BIBLE STUDY GUIDE: FRIENDS & FELLOWSHIP & FUN! -START ONE; JOIN ONE... by sandra mickanen
* my phone is currently not allowing me to me forward pictures
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i am so delighted to learn about the growth of bible study groups! i've had multiple conversations with a variety of people, young and mature..
i love it!
i am also aware, some new bible study groups are forming, but without a real plan for what to do once you gather.
i offer the following:
JUST JUMP IN! in the Bible; New Testament.
do not worry about grasping all the history; geography; scholarly this and that when you are just beginning.
Rather: concrete example:
BIBLE I USE: The Everyday Life Bible, Amplified Version, featuring notes & commentary by Joyce Meyer
START WITH: Ephesians
BE READY TO HAND-WRITE!
CREATE THESE HEADINGS:
1. CHRISTIAN (INNER) EXPERIENCE * 2. CHRISTIAN CONDUCT/WAYS OF BEING
3. WHAT CHRISTIANS RECEIVE & GIVE IN RETURN
4. THE WORLD vs. THE KINGDOM 5. FLESH vs. SPIRIT
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and then, as you take turns reading scriptures -discuss and determine what heading the scripture belongs under.
i.e.,
CHRISTIAN (INNER) EXPERIENCE [FREE] via cultivating a relationship w/Jesus
receive/experience: love, grace, spiritual peace, harmony, unity, undisturbedness, deliverance, forgiveness, redemption, mercy, favor, blessings; wisdom, insights, revelations; salvation
CHRISTIAN CONDUCT/WAYS OF BEING (goals)
consecrated, holy, set apart, blameless, above reproach [note, no one starts here, Ephesian 2.. it is a direct result of cultivating a relationship with Jesus.. this can take years
GIVE IN RETURN
time, love, praise, laudation, commendation; obedience
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and you will no doubt add headings as you continue to read..
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ok, that's a starting point for anyone looking..
but, the goal of a bible study group is not exclusively to study the bible.. it is about fellowship, friendship, having fun..
all of those things combined glorify God's name
and that is the ultimate goal for each and every Christian: Glorify God's name in the way you walk through your every day life..
does it mean being perfect? -heavens no
but it does mean, when you mess up, you recognize it.. ask for forgiveness & guidance..
it does mean, you will ask for and give forgiveness.. and the very need we will all have to give or ask for forgiveness, suggests we make mistakes
mistakes.. they are the pre-requisite, if you will.. for forgiveness; of self & others.
what i want to say, or remind is this: Glorifying God's name does not mean being perfect.
but a natural result of cultivating a relationship with Jesus via prayer, Bible Study, learning from Bible teachers, is that you will be inspired (not mandated, or manipulated) to 'come up higher' in every area.
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where more than 2 people gather in His name..
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fun snacks, food, potluck... always a plus at any bible study gathering
and, some type of easy, social, game.. LCR, trivia, pictionary..
this is also one of the greatest ways to meet and make new friends.
-quality friends.
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my closing suggestion is to make sure everyone feels -comfortable. do not ask the shy to lead the discussion..
let the natural leaders; lead. let the organizers; organize. let the bakers; bake. let the writers; write..
you get the idea.
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start with just a couple people.. let word of mouth be your greatest testimony & invitation.
extend invitations; never force the issue. let 3 times be your cut-off.. if someone does not show interest after 3 invites.. let it go.
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may God shine on your efforts; on your Bible Study; on the fellowship and friendships! may current friendships deepen and new ones be formed..
may you each and every one of you enjoy learning about Jesus! and want to learn more and more..
-seek first the Kingdom..
approach with the desire to want to get to know Jesus -like some people want to know everything about current day celebrities..
be a Christ follower.. best decision you'll ever make.
with love, happiness
hallelujah & amen.
posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 9:36 AM
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