Interpreting O.T. Law

Complete the 19-4 assignment on page 345 as described in class today.  The assignment is due Friday.  Completing it thoroughly will ensure not having homework for this class over the Christmas break.

Old Testament Law

Read pages 330 through the top of 336.

Contextual Reading + Steps 2-3

For the passage of I Samuel 3, complete reading the surrounding context of chapters 2 and 4.  Then thoughtfully proceed by completing steps 2 and 3 of the interpretation process for I Samuel 3.

I was so pleased with your observations of this passage in class today!  Keep working hard to properly find what God's intended messages are through this passage of Scripture.

Old Testament, cont'd

Read number 3 on "character" starting on page 312.  Then pick up the chapter from page 318 through the end to page 323, underlining at least 3 sentences that impact you.

Also read the Conclusion on pages 323 through 325 to complete the chapter.

Old Testament Narrative

Begin reading chapter 18, pages 304-308.  When you get to the section "Reading Narrative", read in your Bible Joshua 2 when you get to the last paragraph on page 308.  Then also read Joshua 6 and Joshua 7.  Then finish textbook pages 309-310.

Reading all of the assigned parts is required and will be a homework grade.

Give Thanks!

Give thanks with a grateful heart.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Messages to the Churches of Revelation 2-3

On page 301, follow the instructions for exercise 17-2.  This work presents particularly well when done as a typed document, but you may also do it in writing.  Just be sure it is neatly drawn and clearly written and organized.

Rest

Enjoy not having a homework assignment for Bible over the weekend.

Putting the Whole Journey Together

Now that we have walked through each of the four steps of the Interpretive Journey using Acts 15:1-21, put your findings together into a two page paper.  (It should be two pages if typed in 12 point font.  If you print and have large sized print, then I will expect more pages.  The goal is to be thorough enough to give an accurate presentation of each of the steps of interpretation.)  You do not need to be excessively detailed with the observations in Step 1, but neither should you be so limited that you miss highlighting the major features found in this passage.

Use your book to be sure you are meeting the criteria for each step.  Read samples that have been provided in the text, particularly in the chapter regarding interpreting Acts.   

Real World Scenario

Write a real world scenario within step 4 of the 16-1 exercise.  Remember to use the elements we cited and put on the board in class; you will need those to ensure that your scenario accurately parallels those elements and thus the passage, Acts 15:1-21.  Of course you may reference your text for needed helps.

Acts

Complete reading chapter 16.  Begin the exercise on page 281 using Acts 15:1-21.  You should complete Step 1.  Refer back to your notes and the text as needed to follow the procedures in order to grasp the text in "their town."  Bring your work to class as we will continue to work on the exercise.

The Gospels

Complete reading chapter 15 in your text, Grasping God's Word.

The Author's Thought Flow

What role does I Corinthians play in the larger unit of I Corinthians 12-14?  Trace the author's flow of thought in those paragraphs of Scripture.  Explain your findings in a well crafted paragraph; you, of course, may have more than one paragraph. (See the explanatory paragraphs on page 236 of your text for the reminder of the details of the process.)

Your work may be handwritten or typed.

This quarter-ending project is due this Friday.

Connections

Under assignment 14-1 on page 243, complete the written exercise using Ephesians 5:15-21 and Ephesians 5:22-6:9.  Remember this is an exercise to practice this portion of the process of Step 1 as described on page 236 (which uses what was taught back in chapter 7).  In the end, your findings should be clearly explained in a well-written paragraph.

New Testament Letter Interp.

Read the text's pages 228 through the top of 235.  Answer the following:

Which New Testament books are not letters?

What is the basic structure of a New Testament letter?

When reading the New Testament letters, what must one do  to read contextually?

What is the basic structure of a New Testament letter?

What is meant by the letters being situational or occasional?

Application

Complete reading chapter 13, "Application."  Take the time to read it carefully, as you will be given an exercise in class on Tuesday to practice what you read.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Complete reading chapter 12 from page 207, where we left off in class.  Underline 3 sentences that impact you and be prepared to explain why they do.

Allegory vs Allegorical Interpretation

Within Chapter 11 of your text, read pages 188 through the top of 195. 

Besides the sentences that answer the questions below, underline 3 significant sentences of your choice, being prepared to explain why they are meaningful in your mind.

Answer the following, adequately explaining: 

1) What is allegory as a literary technique?

