Mar 12
19

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standards WSC #21 (1 of 2 weeks)

Doctrinal Standard WSC #21 (1 of 2 weeks)

  • Q. Who is the redeemer of God’s chosen ones?
  • A. The only redeemer of God’s chosen is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who became man. He was and continues to be God and man in two distinct natures and one person forever.

Scripture Memory Verses

  • “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV).

Study Passage: I Timothy 2:1-7

Support Passages: Matthew 7:13-14; John 1:9, 6:35-40, 10:9, 14:6, 17:1-3; Acts 4:12, 2:23; Hebrews 9:11-15; I John 5:12, II John 9

Bible Story: II Kings 5:1-15

Insight and Application

  • We often think of Jesus as a physical being who was born in Bethlehem. It is important that we remember that Jesus has always existed as God. There is no beginning and no end to Jesus Christ. He is the second person of the Trinity.
  • “Because we are alienated from God by sin, we needed someone to come between God and ourselves and bring us back to him. We needed a mediator who could represent us to God and who could represent God to us. There is only one person who has ever fulfilled that requirement: ‘There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus’ (1 Tim 2:5). In order to fulfill this role of mediator, Jesus had to be fully man as well as fully God” (Pg. 541)[1] 
  • In order for Jesus to be an effective mediator He first had to be our ransom and redeemer. 1 Timothy 2:6 says, “that Jesus gave himself ransom for all.” The term ransom means that there is a payment for liberation. Jesus’ death is a ransom or liberation from sin. Scripture explains that sin does two things; it enslaves and it kills. As a result of Christ death the Spirit of God is able to free an individual from the bondage of sin and give life to a dead soul.
  • Jesus Christ is also referred to as a redeemer.  “Jesus had taught them that ‘everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin’ (Jn. 8:34). In line with this, Paul can think of himself as ‘carnal, sold under sin’ (Rom. 7:14), sold as under a cruel slave-master. He reminds the Romans that in earlier days they had been ‘slaves of sin’ (Rom. 6:17). From another point of view men were under the sentence of death on account of their sin. ‘For the wages of sin is death’ (Rom. 6:23). Sinners are slaves. Sinners are doomed to death. Either way the ancient world would have regarded the situation as being in need of redemption. Failing redemption, the slavery would continue, the sentence of death would be carried out. The cross of Christ is seen against this background. It is the price paid to release the slaves, to let the condemned go free.[2] 
  • 1 Timothy 2:2-7 is the study passage for this week because it address the important doctrine that Jesus Christ is our mediator and the only way to God. With that being said 1 Timothy 2:3–4 could potentially bring up questions in light of the previous catechism question regarding election.  1 Timothy 2:3–4 says, “this is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”  The area of focus is with the words “desires all.” In the preceding two verses Paul tells Timothy that, first of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Then in verse three and four he explains that God desires all to be saved. It appears to me that when Paul tells Timothy that prayer should be made for all people he is referring to all types of people. This would include rulers and people in authority as Paul mentioned, it would also include both the poor and the rich, and every ethnicity. Therefore when Paul says that God desires all people to be saved, He is means all types of people. The Jew and all the Gentiles, people of every economic  status, and people in every level of authority. It is God’s desire that the Gospel go forth throughout the nations and people repent and turn to Him. This is God’s desire and it is something that will and is being accomplished.

Discussion Questions

  • Who is Jesus?
  • What does mediate mean?
  • What are some every day examples?
  • Who does Jesus mediate for and does He do it?
  • How is Jesus our redeemer and ransom?
  • Why is Jesus the only way to have fellowship with God the Father and get to Heaven?

 

[1] Grudem, Wayne (1994). Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Zondervan Publishing House.

[2] Wood, D. R. W., & Marshall, I. H. (1996). New Bible dictionary (3rd ed.) (1003). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.

