Thursday, October 20, 2016

"DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED. YOU BELIEVE IN GOD, BELIEVE ALSO IN ME." John 14:1

National Election
The scripture verse listed as our title for this blog is certainly timely for us at this time in our nation.
My heart does ache as I see our nation go through a very uncertain and troubling time as we anticipate a very important election of a new president on November 8. I am asking that you join me in praying that people of faith will go to the polls and vote. Yes, I agree that the decision of which candidate is the right choice is very difficult when one measures each candidates' character by our Biblical principles. May I suggest that you examine not only their character but the stated policies that they will endorse if elected. Another point to consider is the quality and belief system of each Vice President. If either Mr. Trump or Secretary Clinton were unable to fulfill their duties as President because of health issues or other issues which Vice President is the right choice.
Again, join me in praying for our nation and go to the polls and vote.

Our Bible Study for Sunday, October 23, 2016, is John 14:1-31. 

 Topics and sections:

Verse 1: General Scope of the chapter
Verses 2-4: Describes our Heavenly Dwelling Place
Verses 5-7: Thomas' Question and Jesus' Response
Verses 9-12; Philip's Question and Jesus'Response
Verses 13-15:Conditions of Prayer
Verses 16-17: Coming of our Helper
Verses 18- 21: God the Father's Love
Verses 22-25: Judas' (Thaddeus) Question and Jesus' Response
Verses 26-31: Our Advocate

Please take the time this week to read through this chapter four or five times. As Jesus interacts with his apostles, he assures them of God' love, His love, and that once he is no longer on planet earth, they will have a helper and advocate, the Holy Spirit. He communicates that after his death that they will see Him before his ascension and after his ascension he will return at some time in the future.
This is a very difficult time for his disciples. Jesus is speaking to them to prepare them for his death and departure.

Three disciples, Thomas, Philip and Judas(Thaddeus), asked three important questions.
What are these questions? What is Jesus' response?

Thomas' question:"Lord, we do not know where you are going. How do we know the way?"
Thomas' question provoked one of the greatest things that Jesus ever said.
John 14:6: "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."   

I am the Way: The Jews talked much about the way in which men must walk and the ways of God.  Read these scriptures: Deuteronomy 5:32,33; 31:29; Isaiah 30:21;  35:8; Psalm 27:11

I am the Truth: Read these scriptures: Psalm 86;11; 26:3; 119:30.

I am the Life: Read these scriptures: Proverbs 6:23; 10:17; 16:11

What is the meaning of the following words:
Heart: "Kardia" see Shepherd's Notes page 67:
Read these scriptures: Ephesians 3:18; John 12:40; Romans 1:21; 2 Peter 1:19

Another counselor:" Paraclete" See Shepherd's Notes page 70

Answer the questions to guide your study: Shepherd's Notes page 70

See you Sunday. 

Saturday, October 15, 2016

BEGINNING THE PRIVATE MINISTRY OF CHRIST

Sunday, October 16, 2016
Lesson John 13:1-38

We will examine the following sections:
Verses 1-20: Christ the Servant
Verses 21 - 30: Jesus predicts his Betrayal
Verses 31-32: The Fourfold Glory
Verses 33-35: The Farewell Command
Verses 36-38: Prediction of Peter's Denial

In Review:
John 5-12: Jesus' public ministry was mainly to his people, the Jews. John emphasized the seven "I Am" statements and the seven signs. In these chapters Jesus demonstrates that He is the Light of the World. As John pens the last chapters of his gospel he shows Jesus' love for the world.

As we study the scriptures, we recognize that in many passages there is a meaning that lies on the surface and there is a meaning which is beneath the surface. In John 13, there are several passages that fit this description.

For example in John 13:8. Jesus reply to Peter when he said "you shall never wash my feet", Jesus's answer, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." Think about this response as to the deeper meaning. You may discover some of the meaning in verses 9 and 10. Also read Titus 3:4-6.

