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Thursday Bible Study, 24th November, 2022
Introduction
Text: Matt. 18: 15-22; Genesis 32: 1-21
We are encouraged to live in harmony, avoid irritable behavior that could result in misunderstanding, quarrel, disagreement, hatred, and possible fight because we are commanded to love one another (Jn. 13: 34-35). However, because of human fallen nature, differences can develop among individuals. But it should not be overlooked or by-passed, otherwise matters could go from bad to worse. As a matter of fact, Jacob`s careful strategy to appease his brother highlights the idea that instead of a change of heart, man may choose to scheme to resolve problem(s). We are going to study the pattern and procedure laid down by Jesus for solving and resolving problems and conflicts in a relationship that can lead to repentance among brethren in Matthew 18.
Jacob is the twin brother of Esau, second-born of Isaac, and Rebecca, as well grandson of Abraham and Sarah. According to Gen. 27: 29-41, two times, Jacob supplanted Esau and had to leave Canaan for about 20 years.
A. Read Gen. 26: 21-28 and 27: 1-13. Evaluate the moral qualities of Esau and Jacob, Isaac and Rebecca and list out the things you consider important to mention.
B. Although Esau had vowed to kill Jacob according to Gen. 27: 41, Jacob is returning, rich in flocks, herds, and servants (Gen. 32: 1-10). What do you think could have been responsible for Jacob`s blessings?
C. In Gen. 32: 11 we have Jacob praying. Comment on Jacob`s opinion about his brother, when he prays, what he prays and why?
Note: To be continued.
Thursday Bible Study, 27th October, 2022
Introduction
Text: Exodus 20: 1-17
God gave the 10 Commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai as described in Exodus 20: 1-17. It was a direct command from God that is uncommon in those days. It is the most appropriate way that God has expressed himself considering how He wanted them to show love for Him and their fellow humans. Looking at it closely, the Commandments is grouped into man`s relationship to God (Exo. 20: 1-11) and man`s relationship with humans in the community (Exo. 20: 12-17). Today`s study is about the broader implication of the law given to Moses.
Considering the emphasis on the return of Christ these days, is keeping the 10 Commandments able to instruct man to live a good life and get save on the day of judgment?
A. Why did God have to introduced Himself in Exo. 20: 1-2 before the historical prologue and the general description of the law?
B. The word, “I am” in Exo. 20: 1-2 appears to be in the present tense. By using “I am” to describe God, what does that underscores from the reference in Exo. 3: 1-6.
C. It is strange to hear but strangely true that before the law, the Israelites were not sensitive to their moral state. Explain what this means using Romans 3: 20
Reflecting on why the law is given, read James 2: 10 and Galatians 3: 9-16. Highlight and illustrate with emphasis the broader implication of the Mosaic law.
A. Man`s whole moral duty is summarized in Matt. 22: 37-40. What in your opinion does it mean to say the whole commandments hangs on the law and the prophets?B. In Matt. 5: 17-20, when Jesus said, I did not come to abolish the purpose of the law or the prophets but to accomplish it. What does He mean and what sort of righteousness was it about the Scribes and Pharisees that Jesus condemned?
C. Notice that Jesus said keeping the law is necessary for one to enter life in Matt 19:16-22 and Mk. 10: 17-23. From Romans 3: 28, discuss if keeping the law can save one on the day of judgment?
Reading from Mk.12:18-28, Jesus accused the Sadducees of error regarding the resurrection. What additional information did you find about the Scribe in Matt. 22: 23-36 that might have prompted him to ask Jesus about the first commandment?
A. Explain as Good news what it means and how in a fallen state we can love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength in Mk. 12: 29-34.
B. Define who is a neighbor and explain the statement that “A neighbor begins and starts with oneself.”
C. What do you think makes Jesus to feel the Scribe is close to the kingdom of God?
Once, Jesus responded to a pharisee with a parable about the Good Samaritan concerning who a neighbor is in Luke 10: 25-37. Briefly summarize what you read from the story.
A. What made the Samaritan to help, and the Priest and Levite not help – Discuss any reason(s) why you want to help and do not want to help?
