Archive for category: Bible Studies

By Major Cathi Boyd
Administrator for Program
Las Vegas, NV Adult Rehabilitation Center

Bible Study on John 4:1-42

You are not hidden
There’s never been a moment
You were forgotten
You are not hopeless
Though you have been broken
Your innocence stolen
I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, SOS.
I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you.
(Lyrics from “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle)

When I hear the words to this song, the faces of so many women come to mind; women who shared with me their pain, their stories, their lives. Some poured it all out in a rush, others slowly meted out the details, afraid to trust. The ministry of the Adult Rehabilitation Centers is one of loving the women who come to our doors until they can learn to love themselves, and to trust in the love God has for them.

When I hear the words to this song, I also think of a woman in the Bible who has so much in common with the women I serve each day. It’s as if the old country song “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places” was written about her. We’re going to look at her story, found in John 4:1-42 (NLT)

To set the scene, it’s around noon on a hot, dry, desert day in Samaria. Jesus and His disciples approached Jacob’s well, near the town of Sychar. I love that the Bible says, “Jesus had to go through Samaria” (John 4:4). Jews avoided Samaria like the plague. They had a long-standing enmity with the Samaritans because invading countries had brought in pagan people who had mixed their race and their gods with the Jews who remained in the area. To keep themselves from being polluted by contact with the Samaritans, the Jews would take a three-day detour around the country. Yet Jesus had to go to Samaria. He had a divine appointment to rescue a woman. He sent His disciples into the village for food, and sat his weary body down, to rest against the well and wait (John 4:6). Jesus was God, and man, and that man got tired and hungry just like us. I’m thankful John includes this description of Christ’s humanness.

In the meantime, a woman was on her daily way to retrieve water from the well with no idea that her whole world was about to be turned upside right. Let’s hear the rest of the story from her perspective.

I was in the habit of going to the well midday. Yes, it was the hottest time of day, and the other women gathered at the well in the cool of the evening, but I was tired of their whispers, the things they said just loud enough that it would reach me. Whoever said “stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” was either lying or incredibly sheltered. Words hurt the worst.

So I would go to the well around noon. It was the hottest part of the day, but at least I could go and not have to deal with the other women.

As I approached the well, I noticed a man sitting down with his back leaning on the rock wall of the well. He looked tired, and as I got closer, I could see from his clothes that he was a Jew. This was unusual because most Jews went out of their way to go around our country of Samaria to avoid having anything to do with us. It’s an old story, but the Jews view us as pagan mixed breeds who don’t worship God the right way. “Great!” I thought, “One more person to look down his nose at me.”

To my surprise, he asked me for a drink of water. I didn’t expect that. “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” (John 4:7-9) No self-respecting Jewish man would defile himself by talking to a lowly Samaritan woman like me. What was his game? I wondered.

He slowly stood and looked me straight in the eye. “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” (John 4:10)

Maybe the heat had gotten to him. This made no sense to me at all. “But sir,” I said, “You don’t have a rope or a bucket, and this is a very deep well. Where would you get this living water? And besides, are you greater than our ancestor Jacob who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his cattle enjoyed?” (John 4:11-12)

There, that should stop this nonsense. I reminded him that we shared an ancestor in Jacob, and that this well was dug by him more than a thousand years ago.” Living water! I thought, humph! Whatever this guy was selling, I was not buying it.

The man looked down the well for a moment, and then he said, “People soon become thirsty again after drinking this water. But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:13-14) He then looked at me again. It made me nervous because I couldn’t figure him out.

“Oh, in that case, please sir, give me some of that water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to haul water.” (John 4:15)

Maybe I was being a bit sarcastic…

He kept looking at me, and I looked anywhere but at his face. “Go and get your husband,” (John 4:16) he said quietly.

“I don’t have a husband,” (John 4:17a) I definitely sounded defensive. This conversation was getting too personal. Who was this guy?

“You’re right!” he answered. “You don’t have a husband—for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with right now.” (John 4:17b-18)

Whoa, shut the front door! What was going on here? How could he possibly know this? The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and goosebumps shivered down my arms. How could He know my ugly story, the endless search for love, the long, lonely nights, mornings tinged with regret? Well, I did what any sensible woman does when a conversation with a man gets uncomfortable—I changed the subject!

“Sir, you must be a prophet. So, tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?” (John 4:19-20)

There! Religion. A topic Jews love to talk to death.

The man looked up for a moment and then back at me. “Believe me, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father here or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know so little about the One you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews.” (John 4: 21-22)

I stifled a yawn. Here was a safe topic. He might go on for a while, so I sat down on the edge of the well.

The man continued, “But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4: 23-24)

Wow! This was new to me. The Jews always said their temple in Jerusalem was the only place to worship God—and we had our own temple on Mt. Gerizim. But this man, this teacher, this prophet—I didn’t know what to call him, was saying that God could be worshiped anywhere? That true worship came in spirit and truth? I wasn’t exactly sure what the man was saying, but somewhere deep inside I felt a warming, a melting of the coldness around my heart.

I thought for a minute, but my mind couldn’t quite wrap itself around this. So I said, “I know the Messiah will come—the One who is called Christ. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” (John 4:25)

“I am the Messiah,” the man said. (John 4:26) I looked up in surprise—looked straight into his eyes for the first time. I don’t know what I expected to see—religious fervor or a touch of madness? Was he making fun of me? Would I see judgement in his eyes? He knew me, he knew my pitiful life, my longing for love and acceptance—all of this I could see—and yet I saw something else. I saw that he was speaking the truth, to me, of all people. “I am the Messiah,” he had said. I am the One you have been waiting to meet all of your life. I am not judging you, I am reaching out to offer you living water—a new life, pure, clean, free from the past and your shame and your regrets.

How could I see so much in one look, you ask? I don’t really know. I just know that as I rose from the stone wall, I was not the same woman who had come to the well. I felt a freedom I had never felt before. I knew I was loved.

I saw some more Jewish men coming down the path, and I felt shy all of a sudden. I left my water jug and ran back to the village. I went to the center of the village and began telling everyone who would listen,
“Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could he possibly be the Messiah?” (John 4:27-29)

I don’t know how convincing I was, but pretty soon the people of my village were running out to the well to meet this man. They saw something in my face or heard the sincerity of my words. I’m not sure—but they followed me back to the well. When they heard the man speak, they begged him to stay and teach us more. So he stayed for two more days. (John 4:39-40)

After he left the people of my village said to me, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him for ourselves. Now we know indeed that he is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:41-42)

To say that life is different for me now is an understatement. Life is incredible. I left the man I had been living with, and I now stay with fellow believers. I work hard each day, but I find joy in my work. I no longer am looking for love in all the wrong places, because I have the love of God with me always.

I have been set free from my shame and guilt, and I enjoy real friendships with others who have also drunk deeply from the living waters that Jesus—for that is the name of my Savior—so freely gives.

My hope is that in sharing my story that you too will turn to the One who knows all about you—your hurts, your pain, your shame, your regrets—and loves you totally in spite of all you’ve been through in your life. He is the One who can fill the hollow place deep inside you that you have tried to fill with so many empty things. He alone can set you free and fill your life with love and joy. Drink deeply of his living water and truly live.