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Posted in Study Guides, Catechism, New Bible Dictionary, Wayne Grudem, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, 1 Timothy 2, 2 Kings 5, John 14, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Mar 12
18

OIA for sermon on 03/18/12

This week the sermon discussed God’s unfolding story of redemption. The sermon text is primarily based on Genesis 4-11. The following is a list of OIA questions based on Genesis 4-11.(See sermon page emmauscf.org/sermons/ for a complete list of scriptures used)

Observation
1. Are there any cultural or background issues that are important in understanding the listed passages?
2. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in these passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
3. Which scripture passage did you find most intriguing or interesting? Why?
4. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in this passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
5. If you had to sum up all 8 chapters of scripture in one sentence, what would it be?

Interpretation
1. Compare at least 3 of the used passages with at least 3 other Bible versions (NIV, ESV, NASB, NKJV, Ect.) What similarities/differences do you observe? Share with your group.
2. Are there any verbs, commands, prepositions, or conjunctions, that seemed to stand out? What? Why? Share.
3. Read through at least 2-3 commentaries on the listed passage and share what your learned with your group. Here are some free online resources. (http://net.bible.org) (http://www.blueletterbible.org/) (http://biblia.com)

Application
1. If a non believer were to ask the question “Why did God create mankind and what is my purpose in life?’ how would you respond based on the information found in scripture?
2. If a believer were to ask the question “Why would God create man if he knew he was going to sin”? how would you respond based on the information found in scripture?
3. What does Genesis 1-11 tell us about God’s character and person? Spend time sharing and discussing God’s tangible attributes found in this portion of scripture.

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Mar 12
11

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standards WSC #20 (4 of 4 weeks)

Doctrinal Standard WSC #20 (4 of 4 weeks)

  • Q. Did God leave all mankind to die in sin and misery?
  • A. From all eternity and merely because it pleased Him God chose some to have everlasting life. These He freed from sin and misery by a covenant of grace and brought them to salvation by a redeemer.

Memory Verses

  • “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith…29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (Galatians 3:26,29, ESV).

Study Passage: Hebrews 8

Support Passages: Hebrews 9 – 11

Bible Story: Numbers 21:4-9, John 3:14-16

Thoughts

  • Scripture is very clear and Paul spent most of his missionary journeys reiterating the fact that salvation is attained by nothing but faith alone. One of the main differences between the Mosaic Covenant and the New Covenant is not the commands of God but rather the type of covenant. The Mosaic Covenant is primarily a covenant of Law. If you keep the commands you will be blessed. If you disobey the commands you will be cursed. While faith was most certainly a part of the Mosaic Covenant the main point of this covenant is to show that the works of man will never be good enough to meet the requirements of God. Whereas the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) is considered a covenant of Grace. According to Jeremiah, in the New Covenant God actively places His word within the elect giving them faith and the ability to believe. This is what Paul is saying in Ephesians 2:8–9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
  • Paul said, since salvation is a gift, a gracious act of God, we have no right to say that we did anything to deserve salvation. We cannot claim that we were more intelligent than others and, therefore, sought after God, that our sinfulness was less than that of others, that we did enough good to earn God acceptance. We can’t boast in the faith that we have. Hebrew says, “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”Therefore, if salvation comes only by faith, and if faith is a gift from God, our boasting should only be in the Lord who is at work in our lives.
  • So what is man’s responsibility in light of God’s work in an individual’s life? The answer is rather simple, we are to respond in faith (trusting) being driven by the desires and convictions God is creating within us. God is the one giving life to our once dead souls, He is the one guiding, and providing the faith to respond to what He has called us to do.
    • John 16:7–8 (ESV) Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:
    • Romans 8:14 (ESV) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
    • Romans 12:3 (ESV)  For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
    • John 6:44 (ESV)  No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

Discussion Questions

  • Explain what faith is?
  • Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”If salvation is by faith but yet it’s not our own doing where does faith come from?
  • If God is the “the founder and perfecter of our faith.” What is man’s responsibility in relating to God and in life in general?
  • Even though Christians have a responsibility to live a holy life before God. How does it make you feel that God is the one actively perusing and growing us spiritually?
  •   In light of what we have been studying the last few weeks can someone lose their salvation?
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Posted in Study Guides, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Galatians 3, Hebrews 8, John 3:14, Numbers 21, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Mar 12
11

OIA for sermon on 03/11/12

This week the sermon discussed redemption and the doctrine of election. The doctrine of election is essential in fully understanding the doctrine of God, man, and redemption. The following is a list of OIA questions based on Ephesians 1:3-14.

