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Thursday Bible Study, 20th April, 2023
Title : Working with Conviction and Courage
Introduction:
The body of Christ is supposed to be a team or group of people working together for the expansion of God`s kingdom. According to Eccl. 4: 9 – 10, two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one because human beings are social creatures and major achievements have not been the result of a single person working in isolation. That is why complex tasks require coordination of different people working together and successful church work is always the result of teamwork. In addition, teamwork allows church members to blend their strengths and perspective to achieve spiritual mission purposes. In one sense, our study is concerned with Nehemiah who chronicles the third return to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem (ca. 445 BC) after the second return led by Ezra (458 BC) to explain the challenges that comes with God`s work and the need for collaborative teamwork and the creation of a positive environment that will provide opportunity for people to use their God-given talents and spiritual gifts to serve.
True to God`s promise of judgement and because the Israelites persisted in their unfaithfulness to the covenant, God chastised them with 70 years of captivity in Babylon (Jer. 25: 11). But God`s covenant influence him to look favorably upon the Jews as the book of Esther gives a glimpse of the Jews in Persia when Haman attempted to eliminate the Jewish race.
A. Considering Ezra 1: 1-11 about the Israelites period of second return from exile after Zerubbabel and Joshua (Ezra 1-6), what did King Cyrus do that reflects the powerful testimony about God`s greatness in Isaiah 45: 13.
B. Neh. 1: 1-11 records a report to Nehemiah about Judah, his reaction and prayer. In addition to Neh. 2: 1-8, what do you understand about Nehemiah`s relationship to Susa and Judah that was responsible for his actions - Mentioned and discus anything significant that you find in his prayer.
From Neh. 2: 17-18, after Nehemiah had inspected Jerusalem, he was distressed by what he saw. Looking at the credentials of Nehemiah, why do you think he should worry, and why did the sight of the wall and gates of Jerusalem matter so much to him (See, Eze. 22: 25-30; Job 1: 10; Song of songs 8: 10; Jn. 10: 7; Rev. 21: 12; Gen. 22: 12, Prov. 1; 25: 28, Gen. 19: 1, Deut. 21: 18-21)
A. In view of other historical notes, why do you think Nehemiah felt the task of building the wall requires faithful cooperation, teamwork, as well as discerning between genuine offers of help.
B. Harsh words, divisive questions, and rude comments might be the ways people come against us. Comment on the remarks of Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem for what was intended in Neh. 2: 9-10; 19-20; 4: 1-3.
Obedience to God does not remove opposition. Suffice this to mean the more we live out our faith in Christ, the more people will oppose what they don`t fully understand. How does 1 Peter 4: 12-16; Rm. 12: 17-19,21 help to prepare us when we are wronged.
A. Despite opposition, harassment and attack, the community of faith built a massive stone wall around Jerusalem in 52 days. How did Nehemiah take those opposing him, and how did he get the courage to come halfway in the work (See, Neh. 4: 4-6).
B. Satan`s scheme is to discourage God`s work. Ezra 6: 19-22 reveals a setback, the Jews stopped the temple work in Ezra 4: 9-16, 21. Use this statement to support what accounts for full scale opposition in Neh. 4: 7-8 and Satan`s strategy in Neh. 4:10-11 to stop the wall halfway to its completion.
What asked the Israelites to bring out their swords, spears, and bows. In other words, he asked them to bring their armor. To put things in perspective, read Ephe. 6: 10-18; 2 Corinth. 10: 4-6; I Jn. 4:4 and explain what it means.
A. Read Sanballat`s friendly offer in Neh. 6: 1-4. Think about the subtlety and what it was all about - Review Exo. 12: 1-13 and discuss the events that lead to a greater deliverance. What in your opinion makes people accept friendly offers blindly?
B. The wall has reached its completion, enemies intimidating the Israelites were stunned (Neh. 6: 15 – 16). An account of the wall dedication service appears in Neh.12: 27 – 43. Reflect and comment on this joyous time of worship, singing, and celebration.
C. Once again, take note of the description of Jerusalem`s physical structures and the condition of the people in Neh. 1: 1-3. Has that helped or changed your thought on the work of God and the way you should put to work the talents and spiritual gifts which God has given you?