Questions to Ponder

1. Have you ever been in a situation where you were being judged (fairly or unfairly) for life choices you had made? How did you handle that situation? What would you do differently now?
2. The Samaritan woman lived in a culture when a woman had nothing if she didn’t have a man to take care of her. A man could easily divorce a wife if she didn’t please him. This is still true in some cultures today. How does this knowledge change your perception of the Samaritan woman?
3. What does it say to you that Jesus had to go to Samaria? Why do you think He met this woman whose life was a total mess instead of the town leaders or religious leaders? What does this mean to you today?
4. It was natural for Jesus to talk about water—they were after all standing by Jacob’s well. The Psalmist says, “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, O God.” (Psalm 42:1) What does it mean to be thirsty for God?
5. Jesus speaks of giving us living water—a spring that never dries up. How does this word picture describe His presence in our lives? How do we acquire this gift?
6. We started with the lyrics to the song “Rescue.” How could it change your life if you truly believed that to God you are never hidden, or forgotten, or hopeless, or unfixable, and that He hears the whisper of your heart and is just waiting to rescue you.
7. How could this message change the life of someone you know? Are you willing to reach out and share this good news? Start with prayer and God will lead you from there.

Download a printable version of the Bible Study:

By Captain Raghel Santiago
Kauluwela Mission, HI Corps – Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division

Scriptures: Ephesians 1:7-8, Psalm 103:8-12

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7-8

Question: What does it mean to you to be redeemed?

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, the word redeemed/redemption means to buy back; repurchase or win back. Another definition from Merriam Webster Dictionary says, “To be free from what distresses or harms, such as to free from captivity by payment of ransom.”

Today’s Bible study emphasis is on the word redeemed. As a believer in Christ, we need to embrace what it means to be redeemed by Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Question: Do you remember what life was like before you put your faith in Jesus and received forgiveness from your sins?

Maybe your life was full of chaos before knowing Jesus. Maybe you felt a void in your life. Whatever your experience, may you rejoice in the knowledge of who Jesus is, and grasp the knowledge of God’s love for you. Here are two Bible verses that remind us of just how much God loves us:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

Please read Ephesians 1:7-8 again.

Focus on the two words, redemption, and forgiveness mentioned in verse 7. These two words go together like a hand and a glove. Through Jesus’s blood shed for us, our sins are forgiven.

Question: Have you ever experienced being upset and hurt by somebody who has wronged you? What did you feel towards that person after they wronged you? Has that person asked for your forgiveness? If so, was it hard to forgive that person?

Forgiving someone who has hurt us, especially if that person is a family member, a friend, co-worker, or a church member can be difficult, because it is a person that was close to us. However, the Bible teaches us that if we are to follow Jesus, we need to live our lives like Him, and that includes forgiving those who wrong us. Here are some Bible verses that teach us about forgiveness:

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

These Bible verses have the same message: forgive just as the Lord forgave us. These Bible verses also apply when we need to seek forgiveness from someone we have hurt or wronged. When we repent of our sins and ask Jesus to be our savior from our sins, we can embrace being redeemed, because not only are we then freed from the bondage of our sins, but we are reminded how our redemption came at a costly price, which is our Lord’s blood that shed for us at Calvary.

Question: What do the words “in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us” mean to you?

When I think of the word lavished, I think of surplus. God is full of grace, and he gives it to us in abundance. When it comes to forgiving us, His grace is not skimpy. God is faithful to hear us when we confess our sins to him, and he is gracious enough to forget our transgression when we seek Him and repent with a whole heart.

When we are forgiven, we are redeemed, and God wants us to experience redemption, which is freedom of burden too. How? By freeing yourself from the burden of holding grudges, the weight of bitterness, and healing from the scars others may have caused. Christ has redeemed you from your sins, and now it is time for you to embrace redemption by forgiving others. To achieve this, we need to be more like the Lord.

To be more like the Lord, let us read Psalm 103: 8-12.

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever.” Psalm 103:8-9

To be more like Jesus, we need to be compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love, not always accuse, and harbor anger. If this is how we want the Lord to respond to us, we need to do this to others, especially those who upset us and seek our forgiveness.

He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. Psalm 103:10

This Bible verse is the perfect example of what God’s grace looks like. He loves us so much that He sent Jesus to offer His life as a living sacrifice for us and take our sins away.

We are learning that God loves us and will forgive us no matter what the measure of our sin may be. If we confess our sins wholeheartedly and fully repent to God, He is faithful to forgive us.

Question: What does the world teach us about sin?

We see this being displayed on television, in movies, and on social media. If somebody does something wrong to you, taking revenge or getting even is how the world teaches us to react. This will not allow us to experience redemption, because revenge and anger will not free us, but keep us in captivity. Only when we can forgive the person who wronged us can we experience real freedom.

Question: What should we do after we have forgiven someone?

When we confess our sins and wholeheartedly repent to God, He will forgive us, which redeems us from the bondage of our sins. The next step is to live in His redemption. The way to do that is by trusting God’s love and believing that God has truly forgiven us and will not remind us of our past mistakes.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him. Psalm 103:11

The depth of God’s love for us is as high as the heavens!

Question: What does verse 11 mean when it says, “for those who fear him”?

The fear of the Lord means that we love him deeply, and because we love him deeply, we will honor him, trust him, obey him, and respect him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

When we ask God to forgive us, he will remove our sins and will forgive us. He will not remind us of that sin anymore, because God does not want us to move and live backwards, but he prefers for us to move and live forward. This is when we can say, “I am redeemed and forgiven by the grace and love of Jesus.”
In this same manner, we must do the same for those who seek forgiveness from us. When you forgive someone, do not remind that person of their past mistake. By doing this, you will fully understand and experience redemption.

Download printable version of the Bible Study:

Enjoy this song from Kristian Stanfill, reminding us that “Jesus Paid it All”:

By Major Jennifer Erickson-King
Anchorage Citadel, AK – Alaska Division

Supplies Needed:

• Bible (Any Translation)
• Journal / Piece of Paper
• Mirror
• Pen / Pencil with Eraser

Scripture Verses:

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.” Psalm 139:14-16

Take a moment and look at yourself in the mirror and who do you see? What do you see?

Do you see yourself in the mirror as God sees you?

God sees you as His beautiful and loving daughter, created in His perfect image. You are beautiful. You are amazing. You are fearfully and wonderfully made by His own mighty hands. There’s no one like you on this earth. You are special. You are unique. You are truly loved

In your journal or on a piece of paper, write down all the beautiful and wonderful characteristics, qualities, and talents that God gave you and only you. And also write down your thoughts when you know that God truly loves you. That you are truly loved by our Creator. When we think about all the beautiful and wonderful characteristics, qualities, and talents that God gave us, I believe that we will be truly amazed by His creation, in us. As we all know, our fingerprints are unique to us as individuals.

In fact, the National Forensic Science Technology Center states that, “no two people have ever been found to have the same fingerprints — including identical twins.” Also, it’s important to keep in mind that fingerprints also vary between your own fingers — this means you have a unique print on each finger. But, more importantly, we were created by God, in His perfect image. We are His daughters. We are His children. We are His.

