Quarters and Quarterlies

I'm looking forward to the next "quarter" of studies in our Sunday School class.

Though our church has changed the term "Sunday School" to "Small Churches",

I cling to the former because I value the concept of a group studying the Bible
in a systematic way

and growing together in knowledge of and faith in Jesus.

Yes, we still use a "quarterly" in our "class".

And just look at the Bible books we'll be studying!

I suppose I'm showing my age in clinging to this particular tradition --

Sunday School complete with quarterlies.

This is one I cannot easily walk away from; nor do I apologize for valuing it.

our Ladies' Bible Study

 A few weeks ago, I was searching for Bible study material for a group of ladies from our church.

Since we would be meeting in a local coffee shop, it would not be convenient to use a 

video-based study.  That fact and the determination I had that the study be Bible-centered

limited my options.  I'm SO happy to have found this particular Precept Bible study material.

(All photos from The Agora on Waldo's Hill, Antwerp, OH - site of our Bible study)

At the first meeting, I asked how many women had been to an ocean shore.

I told them that their experience with this study would correspond to that experience.

Some put their toes in the ocean, others wade out waist-deep, some brave the waves.

Others snorkel and see details that many who only put their toes in miss.

Little did I know how accurate this analogy is!  

Though I don't follow ALL the suggestions for Bible marking (a very complex system),

I was amazed by the treasures contained in the first chapter of I Peter

as I studied per the instructions this second week of the study.

What a treasure is my salvation!

How brief and temporary any sufferings I experience while in my "exile" here on earth!

What a hope I have of one day seeing Jesus face-to-face!

How enduring and powerful the Word of God!

How encouraging the bond of love we share as we gather!

 “People are like grass;
    their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.   

But the word of the Lord remains forever."
(I Peter 1)

Anticipation

 Usually our Bible study group meets in a coffee shop,

but this morning, they're bringing "the mountain to Mohammed".

 My husband has been incredibly helpful in doing some basic cleaning 

and moving the tables to accommodate our number.

I've arranged some of the lovely get well cards I've received

over the past almost-three weeks as centerpieces.

Coffee is measured.  A push of the button will get it going.

Coffee cake will arrive with the ladies.

And Jesus is ALREADY here.

God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5

(I'm not sure WHERE that mountain/Mohammed saying comes from!

Will have to do a little research.)

Tell Me More...

 Every nook and cranny of this room at The Agora on Waldo Hill (Antwerp OH)

made it perfect for the meetings of our morning Bible study.

 The chairs were comfortable...

the accessories, fascinating and welcoming;

and it didn't hurt that the sun streamed in 

to take the chill out of the morning coolness.

Last Friday was the final session of our 2013 gatherings.

Throughout the weeks, the Gospel of John anchored our discussions

about the goodness and grace of our Lord Jesus.

Our hearts became further entwined as we shared 

our mutual faith, joys and sorrows.

The verse I carry with me these days
as a result of the study is this:

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

 Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  (Jesus, from John 14:27)

Do YOU participate in a Bible study group?

What are you studying?

Where do you meet? 
Tell me more about it!

Two of several ladies I study with.....

Context is Everything

Recently I've become aware of a very human and potentially dangerous tendency among us Christians.  It involves taking a verse out of its context and reciting it or even (gasp!) posting it where it is readily praised and embraced - not so much as the inspired word of God that it is, but more because it is so "positive" sounding.

The second-most recent example of this was the stated intention of one who decided she would "live in the moment".  When I suggested (privately) that it was a good motto as far as it went, she assured me that it was supported by Matthew 6:34 - "Do not be anxious about tomorrow....."

I said "good...as far as it goes" because the first word of that verse is "Therefore"; and in my days in formal Bible training years and YEARS ago, I learned to look what the therefores were THERE for!  In this case, it it in the context of trusting the Heavenly Father, seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness.  For the child of God, living in the moment means something SO MUCH MORE and something entirely different than it does to someone who is not related to Him!

Do you see what I mean????

The most recent example involved the posting of these verses this way:  "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things...And the God of peace will be with you." ~ Phil. 4:8-9.  

Great verses!  But once again, the first word of this inspiring thought is left off.  It is "Finally".  In other words, this is only a wrap-up and to be practiced AFTER something, not in place of something.  

If you're still with me, you're either thinking,

"My goodness, she is picky" or else you are seeing the importance of context..  

While "living in the moment" and "thinking about good things"

will put us in a broader company and cause us to be more widely accepted and/or admired,
Scripture is NOT a "mantra"!

The Bible speaks of being careful NOT to be squeezed into the same mold as the world.

That, for me, is the goal.
In this case, the extra mile (context) is the ESSENTIAL mile
and I need and want to WALK it thoughtfully. 
Anybody with me?