Our study through the book of James continues into chapter 3 with an appropriate balance and reasonable speed. You’ll notice that my study notes changed format with this study. My Bible program of 20+ years finally broke with the latest MacOS update, so I had to (hurriedly) buy and get up to speed on the excellent, but incredibly pricey Logos. Here are the notes divided into sections.
Our class decided it would be cool to change our tack a bit and do a Bible book study instead of our typical topical studies. I’m not sure they’re still glad they did because we (I) are taking quite a bit of time going through, and I’ve gotten a bit too technical in the presentation. I think we’re doing well with a better balance of background, application, and velocity in Chapter 2. Here are the notes divided into sections.
This lesson is a detailed timeline of the last week of Jesus’ early ministry, and will likely be very controversial for those who are stuck on a traditional Good Friday crucifixion. But, I believe it is the best fitting explanation of all of the biblical data.
This (rather lengthy) series grew out of the previous study on the Shemitah and Blood Moon Tetrad. During one of our discussion times in class, one of the members asked, “If this stuff is possibly true, what should we do about it? How should we prepare?” And that question of how we could be ready for the possible return of Christ drove us to the Scripture to answer that question. There are five overarching questions that came out of trying to discover how to be ready.
What are the signs of the end?
How to be ready?
What do you do when told to deny Christ?
Should we be preppers?
What should we do if our government tells us we can’t obey God?
Here are the (again, rather lengthy – 25 pages!) notes from the study, but be warned that even as lengthy as they are, there are many important things that do not come out clearly in the notes, but are clear in the audio recordings. So, please listen to them if you can. Especially if you’re trying to deal seriously with any of these very timely questions.
Also, as quickly becomes clear in the audio recordings, you will understand many of the references much better if you join us and read the book, Killing Christians, by Tom Doyle. This lesson series is in no way a book study, but that book certainly illuminates many of the topics we discuss and provides relevant background examples, and is otherwise a fantastic book every Christ-follower should read.
Further, the book, Do Love, by Andrew Rankin provides great background for the practical application of how we should be living in the light of the Scriptures we study here.
This lesson is just a brief and pointed look at the story of the rich man in Luke 12. What was the real issue with him, and how might that apply to us today?
For most children, their father will be one of the two greatest influences in their entire lives. Whether that influence is positive or maximized depends upon choices the father makes.
This lesson looks at the impact a father can have on his children by having a great lifelong influence.
(Yes, the lesson had at least two more sections I was planning to add, but decided to go to another topic before finishing it.)
On Mother’s Day our men had a very informal discussion about finances and giving. During that conversation we agreed that it would be very helpful to have some studies to refresh our awareness of God’s ways in the area of money. This is the first of that series, and we focus on the central passage in the Bible that presents the principle of the tithe and the blessings associated with obedience.
This lesson is a multi-week study of Colossians 3:12-14. It is a wonderful passage that focuses on how to get along together, a truly needful message for the church today. The eight virtues Paul lists in the passage are: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, forbearance, forgiveness, and love.
This is a refresh of a study we did a number of years ago, timed for the tax deadline in the US. It is made up of a number of diagnostic questions, most of which are not matters of sin, but could indicate that something is out of line in the area of finance, and that one may not be experiencing God’s best for their lives. The central theme is one of trust in God.
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