Thursday Bible Study, 9th March, 2023
Introduction
As mentioned during our last study, hard and dangerous times are before us that has caused the loss of loved ones. What we have left is their memory and the pains of how to deal with changing roles. For some families is like a combination of many factors. For the most part, when someone dies the whole family system is blown off because grieving members find themselves terribly confused and disappointed leaving them with no answer why it happened. The narrative for our study in 2 kings 4: 1-7 and 2 Kings 6: 1-7 is most instructive and might stand as example before us because we are not secure from the common hazards of life including death. Although some of us have not experienced bereavement like the woman in our study, we can feel her pain.
Sometimes, other reasons are connected to our pains. For example, the nation of Israel steeped into idol worship for several years during the time of Elijah. During the period, God humbled Israel with severe drought and famine to get their attention and set the nation on a path toward spiritual revival and prepare them for reform.
Unlike the widow who lost her husband and the Israelites, the story about the son of the prophet in 2 Kings 6: 1-7 is different. As we know, Elisha`s ministry was filled with miracles to demonstrate God`s compassion, care, provision, and comfort. This study is aimed to teach us that being in debt has mild and severe consequences and we need to fill our hearts and minds with God who work out things for our own good (See: Romans 8: 28; Psa. 32: 8; Psa. 37: 23- 24; 1 Cor. 2: 9)
The Bible provides valuable historical insights about debt before the institution of slavery into the days of the early church. Define debt and discuss the different lessons about debt from Deut. 15: 1-6; 1 Sam. 22: 2-4; Col.2: 14; Matt. 18: 21-34; Prov. 6: 1-2, 15; 22: 26, Neh. 10: 28-31; Exo. 22: 14.
A. We often attach wrong reasons in every debt situation without considering what precedes the action. Discuss what was responsible for the debt in 2 kings 4: 1 - 7 and 2 kings 6: 1 – 7.
B. In 2 Kgs 6: 1-2 and 2 Kgs 4: 1, what exactly is the prophet`s sons aim for inviting Elisha, and why does the woman approach Elisha? Carefully observe how Elisha spoke to them with the deepest sympathy and discuss the action of anyone in the story that capture your attention especially the children of the woman.
C. According to Lev. 25: 35-38, Exo. 22: 22-27, lending and borrowing are naturally true and sometimes necessary. From Prov. 22: 7, mention 2 things that lending and borrowing does. With a few examples discuss a time when you lend or borrow because it was wise to do so.
What can you remember that you did that you wish you did not that arrived you in debt taking. Have you ever thought you would be unsuccessful in paying the debt, and did anyone you trust will help feel dispirited about it or hasten with greater vigor to work and assist to ensure the debt is paid?
A. Reference to James 4: 13-15, explain how pursuing our will is one other way that a debt can be created.
B. From Jer. 15: 10-11, lending and borrowing can lead to tension and conflict. Hence, future judgments are said to be subject to ALL in Isaiah 24: 1- 4. What expression in Isaiah 23: 9 and Isaiah 24: 4 emphasized the reason for the judgment – Assuming yourself as a lender or borrower, what have you learned in the way you`re supposed to conduct yourself.
Slaves were the tools of their masters, and they constitute a good number of the population during the Old Testament times. Likewise, Creditors have limited powers. Otherwise, Slaves could be bought, sold, inherited, exchanged, or seized to pay their Creditor or lender`s debt endlessly.
A. By the New Testament times, Christianity undermines the principles and evils of slavery by changing the hearts of slaves and masters. What in your opinion is being stressed to buttress the equality of master and slave from these passages, Gal. 3: 26-29; Ephe. 6: 5 - 9; Col. 4: 1.
B. The parable of the Unmerciful Servant in Matt. 18: 21-35 shows that Jesus has reconciled us to God, a huge debt we cannot pay. In view of Philem. 10 - 18, explain the idea that Philemon owed Paul something far greater than the material debt Paul was offering to repay.
