Author Archive
Dec
14
Complete Lesson 5: The Work of Christ
Scripture Memory: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4, ESV)
Make a list of questions based upon this lesson to ask at your next meeting.
Dec
14
Complete Lesson 4: The Person of Jesus Christ
Scripture Memory: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 14, ESV)
Make a list of questions based upon this lesson to ask at your next meeting.
Dec
14
Complete Lesson 3: God: His Character and Attributes
Scripture Memory: “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11, ESV)
Make a list of questions based upon this lesson to ask at your next meeting.
Dec
14
Complete Lesson 2: How to Know the Bible
Scripture Memory: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV)
Make a list of questions based upon this lesson to ask at your next meeting.
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
"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)