(See sermon page emmauscf.org/sermons/ for a complete list of scriptures used)

Observation

1. Are there any cultural or background issues that are important in understanding the listed passage?
2. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in these passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
3. Which scripture passage did you find most intriguing or interesting? Why?
4. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in this passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
5. If you had to sum up all five of theses passages of scripture in one sentence, what would it be?

Interpretation

1. Compare at least 3 of the used passages with at least 3 other Bible versions (NIV, ESV, NASB, NKJV, Ect.) What similarities/differences do you observe? Share with your group.
2. Are there any verbs, commands, prepositions, or conjunctions, that seemed to stand out? What? Why? Share.
3. Read through at least 2-3 commentaries on the listed passage and share what your learned with your group. Here are some free online resources. (http://net.bible.org) (http://www.blueletterbible.org/) (http://biblia.com)

Application

1. In the sermon, Joe stated the question “what is the end for which God has created all things?” How would you answer this question? Share.
2. Scripture is abundantly clear that our salvation fully rests on God’s grace and will. How would you respond to a fellow Christian who was open to accepting the doctrine of election, but didn’t understand how other verses such a John 3:16 could harmonize with this doctrine? Share.
3. When you come/came to discover the comforting truth that God chose you and you are forever secure in Him, how does/did this truth change you as a Christian? (i.e. more confident, more secure, less anxious, etc.)
4. As many of us have seen first hand, the doctrine of election can spark high emotions amongst fellow Believers. Share some thoughts with your group on how one can avoid conflict in sharing with other believers (or non-believers) about the doctrine of election, while still remaining true to the scriptures.

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Mar 12
5

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standards WSC #20 (3 of 4 weeks)

Doctrinal Standards WSC #20 (3 of 4 weeks)

  • Q. Did God leave all mankind to die in sin and misery?
  • A. From all eternity and merely because it pleased Him God chose some to have everlasting life. These He freed from sin and misery by a covenant of grace and brought them to salvation by a redeemer.

Memory Verses

  • “For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3, ESV).

Study Passage: Romans 4

Support Passages: Genesis 12:1-4; John 3:36, 8:56; Acts 7; Romans 3:21-31; Galatians 3:1-14; Hebrews 11:1-12; James 2:21-24

Bible Story: Genesis 22:1-14

Insight and Application

  • The distinction between the Law and the Gospel is something that is found throughout scripture but is a major reoccurring theme in Paul’s epistles. The term law can mean a couple different things in scripture but most of the time is referring to the Old Testament scriptures. When we refer to the Gospel we mean that Salvation and acceptance before God is based solely on gift and imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ.
  • In the book of Romans and many of Paul’s other letters he is trying to communicate with the people that if you try and earn acceptance and salvation from God through keeping the Law (Old Testament commands) your efforts will come up short. The Law or the commands of God were never intended to bring about salvation because no one could ever keep them perfectly.
  • In Romans chapter 4, Paul explains that Abraham who existed before the Law of God was even given was accepted before God because of the faith he had. Paul never once taught that a Jewish Christian should not keep the Law nor did He ever teach that the Law of God was bad. He taught that if you try and earn your way to God by keeping the Law you are destined to be cursed. If you break the smallest part of the Law you have transgressed the Law and are pronounced a sinner resulting in death. Throughout all of Paul’s missionary journeys he continually preached that salvation is received through faith by the grace of God.