2) Is it validly used in Scripture?

3) What is meant by allegorical interpretation?

4) What is wrong with allegorical interpretation?

Meaning....

 Word of God, Speak

Use the link above as either an introduction to the reading of your text or as a part of some time you spend alone with God this week, reading the very communication of God.   By the way, the Word is alive!

Read chapter 10 in your text and provide written answers for assignments 10-1 and 10-3 found at the end of the chapter.

Bible Translations

Complete assignment 8-1 if you have not done so.

Read pages 161 through the middle of 166 for understanding, underlining 5 sentences that are most impacting to you.

Word Studies

Do not wait until too late to start this homework as the reading is detailed, and you will need to access a Bible concordance for completing the exercise.  I am advising you to begin the reading early, so as to not have to complete it all in a rush near the end.  You will be far more blessed by this process and appreciative of this skill if you take the needed time to comprehend it and then also practice it just a little bit!  It is not too hard for you.

If you do not possess a concordance at home, you may consider using your church library this week or borrowing the concordance from a friend.  (I have 2 which may be borrowed if needed.)

Read chapter 8; do exercise 8-1, page 153.

The Literary Context!

To complete your test, click on the link in the extra pages on the right of this blog.  Print and complete and bring it to class this Tuesday.  If you are unable to print it, you may write your answers on paper; please make sure to number them accurately.  Take care that you do not skip any questions if you use that method of completing the test.

Read pages 119 through the top of page 126 in chapter 7.  

Study Guide

I did not draw attention in class to the particular part on page 107 "Historical-Cultural Context of the Entire Book."  Therefore, please read this section of the page.  We will use class time on Friday to practice using some of the tools for learning about historical-cultural contexts.

Have you learned these things?  I think you have!  Use this as a guide to be sure you have gained these points of knowledge thus far.  Friday's  test will be a take home test, but you may not use your book or notes in order to complete it.  Please do not wait to study for the test, as your homework this week is light in order to provide valuable study time.

Chapter 1:  The 4 basic steps of the interpretive journey in order; why is the order important?

What is a theological principle?  To whom do they apply?

What difference exist between modern readers and the biblical audience?

Chapter 2:  In making observations about a text, what is not being done?

What are the elements that should be observed within sentences?

Chapter 3:  Be able to describe the general to specific literary feature often used by biblical authors.

What literary and grammatical features are important in the observation of paragraphs?

Chapter 4:  What is meant by the term "discourse" in the text?

What does the term "interchange" describe?

What are the literary and structural features important to observe in discourses?

Chapter 5:  Be able to define and distinguish between preunderstanding and presuppositions.  Is preunderstanding positive, negative, or both?  Can it be avoided?

How does the text view presuppositions as it relates to their impact on biblical interpretation?
______________________________________________________________________________

What Do You Bring to the Text?

Before reading chapter 5 in your text, copy the following theme verse for this class 3 times to help commit it to memory.

II Peter 1:20-21   "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation,²¹ for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God."

Observation Assignment

Remember to read the introduction to chapter 4, pages 65 through the top of page 67.

Your written assignment for exercise 3-2 found at the end of chapter 3 is due this Friday.  It should be in the same format as the sample posted on the blog titled "Observations" under "Sample Assignments."

Paragraphs of Scripture

So.....do you like snow-crab claws...? Mmmmmm...tasty, right?  When I was younger I never cared how delicious people thought any crab claws were because I did not care to get my hands messy with crab juice and smelliness and such, much less to have to work to crack them.  But much later in life I learned how delicately delicious especially snow-crab claw-meat tastes!  Wow!  I had been missing out on a delightful thing!  And honestly, getting into a snow-crab claw is not even that hard to do at all, as I learned.

You already know to what the metaphor alludes ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ so...., get cracking!

Start with reading chapter 3 of your text.  Then proceed to begin the observation process of the passage of Scripture in 3.2 at the end of chapter 3.  Remember the idea of copying and pasting the Scripture from Bible Gateway which is linked at the top of this blog.  Then you can print out the passage and double space it apart on your Word document in order to have note-making space.  A written analysis of this observational process will be due in 1 week on Friday, September 14th.

You may view an example of what I expect from your work in the Extra Page section of this blog.

Make use of your textbook of all the MANY observations that can be made from within a portion of Scripture.  Return periodically over time to your work in this process, coming back with fresh eyes to see even more than what you saw in your previous viewing.  The Holy Spirit wills to guide and help you also to learn of the Lord!