Another example, What is the difference in Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial as to their present and eternal relationship to Jesus?

I hope that you had a wonderful week. I had a great trip to Branson, Mo. We had 31 people that went and the Moses Production was beyond words to describe. Jacob, of course, was outstanding. We met with him after the production and he took us on a tour of the backstage. This production will continue next year March through December.

See you Sunday.

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

CHRIST AS THE MESSIAH: John 12:1-50

We will study and discuss John 12:1-50 for our lesson on Sunday, October 9, 2016.

As we study this chapter, we will observe that there are four main sections:
1. The anointing of Jesus (vss. 1-11)
2.  The Triumphal Entry (vss. 12-19)
3. The Greeks seek Christ (vss, 20-36)
4. The Jews reject Christ (vss. 37-50)

As we look at the time frame of the life of Jesus, the events in this chapter take place six days before the Jewish Passover. So we are now looking at the closing days of Jesus' earthly ministry. We see at the beginning of these days Jesus has gained popularity with the crowd that was gathering in Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Passover. It was every Jews desire to attend at least one Passover feast in his live time. Jews came from all over the world.

As William Barclay records: "On one occasion census was taken of the lambs slain at the Passover Feast. The number was given as 256,500.  There had to be a minimum of ten people per lamb: and if that estimate is correct it means that there must have been as many as 2,700,000 people at the Passover Feast."

At this time, many people had heard about this man Jesus who had raised Lazarus from the dead. They believed that he is the one that will be their King and Israel will be a nation in power of all nations.  Jesus does ride into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. The people welcome him as their King. To us the donkey is a lowly and despised animal; but it was not so in the East. Some Kings did ride into their kingdom on a horse. The difference would show that a King riding on a horse would declare that he had been victorious in war. When a King was riding on a donkey, he was coming in peace. Although most of the crowd did not understand that Jesus was not the warrior figure men dreamed of but that he was the Prince of Peace.

In verses 23-26, Jesus uses the title, "Son of Man". Please read the following references to understand the origin of this term.  Daniel 7:13; 7:1-8. How does Daniel describe the world powers? How does he describe a world power that is different from these? Would the Jews understand this title; "Son of Man".  Read the following passages that gives more information about the Kingdom of the "Son of Man". Daniel 7:14; Ezekiel 37:25; Isaiah 9:7; Psalm 89:4

Please read Shepherd's Notes; pages 59-63 and answer the questions on page 62-63.

As we finish chapter 12, we learn that Jesus has finished his public ministry. Now the gospel writer records in John 13 - 17 the most precious times that Jesus spends with his disciples. He not only gives instruction to his 12 disciples but also to his future disciples.

See you Sunday.

Friday, September 30, 2016

DATE CORRECTION

I listed the date incorrectly in my blog dated September 30, 2016.
The correct date is Sunday, October 2, 2016.

JESUS: THE RESURRECTION AND LIFE

Our study and discussion for Sunday, October 4, 2016, will be John 11:1-56. This is the account of the family of Lazarus,  his sisters, Mary and Martha, and their close friend, Jesus. This family lived in Bethany, a city that was 2 miles from Jerusalem. Jesus was a frequent visitor in their home. Mary and Martha notified Jesus that their brother, Lazarus was sick and that they needed Jesus to come.
As we continue reading in John's account of this story, we are told that Lazarus dies before Jesus comes to Bethany. When Jesus does come to the home of Mary and Martha, he is met by the sisters and he is immediately moved by their grief. Jesus shows his human emotion by weeping.

He goes to the tomb of Lazarus with the sisters, friends, and his disciples. By this time, Lazarus has been dead for four days. Jesus asked that the stone of the tomb to be rolled away and then he calls Lazarus to come forth. Lazarus came out of the tomb in his grave clothing. Jesus commanded them, "loose him and let him go".

Before Jesus went to the grave he talked with Martha. The key verses are John 11:25-26, where Jesus gives answers to Martha about the death and life of her brother.