B. What are somethings we can be doing to really show we love people?
Use 1 John 4: 7 - 21 and explain the statement, “You cannot love without having the life of Christ in you.” In simple words, what does it mean to say that what the law demands is produce in us in 1 John 4: 16?
A. Describe with examples any social and spiritual situations that can provoke pity in a believer, and what are the things that we can be doing to show we really love people?
B. Paul puts forward a list of adversities and adversaries. Have you compromised during any of the listed situations?
Thursday Bible Study, 29th September, 2022
Introduction
Text: Acts 16 - 17: 1-10; 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-12
The Book of Acts 16 - 17: 1-10 gives us context for our study about Paul`s visit and ministry to Thessalonica during his first missionary visit in 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-12. Following the reading, you will discover that despite countless trials along the way, Paul faithfully preached the gospel in the synagogue. The study today is evangelistic, full of affection and encouragement, as well speaking to us about mission and outcome of faithful witnessing even as we plan on reaching people with the Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ.
From Acts 16: 1-5, what does the grammar in verses 1-2 likely suggests about Timothy`s parents and how is Timothy a suitable asset for the mission that Paul wanted Timothy on the team.
A. What commendable qualities have you noticed about Timothy and his background that if simply applied to mission would essentially make a difference?
B. A second view of Acts 16:3 says Paul had Timothy circumcised because of the Jews. What connection have the Jews to his circumcision, and is there any implication if it has been otherwise?
C. Paul considered Timothy to be circumcise, but hesitant regarding Titus who was a Greek to be circumcised in Gal. 2: 3-5. Read to justify Paul`s action from Acts 15:23-29 and 1 Corinthians. 9: 19 – 23.
Macedonia is on the mainland of Greece and the cities of Philippi and Thessalonica were located there (16:12). Read Acts 16: 6-10 and discuss what churches can learn that is missional about Timothy and why Paul and his team came down to Troas?
A. In Col. 4: 14; Luke 1: 1- 4, Luke was a physician and Paul`s traveling companion. Looking at the pronoun in Acts 16: 6;11, what happened, and how should that shape our view and thinking towards the mission?
B. On a broad view, Paul preached in the synagogue in Thessalonica on a sabbath as was his custom in Acts 17: 1-4. Explain why this is highly unlikely according to Acts 16:11-15.
C. Lydia`s business enabled her to acquire a house large enough to accommodate Paul and his team. How did Lydia heard Paul, and what can you say about her and her household to proof God`s sovereignty in salvation in everything we do?
We sometimes doubt that humans can serve as medium in contact with demons and supposedly predict the future that people doubt as true. Reading from Acts 16: 16-18, what is wrong with the slave girl, especially in her cry/call of the God of Israel.
A. What difference has spirit of divination and fortune-telling from psychics, witches, palmistry, and face reading? Discuss how 1 John 4: 1-4 influenced Paul’s action and its implication on us about the injunction Moses gave to the Israelites in Deut. 18: 9 -14.
B. What does James 4: 13-17 tells us about the increasing rate at which people die suddenly after seeing them cheerful? Mention and discuss five lessons from James 4:13-17 with regards to the future.
C. The action of Paul and Silas in Acts 16: 16-19 deprives the Slave girl`s fortune-telling ability. Illustrate the grace of God on the girl from their action.
D. Mention any reason to proof why Satan masquerades (2 Corinth. 2: 11; 11: 14) and why we should not be ignorant of his devices considering what angers her owner.
Who were not seized and put in prison along with "Paul and Silas," what possibly explain the reason? What can you say to explain the charges against Paul and Silas in Acts 16:20-24 considering Acts 16: 35-40?
A. Midnight praises was followed by a Supernatural act of God in Acts 25- 33. Discuss the happy end of the Jailer. What is most unfortunate about the Jailer that is applicable to men?
B. Paul and Silas were being falsely accused, unjustly beaten and jailed. Using Matt. 5:44; James 1: 2-8, 1 Thess. 5: 16-18, explain why they were praising God. What could have been the reason why they refused to run from the prison when they had the chance?
C. According to Acts 16: 35-40, the magistrate that disrespected and wrongfully treated Paul and Silas was alarmed when he heard they were Roman citizen. Why did Paul allowed himself to be beaten as a Roman citizen, but use his citizenship to escape punishment in Acts 22: 22-29?
