the new self created in the likeness of God
Getting started: read Solomon’s prayer of dedication following the building of the Temple (1Kings 8.22-53). What stands out to you in Solomon’s words? “For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I... Continue Reading →
“‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be... Continue Reading →
Getting Started: The Lord promised that He would be with Moses (Exodus 3.12). How was the Lord’s presence evident? At the conclusion of our last lesson we noted how God’s presence was with Israel because His Spirit was with Israel (see Isaiah 63.7-14). Note the prophet’s words in vs. 11: “Where is he who brought... Continue Reading →
Getting started: after the exodus from Egypt, God led Israel to Mt. Sinai. In His own words, “I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to myself” (Exodus 19.4). What do you think God meant by that statement? How did God bring Israel to Himself? In Genesis 15 we read of how the Lord... Continue Reading →
Getting started: what role did the Spirit have in Creation (Genesis 1)? What role is ascribed to the Spirit in the wisdom literature (Psalm 104.30; Job 33.4)? The trinitarian concept of God (Father, Son & Spirit) is not fully developed in the Old Testament, and certainly not in the opening chapters of Genesis. Consequently, most... Continue Reading →
Getting Started: On a scale of 1-10, how comfortable are you with the following statements? (1=not comfortable at all, 10=so comfortable I want to give it a big hug) The Spirit dwells in me. _____________ The Spirit leads me. ______________ I cannot be fruitful, except by the Spirit. ______________ I am sealed for redemption by... Continue Reading →
Opening questions: This chapter records a series of very personal interactions between Jesus and His disciples. Why are they so important? What questions do you have from the text? Shortly before His arrest, Jesus made this statement to His apostles: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in... Continue Reading →
Opening Questions: How does the resurrection provide the ultimate reason to believe in Jesus? What questions do you have from the text? As Jesus was revealing to His disciples that He would be leaving them and returning to the Father, He told them, “I have told you before it takes place, so that when it... Continue Reading →
Opening questions: How does the account of Jesus’ crucifixion increase your faith in the Son of God? What questions do you have from the text? Shortly after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus asked the Father to “glorify your name.” The Father immediately responded, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again” (John... Continue Reading →
Opening questions: What do we learn about the King and His Kingdom in this text? What questions do you have from the text? “Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the... Continue Reading →
Built By Him 