Normally when I study a new book I include this blub:
The idea is to read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people's insights.
After reading Learn to study the Bible by Andy Deane, I would also like to include these questions which come from one of the ways to study the Bible mentioned in his book.
The Six Searches Bible Study
1. What did you like?
2. What didn’t you like?
3. What didn’t you understand?
4. What did you learn about God (or had reinforced)?
5. What should you do?
6. What phrase can you take with you?
So, if you would like, answer one, some or all these questions as you study the book of Ephesians with me.
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14 comments:
I like that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing (v.3) and that he has lavished his grace on us (v.8).
I've struggled to understand predestination but recently someone told me they felt it is the church (rather than individuals) that is predestined. v.4 For he chose (the church) in him before the creation of the world...in love he predestined (the church) for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ...
Then in v.13 we read: And you were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed...
When we respond to the gospel and believe we are included and are then predestined to be holy and blameless.
5. What should I do?
Keep asking that God may give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know him better (v.17)
4. What did you learn about God (or had reinforced)?
The generosity of God. v.3 "every spiritual blessing" v.6 "freely given us" v.8 "that he lavished on us. With all wisdom..." v.18 "the riches of his glorious inheritance"
2. What didn't you like?
Nothing I disliked really struck me.
6. What phrase can you take with you?
v.1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.
I am also in the roles (writer/librarian) that God has given me by the will of God.
LOL studying by herself again ... faithful as dirt ;-)
Back in a few ... been busy but the flu or a cold not sure which, I think flu has slowed me down some ... not always a bad thing eh?
And you keep ignoring me on facebook about the hockey equipment you should be wearing when you get on your bicycle ;-)
An apostle by the 'will of God'.
Indeed ... a murderer at that, as cold blooded as any enemy of Christ could be.
It is quite amazing that Saul was used in this way at all.
In modern times he wouldn't be given the time of day in "Christian" circles.
It is interesting that Paul includes himself with the Gentiles ... he doesn't distinguish himself from those he preaches the good news to.
5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood ...
9 He made known to us the mystery of His will...
We are the church ... the true bride ... and we as individuals make up the church having heard and believed ... so, in essence, it really makes no difference which way we spin it as far as predestination is concerned.
Remember when you first heard the call of the gospel and how easy it was for you to "know" as if you had been waiting for the call.
I don't mean the first time you heard the story of Jesus, I mean the first time you knew the Lord was calling 'you' by name.
9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him
with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.
These two verses mystify me.
the words 'view to an administration' and 'summing up'
What's your take on these ?
I have a question over at my place if you care to have a peek ;-)
Thanks Valorosa for dropping by - does get lonely here sometimes!
I'm not really ignoring you regarding the hockey equipment, I'm just not sure what you mean. Hockey is not a sport I pay much attention to...it has just occurred to me you may be referring to ice hockey?
I find v.9-10 a little clearer in the NIV: And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
I think this is similiar to Colossians 1:15-20 where Paul talks about the person and work of Christ.
Thanks for all your comments, Valorosa.
Yes ice hockey lol ... you can't live here without it in your face from the time you are born ;-)
Falling off a bike when you have reached a certain age is not recommended ... do stay safe ... from a nurse who has seen many middle agers get active again after their families have grown but forgotten about the age of their bodies until after they fall.
Hockey equipment entails helmet face mask shoulder pads chest pads elbow pads knee and shin and ankle pads and the hockey pants are padded thoroughly all around LOL but sure to keep you safe if you have a tumble.
I know overkill but I'm serious LOL
Thanks for your concern, Valorosa. I ride farily slowyly and I am very careful.
Good Show ;-)
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