Discussion Questions

  • The Bible teaches and the catechism explains that salvation is received through faith. What does this mean?
  • The catechism says that God has freed us from sin through a covenant of grace. What is the meaning of the word grace?
  • How has God shown His grace?
  • The catechism says salvation is provided by a redeemer. What does redeem mean and how does it fit the description of Jesus?
  • If we are saved by grace through faith are we required to follow God’s commands? Why?
  • Is the Law of God bad or faulty? Explain.
  • What could the Law of God not do?
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Posted in Study Guides, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Genesis 22, Romans 4, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Mar 12
5

OIA for Sermon on 03/04/12

This week the sermon discussed baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The primary scriptures that we will use for these two topics will be 1 Cor 11:17-34 & Acts 2:38.

(See sermon page emmauscf.org/sermons/ for a complete list of scriptures used)

Observation

1. Are there any cultural or background issues that are important in understanding any of the listed passage?
2. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in these passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
3. Which scripture passage did you find most intriguing or interesting? Why?
4. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in this passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
5. If you had to sum up all five of theses passages of scripture in one sentence, what would it be?

Interpretation

1. Compare at least 3 of the used passages with at least 3 other Bible versions (NIV, ESV, NASB, NKJV, Ect.) What similarities/differences do you observe? Share with your group.
2. Are there any verbs, commands, prepositions, or conjunctions, that seemed to stand out? What? Why? Share.
3. Read through at least 2-3 commentaries on your chosen 3 passages and share what your learned with your group. Here are some free online resources. (http://net.bible.org) (http://www.blueletterbible.org/) (http://biblia.com)

Application

1. What is the connection between the Lord’s Supper and the Passover? (Do some research)
2. Why is it so important to involve fellowship with the Lord’s Supper? In other words, why is the Lord’s Supper a public event, not a private one.
3. Share your baptism story with your group? When, where, why, how you felt, etc.
4. When should one become baptized? As soon as they accept Christ? As soon as they become convicted? Share.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Russell Schmidt, Posted by Russell. No Comments

Feb 12
27

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standards WSC #20 (2 of 4 weeks)

Doctrinal Standards WSC #20 (2 of 4 weeks)

  • Q. Did God leave all mankind to die in sin and misery?
  • A. From all eternity and merely because it pleased Him God chose some to have everlasting life. These He freed from sin and misery by a covenant of grace and brought them to salvation by a redeemer.

Memory Verses

  • “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (Matthew 5:13, ESV).

Study Passage: Ephesians 2:11-22

Support Passages: Matthew 5:13-16, Matthew 13

Bible Story: Matthew 5:13-16

Insight and Application

  • Scripture teaches us that we have faith in Christ because God has chosen us for salvation. We must understand that God’s choosing has nothing to do with us but has everything to do with Him. Everything is for His will, purpose, and glory.
    • Isaiah 46:10 (ESV) declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.
    • Psalm 115:3 (ESV) Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
    • Proverbs 19:21 (ESV) “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
    • Ephesians 3:8–10 (ESV) To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
    • Deuteronomy 10:14–15 (ESV)  Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. 15 Yet the Lord set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day.
    • Psalm 33:12 (ESV) Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
    • Psalm 106:5 (ESV)  that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.
    • Haggai 2:23 (ESV)  On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.”
    • Exodus 33:19 (ESV) 19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
    • Deuteronomy 7:6–7 (ESV)  “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. 7 It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples,
    • Matthew 11:27 (ESV) 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
    • Matthew 22:14 (ESV) 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”
    • Matthew 24:22 (ESV) 22 And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
    • Matthew 24:24 (ESV) 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
    • Matthew 24:31 (ESV) 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
    • Luke 18:7 (ESV) And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
    • Romans 8:28–30 (ESV) 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
    • Romans 8:33 (ESV)  Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
    • Colossians 3:12 (ESV) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (ESV) For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
    • Titus 1:1 (ESV)  Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,
    • 1 Peter 1:1–2 (ESV)  Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
    • 1 Peter 2:8–9 (ESV)  and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
    • Revelation 17:14 (ESV) They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
    • Mark 13:20 (ESV) And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.
    • Ephesians 1:4–5 (ESV) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
    • Romans 9:11–13 (ESV) though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
    • Romans 9:16 (ESV) So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
    • Romans 10:20 (ESV)  Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”
    • 1 Corinthians 1:27–29 (ESV)  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
    • 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)  who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
    • John 15:16 (ESV) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
    • Acts 13:48 (ESV) And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
    • Philippians 1:29 (ESV)  For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
    • 1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 (ESV) For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
    • 2 Timothy 2:10 (ESV) Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
    • Because we are chosen in Christ we must view our position appropriately with humility. We must realize that our salvation and purpose is rooted in the glorification of our great King. This is why the Lord Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth. This is why Jesus told us to love one another. This is why scriptures tell us to live as set apart and not to live like the world. Our contact towards one another and the way with live our life is to bring glory and honor to the one and true God.
    • We begin to lose a biblical perspective and start developing pride when we think that salvation and this life are about ourselves. God has chosen you and I to live in order that He may be seen and praised my many.