Isn’t this amazing? I really think so. How we were created in special ways that no one else is created like us. Even the details of our hair on our head is that He is the only one that knows how many strands of hair are on our head. Isn’t that also amazing? In Luke 12:7, it says, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” You are loved.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Unlike our love, God’s love is free. What this really means is that there were no conditions God saw in us when He set His love upon us. God didn’t love us because we were lovely—that wouldn’t be free love. God loves us because He loves us (John 3:16). Nothing constrains his love. Nothing will ever change that. Because we are His lovely daughters created in unique ways. More than anything, the Bible tells us that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). He isn’t just loving, but He is the very definition of love, true love. He loves us because He created us. His affection is unconditional. He both generates and demonstrates love — and that love endures forever. (Psalm 100:5)

Each day is a beautiful gift from God. I am reminded how blessed we are and to take every opportunity to minister to each other in ways that He shows us, to be open to leading of His Holy Spirit in us and through us. I am also reminded to live my life fullest for God and God only; to spend every moment worshipping, glorifying, praising, and honoring Him in every aspect of my life. To spend quiet times with Him, to read His amazing, beautiful, and living words, to never stop praying for everyone and everything, to make joyful noise unto Him, and to always give thanks for all His blessings in our beautiful lives.

You might wonder if God really and truly loves you? You might also ask yourself, why me? Why does God love me? With all my past mistakes, with all my wrongdoing, and with all my faults? I’m not good enough. I’m not worthy. I’m a sinner. We may have many reasons to wonder and question. But the answer is YES! YES, God loves you for who you are. Because you are His. And He doesn’t want us to stay where we are. In Matthew 6:33, it says; “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” He wants us to draw closer to Him, to deepen our relationship with Him, to be thirsty and hungry for His word, and to be more Christlike each day.

“To love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second commandment is “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” which is found in Matthew 22:27-29. When we truly realize God’s love for us and how much He desires us to deepen our relationship with Him. We will feel and we will know His amazing and unconditional love for us. We know the true meaning of love, loving Him, loving others, and knowing that we are loved by Him.

Next time that you look in the mirror, know that you are His beautiful and loved creation. You are enough. You are amazing. You are a gift from God. You are beautiful especially in His sight. You are God’s original work of art. You are beautifully created. You are His. YOU ARE LOVED!!

GOD IS ALWAYS:
Best
Everlasting
Amazing
Unconditional
Trustworthy
Inspirational
Faithful
Unwavering
Loving

YOU ARE:
Beautiful
Enough
Awesome
Unforgettable
Talented
Incredible
Fabulous
Unique
Loved

Enjoy the song, “I Am Loved” by Mack Brock

Scripture Verses and Quotes on “Love / Loved”
“If God planned you for me and me for you, then nothing can separate you from me and me from you.” (Mark 10:9)

“Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14

“Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2)

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

“Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.” (Khalil Gibran)
“Life is the flower for which love is the honey.” (Victor Hugo)
“Intense love does not measure, it just gives.” (Mother Teresa)
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
(Lao Tzu)
“The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. And the best time to love is now.” (Rick Warren)

Download a printable version of the Bible Study:

By Major Rutendo Masango
Director of Continuing Education
College for Officer Training

Do you know you are loved by our Creator? You are valuable and you are such a huge part of this world. When God created Adam and Eve, he put them in the garden of Eden, a beautiful and perfect place, they could talk with God at any time. Well until the serpent came to distract that perfect life. We read in Genesis 3:

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1

Of course the serpent twisted God’s command and with that Eve fell into the temptation, together with Adam. Sin entered the world through our first parents which means the rest of humanity has inherited this sin. But we have a God who is so loving and kind, that even though we were separated from him, he had a way for us to stay connected to him, he sent his one and only son, Jesus Christ to the earth, as a baby and grew and yet his mission was to die on the cross for the sins of all humanity.

What an amazing plan of redemption that is, for God is truly amazing!

Well this Bible study theme is: You are saved. And really the important reminder is that God saw that sin separated us from him and his plan was to send Jesus to save us. John 3: 16 we read: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son into the world, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

What a beautiful promise that if we believe in him we will be saved. Being saved also include turning away from sin, confessing our sins to God and asking for forgiveness and truly believing that we are saved.

Maybe you are here are struggling with really accepting that you are loved and that your sins are forgiven, I would like to encourage you to know and believe that yes you are forgiven. 1 John 1:9 says: “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to purify us from all unrighteousness.” The enemy may whisper inside your heard that you are never forgiven, how can God love a sinner like you? You are not worthy to be saved, or any other lies, well I would like to encourage you that there is no sin that is too hard for God to forgive.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

Digging Deeper:

1. What does 1 John 5:11-12 mean to you?

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

2. We are not saved by our good works. What does this verse mean to you?

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

This Christmas season, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us be reminded about the reason why he came to this earth, he came to seek and save the lost.

3. Read Luke 2:25-32

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

What do these verse tell you about God’s faithfulness and his promises?

Today, be encouraged and know you are loved and God cares enough for you that he sent his son to save you and me.

Download a printable version of this Bible Study:

Conclude your Bible study celebrating the fact “There is a Savior”

By Major Sybil Smith
Torrance, CA Corps – Southern California Division

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1a

Welcome to, “You are His precious child.” In this study, you will read and listen to the words of “Who You Say I Am” from Hillsong Worship. They are amazing words that can bring confidence, hope and encouragement to your heart. You will also be looking into the Scriptures, the Word of God; which inspired the words of the song.

When we know this truth, not because Hillsong Worship proclaims it, but because the Word of God declares it; it will go beyond just the heart and will give strength, hope and joy to your soul!

Don’t rush through these Bible Studies. Really, take time to read, listen and contemplate the truth God is needing you to hear. It’s ok if this takes more than one sitting to complete. Take as many sessions as you need to get through the study.

Ok, let’s get right to it. First let’s look at the song that has been chosen to go with the truth of being His (God’s) precious child. The song is “Who You Say I Am” from Hillsong Worship. Please take a moment to read through the words of this song. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Maranatha-Music/Who-You-Say-I-Am-1

Now take another few moments to listen to the song:

After you have done the above, take a moment to pray that the Lord will have favor over you as you take time in this study. That His favor will affirm who you are. That His favor will challenge you to not put anything about you down … but rather show you … wherever you are right at this moment … the truth of who you are and how God, through Jesus Christ His Son, can reconcile anything in you that makes you feel anything less than His precious child.

I know you may very likely be someone who already knows the Word well and you know where this song stems from Scripture. If you know that, then you know Scripture enough to understand that there is not any amount of time you can re-read God’s Word that He won’t speak into your heart every time. So, whether you are someone new to the Bible, or someone who has read it cover to cover a few times; you will find joy in being reminded – or discovering for the first time – how you have been created to be His precious child!

VERSE 1
As you read the first verse in the song, the first three words are, “Who am I?” May I propose that whatever you say you are, or whatever others have said you are, that God’s Word says you are MORE?

You are more in these three ways:
⦁ You have more worth than you may see.
⦁ You are more cherished than you may realize.
⦁ You have more purpose than you may know.

Let’s take a moment to break down these three truths that help to illustrate the fact that you are created to be His precious child.

You have MORE worth than you may see.

Having Great Worth- Value, significance. The opposite would be worthlessness which can’t be you because you’re here, on this earth … No person makes it to this earth without worth, value, or significance. You have been born into this world because God knew your specific life was going to be significant, of value, of great worth to someone else.

Write out Jeremiah 29:11 here:

What does this say about you right now?

You are MORE cherished than you may realize.

Cherished meaning loved, held in high esteem. The opposite would be abandoned, not cared for, forsaken which is something far too many people feel right now.

If you have been made to feel abandoned, unloved or forsaken … there are those who cherish you, who love you and want to invest in your life and help you feel and know you are cherished.

Write out Psalm 139:14 & John 15:12-13:

What does this say about you right now?

You have MORE purpose than you may know.

