Category Archives: Past Studies

AFFECTIONATE ADMONITIONS

Discovering how to “live out your faith” from the book of JAMES

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What would you say is the difference between giving someone a suggestion, some advice and an admonition?  To suggest, the dictionary says, is to express an idea for consideration or action.   To advise means to counsel or to offer an opinion.  To admonish is to reprove mildly or kindly, but seriously.  It is often an act of warning or caution so that a fault may be rectified or danger may be avoided.  There is good communication between people when the receiver perceives the intent accurately and makes a wise decision to respond appropriately and intentionally.

When James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem, wrote to believers or churches who were scattered in many different locations, he was clearly doing more than giving them some suggestions or advice about how to live out their faith in Jesus.  He wanted them to remember many of the concepts Jesus had taught both the crowds and His disciples before His death and resurrection.  In love and heartfelt concern, he wanted them to understand what genuine faith would produce in their lives as they committed themselves to the power of God’s Spirit living within them.  He kindly, but clearly admonished them!

Don’t you wonder what James would write to you and to me?  Perhaps the practical ideas, which he wrote so many centuries ago, would be exactly what we still need to hear today.  You’re invited to join us as we examine this “Instruction Manual” for living out your faith.  As you discover both the rewards and the blessings that come with the guidelines, you will be both encouraged and motived to put these ideas into practice.  

LOOKING AT JESUS – AGAIN

Discovering His Conversations in the Gospel by Mark To View or Print Study Guides What comes to your mind when you hear someone say, “thanks for spending time with me”?  Usually it would indicate two or more people have engaged in a good, helpful or interesting conversation.  It is  through verbal exchange we build relationships,…Continue Reading

BE STRONG and COURAGEOUS

A Bible study focused on the life of Joshua. To View or Print Study guides Where do you turn when you face unexpected changes or challenges?  How do you handle life when feelings of inadequacy or uncertainty creep into your mind and spirit?  What do you do when you sense that you are incompetent or…Continue Reading

FOR YOUR PROGRESS and JOY

A Bible Study focused on the Book of Philippians To view or print study guides Progress!  It’s a positive idea, isn’t it?  Setting a goal and then moving toward the realization of that dream or desire brings us satisfaction.  Sometimes progress is slow and we need many intermediate, short-term markers to help us know that…Continue Reading

HOW WISE ARE YOU?

To View or Print Study Guides If you were asked to describe a “wise person”, what would you say?  What is wisdom and from where does it come?  It is greater than knowledge or intelligence, isn’t it?  It is certainly more profound than advanced age or diversity of life experiences can guarantee.  One cannot buy…Continue Reading

WHAT DOES “HOPE” LOOK LIKE? – Introduction Lesson 2 – January 21 – 28

Who is your favorite character in the stories about Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends?  While most of us would likely name that friendly bear or Christopher Robin himself, there’s something about Eeyore that draws us to him, isn’t there?  Could it be that we identify with his outlook on life all too often?  On a scale…Continue Reading

“May the God of HOPE . . .”

To View or Print Study Guides Would you agree the word “hope” has an enormous range of meanings?  It can suggest anything from wishful thinking to an expectation that has a great degree of certainty.  For example, one might say, “I hope that my friend in India will be able to come and visit me…Continue Reading

When You Pray . . .

To View or Print Study Guides Have you ever thought of prayer as both a window and a mirror?  As Max Lucado said, “Prayer is the window that God has placed in the walls of our world.  Leave it shut and the world is a cold, dark house, but throw back the curtains and see…Continue Reading

“Because of HIS Great Love”

A Bible Study focused on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians To View or Print Study Guides – Do you have a box of treasured letters in the attic or in a special drawer somewhere in your house? Perhaps you have saved them because they are part of your family history or your own romantic story…Continue Reading

FINDING JOY and DELIGHT IN THE LORD

To View or Print Study Guides When you hear the words “joy” or “delight”, what images come to your mind?  Perhaps you remember a very special celebration or reunion.  Maybe it is visualizing a stroll along the ocean front with a good friend or relaxing for a few minutes in a hot tub. It could…Continue Reading