Sunday’s message concerning two cups offered by God?
- Who in prophecy or Revelation is the “leader of the house of the wicked?”
- Verse 14 says this leader’s head will be pierced. Compare this with Genesis 3:13-15.Do you see any connection in these scriptures?
- Describe the prophet’s final feelings? As a Christian thinking about it all, have you ever had similar feelings?
- Reading these verses, do you feel Habakkuk is committed to (Hbk 2:4b) “just living by faith?”
- As a church, our theme for the year is — “I pray your strength in the Lord.” What perfect response does the prophet give us to this sentiment in verse 19?
- Do you feel you have grown and/or been enlightened by this study? Explain you answer.
Seven Spiritual Strength Exercises
Spring 2020
- Understand God’s desire for humankind
- Understand the establishment of the family
- YOUR TASK: share scriptures that deal with family relationships is the context of the following:
1. SPEND MORE TIME WITH LOVING, ENCOURAGING FAMILY/FRIENDS.
Think of your relationships for a moment, does it paint a picture that you’d like to improve?
Some of your best moments in life can be with family, but some others may not be so memorable. Don’t hold on to the negative memories – they’re too much of a burden to bear. Release them and know that they will be taken care of for you. You are meant to be happy and enjoy life, especially happy times with those who you are close with. When you’re focused on being spiritually centered, you are always divinely protected. Some negative thoughts can come up and try to bring you down, but you can be confident in your spiritual strength, letting it speak for you – kind of like a bodyguard!
Give this time with your family or friends the attention and love it deserves. When your heart opens up to your loved ones this way, new patterns and thoughts develop in you. From these new thoughts, you can build the foundation to healthier relationships.
Take action to show those important to you how much you appreciate them. It can be as simple as a phone call or email to warm someone’s heart. It could even turn their whole life around.
- Notice how singular and combined events in the family define the overall relationships
- Understand how true friendships are established and why these bonds turn into family
- Look closely at Exercise 1 again– what is the key word or words
1. SPEND MORE TIME WITH LOVING, ENCOURAGING FAMILY/FRIENDS.
Think of your relationships for a moment, does it paint a picture that you’d like to improve?
Some of your best moments in life can be with family, but some others may not be so memorable. Don’t hold on to the negative memories – they’re too much of a burden to bear. Release them and know that they will be taken care of for you. You are meant to be happy and enjoy life, especially happy times with those who you are close with. When you’re focused on being spiritually centered, you are always divinely protected. Some negative thoughts can come up and try to bring you down, but you can be confident in your spiritual strength, letting it speak for you – kind of like a bodyguard!
Give this time with your family or friends the attention and love it deserves. When your heart opens up to your loved ones this way, new patterns and thoughts develop in you. From these new thoughts, you can build the foundation to healthier relationships.
Take action to show those important to you how much you appreciate them. It can be as simple as a phone call or email to warm someone’s heart. It could even turn their whole life around.
- Can you understand God’s kingdom plan and who is included as family?
- Do you understand the major ministry for the church?
- As you plan to incorporate Exercise 1 in your life, is it clear who you will include?
1. SPEND MORE TIME WITH LOVING, ENCOURAGING FAMILY/FRIENDS.
Think of your relationships for a moment, does it paint a picture that you’d like to improve?
Some of your best moments in life can be with family, but some others may not be somemorable. Don’t hold on to the negative memories – they’re too much of a burden to bear. Release them and know that they will be taken care of for you. You are meant to be happy and enjoy life, especially happy times with those who you are close with. When you’re focused on being spiritually centered, you are always divinely protected. Some negative thoughts can come up and try to bring you down, but you can be confident in your spiritual strength, letting it speak for you – kind of like a bodyguard!
Give this time with your family or friends the attention and love it deserves. When your heart opens up to your loved ones this way, new patterns and thoughts develop in you. From these new thoughts, you can build the foundation to healthier relationships.
Take action to show those important to you how much you appreciate them. It can be as simple as a phone call or email to warm someone’s heart. It could even turn their whole life around.
- In 1 Kings 19, how did Elijah disconnect from all that was bothering him and what was the resulting outcomes?
- Read Matthew 4:1-11; Who led Jesus to the wilderness? What can you define as a place of wilderness for your life today?
- Where is John when he gets the inspiration of the Revelation? Why do you think the place is important?
What is another ONE WORD religious practice that we can employ to participate in this particular exercise?
3. REDUCE DISTRACTIONS (TV, RADIO, INTERNET, NEWSPAPER)
Media can fill your mind with thousands of ads, episodes, and events that are nowhere near vital to living your best life. When you reduce the absorption of participating in these activities, there is far less manufactured stimuli being fed in, and your brain has a chance to be silent. These moments of silence gives you an opportunity to strengthen your spiritual connection and those around you.
And if you’re not ready to give these things up or reduce your intake (we understand), just try to sharpen your focus on what you DO want to see (like Power of Positivity), rather than what you don’t.