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

As we study this chapter, and reflect on this event, we can all identify with these feelings, emotions, grief, comfort, and hope that comes when a loved one of ours dies. So as you have been preparing your lesson this week, I pray that as you see the sadness in this event that you also experienced the hope that we have as believers.

Please read pages 56-58 in Shepherd's Notes and answer the questions on page 58. 
Also read the following passages regarding that death is often referred to as sleep:
Genesis 47:30; Matt 27:52; I Thess 4: 13 -18

We will also discuss the following topics:
1. Customs and burial rituals of that time period

2. Grave site was usually a tomb - how was this tomb designed?

3. Read the following accounts regarding people being raised from the dead:
      "The raising of Jairus' daughter: Matt 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56
       "The raising of the widow's son at Nain: Luke 7:11-16
     How do these resurrections differ from the raising of Lazarus?

4. As important as the event of the raising Lazarus from the dead is, why is John the only gospel writer who records this event?

5. Caiaphas, the Jewish High Priest makes an interesting observation and comment: John 11:47-53.
   Read these verses and determine the message.



Wednesday, September 21, 2016

FEAST OF LIGHTS OR HANUKKAH

On Sunday, September 18, our Bible Study Class, began our discussion on John 10. We looked at verses 1 - 21. These passages related the picture of the relationship between the sheep and their Shepherd. We reviewed passages in Old Testament and New Testament that gave us a vivid picture of this relationship. In the teachings from Jesus, we discover that Jesus characterized Himself as the gate through which the sheep enter the sheep pen. As believers, we understand that it is only through Jesus that one enters the family of God. He said "I am the gate for the sheep." John 10:7 

In John 10:11-21, Jesus states, "I am the Good Shepherd". This is the fourth "I Am" statements that is recorded in the book of John. 

On September 25, 2016, we will discuss John 10:22-42. Please read your Shepherd's notes pages 54 - 55. 

Verse 22-23 reads, "At the time of Dedication at Jerusalem, it was winter and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon's Colonnade."  What do you know about the Feast of Dedication or Feast of Lights (Hanukkah)? This is a very important Feast for the Jewish people, who celebrate Hanukkah even today. It is a very happy celebration that lasts for eight days. They use the nine branch menorah as their symbol to commemorate a special event in the  history of the Jewish Nation and their Temple in Jerusalem. The celebration takes place in the winter in the Jewish month of Kislev, the 20th day. For most years the Jewish Hanukkah falls in our month of December.

On Sunday we will look at some Jewish history.
See what you can find out about the following historical characters:

Antiochus IV Ephphanes, the Syrian Ruler, Greek, He lived from 215 BC - 164 BC, He died at the age of 50 or 51. One of his conquest was the persecution of the Jews in Judea and Samaria. His intent was to completely destroy the Jewish religion and convert the Jewish Nation to worship the Greek gods. He desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem. 

MACCABEAN REVOLT
Judas Maccabee
 God used Judas Maccabee and his men to stop this mad man from Syria. He was able to defeat this mighty, wicket king and restore the Jewish religion and the Temple in Jerusalem. 

The Jewish people celebrate for eight days, in December, at The Feast of Lights (Dedication) or Hanukkah to commemorate this great event.  During the first celebration, December of 165 BC, there was a miracle regarding the nine candle menorah. Find out what was that miracle? We will discuss this as part of our lesson on Sunday.

In class work session:
Assignment: Please bring your charts of the book of John and your hand-outs for John 1- 10.  I plan to review the first 10 chapters and we will fill in the charts during our class time. You also may need color pencils. We do have some pencils in class. Your Shepherd's Notes book will also be helpful.