Having absolute, innate Purpose meaning, natural hope, and expectation.  The opposite would be hopelessness, without purpose.  You have been chosen to be here on this earth at this time. It doesn’t make sense that you would be here for no reason. It is a guarantee that your life has made an impact on that of another life. Good or bad, you have made an impact. 

Write out Psalm 139:13 & John 15:16 here:

What does this say about you right now?

This song has beautifully captured who we are in Jesus Christ.

The greatest thing about who we are- is it doesn’t matter what WE say we are, or what OTHERS say we are. Who we are is who God declares us as being. He made humanity from the dust of the earth. 

Write down Genesis 2:7:

He formed us in our mother’s womb.

Write down Psalm 139:13-14:

Write your thoughts concerning these verses you just wrote down, and you, where you are right now in life.

When someone takes so much care, detail, time, focus, attention and love in creating something … that someone will want to ensure what they have created will be cherished, will be taken care of. They will not want to see it harmed, broken or marred.

God created you with that kind of care and love.

Another few words in the first verse of the song is, “I was lost but He brought me in. Oh His love for me.”

Write down Romans 5:6-8:

Write down John 3:16:

Write down 1 John 3:1:

What do these three verses say about Gods love for you as a precious child of God?

God’s love for you is so much that He sent Jesus to suffer and die for your sins, so you would have the hope of salvation despite the sin in your life. He loves you enough to forgive any sin you can ask Him to forgive. He not only forgives, but then helps you to not return to it.

The moment you acknowledged sin, confessed that sin to Jesus, asked Jesus to forgive your sin and live within you to help you and guide you- that’s when you became a precious child of God.

What other verses can you find in the Bible about God’s love for you? List them here along with any thoughts about the verses you write down.

VERSE 2

The words in this second verse to take a closer look at is, “His grace runs deep. While I was a slave to sin, Jesus died for me.”

You touched on this in some of the verses you’ve already written down. While you were a slave to sin, Jesus died for you. If you are reading this study and you find yourself at this moment overwhelmed by sin, by the shackles, or the effects of sin… understand the Lord Jesus Christ loves you right now, this very moment, just as you are. You don’t need to do a thing to gain that love… it’s already there and it runs very deep for you.

Write down Ephesians 2:4-5:

What do these verses say about you and any sin that may be present right now?

Write down Romans 6:20-23:

What do these verses say about the grace of God?

Every person has found themselves a slave to sin at some point in their lives. Every person has had, or will have to come to a point where that sin is acknowledged, confessed to the Lord and asked to be forgiven. In God’s Grace, He forgives, forgives and forgives again.

God sees you. God knows you. God loves you. God knows your heart. He is able to be what you need and lead you by His Holy Spirit.

CHORUS
The best thing is that while God loves you just where you are, even if where you are is in the throes of sin; His love doesn’t want you to stay there. He wants more than anything to pick you up out of that place and put you down in a place of freedom, joy, strength and hope. From being a slave to sin, to being a precious child of God.

Read these words from the chorus:
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a precious child of God
Yes I am

Write down Romans 6:17-18:

What do you think of the concept of being free from sin, and becoming a slave to righteousness?

A slave is a person who is someones property. They are bound to obey their master who owns them. I don’t know anyone who wants to be considered a slave. But the truth is, we are all slaves to the one who controls us. Who controls you? Do you control you? Does satan control you? Does God control you?

You have a choice everyday who you will serve. There is only one master who will truly let you live in freedom and it’s not you or satan. Only God, in Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit, brings freedom and so much more as His precious child.

Let’s look at the second part of the chorus:
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a precious child of God
Yes I am

Write Down John 14:1-4:

What does this verse say about life after death? How does that make you feel as you think of your life in Jesus not just for today, but for forever?

You are a precious child of God not just while you are here on earth, but forever in the hands of God. He’s got a home all set for you when your time here has ended.

Write down 1 John 3:2-3:

What are your thoughts on this verse? Focus on these key words: “not yet been made known”, “shall be like Him”, “purify themselves”. What do you think this verse means for you, and your standing, as a precious child of God?

BRIDGE
This to me is the best part of the song:
I am chosen, not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me, not against me
I am who You say I am
I am chosen, not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me, not against me
I am who You say I am
I am who You say I am

This has some powerful words:
I am Chosen.
You are for me.
I am who You say I am.

Write down John 15:16-17:

What does this say about your life as a precious child of God? Especially focusing on the latter part of the verses.

It’s important to realize that you are seen, loved and accepted as a precious child of God because of who you are. That you are a benefactor if His grace when you yielded your life to Jesus in repentance and in serving Him. Read Galatians 5:22-23 to be reminded of some of the benefits God gives you as His precious child.

You are a precious child of God. Not just so you can relish in that truth. Not just so you can benefit from His work in you. Not just so you can receive the gift of eternal life.

You are a precious child of God so that your life can also draw others into a relationship with Jesus. It is not just for yourself that you are saved. It is also for the benefit of others that you are saved.

Write down 1 John 3:16-18:

You are a part of the family of God. As a precious child of God, in reference to these verses you wrote down; how are you supposed to treat others ego are in the family of God along with you?

Write down 1 Peter 4:7-11:

List ways in which your life, as a precious child of God, displays the kind of living described in the verses you just wrote down.

Do you see how you are precious? Do you see how you are more?

Being a precious child of God is redeeming … it is freeing … it is affirming … it is something that’s secure and eternal.

Write down your thoughts as to what you understand your life to be as a precious child if God.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
For further depth into God’s Word. Use a concordance to look up verses containing these key words don’t just read the verse indicated but read the passage surrounding it to get a full understanding of its meaning. Write down the verses and your thoughts concerning them:

Child/Children
Love
Free
Chosen
Grace

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By Captain Jan Pemberton
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Cascade Division

Instructions:
This Bible Study contains questions about the study of Meditation and Memorization of Scripture. Take your time as you read each question and read the passage of scripture for that corresponding question in the Bible. Read and study each answer in the Bible and then write an answer in your own words.

Overview:

Memorizing Scripture and Christian meditation is similar and components of one another. Before your time in meditative prayer, you can study a passage of scripture many times and, through the process, keep a list of questions you want to take to the Lord during your time together, such as finding the greater meaning of the text you just read and open your heart to the Holy Spirit to speak and minister to you.

1. Read Psalms 1:1-6.
   a. How can we delight in God’s instructions?
   b. How can meditating on scripture help us pursue righteous living?
2. Read Psalms 119:15-16
   a. What is the benefit of reading and meditating on God’s word?
   b. How can these verses grow us closer to God?
3. Read Psalms 119:97-99.
   a. How often are we to meditate on scripture?
   b. When we read this scripture, what happens to us?
4. Read Psalm 143:5.
   a. Why should we ponder the work of the Lord?
5. Read Joshua 1:8.
   a. When should we meditate on God’s word?
   b. What happens to us if we meditate on God’s word?
6. Read Philippians 4:2-9.
   a. What urging or encouragements, do you notice in these verses?
   b. What are we to think about according to these verses?
   c. Why is it good to keep God’s word in your heart?
7. Read 1 Timothy 4:13-15.
   a. Where should we read scripture, and until when?
   b. What should we do with this gift God has given us?
   c. Why should we meditate on God’s Word?
8. Read Romans 12:2
   a. What happens to our minds when we read and study God’s word?
   b. In learning His will, should we test God?
9. There is an Acronym called PROBE. How can we use these in our lives in memorizing God’s word to share with others?
   a. Pray
   b. Repent
   c. Obey
   d. Believe
   e. Express
10. Read the verses below. How can these verses give you strength and purpose and connect you with the Lord?
    a. John 3:16
    b. Jeremiah 29:11
    c. Matthew 6:33
    d. Matthew 28:18-20
    e. Joshua 1:7-9
    f. Philippians 4:13
    g. 2 Corinthians 5:16-20
    h. Psalm 23:1
    i. Proverbs 3:5-8
    j. Romans 8:26-28

When we are introspective about our time in the Word of God and with our time in prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our time with the Lord, we can feel rejuvenated in our minds, bodies, and our souls. When we take the time to reflect upon the verses God has put before us in our devotions, mentioned in a Bible study or in a sermon, we need to do our own study in order to learn more about what God meant in those verses. If we have questions, we need to go to our Officers and ask questions because that is the only way we learn. We must do our research. Look in commentaries and the works of John Wesley and other theologians in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. We need to be people who hunger and thirst for God’s word, and through diligent study and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will see what the Lord has in store for us.