Thursday Bible Study, 26th January, 2023
Introduction
Nowadays the list of global threats ranging from war, civil unrest, natural disaster on land and sea, terrorism, failure of governments, violence, and crime is heard everywhere. Suffice this to mean, people have transitioned into 2023 with great anxiety and fear and we all transitioned into 2023 with hope for things to change, or even a better world and rest from these threats. However, there is no such promise as a world free of trouble – In fact, we were told to expect them but admonished to be strong in our faith and trust God (John 16: 33; 1 Pet. 4: 12, 5: 8-9; Rev. 2: 10; Rom. 8: 18) The book of Exodus and Joshua connects the transition of Israel from bondage to settlement and rest and underscores rest to be the result of victory or freedom from something including sin to possession of inheritance and rest. The events of their transition throws light on the power of God to release us from threats into victory, possession, and rest. But what kind of rest does the Bible promised in Canaan? Today`s study, will review the situation of the Israelites in Exodus to help us remember God`s word to Joshua, how the Israelites obeyed and cross the Jordan to encourage us on how to live faithfully in this world while looking forward to God`s promised joyful rest to those who believe and trusted Him.
Transition is a part of life as the passage for our study highlights a transition in the lives of the Israelites. The passage has helped to introduce us to useful ideas and point out the fact that nations, families, and individuals go through transition.
A. Mention a few transition that a nation, group of people or an individual may experience and the possibility of barriers against achieving expected goals.
B. Comment on the statement, transitioning isn`t necessarily a straight line of action and does not usually follow a direct route.
C. In Josh. 3: 5-17, what command did God gave Joshua or a combination of things the Israelites should do to make sure things follow up well in their transition from slavery into freedom in the promised land. Discuss the implication of each command.
Read the detailed instruction about the Passover in Exo. 12: 1-14. Analyze any of the pieces and discuss anything significant about this life changing command. Discuss why it challenged and motivated their action.
A. According to Exodus 12: 1-14, to start Israel`s life as a nation, what divine degree was set by God as the beginning of the religious Calendar of the Israelites?
B. What life changing promise(s) did God make to the Israelites, and what does that Calendar and selected day marked for the Israelites?
C. Consider what the Israelites did during harsh treatment in Exo. 1: 8-14; 1: 15-21; 2: 1-4; Heb. 11: 23 and use Gen. 1: 28; 9: 1 to explain why the Israelites did what they did, and why they remained faithful to God`s command.
One of the reasons for Pharoah to release the Israelites was repeated in Exodus 8:1 and Exo. 9:1 respectively. Read Exodus 12: 31-33 and justify God`s action including the value He attaches to worshipping Him in Exodus 12: 23-30.
A. People usually make life changing resolution(s) at the beginning of every year. What goals and resolution(s) have you set and how do you plan to achieve them?
B. Read Psa. 119: 11; 1 Tim. 4: 8; 1 Corinth. 15: 58; Heb. 10: 24-25: Ephe. 5: 22-33; 2 Corinth. 7: 1, Prov. 3: 5-6; 1 Pet. 5: 5-7 to help you keep your resolutions
Reflecting on the idea that God rested from His work of creation in Gen. 2: 1-3, what do you usually do for rest when you get tired from work and how is that particularly helpful to you that you can encourage others?
A. In giving the Israelites the promised Land, God went ahead and defeat their enemies and gave them rest. Reading from Heb. 4: 8-9, today, how can we enter God`s rest?
B. There`s no mystery here about crossing the Jordan other than simple obedience. The Bible state explicitly what happened when we sinned. Think about and discuss spiritual implication of the sin of deception as a stronghold from forefather`s in Gen.12: 10-20, 26: 1-11, 27: 1-40; 37: 12-36, and compare it with the richness of the heritage of faith in 2 Timothy 1: 5
C. Are there things you cling unto that has not allow you to trust and follow Jesus?
Thursday Bible Study, 1st December, 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; Rom. 12: 16). However, because of human fallen state, we offend people and feel offended ourselves. When differences develop among individuals, the process of restoration must be followed and not overlooked or by-passed. Otherwise, matters could go from bad to worse. Jacob`s plan to appease his brother does not reflect biblical process for restoration in Matt. 18: 15-22. Instead of a change of heart, Jacob was scheming to gain his brother Esau. In other words, the New Testament prescribes a process toward resolving problems and conflicts to bring a brother to repentance for restoration in a church. Today, we are going to study the pattern and procedure adopted by Jacob, how the Lord watched what Jacob did and why he was unsuccessful in his scheming to meet and gain his bother Esau.
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 (Gen. 31: 36-41).
A. Read Gen. 25: 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 for and why.
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Note: To be continued.
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.