Author Archive
Dec
14
Complete Lesson 1: Introduction to the Bible
Scripture Memory: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)
Make a list of questions based upon this lesson to ask at your next meeting.
Dec
14
Reading of God’s Word
“After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. John also was baptizing at Aenon [Αἰνών] near Salim [Σαλείμ], because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (for John had not yet been put in prison). Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.’ John answered, ‘A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.’” (John 3:22–30, ESV)
Introduction
Ambition is a prized virtue in our day, isn’t it? When someone has a strong desire to achieve something, and when they work hard and exhibit determination in chasing after that goal (whatever it may be), we say, that person is ambitious, and we commend them for it.
But I think we all know that there are really two kinds of ambition – one that is good and to be desired; the other evil and to be avoided.
Some are ambitious in a selfish way. They have drive and determination; they work very hard; but it is evident that their heart is set upon benefiting only themselves.
But others are ambitious in more of a selfless way. They also have drive and determination; they also work hard; but their heart seems to be concerned (to one degree or another), not only with benefiting themselves, but with the good of others.
In reality it may be difficult to distinguish between the two in people. Those with selfish ambition may wear the mask of selflessness for a time; whereas those who are indeed selfless may appear selfish to some – especially if their hard work and determination bring them a degree of success in this world.
But I think it is clear that there are two types of ambition residing within the heart of man – one selfish, the other selfless – one to be avoided, the other to be pursued.
And may I suggest that there is indeed a third kind of ambition? One that is also selfless, but in far better way. Among those who are driven by selfless ambition are those who possess, what we might call, a holy ambition.
What is the difference between the two? you might ask. (more…)
Dec
10
Reading
Read Know the Truth: Chapter 24: The Church: The Function of the Church (Pages 297-306)
Questions for Discussion
1. What were the principles which underlay the worship of God’s people in the OT? In which ways is worship under the new covenant (testament) different?
2. Discuss the roles of freedom and order/form in worship: what guidance does Scripture offer here?
3. What does fellowship (koinōnia) mean? Examine ways in which fellowship was expressed in the NT churches. What are today’s equivalents?
4. Assess the significance for true fellowship of (a) ‘apostles’ doctrine’ (Acts 2:42), (b) the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 10:11), (c) the Spirit and his gifts (1 Cor. 12 – 13).
5. What is the significance of the Bible’s teaching about spiritual gifts as far as ministry in the church is concerned?
6. List the NT requirements for specialized ministers in the church (cf. 1 Tim. 3:1–13; Titus 1:9–15; Acts 6:3f.).
7. How does the church’s witness serve God’s glory?
8. What does ‘mission’ entail?
9. What are the main biblical bases for Christian social involvement?
10. What does Scripture teach about mission through (a) prayer, (b) financial gifts, (c) personal witness, (d) corporate church witness? Examine in each area the implications for your personal commitment to mission.
Milne, Bruce (2012-11-28). Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief (p. 306). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism
Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.
Other Resources
Dec
10
Reading
Read Know the Truth: Chapter 23: The Church: The Identity of the Church (Pages 283-297)
Questions for Discussion
1. Examine the relationship between the individual and the community in the experience of salvation in (a) the OT, (b) the NT.
2. Explore the primary biblical images for the church, identifying what each has to teach about (a) God and his attitude to us, (b) the privileges of the church, (c) the responsibilities of the church, (d) the church’s mission in the world.
3. Discuss the value and dangers of the distinction between the visible and invisible church.
4. Take the ‘marks’ of unity, holiness, catholicity and apostolicity and examine with respect to each (a) the biblical basis, (b) the application to your local church and Christian group, (c) the application to the church worldwide.
5. How biblical and relevant are the Reformers’ ‘marks of the church’?
6. Do you agree with the claim that mission belongs to the essence of the church? Justify your answer from Scripture. If so, examine the implications for the present weekly programme of activities at your local church.
Milne, Bruce (2012-11-28). Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief (pp. 296-297). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism
Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.
Other Resources
Dec
10
Reading
Briefly review the content of Part 5 (Pages 245-278)
Read Know the Truth: Application (Pages 278-281)
Questions for Discussion
1. What in Part 5 has been most impactful to you?
2. Discuss the points of application made by Milne on Pages 278-281. Which one applies to you the most?
3. Can you think of any other applications that can be drawn from Part 5?
4. What questions do you have about the teaching you have encountered in this section?
Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism
Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.