- In 1 Kings 19, how did Elijah disconnect from all that was bothering him and what was the resulting outcomes?
- Read Matthew 4:1-11; Who led Jesus to the wilderness? What can you define as a place of wilderness for your life today?
- Where is John when he gets the inspiration of the Revelation? Why do you think the place is important?
What is another ONE WORD religious practice that we can employ to participate in this particular exercise?
3. REDUCE DISTRACTIONS (TV, RADIO, INTERNET, NEWSPAPER)
Media can fill your mind with thousands of ads, episodes, and events that are nowhere near vital to living your best life. When you reduce the absorption of participating in these activities, there is far less manufactured stimuli being fed in, and your brain has a chance to be silent. These moments of silence gives you an opportunity to strengthen your spiritual connection and those around you.
And if you’re not ready to give these things up or reduce your intake (we understand), just try to sharpen your focus on what you DO want to see (like Power of Positivity), rather than what you don’t.
- In Esther 3:1-6, what is the tension described and who would you say has the problem?
- What is the reason for Mordacai’s actions or inaction? Is he justified, in your opinion?
- In Proverbs 15, jot down a few scriptures that speak to you? Tell why?
4. OBSERVE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU.
It’s very important to send positive energy to others as well as opening up to receive it yourself. There’s no room in this life to judge others, as you may be judged by others for your own actions. Focusing on pain, gossip, fear, or sadness does not serve anyone.
The energy you send others can help them hurdle their challenge, or stumble trip and fall. Be kind to all people. See the good (and the God) in them and help try to amplify that voice to help lead them to their best life. You may have no idea the kind of battle they’re fighting right now – the energy you send them is very important.
- What bothered David’s wife Michal when he brought the Ark of the Covenant into the City of David?
- In this particular instance, who do you feel is in the right?
- In the second reading (chapter 16), what odd thing does King David say about Shemei cursing him (verse 10)?
- Why is what David says profound to Christians and the community of faith?
- Have you ever given a person a reason to curse you? Have you resolved the ordeal?
4. OBSERVE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU.
It’s very important to send positive energy to others as well as opening up to receive it yourself. There’s no room in this life to judge others, as you may be judged by others for your own actions. Focusing on pain, gossip, fear, or sadness does not serve anyone.
The energy you send others can help them hurdle their challenge, or stumble trip and fall. Be kind to all people. See the good (and the God) in them and help try to amplify that voice to help lead them to their best life. You may have no idea the kind of battle they’re fighting right now – the energy you send them is very important.
- At this juncture in your life, what is YOUR GREATEST FEAR? Be honest and name it?
- Consider (again) the 1 Kings 19 reading. Why is the Prophet Elijah afraid given all the Lord has done for him?
- In the Matthew 8 scripture, what direct question does Jesus ask the disciples? What is your answer if the Lord ask you the same?
- In Esther 4, Queen Esther names her fear– write down what it is?
- In the final verses of Esther 4, the Queen makes a declaration showing she has moved to Faith — What is it?
5. STEP OUT IN FAITH
Be confident to stand strong in the face of adversity. Know that the Divine has got your back, and that a bigger breakthrough is in store for you beyond your challenges. There may be forces that have an investment in keeping you from receiving your best life, but when you decide to stand up or speak out, knowing that your faith is bigger than your fear, the illusion of fear that’s trying to hold you down will diminish and eventually disappear.
You become stronger and wiser when you step out in faith. The lessons brought about by all people and situations we come into contact with are our teachers AND our exams – take this chance to get an A+!
- RUTH
- DORCAS
- JOSES, also called BARNABAS
- The GOOD SAMARITAN
6. BE OF SERVICE TO OTHERS
History shows that the most spiritually strong, peaceful, loving people were focused on being of service to others. Jesus, Buddha, Mother Teresa, Gandhi… the list goes on. There is real power and peace in service for its own sake. Take time to help someone in need or share a contact with them who can. You don’t have to be special to be the turning point in someone’s life – every person you encounter is brought to you for a specific reason.
Serve the situation and your spiritual strength will surely grow.
- Job 1:1-5
- Daniel 6:1-14
7. MAKE PRAYER/MEDITATION A HABIT.
Regular observance of the “unseen” helpers and guides, angels, or whomever you call on that surrounds you, will cause a change in you. A great exercise for spiritual strength is to pray or meditate (however you prefer) at least two times a day.
Prayer or meditation usually has a formal beginning like “Dear God,” or “Dear Heavenly Father,” or “Oh Great Healing Spirit.” Other faiths have specific rituals, such as the Muslim religion reciting “The Opening” in a specific posture. It can be practiced in a variety of ways and positions, but all will ultimately help build your spiritual strength and lead you to your best life. As you pray/meditate, sit quietly and allow the divine to come into you to strengthen and illuminate your spirit. Keep your requests in the positive tense, focusing on healing instead of sickness or disease, abundance instead of scarcity, and so on. If you acknowledge the negative energy, you claim ownership to it and allow it to stay in your life. Flood it with the positive!
Peace and grace all —