Thursday, September 15, 2016

THE SHEPHERD AND HIS SHEEP

As we study John 10 for our Bible Study lesson for Sunday, September 18, we will see many comparisons to Shepherds and sheep. In the Old Testament God is often pictured as the shepherd and the people as His flock. 
Please read the following verses:
Psalm 23:1; 77:20; 79:13; 80:1; 95:7; 100:3
Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 23:1-4

This picture is transferred over in the New Testament. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. 
Read the following verses:
Matthew 18:12; Luke 15:4; 12:32; Mark 14:27; Matthew 26:31; 
I Peter 2:25; Hebrews 13:20

Lets examine a picture of a shepherd and how he works. His equipment is very simple:
1. Scrip: this is a bag made of a skin of an animal, in which he carried his food. His usually consisted of bread, dried fruit, olives, and cheese.
2. Sling: The shepherd used his sling as a weapon of offense and defense. He also used the sling to call back wandering sheep. He fitted his sling with a stone and shot it in front of the nose of a sheep as a warning to turn back.
3. Staff: a wooden club. It was short; it had a lump of wood at the end often studded with nails. It had a slit in the handle at the top, through which a thong passed. The club hung on a shepherd's belt.
He used the club for a weapon to defend himself and his sheep.
4. Rod: this was like the shepherd's crook. He used it to pull back his sheep and to guide them. At the end of the day, the shepherd held his rod low to the ground and each sheep passed underneath it.
This allowed the shepherd to examine each sheep to see if it had any injuries or hurts. He could also count the sheep. 

In Israel the shepherd always leads his sheep. He went first to see that the path was safe and that there were no dangers. The shepherd has names for his sheep and they only followed his voice. The sheep would not follow a voice of a stranger. The shepherd uses a loud sing-song language that only his sheep understand. 

The shepherd is never off duty. He is in constant care of his sheep.

As we read and discuss John 10, you will discover every detail of the shepherd's life compares and enlightens us on the picture of the Good Shepherd whose sheep hear His voice, whose constant care is for His flock. 

Be sure to read Shepherd's Notes pages 52 -55 and answer the questions on page 55. Also read the material in Hobb's Book pages 171 - 174


Tuesday, September 6, 2016

ACTIVATING OUR BLOG AGAIN

Hi,

I am hoping to use my blog again for our Bible Study Class. It is my intention of having a post each week. I will use the blog for announcements, prayer requests, praises, and information regarding our weekly Bible Study. I want to see our class energized as we study, pray, engage in missions and socialize together as truly Women of the Word.

I appreciate that Debbie Moubray accepted the leadership role as our Director. Also Ceilia has established a face book site that we can post pictures and other information.

Christmas Social
Debbie sent out information regarding a date for us to go to Ky. Dam Lodge for a meal and to Pattie's light show as our Christmas social. The date is Saturday, December 3. Check your calendar. We will need to get a driver for the church bus and to reserve a bus for that date. I hope that all are available to go.


Christmas at Pattie's 2014

Marie, Michelle, Janice,
Santa
Margaret, Susan, Debbi, Jill

Come be apart of our 2016 trip







Missions
Are you active in missions? Here are some opportunities that are available through our class and church.

1. Sponsorship of Martin: $38.00 per month (you can sign up for a month)

2. Clothes Closet Ministry: each Monday from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

3. Mission Fair: September 14: Great Room, 5:00 pm - a display of all the mission activities that our church sponsors. Come for the meal at 5:00 and look at the displays.

4. Special event: IMPACT DAY. September 17: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm (we need people to work in the Clothes Closet on that day. The Clothes Closet will be open in conjunction with the car care day. You can work part of the time or all the time. As people come to get their car serviced, they wait in our Common Area and at this time they may also visit our Clothes Closet.)

5. Special Mission Offerings: State Mission offering the month of September: Special offering envelopes available at church. All money is used by our state mission board to be used in the state of Kentucky. Please pray for our state and give as God leads you.

Bible Study September 11
Sunday, September 11, we will discuss John 9: The sixth sign: Jesus' Healing of the Man Born Blind.
Be sure to answer the questions on Page 51 in Shepherd's Notes. Read pages 159 - 162 in Hobbs' book.