Prep. Work

Read the Introduction of Chapter 1, pages 19-21.

Do the assignments 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 at the end of chapter 1, page 27.  You should provide enough description for it to be understandable, but you do not have to get super detailed in it.

Read the Introduction of Chapter 2, pages 28-29.

Read pages 37-38, seeking to understand the notes of the photocopied example on page 38.  This is an example to us so we can get used to doing this for ourselves.

The Interpretive Journey

"The Interpretive Journey" (chapter 1) will present an overview of the process we will use throughout this study to better grasp God's wonderful Word!  

If you are able to do any preparation before our fist class tomorrow, please read the "Foreword" of your text on pages 9-10 and chapter 1, "The Interpretive Journey."  It is short and would not take too long, so if you can at all make time to do this reading, it will make our first class easier!

I look forward to traveling this journey with you over the next 16 weeks; may God teach us as we also seek to enjoy the journey together, learning how to more fully understand God's Word and thus also God Himself.

For it is He of whom Isaiah spoke:

      "You did awesome things which we did not expect,You came down, the mountains quaked at Your presence.  For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear,

Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him. You meet him who rejoices in doing righteousness, Who remembers You in Your ways."  Isaish 64: 3-5a

Spiritual Growth

What reconciles these two passages: Isaiah 59:2 and Psalm 103: 11-13 ?

Read Colossians 2: 6-8, Psalm 51: 10-13, 17, and Philippians 3: 7-14.  Then read Day 26 in your text.  Underline one key sentence that is meaningful to you.

Finish by reading these passages thoughtfully and prayerfully:  I Peter 2: 2-3, Luke 14:11, I Corinthians 3:1-2, 6-7, John 15:4-5, and Psalm 46: 10.

Obedience

Read the following passages of Scripture answering these questions for yourself on paper! :

John 8: 31-35 :    To be a disciple of Jesus Christ, in what must we live, submerging (or submitting) our daily and whole lives?  When we do, what 2 things follow?  From what are we set free?

Ezekiel 36: 25-27:  Do you know for certain that you have God's Spirit living in you?  If so, on a scale of 1 to 10, generally, how strongly would you rank yourself in yielding to the Holy Spirit to do what pleases Him?  Do you believe that He will help you to obey Him and you just don't want to obey Him, or have you not yet believed that He wills to help you be obedient to Him in your daily life?  Which one?  Whatever you  need to talk to Him about regarding these things right now, please so so now.

Read John 14:21 and Matthew 12: 33-35, and then read the text for Day 24.

Knowing God's Will

Read John 4:34.  Think about the word "meat" or "food" in this verse: why do you think Jesus chose that particular wording and what do you think He is saying to us?  Then, read John 17: 4.

Read the text for Day 23, answering these questions:  1) What are the conflicts within us that can keep us from experiencing God's will?  2) How do we overcome these?

Read Proverbs 3:5-6, I Corinthians 10:31, Romans 12: 1-2, John 10:3-5.

As you read 2 Chronicles 20: 1-30, make a sequential list of the actions each "character" took in this historical event.  The first item on the list would be:  1) the Moabites and Ammonites with their allies came to fight Jehoshaphat. (verse 1).

Remember that those who did not do so yesterday should be prepared to recite their memorized verse(s) in class this Friday.

Jesus Will Come Back!

Read Luke 17: 20-21.  Then read the first paragraph of Day 22.

Read I John 3: 1-3 and Revelation 21: 1-6 and Matthew 4: 17.  Then conclude the reading for Day 22.

Do the application assigned at the end of the reading in this way:  spend at least ten minutes brainstorming (writing them down), your imaginings about heaven.

Study and meditate upon the verses you wrote down to memorize; you will recite these this Friday.

God's Work - Telling Others!

Re-read the passages from the end of class:  John 6:44, 65; Romans 1:19-21, and Luke 19:10, 37-40.

Read the text for Day 21.

Write out a well thought out testimony according to the outline given in class.  Remember to write it as you would speak it in casual conversation.  Make sure the Gospel message is able to be understood and use at least 2 Bible verses within your testimony.

Who Will Testify?

Be sure to create space in your life that belongs to only your Father, to be with Him, in a focused way.  You will never regret having this time in your day, to seek His face, to hear His voice, and to receive within your very being, the convictions and joy He will pour into You by His Spirit what He has to give you personally from His very throne of grace.  Nothing else can replace this.