Memory Verse
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take  or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,  which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

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By Major Gaylene Yardley
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary – Southwest Division

Needed Supplies (needed by each person):

• paper
• pencils
• large eraser
• Bible

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32

Have you ever done something that you wish you could take back? Maybe something that you said that makes you cringe when you think about it? It happens to all of us at one time or another. As a kid I remember when I did something I knew to be wrong, I had that terrible sinking feeling in my gut that caused me turmoil in my heart and in my soul.

Today we are going to talk about sin and forgiveness. Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we can ask for or give, in my opinion. We often say we forgive but do we really forget? Let’s work together to do a little illustration for each of us.

Have participants draw a large heart on their paper. If you’d prefer, you can print out large hearts instead.

Is the heart pure? Since it is clean, the answer is yes. Sometimes even when you are trying to do a good job, we mess up anyway. What is a way that we may mess up?

Read Colossians 3:5. This verse tells about some specific sins, Sin clouds up your heart. Write the sin on the heart (big!).

What might happen after that? For example, if the first sin they offer is stealing, then tell them you might lie to cover it up because you don’t want them to know.

Then write the next sin on your heart and have them do the same. Repeat these steps until the heart is full of sins things.

Do you think that Jesus still loves you even with this? But do you think He can live in your heart with all this garbage?

We need Jesus’ forgiveness at all times. Can someone tell me what forgiveness means to you? How do we receive and give forgiveness? We must forgive as well. If we harbor bitterness and animosity in our lives, we must forgive as well. Colossians 3: 13 tells us this, “bear with each other and forgive one another if any one of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

So what do we need to do to be forgiven? Why do you think that you need to say it out loud? We have to admit it so that we are being honest with God and ourselves.

What else do you think would be a good thing to do? Guide them until they answer that you should talk to the people that you wronged.

Go through each of the sins on the heart and “make it right”. That means praying for the person you wronged, making it right, and asking for Jesus’ forgiveness. Each time, erase the sin from the heart. Have them do this as well.

Do you think it will stay like that forever? It’s probably not going to stay pure forever. Even if you try hard, you will probably mess up every once and a while. The important thing is that we try to do our best to be like Christ, and that we ask for forgiveness when we mess up—and quickly! We don’t want to end up filling our heart with sins.

Give them a few minutes (play a quick worship song) and ask them to think about something they may need to ask forgiveness for, and to pray for it. At the end, pray a general prayer over them that they will learn from this lesson and try to keep their hearts pure.

Quotes on Forgiveness

• “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” – Louis B. Smedes
• “To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.” – Robert Muller
• “Forgive others not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.” – Jonathan Huie
• “Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself.” – Harriet Nelson
• “If we really want to love we must learn how to forgive.” – Mother Teresa
• “When you forgive, you immerse yourself in healing water.s” – Stephen Richards
• “To forgive is to refuse to contaminate the future with the errors of the past.” – Craig D. Lounsbrough
• “When we forgive, the slave we free is ourselves.” – Edward M. Hallowell
• “Forgiving others is having power over the stars, forgiving yourself is having power over the moon.” – Alan Maiccon

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Be sure to check out this month’s craft, Soap Carving, and devotional, Forgiveness, that coordinates with this Bible Study.

By Captain Charlene Morrow
Monterey Peninsula, CA Corps – Golden State Division

Text: James 3:1-12

Introduction:

Think about the wide variety of comments and connections you make daily. The average person speaks about 7,000 words spoken a day, makes about 12 social interactions daily, and according to a Stanford study, has about 6000 individual thoughts daily. If we take a day and examine all of our words spoken and thoughts to ourselves, would you be proud of everything you’ve done? Would God be pleased? Could you say that you have “tamed the tongue” (physical or mental) in those situations? How many times would that tongue have gotten you into trouble? We all have trouble taming our tongue. James talks about this in James 3:1-12. The same mind and tongue that prays to the heavenly Father, thinks the thoughts of others around us and of ourselves. In this study we are going to look at taming our tongue with others and taming our tongue with ourselves.

Taming the tongue with others:
When working with young children, we often find that they will say whatever comes to mind, even to the embarrassment of their parents or other adults in the room. Often, children do not have a “filter,” as they say. Young minds are still learning the “dos and don’ts” of social norms and have a hard time controlling what comes from their mouths. Sometimes, we adults act the very same way. Taming our tongue is an important theme in scripture. With our tongues we can build people up, tear people down, or say the wrong thing without meaning it. How we speak and how we act toward others, fellow believer or not, is a direct representation of who our heavenly Father is and what he is about. When we look at our text in James, let’s discuss these questions:

Read James 3:1-8

“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”

Discussion Questions:

• What do you think James means when he says the tongue is also like fire?
• How can a small “rudder” like the tongue control my being?
• How can I control the power of my tongue?
• What does it mean to “tame the tongue” with others and what are some ways that we can practice “taming the tongue”?
• Look up scriptures: Proverbs 15:4, Colossians 3:12 and Galatians 5:13. Discuss with each other how these scriptures relate to learning to tame the tongue with others.

Jesus discusses this in the book of Matthew when preaching the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 7:12 says, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Earlier in James we are also reminded to be “quick to listen and slow to speak”. The next time you want to speak without thinking, take three deep breaths or count to 5 slowly in your head.
Or, you can come up with your own tool to use to ensure the next words out of your mouth will be glorifying to God.

Taming the tongue with ourselves:
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” This is a quote by the Dalai Lama. This concept may be easy to practice with others. For many of us, it is easy to love others and treat others with compassion but, do we offer ourselves the same kindness? We are our own worst critics, however; we are still children of the almighty God! So many of us talk to ourselves and use words and thoughts that we wouldn’t dare say to another person. I’m too much of….., I will never be…., I will never look like…., I will never succeed like…, I’M NOT ENOUGH! But we are God’s children. God’s Chosen. Created in HIS image. As we dive back into our passage in James chapter 3, Let’s read verses 9-12.

Read James 3:9-12

“9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Let’s insert ourselves into the passage in James. “With the tongue we praise our Lord, and with it we curse human beings,” and how about “and with it we curse ourselves, who have been made in God’s likeness”. Or, we can make it even more personal: “And with it we curse__________(your first and last name), who have been made in God’s likeness”.

