Our Journey together

This is where we are going to meet together online as a community and walk through the Bible together. We hope that you use this as a chance to grow, ask questions, and wrestle through texts that sometimes we just read past without looking into what they mean to our lives right now, today.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Week 8 - March 15 - Doug Mathers

This this week's reading - I'm going to just raise some questions to think about as we read and for anyone to comment on:

Genesis 15

The killing and dividing of animals is strange stuff to us. Apparently it was part of covenant ceremonies. It is also referenced in Jeremiah 34. The idea is that if either party breaks their word, they are at risk of the same ending as the animals.

In the text we learn that God knows an amazing amount about the future. He shares about 400 years of slavery coming for Abraham's descendants. Does God's awareness of future events bring comfort? Why or why not?

Genesis 16

Sarah couldn't wait for God's timing. When have you tried to speed up God's plans for you?

Psalm 8

The psalmist is over whelmed by God as he views the stars on a clear night. It makes him realize how truly grand God must be to have created all he sees. When do you feel overwhelmed by God? What sights inspire you to think about the greatness of the creator?

Proverbs 8

The entire chapter is wisdom personified. It is calling to us to seek and follow wisdom. In practical ways how do we take a hold or wisdom? How do we pursue it?

John 8

Concerning the woman caught in adultery, how do we know that this was a set up for Jesus? What was the trap they were trying to set for him? How do you think Jesus knew he was being set up?

In the rest of the chapter Jesus is less than diplomatic. What did he say that angered the crowds and especially the religious leaders?

Is there anything he said that makes you angry as well?

What does he say that you count on in your faith?

2 comments:

  1. Genesis 15: I don't want to know when I'm going to die either, so knowing the future is no comfort.

    Genesis 16: I don't know what God's plan for me is. Am I supposed to?

    John 8: Jesus teaching seem to conflict with the laws from Moses. He never really resolved that conflict.

    I get frustrated trying to understand the parables Jesus is using. And then in 8:43 he asks why his language is not clear to us?

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  2. I am comforted in knowing that there is a promise of a future, I don't need to know all the details, that is where Faith comes in.

    I struggle with knowing what my purpose is too, I just keep praying that he will reveal it to me some day.

    I never used to understand the Bible, until one day it was like a light bulb came on, I think he helps you understand when you are ready. Don't get me wrong, there are still times that I need someone to clarify what I am thinking it means, which we need to be careful of because many people interpret parables differently.

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