As you sit, reflect quietly before Him; worship Him.  Pray, asking Him to work in you, His will.  (Philippians 2:13)

Ask Him to bring to mind anything you need to agree with Him about that is sin and for which you need repentance; ask for His cleansing and refreshment of your soul.  (I John 1:9)

Read Psalm 66: 16-20.  What will holding willfully onto sins, treasuring them, do to your relationship with God?

What does John 12: 42-43 say was a reason many rulers would not testify that they believed in Jesus?

Now read the lesson in your text for Day 20.  Do the application:  write an outline for your personal testimony, thinking through the examples of the healed blind man and of Paul.  Your testimony should have 3 main parts:  your life before knowing Christ, how you came to know Him, and what characterizes your life now that you know Him.

Lastly, prayerfully think of 2 people with whom you could have the potential to share your testimony.  Write their names down and begin praying for them today and for the chance to witness to them.

More on Telling Others

Remember to approach this assignment reverently, seeking to learn of the Lord, to receive His love, and to understand His will and ways to obey Him.

Re-read the Scripture references at the top of Day 19.
Read the text for Day 19.  Underline the sentence that impacts you the most.
Read all the Bible passages at the end of the page.

Telling Others

Read II Corinthians 5: 17-20 and Matthew 28:18-20.
Answer in writing:
1) What ministry or work has God given every believer?  In other words, what task has God told every child of His to do?

2) From the first passage above, what exactly does that include?

3) Define the word "ambassador."

4) According to Matthew 28, what have God's children been given to enable them to obey their Father's directions?

5) What are God's children to teach to others who become born into God's family?

Read the lesson in your books for Day 18.

Questions and Scriptures

Write down answers to the following questions from the passages of Scripture:

1) Besides the things discussed Tuesday (perseverance, character, assurance and hope, the Light of God, His power and the Gospel truth), what else is produced from persecution?  Read II Corinthians 4: 5- 18.

2) What will living a godly life in Christ bring in some form?  Read II Timothy 3:12

3) From what can God's children never be separated?  Read Romans 8: 35-39


Read John 1:12-14, Romans 8: 14-16, and Luke 11: 9-13.  Read II  Peter 1: 10a.

Are you a child of God?  Explain in one written paragraph how you personally have assurance that you are a child of God.

When Trouble Comes

Read James 1:2-4 and Romans 5:1-5; then, read the text for Day 16.  Can you think of any instance when you were changed for the better as a result of having suffered something?  Have you ever learned something as a result of suffering?  Write down 1 situation of either of these to share with the class.

Temptation

Those who were absent and those who did not bring part or all of their homework today should have that to show on Friday.

Read the text for Day 15.  This day's application has already been assigned to you, except for the part of sharing your weakest area that seems to be attacked.  Who will dare to go with God here and share this area not only with God but also with a trusted friend who will give their understanding, prayer support, and accountability? (I believe your parents would be willing and honored to be that friend to you!)  It really is a step of growth to humbly share your spiritual needs with others in the body of Christ who can partner with you on your pilgrim journey.  So, I double dare you!

Next, choose a passage of Scripture that addresses one of your weakest areas to temptation or that is an area of consistent weakness in your life.  Write that Scripture on an index card and meditate on it at least twice a day, preferably early in the day and then at the end of your day to assess your progress.  Read it frequently and it will become "implanted" in your memory and into your character.  Bring it to class on Friday.

Use the prayer as a guide to help you talk to God about temptation.  Read the following verses during a time of prayer to provide topics for your talking to God about this lesson:  Hebrews 2:18, I John 1: 8 - 2: 2, II Peter 2:9, Hebrews 4:15 - 16, I Thessalonians 3: 5, and Luke 8: 13.

Your Enemy cont'd

Remembering our last class discussion, write down what you think the areas of strength and weakness are in your life.  Be specific.

Read I Corinthians 10: 12-14 and James 1: 13-27.

Write down any areas in which you believe the devil may have been active in your life in the past or currently.

According to the above passages, make a written list of all the ways to guard yourself from Satan's schemes.

Your Enemy

Complete reading the text for Day 14.

Answer the following questions as you read the Scriptures below:

1) Name one test for recognizing if a teaching is from God or of the devil.  Cite a Bible reference with your answer.

