John Lesson 17: John 16:7-11

vFor Thought and Discussion, Page 160.(1)

Explain how the Holy Spirit convicts the world about sin, righteousness and Judgement – John 16:7-11.

The Disciples did not really understand that Jesus has to go away for the Holy Spirit, Comforter Counselor to come.

“But in His coming, He will bring the Spirit of Truth” v 13. He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement.

In regard to sin: because men do not believe in me. v 9. People cannot see themselves as sinners. We can always see someone else’s sin but never our own. The issue is you’re sinning by judging those whose sin is great. To God all sin is #1, we give them a number

In regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer. v 10. No one but the Holy Spirit can reveal to a person that a righteous status before God does not depend on good works but on Christ’s death on the cross. Christ death was to restore us back to the God. So he can see us as righteous by the Spirit, along with Jesus as our Intercessory prayers for us as sinners. Without Jesus, it would be hard to have a relationship with God.

In regard to Judgement, because the prince of this world now stand condemned. v 11. We are in no position to judge anyone on anything. All judgement is reserved for God and Jesus. We are too sinful to see the entire world as God see’s it. He can use anyone of his Children how He wishes, as we are all His Children. There is one creator.

References:

John, Life Change Series, Nav Press, 1987
NIV Study Bible, Zondervan 2008 edition,

John Lesson 16: John 14:1-16:33

For Thought and Discussion Question, Page 149(2)

Why does it glorify the Father when Jesus grants prayers offered in His name? (John 14:13)

NIV Footnote: John 14:13: Prayers offered in His name is prayer aimed at carrying forward the work Jesus did, Prayer that He himself will answer. (3, page 1622)

Prayer brings us in line with Jesus and in accordance with God. Our purpose is to always be in alignment with God, for our prayers to be heard and answered. Prayer in line with Jesus gives us a better understanding of how to pray, why we should pray and how prayer changes things. (1, page 44)

God gets glorified because of our relationship with Him. We know He answers all prayers that come from His son, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus. As we grow in our relationship with God our Pray life should grow as well.

John 14:6: I am the way and the truth and the life…

References:

Helen Smith Shoemaker, The Secret of Effective Prayer, Word Book, 1967.
John, Life Change Series, NavPress, 1987
NIV Study Bible, Zondervan, 2008 edition.

How can the Word be with God and be God? John 1:1

How can the Word both be with God and be God? John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 (NIV)

John is referencing us back the Genesis 1:1, In the beginning….(NIV),

John wants us to know that Jesus has always been with God from the very beginning. If we see this verse as John states it… In the Beginning was Jesus and Jesus was with God and Jesus is God…

As you study John, you will understand why his gospel starts at the beginning… unlike the other gospel Mark, Matthew and Luke. They start with the birth of Jesus or the Baptism of Jesus.

References: NIV Bible, Life Change series: John page 21.

Study of John

The Book of John

Life Changes Series by NavPress

We discussed How To Use This Study. You want to get the most from your study and grow in your relationship with God. Start each lesson with Prayer and end each lesson with Prayer

Here are a few Study tips you may find helpful:

Objectives: This is what you should gain from the Study.. all found on page 5

A firm foundation of understanding and a desire to continue the study
To teach you how to study a Book of the Bible
To provide historical background, word definitions and notes, so you only need the Bible
To help you understand the message of the book
To teach you to allow God’s Word to transform you into Christ’s image

Flexibility: Be of open heart, mind and spirit when you study God’s word, let Him reveal what he wants to teach you. Every-time you sit with Him he will reveal more and more of Himself.

More details on page 5 for using the Optional application, For thoughts and Discussion and For Further Study areas of the book to gain more insight into your study.

Overview and Details: Ask yourself “Why did the author (and God) write the book? What did they want to accomplish? What is the book about?

Each lesson will take you through chapters, sections and versus of the Book.

Study Aids: This Book is designed so you really only need the Bible as your reference source. Be careful where you get sources, references, commentary and concordance from, make sure that it stays focused on God’s word in the Bible.

Here are a few references: Biblos.com, Matthew Henry Commentary or Wycliffe Commentary and Strong Concordance by James Strong and the Bible Gateway www.biblegateway.com and @biblegatewayapp.

Scripture Versions: The Bible quotations are from the NIV ( New International Version) unless otherwise noted. Other versions used are KJV( King James Version), RSV (Revised Standard Version) and NASB (New American Standard Bible) Although there are many other Bible versions, these will give you most from your study.

Memorizing and Meditating: We all learn differently, some by talking through it, some have to write it down and some need to read it, however you learn is fine, this is about your relationship with God.

Above anything else, start your Study with Prayer, asking God to center your spirit to focus on Him to get the most from this study. And end it with Prayer thanking Him for revealing Himself to you. Have fun and enjoy the fellowship with your group

Reference sources: Life Changes Series: John- navpress 1998, 2010.

