Two are Better Than One

Welcome to Week Twelve of our Bible Study! This week, we will look at a parable recorded in Matthew 25:31-46. Once again, our parable is about the Kingdom of Heaven, but these verses deal with God’s judgment. At that time, all the nations will be brought before God and separated, much as the sheep are separated from the goats. We are then told the deeds of the sheep (those on His right) distinguish them from the goats. It’s a very interesting passage and one we will open up and try to understand.   Here's a video that explains why the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats: https://thedogvisitor.com/qa/why-does-a-shepherd-separate-sheep-from-goats  As always, we have lots of things to discuss and ponder this week. I look forward to seeing you all Sunday at 7:30 pm. Here are the details about joining us on Zoom. About Zoom:   We will use Zoom for this Bible study. If you are using a computer, just type in www.zoom.com and select “Join a Meeting” at the top...

Welcome to Week Eleven of our Bible Study! This week, we will look at a parable recorded in Matthew 25:1-13. Once again, our parable is about the Kingdom of Heaven. When we look at the parables of our Savior topically, and consider the words He spoke in public ministry, it is interesting to note the things He emphasized. Thus far, this topic (Kingdom of Heaven) has been the dominate subject. We can dismiss this or read over it, as we often do when we read the Bible in small snippets, but we should also consider that each of these parables was preserved for our benefit and we should wonder why our Savior spoke so much of the Kingdom of Heaven. This week’s text is the parable of the Ten Virgins who are waiting for the arrival of the groom. This story follows up the text in Matthew 24 and continues the theme of being prepared for the return of our King. We will jump into the text and consider this aspect of the Kingdom, which is, how best can we prepare and stay ready for the return? ...

Welcome to Week Ten of our Bible Study! This week, we will look at parables recorded in Matthew 13:44-51. There are three comparisons made between objects and the Kingdom of God. It is interesting to note how many times Jesus made references to the Kingdom in his public ministry. In these verses, He speaks of the Kingdom’s value to the one who finds it, and also explains how the evil ones will be removed from among the righteous at the end of times.  Some questions we will address during our study time: -           Why are the evil ones allowed to exist amongst the righteous? -           Can we easily determine who the evil ones are? -           What deeds are manifested by those who are evil? -           What value do you place on the Kingdom of God? -        ...

Welcome to Week Nine of our Bible Study! During this past week’s study, we discussed the ministry of John the Baptist and what people were looking for when Jesus came on the scene. We were challenged to consider that point again: Are we looking for a savior that meets our criteria and terms or are we open to encountering the Savior as He is revealed to us in the scriptures? It’s a heady question to consider. This week we study Matthew 12 and look at the interaction between religious leaders and Jesus. Again, we will consider the question, what were they looking for? Why is it that the people most equipped to recognize the Messiah refused to see him? While we live in different times and we aren’t Jewish leaders, many suffer from the same condition. On some level, we all want a god that fits our schedule and desires and that is the essence of religion, which is man expressing the answer to life’s most pressing question. Conversely, the essence of Christianity is simply “God said.” That...

Welcome to Week Eight of our Bible Study! This week, we will continue our study of the parables of Jesus. We will look at a parable recorded in Matthew 11:16-19 and Luke 7:31-35. This story is used as a means to rebuke the “people of this generation.” Some questions we will address during our study time: -           Who is the target audience for this parable? -           Where did most of Jesus public ministry take place? -           Who was the target audience for most of Jesus public ministry? -           Who are the “people of this generation?” -           What else was Jesus talking about when he told this parable? -           What were the Jewish leaders looking for and why were they so at odds with Jesu...

Welcome to Week Seven of our Bible Study! This week, we will continue our study of the parables of Jesus. It seems fitting that we will discuss the Kingdom of God as we end 2020 and look forward to the turning of the calendar to a brand new year. Rather than be singularly focused on our own ambitions and improvements, which are good things, we should also reflect on our service in the Kingdom. What is our place in God’s Kingdom and what are we doing to accomplish His purpose? These seem like good questions to ponder daily but certainly so as we reflect on the past year and consider where we will be in 2021. We have been under the cloud of Covid for most of 2020 and that has looked different to everyone depending on what stage of life you are in, your vocation, and what state/city you live in. For many, 2020 has been a year of suffering, isolation, and economic distress, and for others it has been much frustration as we waited for the curve to flatten and see some semblance of normalc...

Welcome to Week Six of our Bible Study! This week, we will take a break from our study of the parables and look at the Christmas story. Sure, you’ve read it in the Bible, seen the movies and specials and we all have many fond memories that stir our emotions around this time of year. These are all great and nobody loves all things Christmas more than I; the lights and decorations and music, I love it all. But we know there is a much higher purpose in our celebration around Christmas. Unfortunately, during this odd year of isolation and, at times, anarchy, we have missed out on many celebrations and just the simple routine of gathering in church. So, I think this week’s study provides an opportunity to step back and reflect on life and maybe provide perspective. As we dig into the Christmas story this week, go back and read the accounts in the three Gospels (Matthew, Luke and John) with a critical eye. We don’t get any information about the birth of our Lord in John but he does provi...