Paul and Luke reported how the Jews responded to Paul`s ministry in Philippi and Thessalonica (1 Thess. 2: 1-2; Acts 17: 5-8). What in 1 Thess. 2: 13-16 makes Paul`s ministry in Thessalonica not to be in vain but fruitful?
A. Paul prevents himself and his ministry from being discredited, he ministered as one approved by God. With 1 Thess. 2: 3-12, list and explain what Paul emphasized that accounts for his being approved by God.
B. Paul used the imagery of a nursing mother and a father as a portrayal of his manner of care and pure life in 1 Thess. 2: 7;11; As Christ willingly gave his life, what examples can you give to explain how this is different today?
C. What did Paul use to distinctively show how he differ from those who criticize him, what did he refer to verify every truth about himself and why in verses 5 and 10?
Thursday Bible Study, 16th September, 2022
Introduction
1 Thessalonians 2: 1-12; Acts 16 - 17: 1-10
The Book of Acts 16 - 17: 1-10 gives us context for our study about Paul`s visit and ministry to Thessalonica during his first missionary visit in 1 Thessalonians 2: 1-12. Following the reading, you will discover that despite countless trials along the way, Paul faithfully preached the gospel in the synagogue. The study today is evangelistic, full of affection and encouragement, as well speaking to us about mission and outcome of faithful witnessing even as we planned on reaching people with the Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ.
From Acts 16: 1-5, what does the grammar in verses 1-2 likely suggests about Timothy`s parents and how is Timothy a suitable asset for the mission that Paul wanted Timothy on the team.
A. What commendable qualities have you noticed about Timothy and his background that if simply applied to mission would essentially make a difference?
B. A second view of Acts 16: 3 says Paul had Timothy circumcised because of the Jews. What connection have the Jews to his circumcision, and is there any implication if it has been otherwise?
C. Paul considered Timothy to be circumcise, but hesitant regarding Titus who was a Greek to be circumcised in Gal. 2: 3-5. Read to justify Paul`s action from Acts 15:23-29 and 1 Corinthians. 9: 19 – 23.
Macedonia is on the mainland of Greece and the cities of Philippi and Thessalonica were located there (16:12). Read Acts 16: 6-10 and discuss what churches can learn that is missional about Timothy and why Paul and his team came down to Troas?
A. In Col. 4: 14; Luke 1: 1- 4, Luke was a physician and Paul`s traveling companion. Looking at the pronoun in Acts 16: 6;11, what happened, and how should that shape our view and thinking towards the mission?
B. On a broad view, Paul preached in the synagogue in Thessalonica on a sabbath as was his custom in Acts 17: 1-4. Explain why this is highly unlikely according to Acts 16:1-15.
C. Lydia`s business enabled her to acquire a house large enough to accommodate Paul and his team. How did Lydia heard Paul, and what can you say about her and her household to proof God`s sovereignty in salvation in everything we do?
We sometimes doubt that humans can serve as medium in contact with demons and supposedly predict the future that people doubt as true. Reading from Acts 16: 16-18, what is wrong with the slave girl, especially in her cry/call of the God of Israel.
A. What difference has spirit of divination and fortune-telling from psychics, witches, palmistry, and face reading? Discuss how 1 John 4 influenced Paul’s action and its implication on us about the injunction Moses gave to the Israelites in Deut. 18: 9 -14.
B. What are the charges against Paul and Silas in Acts 16:19 -24, and who were not
"seized" along with "Paul and Silas" - explain the possible reason(s)?
C. From Acts 25- 40, discuss how true it is that the magistrates did not uphold justice
since Paul and Silas were being falsely accused, unjustly beaten and jailed. What
explains why their reaction was different from the jailer (Matt. 5: 44; James 1: 2-8).
D. Paul and Silas were disrespected and wrongfully treated that they almost lost their
lives. Why in your opinion did Paul refused to claim/state his Roman citizenship
earlier until they came out of prison?
4. Paul and Luke reported how the Jews responded to Paul`s ministry in Philippi and
Thessalonica (1 Thess. 2: 1-2; Acts 17: 5-8). What in 1 Thess. 2: 13-16 makes Paul`s
ministry in Thessalonica not to be in vain but fruitful?