Discussion Questions:

• What do you think the definition of “self-talk” is and how does that relate to taming the tongue within us?
• What does “Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring?” mean?
• Why do you think it can be easier to praise and uplift others and not provide the same love and affection for ourselves?
• Look up scriptures: Ephesians 4:29-30, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, and Philippians 4:8-9. Have a conversation about how these scripture verses provide evidence that God wants us to “tame the tongue” when speaking to ourselves.

Positive self-talk is not a new concept. Treating our body as a temple of the Lord includes our minds as well. Just as we would not want to clutter our minds and hearts with other sins and admirations of the world, we should also not clutter them with thoughts that berate a child of God. Galatians 4:7 says: “Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” The next time you want to hurt yourself with negative words and thoughts, remember whose you are and tame that tongue!

Final discussion questions:
Just like with anything worth doing, taming the tongue requires practice, practice, practice!

• What are some ways we can practice taming the tongue to others?
• What are strategies we can use to keep ourselves from being “quick to speak”?
• What are some ways we can practice taming our tongue with ourselves?
• Do you think there is a correlation between how we view/talk to ourselves and how we view/talk to others?

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By Major Sybil Smith
Torrance, CA Corps
Southern California Division

OVERVIEW:
In this *study we will be looking at the different times throughout Scripture in which Jesus faced suffering in His life. We will read the passages, and ask questions that may foster further understanding of what took place in each of these vulnerable times in Jesus’ life and ministry. We will then look into further Scriptures which may help us see where we truly are in “Solidarity in the suffering of Jesus Christ.”

NOTE: This is quite an extensive study and could be broken down into studying smaller sections over several weeks.

INTRODUCTION:
sol•i-dar-i•ty soli-dar-i-ty
Isäla’derade
noun
1 unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group: factory workers voiced solidarity with the striking students.
New Oxford American Dictionary

I am not sure I can say that I can truly be in solidarity in what my Lord has suffered on account of me and humankind. As we will see in this study, the Lord faced insult … persecution … personal anguish and torture before His predestined death by hanging on a cross for the redemption of us all. I just don’t think I can stand next to my Savior claiming I am in solidarity in His sufferings. Do I want to be? Yes, of course I desire to have the heart of God that would endure such things for the sake of others. But in all honesty, am I even close? I have shied away from so many moments God has asked me to join Him in. Moments of standing up for not just social injustice, but for the Bible, the truths Jesus Christ hung on the cross for.

There are times when it seems that we are living in a society where we are being told we are haters even if we merely disagree with an action or lifestyle that is contrary to the Word of God. It seems as if we are labeled old fashioned and out of date.

Those who stand up in our 21st century culture, living and speaking the true message of the Gospel, may very well be close to solidarity in Christ’s suffering. It’s not an easy thing to do by any means at all. Especially when it hits close to home with family. It’s so much easier to sometimes skip over some truths than lose the ones we love to hating us or thinking we hate them.

Those times, when we may pick and choose what to believe and what not to believe in the Bible, may make it challenging to be able to truly say we are in solidarity with Jesus Christ? In today’s culture, to be close to solidarity with Jesus’ suffering means we strive to live, speak and stand every moment in God’s truth, even when it is being challenged by those closest to us. No matter who our company is … where that company is … that we stand for the Word of God. I will ashamedly admit that I am not one of those who have lived like this. I quiet my witness as to not upset the masses, or in some cases the few, even when it comes to my family.

So there you have it. You have read my thoughts on where I see myself in this place of solidarity with the suffering of Jesus Christ. But before I solidify my thoughts/judgements and possibly you with your own on this topic, let’s first take a look through Scripture on what His sufferings have been and why He endured them. This may give a more sure response in our own lives where we are in solidarity with the suffering of our Savior Jesus Christ.

STUDY: SUFFERING OF JESUS CHRIST
*To make this study even more insightful and in-depth, use online commentaries or the old-fashioned actual commentary books, reference, and/or study guides to help you as you answer these questions. This format gives you the chance to do a simple dive into the verses themselves. But the format also gives you the ability to do all kinds of varied studies on this subject. Only limited by the resources available.

Let’s look at the incidents in Scripture that highlight the sufferings of Jesus Christ.

1. Matthew 2:13–15 – Jesus’ flight to Egypt as a child.

Thinking of the time and the circumstances. What challenges may Jesus have been met with as a child traveling to a new city with His parents?

What might He had suffered during that time? Remember they just weren’t moving to a new location, they were fleeing for Jesus’ life. They were trying not to be seen, to hide until the threat (Pharaoh) was gone.

Have you ever had to go into hiding because of the Gospel? If so, write your experience here. If not, what would be the closest thing to that experience you’ve endured?

2. Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13 – The temptation in the wilderness (fasting + temptation).

Fasting 40 days and nights is a long time! How might it have been tough not to give in to the devils temptations? What was the reason for Jesus fasting? Does that make it any easier or harder to stand up to the temptations?

Have you ever fasted? If so, how long have you gone fasting and for what reason?

Describe your most challenging temptation and if you were able to stand up against it. Describe your faith at the time, how did it play into your ability to stand up against temptation?

3. Luke 4:16-30 – Jesus is reading from Isaiah in Nazareth but then is rejected by his own people.

What must Jesus feel to be rejected by the people He grew up with?

Can you think of a time in your life where your family or community rejected what you had to say or do for them concerning your faith in Jesus Christ? If so, what was it and how did you feel?

4. John 6:60–71 – A group of followers leave Jesus. They think his teaching is too hard.

How might this affect Jesus Spirit when even His followers begin to leave?

Remember it’s not just that He has some good idea He wants to share, it’s the message of a new way and a new hope of salvation for each of them. Saving them from their fate if they don’t believe. How might that make this rejection hit closer to His heart?
Have you ever had someone on board with you in ministry or in faith one moment and then leave you the next? If so, share what and when and how you felt.

5. John 10:22-42 Jesus teaches the Pharisees some things they don’t like. They are about to stone him in 10:31. He continues to question and teach them, but by 10:39 they look to arrest him. 

So many times, Jesus faced this when He taught or preached the message God had given Him to tell. How might these encounters that grow more violent as the days go by, challenge Jesus’ spirit to keep preaching and teaching?

Has something you ever said about the Bible been met with a violent response? If so, what were you saying and what was the response? How did you deal with it?

6. Luke 19:41-44 – Weeping over Jerusalem. The people were praising Him and treating Him like royalty as He was on the road to Jerusalem. Why then, would He be weeping as He saw the city just ahead of Him?

What must it had been like for Jesus to know, before He even step foot on the ground, that the words He was to speak to the people were going to be ignored, despised and rejected?

Have you had an experience where the Lord told you to give a message to someone or to a group of people that you knew were just going to reject it? If yes, did you do it anyway? If so, write your experience here.

7. Matthew 14:1-13 & Mark 6:14-34 – After hearing about the be-heading of his friend John the Baptist, Jesus withdrew to a desolate place by Himself.

What do you suppose Jesus was going through in His spirit? Was He only thinking of His own grief concerning John the Baptist, or also the grief of the other disciples?

He didn’t have much time alone before large crowds wanted to hear His teachings. What would you have done?

What did Jesus do?

8. John 11:1-35 After hearing of Lazarus death, Jesus was weeping.

Why was Jesus weeping? Was it because of Lazarus death, or was there something more?

See verse 11. If Jesus was already going to raise Lazarus from the dead, why then was He weeping? There must have been something more that grieved Jesus spirit.

What must it be like to know the hearts of others so deeply?

Have you had any situation close to this?