Other Resources
Dec
10
Reading
Read Know the Truth: Chapters 21 & 22: The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit: The Spirit and Christian Growth & Historical Perspective: The Holy Spirit Today (Pages 261-278)
Questions for Discussion
1. What does ‘sanctification’ mean in both Scripture and common usage? In what ways is sanctification distinguished from justification?
2. What significance does our union with Christ have for sanctification? How would you try to interpret a ‘crisis’ experience of the Holy Spirit? What are the problems associated with the ‘second blessing’ approach to sanctification?
3. According to Scripture, does sanctification in any sense depend on our efforts?
4. What do you understand from scriptural teaching by (a) ‘baptism in the Spirit’, (b) the ‘fullness of the Spirit’?
5. What would you consider the essential marks of increasing sanctification in all Christian lives? Apart from these common elements, how might one expect increasing sanctification to be particularly expressed by a Christian (a) homemaker and mother, (b) student, (c) painter and decorator, (d) teacher, (e) factory employee, (f) civil servant?
6. Can we enjoy a firm certainty that we truly are Christians? Support your answer from Scripture.
7. Consider the role of the Spirit with reference to Scripture. What is the Bible’s function in living the Christian life?
8. Can a truly regenerate Christian be finally lost? How do you interpret the ‘warning passages’ in Hebrews?
Milne, Bruce (2012-11-28). Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief (p. 274). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism
Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.
Other Resources
Dec
10
Reading
Read Know the Truth: Chapter 20: The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit: The Spirit and Christian Beginnings (Pages 250-261)
Questions for Discussion
1. What does Scripture mean by ‘grace’? Discuss the view that it is the primary term in the Christian’s vocabulary.
2. What do you understand by ‘union with Christ’? Explore its implications for (a) Christian salvation, (b) Christian service, (c) Christian fellowship, (d) Christian discipleship.
3. What is ‘divine election’? What light is thrown on it by the election of Israel? Assess biblically the claims made for (a) foreknowledge as the basis of election, (b) reprobation. What are the implications of election for (a) the Christian’s assurance of salvation, (b) Christian worship, (c) Christian hope for the future?
4. Does the Bible make a distinction between God’s general and effective calling?
5. What does regeneration mean? Must it be consciously experienced? What implications does it carry for our understanding of the work of the Spirit in general and in particular for our evangelism?
6. What are the respective places of faith and works in relation to our justification and to the Christian gospel?
7. What is meant by adoption? What are its implications for (a) the Christian’s thanksgiving, (b) the Christian’s self-image, (c) Christian fellowship, (d) the Christian’s prospects beyond death?
8. Explain as simply and fully as you can what is meant by ‘believing in Christ’. What does repentance mean and what place does it have (a) in the gospel, (b) for Christian living (cf. Rev. 2:5, 16; 3:3, 19)?
Milne, Bruce (2012-11-28). Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief (pp. 260-261). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism
Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.
Other Resources
Dec
10
Reading
Read Know the Truth: Chapters 18 & 19: The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit: The Person of the Spirit & There Spirit of Promise (Pages 245-250)
Questions for Discussion
1. State the biblical evidence for the deity of the Holy Spirit.
2. Explore the implications of the Spirit’s Godhood for (a) the authority of the Bible, (b) the person of Jesus Christ who gives the Spirit, (c) the authenticity of Christian experience.
3. Identify the essential elements of the Spirit’s work in the OT. Show how these are developed in the NT.
4. ‘The Son is at once the bearer and dispenser of the Spirit.’ Does this statement correctly reflect the NT evidence?
5. What implications may be drawn from the fact that the Spirit ministered to Jesus at certain points in his ministry?
6. Examine the biblical passages dealing with the relationship between the work of the Spirit and the work of the Son. What implications does this carry for our experience of the Spirit today?
Milne, Bruce (2012-11-28). Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief (pp. 246-247, 250). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
Scripture Reading, Scripture Memory and Catechism
Please visit emmauscf.org/passages to view a suggested Bible reading plan, suggested scripture memory verse, and Emmaus’ catechism. Once there, please select the appropriate week of the year.
Other Resources
"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)
