Don't Be That Guy

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting June 2 to study Luke 12:1-12.  This passage is made up of related statements of Jesus which Luke has compiled and placed together here.  I believe he intends them as a commentary on Jesus' immediately preceding dinner discourse.  So, Jesus is explaining to His disciples why and how they shouldn't be like the Pharisees.  Like most of the stuff I suspect, that's not a given, nor is it necessary.

Read through the passage several times.  I have it broken into six small paragraphs.  You can divide it any way you like, but be sure to use at least two translations (one old and one new if possible).  Jot down notes and questions as you read.  Then browse a commentary or two, maybe one of the ones on Blue Letter Bible.  Revise your notes and questions if necessary.

Then go back through with the questions below:

• Why do you think Luke feels it's necessary to include the details of the crowd trampling each other and Jesus speaking to His disciples first?  How do you think they connect?
• Jesus tells the disciples to beware the "leaven" of the Pharisees which He labels hypocrisy.  Look up "leaven" at the Blue Letter Bible site.  What's the danger Jesus is pointing out about the Pharisee's hypocrisy?
• Jesus then goes into a series of short (as I see them) statements that sort of remind me of the Sermon on the Mount. He basically says there are (or will be) no secrets.  What does that mean to you?  How does that affect how you live out your salvation and choices you make?
• Next Jesus speaks of contrasting sorts of fears.  He goes from "Fear Not" to "Fear This" and then back to "Fear Not".  He ends with the statement that God "values" us.  Look up "value" (or "worth more") at the Blue Letter Bible site.  What do you learn from the range of meaning for this word?  Why or how do you think we are valuable to God?
• Next Jesus says that confession and denial of Him before men brings reciprocity in heaven.  What do you think Jesus is saying here in light of what He's just said about the Pharisees?  Which previous statement do you think most closely ties into this one?
• Then Jesus speaks of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.  Matthew has this statement at the point where people thought Jesus cast out demons by the power of their leader, but Luke has it here.  What do you think about this context made this placement make more sense for Luke?
• If Jesus and the Holy Spirit are both part of the Trinity, why do you think blaspheming One is any different than blaspheming the other?
• What does it mean to "blaspheme" the Holy Spirit?
• Finally Jesus winds up with how to respond when the disciples stand before judges for their faith.  How do you feel about such a charge?  How hard would it be for you to simply, peacefully, confidently wait for the Holy Spirit to bring stuff to your mind?  What are somethings you can do beforehand to perhaps give the Holy Spirit "more to work with" in the spur of the moment?

That should give us plenty to discuss this Thursday.  Can you believe it's June already?

Wisdom Versus Foolishness, Spiritual Versus Natural: Building New Paradigms

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday Night Bible Study Group meeting May 29 to study 1 Corinthians 2.  This is a short chapter, and much like a continuation of the previous one.  There are lots of elements chapters 1 and 2 have in common, like where Paul 'leaves off' in chapter 1 is continued in chapter 2, and what ends chapter 2 continues into chapter 3, and so on.  In fact, through 4 at least is the same topic.  Chapter 5 seems to start something new, and 6 seems to change the subject again, but is clearly connected to where 5 ends.  It's interesting.

In any case, we'll be looking at the 16 verses of chapter 2.  Perhaps we'll take 3 and 4 together, but that's for another week.  Focus on the elements in this chapter and read through them several times.  You may find it helpful to read 3 and 4, perhaps re-read 1, for context.  Look for elements that are different from 1 or build on things Paul said in 1.  If you read ahead, see what he does with the things in 2.  Jot down questions and observations about what he has in these 16 verses.

After going through this chapter several times, read back through with the questions below:

• Paul clearly builds of his contrast of the wisdom of God versus the world here.  Considering how involved these chapters are, what do you think of Paul's claim that he 'did not come with superiority of speech or wisdom'?
• Considering that in the previous chapter Paul says that God uses the foolish things of this cosmos to destroy the wise, what do you think of the content of Paul's message (verse 2)?  Why do you think the 'Crucified Messiah' would fit that description?
• The 'fear and much trembling' sounds weak.  What do you think it truly meant in Paul's message, why do you think he would tremble and be afraid?
• What sort of things do you think made up Paul's 'demonstration of the Spirit of power'?  You can find another reference like this in chapter 5 (verses 3-5).  How does that affect your understanding of what Paul means in chapter 2?
• In verses 6 through 9, who do you think are the 'rulers of this age'?  
• To whom did Paul speak of 'wisdom' and what what do you think he told them?
• In verses 10 through 16, Paul talks about the 'role' of the Holy Spirit. Consider where he starts, and the last statement in verse 16.  What do you think that means for us?
• These final verses contrast natural man and spiritual man.  Considering their view that the spiritual has nothing to do with the natural man (hence they can be immoral and not affect their spirit), what do you think about Paul's contrast?  How do you think the church accepted or understood this?

That should be plenty to discuss Thursday.  Remember to bring your questions and observations.

Fun Times In Ephesus

This is the study page for the Thursday Study Group meeting on February 21.  The passage being studied is Acts 19 where Paul spends two years in Ephesus.  A lot happens in that time.  We also have a picture of the sorts of things that happen around Paul when he's ministering.