2) Which passage below would you apply to someone who claims that the Jesus Christ of the Bible was not an actual human but a literary character meant to convey spiritual understanding.

3) Name one reason for Christ living in the flesh.  Cite a verse with your answer.

4) Who is the god of this world and what is one thing he does to people.  Cite which verse addresses this question.

5) What does Matthew 25:41 say God has prepared for the devil and his angels, and who else will live there?

6) What do the children of the devil want to do?

7) Where is peace in this life found, and what is the basis for taking courage?

(I John 4:1-6, Hebrews 2:14-15, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 6:10-18, Matthew 25:41, John 10:10, John 8:44, and John 16:33.)

Fears and Doubts

Quietly consider and write down for yourself any fears or doubts you have about your life in Christ or about God.

Read Matthew 28: 16-17, John 14: 26, and John 16: 13-15.

Read the text for Day 13.  Pay attention to the application and be pursue the suggestions in the application if needed, after you have sincerely sought God in prayer about those topics.  Give Him time to reveal answers to you also through His Word.  What Biblical people had situations that would relate to your questions?

Use resources to help you search God's Word when needed, asking God all the while to show you answers for which you seek.  And of course, keep a listening ear toward your parents, spiritual leaders, and elders, seeking their thoughts.  God sometimes speaks to us through other people, even when they may be unaware of Him using them to speak truth or words that He will use to speak to you!  Isn't that SO COOL ?!!

Feelings, Facts, and Faith

Read through the Scripture passages found at the bottom of the page for Day 11.  From these or any other verses you may locate, choose a verse or passage of Scripture that addresses the area of your life you would like strengthened.  Print the verse(s) on an index card and bring it to class on Friday. Meditate on the passage you chose.

Read the Scriptures indicated at the top of Day 12 as well as the text.  Continue developing the habit of personal time between just you and God.  It was very encouraging to hear how some of you have encouraged one another to be faithful in doing that; I applaud you!

III John 1:4 ~  "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth."

God's Greatness and Goodness

Read Matthew 10: 22-31.  Write a paragraph of at least 5 sentences based on the passage you just read about your value to God.  Use an additional cross-reference of Scripture within your paragraph.

Then read Job chapters 38 - 42.  Summarize each chapter in a  written sentence.

Costs

Return to Day 9 and consider the Application at the bottom of the page.  Then complete the reading of the text for Day 10, the last 2 paragraphs.  Make a 2 column list according to the Application instructions at the bottom of Day 10.  You of course may also choose to personalize the prayer.

Complete the gospel book which you chose to read at the beginning of the month by this Friday.  If you have fallen behind or never even started, it is not too late.  You could easily read the book of Mark in 2 days time, and it would probably take you less than 2 hours total time.  I really do expect total class participation for this assignment.

No Other Way

Complete reading the text for Day 9.

What are the results of belief in Christ according to Romans 10: 9-13?  What other title for Him do you find there?

What character trait is mentioned in Philippians 2: 5-11?  What position was Christ given?

According to Philippians 3: 7-12, what did Paul find of the greatest value?  What was the upward call he referred to in these verses?

What fact of the gospel is the hinge for the future life according to I Corinthians 15:14-19?

From Acts 2: 36-42, what are the titles for Jesus?  After receiving Christ unto salvation, to what did the believers continuously devote themselves?

According to Galatians 2:20, which life are followers of Christ to live by faith?

Before reading the next verse, think about how much of your life is affected by the fact that you are the offspring of your parents?  Quickly list some things that are impacted by that fact.  Now read Acts 17:28.  What thoughts did reading that verse bring to mind?

Read Mark 8:34-35. 

 

More on Forgiveness ~

Read Psalm 51: 1-12.  Does David's song of repentance reflect the desire of your heart?  Do you want it to do so?  Use it for contemplation and prayer whenever you choose.

List the things God has done with our sins according to the following verses:  Micah 7: 18-19, Isaiah 43:25, and Colossians 2: 13-15.

According to Isaiah 43:25, what is a reason God wipes out our transgressions?  Also, what would God mean by saying in this verse that He will not remember your sins anymore?

According to Luke 7: 36-50, who are the people who really love Jesus?

According to Luke 18: 9-14, what should characterize a person who has been justified?

Read I Timothy 1:15.  Should our attitude be as Paul's in this verse?  Why or why not?  Cite a verse of Scripture to support your answer.