Woman of the Bible Study: Dorcas

The Bible Study of Dorcas – March 19, 2016 – Acts 9:36-43

Dorcas is Greek and means Gazelle, the Hebrew equivalent is Tabitha. (page 213)

She was from Joppa, which means beauty, this town is along the Mediterranean sea approx. 35-38 miles Northwest of Jerusalem. Today it is called Jaffa and it is a suburb of Tele Viv. (V36 & footnote)

She is a disciple. Per the text, she is the only woman to be named/called a disciple. Disciple: someone who is taught by Jesus and follows Jesus’ ways. (page 214)

Dorcas was known as always doing good works and acts of love in helping the poor. She made robes and other clothes for the poor. (V36&V39).

Dorcas became ill and died. Her body was washed and placed in the upper room. (V37)

Peter was in Lydda and they sent 2 men to go get him, to come right away. He was approximately 12 miles away. (V38).

Burials normally happened the same day the person died in Jerusalem but outside the city the body maybe delayed for up to 3 days and therefore was placed in an upper room. (V39, see NIV footnote)

Peter got down on hands and knees and prayed before he said “Tabitha get up” (V40) Peter had the Faith Jesus told him he would need to do the things he saw Jesus do (John 14:12)

Peter took her by the hand and helped her to her feet and presented her to the widows and other believers, alive. (v41)

The widows of Joppa and many others believed that day, this became known all over Joppa. (V42)

Her name Dorcas suggest she was a Hellenist: Jewess who lived among the Greeks and spoke the Greek language, who was a Christian. (page 222 Woman who made Bible History)

Reference:

NIV Study Bible,Zondervan

Women in the Bible:Harold J Ockenga 1962 Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Syswerda, Jean E, Women of the Bible, Zondervan, 1999

10 Points The Woman of Proverbs 31

THE WOMAN OF PROVERBS 31 10 POINTS BIBLE STUDY BY Petra Vaughn

The Wife of Noble Character

Her Character: She represents the fulfillment of a life lived in wisdom (page 146)
V10: She is worth more than rubies…she is wisdom personified (3:15)

V12: She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life… The Husband will find favor from the Lord (18:22 & 19:14).

V13,V19,V21 & V22: She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. In her hand she holds a distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers, when it snows she has no fear for her household, for all of them are clothed in scarlet, she makes coverings for her bed, she is clothed in fine linen and purple (distaff-stick or staff in which the wool and flax is wound around during the spinning) Scarlet & Purple: colors symbolized fine materials for the wealthy) She makes clothes and bedding and rugs to care for her family.

V14,V15: She is like a merchant ships bringing food from afar, She gets up while it is still dark; she prepares food for her family and portions for her servant girls. (She is an enterprising woman and not a sluggard) see note 31:15

V16,V17, V18 & V24: She considers a field and buys it; out of earnings she plants a vineyard, she sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks, she sees her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night, she makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. (using her enterprising spirit she still takes care of her family and friends with the work she does)

V20,V25,V26 & V27: She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy, she is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come, she speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue, she watches the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. (14:21 & 22:9, Job: 39-7, 1:8, 6:20, she is a God fearing woman and is living her life as God intends, faith,, dignity, love and not idle, not gossiping see foot notes)

V11,V23,V28 & V31: Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value, Her husband is respected at the city gates…her children arise and call her blessed her husband also, and he praises her ( Her Husband and family love her because she cares for them so well, they praise her and tell others how wonderful she is… see foot notes)

V29,V30: Many woman do noble things but you surpass them all, charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (Loving the Lord and following his commands is the noble thing to do in our lives, see footnotes)

Like many Hebrew Poems, Songs and Proverbs are a play on words for God, Church and us, so we could use those words to make a better connection with the statements and our lives today.

Tamar Daughter-in-Law of Judah -10 Key Points for Bible Study May 30th, 2015

Our lesson comes from Genesis 38 & Matthew 1:3. These key points may not help you answer the questions on pages 43 & 44 but may help you with the discussion on Saturday 5/30/2015.

1. Tamar, her name means Date Tree or Palm Tree. (2, Page 41)

2. Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so the Lord put him to death. Vv 6-7.

3. Then Judah said to Onan, “lie with your brothers wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to produce offspring for your brother.” But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his, so whenever he lay with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from producing offspring for his brother. What he did was wicked in the Lord’s sight; so he put him to death also Vv 8-10. (Levirate marriage DT 25:5)

4. Judah then said to his daughter-in-law Tamar. Live as a widow in your father’s house until my son Shelah grows up. For he thought, “He may die too, just like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s house. V 11

5. She was to stay in widows garb until contacted by Judah or Shelah Vv 11.

6. For she saw that, though Shelah had now grown up, she had not been given to him as a wife. V14

7. Judah thought she was a prostitute, not realizing who she was and slept with her and she became pregnant. Vv 15-18.

8. Judah was told Tamar was guilty of prostitution and he wanted her burned to death. V 24. (Lev 21:9)

9. Tamar provided the seal, cord & staff of the man that fathered her children. Judah recognized them and realized he had not fulfilled the levirate law or his promise to her. Vv 25-26.