9. Matthew 26:36-46 & Mark 14:32-42 – Praying in Gethsemane.

Sorrow beyond comprehension! What was Jesus overwhelmed about?

In His deep sorrow He asks His disciples to keep watch, but they fall asleep. How does that compound the emotion Jesus is wrestling with?

Jesus knew what was coming. Have you had a situation where you were asked to do something, and you knew the outcome was going to cause hardship or pain? If so, did you still do it? If you have write down what it was and how you responded.

10. Matthew 26:47-50 & Mark 14:43-52 Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus outside Gethsemane.

His followers couldn’t stay awake enough to keep watch, He’s overwhelmed with grief and now is the time of Judas betrayal. How could Jesus, in all human effort, deal with such grief upon grief?

Have you ever been beaten down by grief just to have more and more pile up against you because of your faith in Jesus Christ? If so, what was that like? What is that compared to what Jesus went through here?

11. John 18:15-18; 25-27 & Mark 14:66-72 – Peter’s denial of Jesus 3 times.

I wonder if Jesus could hear the rooster crows. While Jesus was in the midst of His arrest and interrogations, one of His closest followers denied knowing Him 3 times. Yet again, another insult from those He loves. How do you think all of this happening … like punches in a boxing ring … over and over and over again … one insult and betrayal after another … How must He have truly felt in His spirit at this moment?

Have you had people in your life betray you because of your faith? They say they’re with you and then turn against you when you need them the most. Write that experience down and how you felt.

12. John 18:22-23, John 19:1-16 and Matthew 27:27-31 – Jesus sentenced to be crucified.

As you read these passages, list the three types of humiliation Jesus endured at the hands of His accusers.

Have you faced humiliation by others because of the faith you profess? If so, write your experience(s) here.

13. Take a moment to read each of these passages of Scripture. Then, for each passage, write what Jesus’ experience was concerning the cross.

Matthew 27:32-37 –

Matthew 27:38-44, Mark 15:21-32, Luke 23:32-43 & John 19:17-30

Matthew 27:45-50, Mark 15:33-37

Out of these three events, which do you think brings the most suffering and utter despair to the heart of Jesus? Why?

14. Psalm 16:10 and Acts 13:33-35 – prophesy that Jesus would not remain dead.

His work was finished. His duty was done. However, His suffering was not fully complete when He gave up His Spirit and died. He suffered the penalty of death so we would not have to. But Sheol (the underworld) could not hold the Savior because God rose Him from the dead so He and His body would not see decay.

Have we, have you been in the depths of Sheol? We may feel like we have at times. But this will not be something we bear while on earth. And if we remain in relationship with Jesus, it will not be our experience when we die.

Think about the Lord taking the ultimate punishment for sin, so you and I would not have to bear it ourselves. What are your thoughts on this?

OUR SOLIDARITY IN JESUS SUFFERING:
We have read several Scripture passages that have told about the times Jesus Christ had faced suffering. I now consider the questions to those passages we just walked through and think that maybe I can have solidarity in at least some of what my Lord suffered. To determine for yourself where you are, let’s consider some further scripture reading on this matter of solidarity in the suffering of Jesus Christ.

1. Matthew 16:21-28 – Take up your cross and follow me.

What does it mean to “take up their cross and follow Me”? What was the disciples’ cross or burden in following Jesus? (For some they left family, they left careers, they left respectable positions in society to follow Jesus.) You may want to research each disciple and see what it is they gave up in order to follow Jesus. (What they suffered to follow Jesus.)

What about you? What have you given up or sacrificed for following Jesus? What might your cross be that Jesus is calling you to bear in His Name?

2. Matthew 20:20-28 – Drink of the same cup Jesus did.

James and John did end up drinking from the same cup Jesus did. James as a martyr, but both for their sacrificial living which brought persecution and hardship because of their living faith in Jesus Christ.

Can you say you have drunk from the same cup Jesus did? If so, share your story here.

3. Galatians 6:11-16 – Maybe the cup represents the sacrificial life that Jesus lived and then calls His followers to live as well.

What was Paul saying here when he speaks of circumcision verses the cross of Christ?

It seems there is something deeper God is calling us to. What are your thoughts and where are you concerning this in your own life?

4. Romans 8:17-18 – Sharing in His sufferings.

You can list all the sufferings Jesus went through. This says we may share in His glory as we’ve shared in His sufferings.

After reading all that our Savior has suffered, how we can share in that suffering? Where does that leave you and I in our solidarity with the suffering of Jesus Christ?

These Scriptures say that we indeed can be in solidarity with the suffering of Jesus Christ. The cost of being in solidarity with our Lord is high. The question is: Where are you and I in our solidarity in the suffering of Jesus Christ? Where do we want to be? Where is Jesus Christ calling us to be?

MY PERSONAL CONCLUSION:
To stand honestly in solidarity with the suffering my Savior went through for the sake of everyone, I cannot say I am there.

I have suffered mocking and teasing from my dad for holding to the truths of Jesus Christ.

I have been called out by a store clerk for worshipping the Lord on Sundays. I’ve also been called out by a couple random people on being a woman pastor.

But for me to say that equals the suffering my Jesus went through for my life, no … I can’t say I’ve been brave enough to live that bold in the Lord. I desire to. I pray I will get there soon. But for me today, I can’t say I’m living in solidarity in the suffering of Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, help me start today.

YOUR PERSONAL CONCLUSION:

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By Captain Joy Groenleer
Assistant Training Principle
College for Officer Training

Prior to her retirement, College for Officer Training Officer, Major Millie Bearchell, shared a testimony about her excitement as she began planning her new ministry with her future congregation. In this testimony, she shared that one of her most prized possessions is a journal written by her late mother. This love for journal writing was passed on from her mom to her as journaling became an important part of her daily quiet time with the Lord. When entering retirement, Major Millie planned to continue journaling, and instead of just writing in her own journal, she committed to ministering to her new congregation – her 6 grandchildren – by starting individual journals for each of them to one day receive at a still-to-be-determined time. What a beautiful ministry!

Share Your Experience: Do you enjoy journaling? If so, describe what you include in your journal. What are some important things that you record? Prayers? Prayer requests? Prayer victories? Daily thoughts? Recording of daily events? Poems? Quotes? Drawings? Do you share these journals with others?

In her book, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun includes a chapter on the spiritual discipline of journaling. She defines journaling as “a tool for reflecting God’s presence, guidance and nurture in daily comings and goings.” Journaling is an effective spiritual discipline that many choose to do to draw themselves closer to the Lord as they articulate how God has been moving, what He has been teaching, and how He continues to be faithful. Journaling gives us an opportunity to sit, meditate, listen, and to write what is on our hearts as we reflect and remember. Calhoun states, “This practice includes keeping a written record of God’s ways in your life.”

“[Journaling is] a tool for reflecting God’s presence, guidance and nurture in daily comings and goings… This practice includes keeping a written record of God’s ways in your life.”

Adele Ahlberg Calhoun

For today’s Bible Study, we will be looking at passages of Scripture from an author who loved to keep a written record of God’s ways in various people’s lives. In fact, his journals gave us two New Testament books – the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Let’s turn to Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 1:1-2 to see who this author is and what he wrote.

Read Luke 1:1-4.
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. 3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

The writer is Luke, who was a physician by trade (Colossians 4:14), which meant that he certainly focused on details. Luke is mentioned in Philemon 24 as a fellow worker of the Apostle Paul, joining him on some of his missionary journeys. In this passage, we can see how and why Luke wrote his Gospel.