Read Genesis 3: 8.  How does mankind tend to respond when we have guilt from sin?

Read Luke 11:4.  What does forgiving others give us freedom to receive from God?

Now do the application at the bottom of page 8.  You may also use the prayer in conjunction with this application.

Scripture

Read all of the passages at the bottom of the page for Day 7.  Choose one selection that impacts you and be prepared to explain why it does.

Continue reading the Gospel book of your choice and maintaining your relationship with God through spending direct time alone with Him.

What Really is Sin ?

Complete reading these passages regarding the Holy Spirit.  Add to the list written in class regarding what God is revealing about Him, following the pattern of what we were doing in class.  Here are the passages:  I John 4: 13 - 16, Galatians 5: 22 - 23, 25, Acts 1:8, John 16: 13 - 15, II Corinthians 3: 18, and Romans 8: 26 - 27.

Continue reading the Gospel book you have chosen to complete.

Read Isaiah 53: 6 and Romans 7: 14 - 21 before reading the text for Day 7.  As you read this, underline the 2 statements that have the most impact or most meaning to you.

The Holy Spirit

Read these passages from the past lesson about learning the heart of God:  Matthew 20:1-16, Ephesians 3:16-17, Mark 10:21, Romans 5:5, and I John 4:10, 3:16.  Are there any things in there that are difficult to understand?

Proceed to Day 6 about the Holy Spirit.  Read the heading passages: John 20: 19-22 and John 14: 16-17, 26.  Read the text of the lesson also.

How many consecutive days have you had not missing your time with the Lord?  Check in with your quiet time partner to tell them how you are doing with taking time to seek God.  Remember, your heavenly Father longs for your heart ~ talk to Him/ask Him questions ~ and listen.

The Father's Heart

Day 4 Continued: Read these passages in light of our discussion about the abundant Life found in Christ.  Make notes of what you read that is particularly meaningful to you and for what reason.  What is God revealing about Himself to you?  What is He particularly revealing personally to you?

Ephesians 2:10, John 17:3, John 4:13-14, John 6:35, John 7:37-38, Romans 5:1-5.

Now read John 1:18 and then read the text in the booklet for Day 5.

Choose one of the Gospel books of the Bible to read through for yourself, focusing on Jesus Christ.  Start today and plan and work to complete the book by March 23.

Psalm 139

Read and meditate on Psalm 139.  Offer to God prayers of praise and thanksgiving from verses within the Psalm, making them your own prayer.  Write down the verses you chose to use as prayer.

Continue seeking consistency in daily time alone with God and encouraging your accountability partner in that even while on winter break this week!

God's Love

Continue seeking time alone with God.  "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." James 4:8a

Read the Scriptures listed below.  As you do, write down beside each reference what that passage reveals will be reflected in our lives when we are being filled or possessed by the love of God.

Ephesians 3:16-19, II Corinthians 5: 14-15, Mark 14: 3-6 & 9, John 15:13, John 15: 9, Psalm 63: 3, Romans 8: 38 - 39, Jude 21, I Thessalonians 3: 4 - 8, Proverbs 8: 30.

God Thoughts

Continue the exercise we began in class by setting aside 10 minutes to brainstorm your personal thoughts about God.  Write down words or phrases that come to your mind regarding the thoughts and feelings you personally have about or toward God.

Read Exodus 34:1-9.  When we meet on Tuesday, I plan to ask you questions about this passage.

Write out a personal prayer to God that contains expressions of worship, repentance, and love.  This is just a personal exercise; you will not be asked to share your letters with anyone.

Continue your daily quiet times and record your track record to see the growth of your habit.  Are you encouraging your quiet time partner?

Contemplate Christ in You

Read these passages from Scripture: Acts 8: 26 - 38 and Acts 16: 16 - 34.  Review Acts 10: 1 - 11: 1 which we read in class on Tuesday.  Write down from each passage the changes that occur in the lives of the people who received Christ/believed the Gospel.

Read these passages for further contemplation: I John 5: 11-13, Colossians 1:27, II Corinthians 5:17, John 15:4 - 5, John 14: 16 - 17, John 10: 27 - 28, and Ephesians 3:16 - 17.

Don't forget to record you daily quiet times in pursuit of consecutive days.  (He so wants you to be still and just be with Him.)

Knowing if Christ is IN you.

#1 - If you did not write down the work from Lesson 1 ( the last blog post), then stop and do that now.