Read the chapter through several times.  Note the different events, people, backgrounds, responses, and actions taken.  It gets somewhat muddled when we look at the sequence or timing, Luke doesn't seem to be that concerned about timing until he sets up the riot.  Jot down questions and details you note as you go through the chapter several times.  It may help to continue on into chapter 20 some way for context.

As you go through a last few times, consider the questions below.  Add to or modify any of them with your own observations/questions.

• How does Luke setup Paul's entrance into Ephesus?  Why mention Apollos?
• What does Paul find immediately as he gets to Ephesus?
• This is the second time running across the Baptism of John, where did this one come from?
• Are these Jews or Greeks?  What are the clues?
• After the synagogue refuses to listen, where does Paul go? (sound like a fun school?)
• After two years, how far has the good news of Jesus gone?
• How often do we hear of Paul healing?  So how common might this be?  What does this sound like/remind you of? (remember Acts 5?)
• Without Jesus, how do Jewish Exorcists function?  Why might this work for some?
• Why wouldn't it work for the "Seven Sons of Sceva"?
• Wat is the result of these miracles?
• There are several terms for "magic".  Look up this one at G4021.  It's a compound word, so look at both words  used to make it up.  What English word/phrase does it sound like?  What might characterize this sort of magic?
• How much was the cost of the "burned books"?  Why not sell them and give the money to the church?  What might that tell you about "fund raising"?
• What does Paul decide to do?  Why stay in Ephesus?
• What do these silversmiths do?  Why is business so bad?  What is their answer to the problem?  Where else was this solution attempted?
• Who is this "Artemis of the Ephesians"?  What about the temple is impressive?
• Who do the rioters grab?  Later on, who do the Jews put forward? What are the "Jews" doing there?
• Who calms the rioters down?  What is his reason for there being no reason for the riot?

That should be a good start to this chapter.  Be sure to bring your own observations and questions as well. 

From Saul to Paul to "Point"

This is the study page for the Thursday night study on December 13.  The passage is as much of Acts 13 as we can get through.

Read the chapter through a few times.  It might be good to read on to 14 as well, but at least several times through 13 will be helpful.  As you read, look for incongruities, odd wording or sentence structures, things that aren't explained, or are explained but not as expected.  Write these things down and also questions you have as you read.

As you read through a final few times, consider the questions below:

• It says these were "prophets and teachers" but who does which?
• Who is first? Who is last?
• What does "Niger" mean?  (G3526)
• Who is "Herod the Tetrarch"?
• If Manaen was raised with this Herod, where was he raised?
• Why is it fitting that Barnabas would sail first to Cyprus?
• What does Bar-Jesus (G919) mean? How is that ironic?
• What does "Paulus" (G3972) mean?
• What does Elymas (G1681) mean? How is that a translation/interpretation of Bar Jesus?
• Saul, aka "Paul" (also G3972) has the same name as the Proconsul.  How might that be significant?
• What amazed Sergius Paulus, Proconsul of Cyprus?
• Now who is first? Who is last?
• What happened to "John"?
• Where is Pisidian Antioch? Why would this be a good place to start a church?  What about the people might have made it difficult?  What about them might have made it easier?
• Paul gives a short account of Israel's history, then notes John the Baptist.  Why mention him?
• Paul quotes a few Psalms and some prophets.  Look up the references.  How does he do with the meaning of those passages?
• As Paul and Barnabas leave, how do the people respond?
• Look up "God-Fearing" or "devout" (G4576) - what does that tell you about these "proselytes"?
• What happens the next Sabbath? What does that tell you/confirm to you about these people?
• Why are the Jews upset?  Why be jealous?
• What is Paul and Barnabas' response to the "blaspheming Jews"?
• So, which group seems to respond the most to the gospel?
• Yet, who do the religious leaders stir up against Paul and Barnabas? Again, the (G4576) word is used.
• Now where are they off to?

That should be enough for us.  Remember to use any maps you have access to, and any other references you find helpful.  This is just the start of a new aspect to the work of the Holy Spirit recorded in Acts.  We will see much more of this in the coming weeks.

Consider for next week, what do you think about switching to a study of Jesus' birth until New Years'?  That could be fun, and certainly timely.  Let me know what you think.

And Now for the Next Surprising Group

This is the Bible study page for the Thursday night meeting November 8.  It's not a lot different from the last two study pages because we still haven't started chapter 10 (we've been waiting somewhat).  We did finish chapter 9 and discussed whether Aeneas was faking, and why Tabitha was called Dorkas (and it wasn't an insult!).

This week we get into chapter 10! We certainly are taking this slowly, and hopefully we will still be able to plod ahead even with the holidays coming up.  In any case, I hope you have had plenty of chances to read through the chapter, have lots of questions, and are ready to discover the nuggets our Master has for us in this chapter.  I have re-listed the questions for chapter 10.