10. Tamar had twin boys fighting to come out of her womb. One stuck out his hand and a red string was placed on thinking he would be born first. His arm went back in and his brother came out first and was named Perez (breaking out) and the one with the red string came out second and was named Zerah (scarlet)

11. 5 women are named in the Matthew’s genealogy chart- Tamar Mat 1:3, Rahab (v5) Ruth (v5), Bathsheeba (v6, by description) and Mary (v16), 3 of the 5 are Gentiles. (NIV footnote 1:3 & 3, page 72). This just proves God can and will use anyone to fulfill his plan, and His plan is always righteous.

1. The NIV Study Bible: Zondervan edition 2008
2. Women of the Bible 52 studies for individual s and groups: Jean E Syswerda
3. Women of the Bible a one year Devotional study of women in Scripture: Ann Spangler & Jean E. Syswerda.

Go To The Throne Before The Phone

Bible Versus & Reflection

By Petra Vaughn

Proverbs 2:1-8 NIV

My son, If you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Before you call friends, family or go to social media for advice, counsel or agreed retaliation, go to God in prayer and ask his for direction. His voice could lead you to the right person, place or direction, too many times we ask and take the advice of the unequipped and are much worse off.

God knows what you need and who He wants to assist you. Learn to trust Him to provide for you in all ways.

The Many Mary’s of the Bible

By Petra Vaughn

There seems to be a few different Mary’s in the Bible, each one has a special reason for being mentioned. Just to help you keep them straight here is a little knowledge about each one.

Mary: Mother of Jesus. She is the virgin bride that gave birth to our Savior Jesus Christ. With Jesus at the temple, She was at the wedding in Cana She was at the cross and burial of Jesus. And with the disciples at Ascension. Mt 1:16-25 Mt 2:11, Lk 1:32-40, Ac 1:14, Jn 2:1-5, Jn 19:25-27

Mary: Mary of Bethany. She is the sister of Martha and Lazarus. She poured pure Nard/Oil on Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair and tears. Lk 10:38-42, John 11:1-12:8, Mt 26:7, Mk 14:3-9.

Mary Magdelene (Mary of Magdala): She was not a prostitute or sinful woman, she had 7 demons inside of her that Jesus cast out, when He called her by name. She was also a great supporter of Jesus’ ministry. She was at the cross, burial and empty tomb. She was one of the first to see Jesus alive. Mt 27:56-61, Mt 28:1-10,Lk 8:1-3, Lk 8:2, Jn 19:25-27

Mary Mother of James & Joseph (Joses): She was at the cross and empty tomb. She was also a great supporter of Jesus ministry. Mk 15:40-41, Lk 8:3.

Mary: Mother of John (Mark): she owned the inn that Jesus used for the last supper. Acts 12:12

Mary Wife of Clopas: Was at the cross with the other woman. Jn 19:25-27

Mary: who worked very hard for you. Unknown who she is, was introduced by Paul. Ro 16:6

The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, K-Q, In Four Volumes, Abingdon Press, 1962. (page 288-290)

MARY OF BETHANY —10 KEY POINTS FOR BIBLE STUDY ON February 14, 2015

BY PETRA VAUGHN FEBRUARY 14^TH, 2015

Our Lesson on Mary of Bethany, comes from Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, Luke 10:38-42 & John 11:1-12:11, here are some important points. These points may not directly answer the questions on pages 199-200.

1. Mary of Bethany, her name may be “Bitterness” page 196 Women of the Bible.

2. Mary of Bethany, is the sister of Martha and Lazarus, not to be confused with Mary, Jesus’ mother or Mary Magdalene.(John 11:1-2) Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus lived together in Bethany, a village less than 2 miles from Jerusalem.

3. Mary stepped outside of the Cultural expectations of the time by sitting at the feet of Jesus with the men. Luke 10:39, She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

4. Mary annoints Jesus head with very expensive oil in a Alabaster Jar.Matthew 26:7, A woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he as reclining at the table. Mark 14:3b a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. John 12:3, Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume, she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

5. Jesus took up for Mary, due to her kind gesture of pouring the oil on him, since the gesture seemed to cause an concern for one of the Disciples( Judas Iscariot). Matthew 26:10, Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.”Mark 14:6 “Leave her alone” Jesus said, ”Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.” John 12: 7, “Leave her alone,” Jesus said, “It was intended, that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.

6. Mary will always be remembered for her gesture of love torwards Jesus. Matthew 26:13 & Mark 14:9, “ I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she had done will also be told, in memory of her.”

7. As Mary sat listening to Jesus, her sister Martha wanted Jesus to make her help her serve. Luke 10: 40-41, But Martha was so distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

8. Mary and her sister sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick. John 11:3, So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

9. Mary waited expectantly for Jesus to come while her brother was sick. John 11:28-33

10. Mary wept at the death of her brother Lazarus John 11:32-33

1. The NIV Study Bible, Zondervan 2008 Edition (All scriptures)

2. Women of the Bible 52 Bible Studies for Indivuals or groups: Jean E Syswerda