In verses 1 and 2, Luke states that there were many who wrote about the things that Jesus did and said as writers unfolded the Lord’s life and ministry as the Messiah. He also shares that the gospel was handed down to them by those who walked with and talked with the Lord. These eyewitnesses saw with their very own eyes what Jesus did, and heard with their ears what Jesus said.

Questions for conversation:

1. Discuss the impact that gospel writers have made because of their journaling of Jesus’ life and ministry. How would we understand the Good News were it not for men, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to write what they witnessed?
2. What are some pros and cons about reading others’ eyewitness written recording of events?

In verse 3 and 4, we read how and why Dr. Luke wrote the Gospel that bears his name. First, he stated that he “carefully investigated everything from the beginning.” Scholars believe that Luke had not met Jesus personally and was not an eyewitness to the things that Jesus said or did. However, Luke shared in this Gospel that he thoroughly investigated everything, which would have included interviewing many eyewitnesses to put together a complete historical and gospel narrative of the life and ministry of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke starts from the beginning, even before Jesus’ birth, as Luke starts his book with Zechariah’s story and Mary visiting Elizabeth. Jesus’ birth doesn’t happen until the 2nd chapter of his Gospel. Luke also includes Jesus’ story as a 12-yr.-old speaking with religious leaders. He carefully researched everything from even before Jesus was born to his childhood to his life as a teacher, preacher, and our Savior.

Luke also mentioned that “he decided to write an orderly account.” Luke described Jesus’ life after thorough collection of accounts, evaluation, organization and putting the pieces together in an orderly fashion.

Finally, he mentions the purpose of his writing, “so that you may know the certainty of the things that have been taught.” Luke addressed this orderly account to “most excellent Theophilus”, who some believe was a wealthy donor and convert who paid for Luke’s literary work. The term “most excellent” was used to refer to high-ranking noblemen, and thus, Theophilus may have been such. In addition, other scholars believe that, since the name means “friend of God”, could have been written to any Christian reader.

Questions for conversation:

1. Knowing that Luke wrote his Gospel after careful investigation from the beginning and writing an orderly account, what are your thoughts about this Book of the Bible and the accuracy, effectiveness, and power of its message?
2. Luke was a highly educated and gifted writer. However, God does not expect us to be as gifted as this author when it comes to the spiritual discipline of journaling. We simply need to be open to the Holy Spirit in sharing our thoughts, prayers, and writings. Discuss this.

Read Acts 1:1-2
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

The writer of the Book of Acts is none other than Dr. Luke himself. When Luke refers to his “former book”, he is talking about the Gospel of Luke. Notice the person that Luke addresses in the verse above. We see here that Luke is writing to the same person, Theophilus, as a continuation of his former book.

As a fellow worker with the apostle Paul, Luke now shifts the attention from Jesus in the Gospel of Luke to the effects of Jesus’ ministry in the Book of Acts. We see Luke giving another orderly account of the early church and the works of the Holy Spirit as the gospel continued to be spread not just to Jews but to Gentiles as well. The Book of Acts continued with the narrative that Luke began, and furthermore included narrative accounts of what Luke and other apostles experienced firsthand as the Gospel spread throughout all the world!

Questions for conversation:

1. Discuss some significant events and stories that stand out to you in Luke’s recordings of the early church and the ministries of Peter and Paul in the Book of Acts.
2. Discuss how Luke left a legacy for others because of his journaling, recording, and remembering God’s ways and works.

As we’ve studied both passages, we learned that Luke may not have been an eyewitness to the life and ministry of Jesus, but he carefully investigated the things that were fulfilled, and he decided to write an orderly account. Why? He decided to write because he wanted Theophilus to know the certainty of the things he was taught. Through the investigating, collecting, analyzing, organizing, journaling of Luke, we too can know the certainty of the things that we have been taught.

Challenge and application:

1. Read the Books of Luke and Acts in their entirety to understand the Gospel fully and to reflect on the beginnings of the early church.
2. In her book, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, Adele Ahlberg Calhoun includes some things that we can do to practice journaling:

a. Keep a written record of God’s ways in your life; journals can include a collection of clippings, drawings, collages, articles, poems, quotes and so forth.

b. Journal daily or weekly or during significant events and transitions.

c. Making journals and scrapbooks for children or others (like Major Millie is doing in retirement for her grandchildren).

Note: Check out Major Millie’s devotional where she writes about journaling for her grandchildren. Check out this month’s craft for an easy journal you can make.

d. Record prayers, prayer requests, answers to prayers and responses to God in all of this.

Happy Journaling!

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By Major Kim Williams
Administrator for Program
Phoenix, AZ Adult Rehabilitation Center

Read Daniel 3:1-30 NIV

Question: How did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego show their faith and belief in the God they served?

How many times have you heard, “Have an attitude of gratitude?” Is that before or after morning coffee? Is it even possible to have gratitude in all situations? I have a friend that is now with the Lord, and she would give praise to God for the “Good, Bad, and Indifferent.”

It is so easy to praise the Lord when all is going your way. The coffee is perfect, the bills are paid, little Johnny got all A’s on his report card, and you just lost another 10 pounds on your diet. I don’t know whose life this might be, but it sure isn’t mine.

Mine is more like I set the coffee pot before going to bed but forgot to turn it on, little Johnny has detention and I gained 10 lbs. on the diet.

We can find it in our relationship with Jesus through the Holy Spirit to have a heart of gratitude when the good seasons seem to be in the distance and the bad is like a dreary cloud hanging over us for a season. You get bad news from the doctor, children are having difficulties, grandkids are being too exposed to worldly decay, the car breaks down, or you’re having personal relationship problems.

Is this the time we reflect and give thanks in all circumstances? Are we rejoicing always? What is our prayer life like at this time? (see 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Here is the thing – life is going to happen, the good, the bad, and the indifferent!

The Good News

No, the great news is that we have this amazing gift as followers of Christ, that in spite of the chaos, hurts, and thunderstorms of life, we can still be filled with gratitude and joy because of the abundant love God has for each one of us.

It is His mercy that God shows our broken selves and the grace that He pours into us is reason enough to dig deep in those valleys of life and be able to live with a heart of gratitude. When we take time to be mindful and see the amazing works of God, we can be prompted by the Holy Spirit to overflow with gratitude, joy, grace, and mercy.

Question: What can you do to begin the daily process of recognizing the goodness of God so you can life with a grateful heart during the good, the bad, and the indifferent?

Start a Gratitude Journal. Here are some ideas of what you can include:

• Write your prayers of thanksgiving.
• Contemplate the chorus, “Count your blessings, name them one by one and you will see what the Lord has done.”
• Look up scripture about rejoicing, gratitude, mercy, joy, etc.
• Read Galatians 5:22-23. What fruit of the Spirit is evident in your life? What fruit of the Spirit do you need more of right now?

Learning to live with sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading and embracing a life of gratitude in the good, the bad and the indifferent is not looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. This is a gift and treasure from God that comes through His Son, Jesus, when we seek to follow Him and His word found in the Scripture.

We may not receive all the answers we want, the way we want them answered, but we can still be filled with a grateful heart through anything, if we have the same attitude as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had along with the confidence they had in God Almighty.

Daniel 3:14-18
And Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[a] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Question: Are we so firm in our relationship with Christ, that when the indifferent comes, we are able to enter the blazing furnace with gratitude, joy and confidence in who we are in Him?

We can have that attitude of gratitude because of our relationship with Christ.

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