This class is a spiritual pursuit.  But, this is also a class - in a school - where we give report cards and have to give grades and credits based on those grades. (I'm not fussing or mad but smiling at you!)  So read the blog and do the assignments ~ okay?

I hope each of you will voluntarily seek the spiritual rewards that can come from this class, but even if you choose not to do so, you will have to accept the grading that will be given based on your cooperation to do the tasks assigned.

Okay.  Now the reminder from class today: have your time alone with God in prayer, in His Word.  (Seek the goal of consistent time with Him every day.)  Track your progress; encourage your partner!  {God is so looking forward to you coming to talk to Him and draw near to Him.  He really likes you too - 'cause He made you ...}

Lastly, re-read these verses:  Galatians 2:20 and John 14:23, and read the printed lesson from "Day 2" of My First 30 Quiet Times.

What is a Christian? ~ cont'd

Read the whole chapter of John 15.  Make a list of the things found in it that will be "fruit" in a believer's life. (We did not get to this in class Tuesday, as planned.)

Next, read the "Application" at the end of the lesson for "day 1" in the booklet.  Journal some instances you can remember.  Since a few people have not received their books, this is the Application:  Can you think back to times in your life when you knew God was real to you, or to things that weren't mere coincidence but were orchestrated by God in His loving pursuit of you?  (Write these down.)

Read the Scriptures at the bottom of "day 1" and break down verse by verse the actions that take place in them, by God and by a believer.  Make 2 lists that look like this, recording what you find: (I did the first verse as an example.)

What God Does in or to the Believer                         States of Being and Actions of the Believer
            (John 5:24)                                                                            (John 5:24)
1) Gives eternal life                                                    Hears God's Word and believes it
2) Doesn't give judgement to believer                           Passes out of death and into life    

Do this with each of these passages: I Peter 3:18, Acts 16:30-31, Romans 10:9-13, 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 1:12, Romans 8:32, Acts 17:28, Philippians 1:6, Jeremiah 1:5 & 8, Ephesians 3:16-17, and John 10:10.

Divide this reading between the days you come to class if needed in order to have daily "quiet time" with God.  

Make a goal now to have 30 consecutive days where you interact with God in His Word and through prayer. Choose another person either in your family or a partner in this class whom you can tell what your goal is and with whom you can agree to "partner" to do that!  Use a part of your notebook to write down the things you receive God impressing upon you ~ what He is speaking to you through your time with Him.

"What is a Christian?"

* A note to parents: Please be in prayer for me and the students as we engage God's Holy Word. 

This class includes students in grades 5 - 8.  Realizing the age span and differences in their spiritual journeys, please encourage your student that it is okay not to answer if anyone encounters questions in these assignments that they may not have a handle on or are not grasping on the level at which it may be presented here. 

If they do not know the answers to the questions, it is just fine if they need to think, ponder, and question in prayer and through our class discussions what God may want to show them personally. Perhaps it will also open communication with you at home as well!  Allowing them to arrive at conclusions as they interface with God through His Word is the most exciting part!  I count it a privilege to be a small part of this journey with your children.

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On the Day 1 page of My First 30 Quiet Times, first read the 3 Scriptures at the top of the page.  In your notebook, answer these questions in complete sentences that reflect the questions as you read the verses:

1) What does Colossians 1:27 call "Christ in you?"  It is a ____________.

2) How does John 17:3 define "eternal life?"

3) Accoring to John 15:4-5, who is "the vine?"  Who are the "branches?"  Who bears fruit?  What does the word "abide" mean?  What happens if branches are not abiding in the vine nor the vine in the branches?  

In class Tuesday, we will look at the context of these latter 2 verses to discover what fruit Jesus is referring to in this passage.

Through the End of the Quarter...

Prepare for each class session by reading the next chapter!

If you have not yet met the goal of 500 Things, time can still afford you to do that.  Please complete your 500 Gifts List for the last day of the quarter on Friday, January 20th.

Congratulations for completing this study of Knowing God!

Review

If you did not complete reading chapter 19 from the last assignment, please do so.  We will go over some things we did not get to discuss from that chapter.  Don't forget to bring your books with you.

Review the memory verses for this class:  I Thessalonians 5:18, Romans 12:1-2, and Jeremiah 9: 23-24.

What specific things have you added to your Thanksgiving List from our break time?  Could you share a few of those?

I look forward to being back with you tomorrow!