A. Paul prevents himself and his ministry from being discredited, he ministered as one
approved by God. With 1 Thess. 2: 3-12, list and explain what Paul emphasized that
accounts for his being approved by God.
B. Paul used the imagery of a nursing mother and a father as a portrayal of his manner of
care and pure life in 1 Thess. 2: 7;11; As Christ willingly gave his life, what
examples can you give to explain how this is different today?
C. What did Paul use to distinctively show how he differ from those who criticize him,
what did he refer to verify every truth about himself and why in verses 5 and 10?
Thursday Bible Study, July 28, 2022
Introduction
We all appear to be on fire by what the Lord has poured into our hearts from the just concluded retreat. But the way to keeping a fire burning is looking ahead to what the Lord was calling on us to be doing. Part of what we discussed and planned to be doing is directly referenced in the Bible and we must be uncompromising in our lifestyle to share the gospel. You know, we would not be right to refer to ourselves as saved ignoring the fact that like the jailer, many are asking, “What must I do to be saved?” Acts 16: 30-31. Like Paul, today`s study is to prepare us to respond, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”
Paul in Ephesians. 4: 1-3 is showing the foundation upon which we must ground our mission. Mention anything Paul was pointing attention to that we must seek to be doing daily.
A. Reflecting on Ephesians. 4: 1-3, share a situation where a particular objective was not achieved in the church because of lack of unity and suggest anything we should be doing to preserve our unity in the homeland.
B. In Phil. 3: 2-7, Paul talked of his confidence in the flesh. He told the Philippians to seek whatever is righteous in Phil.4: 1-3. Thereafter, Paul appealed to Euodia and Syntyche to agree in Phil.4: 1-3 and told the Philippians to do whatever is righteous by settling them. How is his wisdom helpful in settling public matter?
C. Partnership is a familiar concept according to Amos 3: 3; 1 Corinthians 3: 5-7; Prov. 27: 17 and Phil. 1: 3-5. From these passages, discuss with example(s) the attitude that can either encourage or discourage gospel partnership in a significant way.
D. Partnership involves teamworking, interacting with people, joining of ideas, blending programs, assisting others, and setting up activities. In what practical ways can we accustom ourselves to advance the gospel using any of these means?
Far from home in Ephesus, Apollos became mighty in Scripture and effective preacher according to Acts 18: 24-28. Discuss how it all happened looking at the lives of Priscilla and Aquilla.
A. Considering what Priscilla and Aquilla did to Apollos, how does that help you apply Titus 2:3 -5? Mention and discuss some practical things we could be doing.
B. Read 1 Peter 3: 13-16. How does this serve as a warning to you? Thoughtfully consider why meekness, fear and good conscience are mentioned in our hope to be defending our faith in 1 Peter 3: 13-16.
C. List the opportunities available to you to witness that you never thought of or that you have been neglecting. How would you want the church to come alongside and help you understand the gospel and how to witness more accurately?
D. Read 1 Corinthians 9: 19-22 and explain how you comprehend what Paul is saying? Discuss how religion, hours at work, knowledge, fear, recognition, and identity is a spiritual warfare and barriers to soul winning. How can this battle be fought from continuing?
Two great commandments are to love God and love others. Apart from love for God and others, how is accepting hospitality more than sharing meal in Rm. 12: 13; 1 Tim. 5: 10; Hebrews13:2; 1 Peter 4:9; Gen. 18: 1-8; Acts 2: 44-45
A. Because the practice of giving and accepting hospitality is a way of identifying with people and making community, what can we be doing as a mission to intentionally increase and preserve this practice seeing the diversity in Canada.
B. We learn about the different roles in the life of a church that are used to equip all saints to function in ministry from Ephe. 4:11. Explain that in view of Andrew meeting the Messiah and running to find his brother in John 1: 35-40.
C. John 4: 1- 42 highlights the length Jesus goes out of his way to go through Samaria to interact with a woman. Describe anytime you went off your way to start up a conversation. What is the nature of the conversation, and how has that led to a conviction to accept Christ?