• What are the stark contrasts in Cornelius?
• Read this article on Cornelius.  What might motivate him to worship God?
• Where is Cornelius from?
• What does God think of Cornelius?
• After the vision, who does Cornelius tell?
• Why send a servant and a soldier?
• What is Peter doing on the roof?
• What is his distraction while praying?
• Being hungry, what does the vision suggest?
• What is Peter's response to the vision?
• What is God's command? (Read it in several translations!)
• How much does Peter understand about his vision before he goes to Caesarea?
• Peter travels with the men from Cornelius, but who goes with him?
• When he arrives, what does Cornelius do?  Why would he do that?
• What is Peter's response when Cornelius tells him about his own vision?
• What quality of God does Peter discover here?
• What is Peter's assumption as he relates what he knows of Jesus?  Why assume that?
• How long does Peter have to wait during the invitation for people to respond?
• How are Peter's companions described here?
• Why are they "beside themselves"?
• What does Peter suggest (or command) they do?

I look forward to seeing all of you tomorrow night!  Have a great...two days!

Whom God Accepts

This is the study page for the Thursday Night Small Group meeting on November 1.  We will pick up at the end of Acts 9 and continue through 10 (or as far as we get). 

Last week we left off at verse 32 of Acts 9, where the narrative switches from Saul to Peter.  The remainder of 9 sets up Peter for the events of chapter 10, so they go well together.  Read from 9:32 through the end of 10:48 all together a few times.  Jot down thoughts and insights.  Note any peculiarities you find (try looking at a couple of different translations, and note differences).  Once you've taken down some notes yourself, having read the passage a few times, go back over it using the questions below:

Acts 9:32-43:

• What is known about Aeneas?
• What does Peter tell him to do (look it up in as many translations as you can)?
• Why does that seem odd? Why tell him to do that?
• What is the name of the lady in Joppa? (G5000) (G1393)
• What do the widows call her?
• What does Peter call her?
• What is the effect of all these healings?

Acts 10

• What are the stark contrasts in Cornelius?
• Read this article on Cornelius.  What might motivate him to worship God?
• Where is Cornelius from?
• What does God think of Cornelius?
• After the vision, who does Cornelius tell?
• Why send a servant and a soldier?
• What is Peter doing on the roof?
• What is his distraction while praying?
• Being hungry, what does the vision suggest?
• What is Peter's response to the vision?
• What is God's command? (Read it in several translations!)
• How much does Peter understand about his vision before he goes to Caesarea?
• Peter travels with the men from Cornelius, but who goes with him?
• When he arrives, what does Cornelius do?  Why would he do that?
• What is Peter's response when Cornelius tells him about his own vision?
• What quality of God does Peter discover here?
• What is Peter's assumption as he relates what he knows of Jesus?  Why assume that?
• How long does Peter have to wait during the invitation for people to respond?
• How are Peter's companions described here?
• Why are they "beside themselves"?
• What does Peter suggest (or command) they do?

That is probably more than enough for discussion this Thursday.  I look forward to seeing you on Thursday!

Moving fron Son-Powered to Wind-Powered Lives

This is the study page for this Thursday, August 23 (possibly).  We will be looking over Acts 2, which may take us more than a week.

As you read Acts 2, look for things that are out of place, or unexpected in a familiar story.  Ask yourself questions, and write them down to share Thursday.  Once through it, go back over it, prayerfully considering what might be God's point for inspiring this story (don't assume), the role of His Spirit in these events, and then what is the central event on which the others turn.  Then, on your third time through, consider the questions below.

• What does Pentecost celebrate (there's a link, but also look in any resources you have as well)?
• What senses (of the 5) are used to describe the Holy Spirit's arrival?
• Look up the word "filled" in Strong's (G4130).  What does it add to the English word, "filled"?
• What connection do you see between verses 4 and 5 if any?  Or is 5 just a transition?
• What does the assembled crowd tell you about the "sensory" details of the event?
• There is one popular area of the Mediterranean Sea missing in this list of peoples.  Which one?
• Two words are used in verse 7 for the "feelings" of the crowd, "amazed" (G1839) and "astonished" (G2296). How are they different, and what do you imagine the crowd doing?
• How did they know they were all Galileans? So what if they are?
• In verse 12 there are two others (or one different), "amazed" (G1839 again) and "perplexed" (G1280). How is this different from "astonished"?
• The term "new wine" is the translation of this word (G1098).  What seems odd about this suggestion?
• Look up Joel 2.  What is this chapter about?  Is that what's happening here?  How is it similar?
• What is the core claim of Peter about Jesus in verses 22-24?
•  Look up Psalm 16:8-11.  How does the meaning of the Psalm change if it's applied to Jesus?  What does that mean for its application in David's day?
• Peter makes a good case for not applying it to David.  How would the people of Israel understood it?
• The people respond with, "What do we do?"  What is Peter's answer?  Is that enough?
• What is church like in verses 42-47?  What's the core quality they have?
• What would it be like for our church to be like this?  What stops us?

That should do for now.  Remember to bring your questions.  Pray for each other this week.  Pray especially for Lyndsay.  She will be really busy preparing for Sunday because it's going to be all music all the time (except for Communion); very tiring, both preparing and performing.

I look forward to seeing you all Thursday!