Discussion Questions

  • If God was not obligated to save any human being, why did He?
  • What should be the response of those who God has chosen? Explain
  • Why did God give commands to follow? Explain
  • Is salvation about God or man? Explain
  • What is this life about? (WSC #1)
  • Does your life reflect that truth? Explain
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Posted in Study Guides, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Family Devotional Guidelines, Phil Anady, Ephesians 2:11-22, Matthew 5:13-16, Posted by Phil. No Comments

Feb 12
26

OIA for Sermon on 02/26/12

This week the sermon discussed God’s involvement with the fall of man. The questions of “Where is God in all the suffering” is a question that has troubled Christians for centuries. The following is a list of OIA questions in the attempt to bring consensus to this difficult question. (Note that several passages of scripture were used in this sermon, so several verses should be included in answering the following questions.)

(See sermon page emmauscf.org/sermons/ for a complete list of scriptures used)

Observation

1. Are there any cultural or background issues that are important in understanding any of the listed passage?
2. What key word(s)/phrase(s) really stand(s) out to you in these passage of scripture? Why are/is they/it important?
3. Which scripture passage did you find most intriguing or interesting? Why?

Interpretation

1. Compare at least 3 of the used passages with at least 3 other Bible versions (NIV, ESV, NASB, NKJV, Ect.) What similarities/differences do you observe? Share with your group.
2. Are there any verbs, commands, prepositions, or conjunctions, that seemed to stand out? What? Why? Share.
3. Read through at least 2-3 commentaries on your chosen 3 passages and share what your learned with your group. Here are some free online resources. (http://net.bible.org) (http://www.blueletterbible.org/) (http://biblia.com)

Application

1. How does/should the truth that God is completely Omniscient affect/effect how you live every day? How should this truth affect the amount of how much you worry or have anxiety? Why? Explain.
2.Why is the truth that nothing in life is meaningless or without purpose important in the every day life of believer? How would you minister to a hurting Christian, who perhaps recently experienced the death of a loved one, if they asked the question “why would God allow this to happen?” (I know this is a difficult question to address, but you should discuss this question in your groups as it is very likely someone will ask you this question in the near future.)
3. Ponder (really ponder) on the truth that Nothing, Nothing, Nothing is outside of Gods control. What thoughts, feelings, or ideas come to mind? Share.
4. The Bible teaches that God works all things to good for those who love him (Rom 8:28) Though we cannot always see this truth in everything, we can often see how God has worked seemingly “bad things” into “good things” in our lives. Share with your group some experiences in which God worked something bad into good.

Posted in Study Guides, Gospel Community Groups, Russell Schmidt, Posted by Russell. No Comments

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"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)

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