Week 5 - Gosepl of John (Tues), 1 Samuel Study (Fri)

Gospel of John
Bible Reading for this Week: John Chapters 10-12

• Read the chapters and (1) identify what you agree or disagree with, (2) how we can apply these scriptures to our lives and (3) identify any verses they are having a hard time understanding.

1 Samuel
Bible Reading for this Week: 1 Samuel 8:1 - 10:27
Lesson 5 - Title: Give Us a King!

1. Instead of demanding a king, what request could Israel have made that would have pleased the Lord?
2. How can 1 Samuel 8 help us understand when desires are legitamate in themselves may become harmful and wrong?
3. Does God reveal and confirm His will today in the same ways that He did it in Samuel's day? How does He reveal and confirm His will today? What evidence can you cite?
4. To what extent do the first 8 chapters of 1 Samuel reflect progress in Israel's history and to what extent do they show repetition?
5. Don't forget to select one verse this week that impacted you above the rest.

What is the Ark of the Covenant?

For some additional reading on the Ark of the Convenant, see the links below.

http://www.bibles.com/absport/news/item.php?id=113

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/ark.html

1 Samuel Study - Week 4

Bible Reading for this Week: 1 Samuel 5 - 7
Lesson 4 Title: The Lord Against the Philistines

1. Both the Philistines and the Israelites thought the ark was a potent symbol of God's presence and a sort of lucky charm. To what extent were they right, and to what extent were they wrong?
2. Is there anything in the NT or the experience of the Church that is lethal in its effects if not treated with reverence? Explain. (Consider Acts 5:1-11 and 1 Corinthians 11:27-30) - see www.biblegateway.com)
3. How did God convince Israel to accept and appreciate Samuel's leadership?
4. How can we turn to the Lord with all our hearts? What practical steps, including but not limited to prayer, will this require?
5. How would you summarize Chapters 1-7? What heading would you give this section?
6. Don't forget to select one verse in this week's reading that impacted you - if you cannot make the meeting this week - post a comment below with your verse and any comments you want to share.
   

1 Samuel Study - Week 3

Bible Reading for this week: 1 Samuel 3:1 - 4:22

Questions for this week:

• To "know" someone in Hebrew signified intimate, direct relationship. In what sense did Samuel "know" the Lord after his call in a way he didn't before it? (3:7)
• How can we show ourselves to be as ready as Samuel was to receive God's word?
• In the Christian life, does unfaithfulness to God always, sometimes or never lead to visible problems? What is your experience?
• The birth of a child is normally a joyous occasion. How do the births of Samuel and of Eli's grandson compare in this respect and why?
• What one truth from this reading would you like to take to heart and apply?
• Don't forget to pick your verse of the week

1 Samuel Study - Week 2

Bible Reading for this Week: 1 Samuel 1:1 - 2:36

Lesson 2
Title: New Birth, New Beginning

Questions to focus on for this week:

1. Whom do you think the author wished to emphasize as the most important individual in this week's reading. How does he underscore this person's significance.
2. What might be the significance of how 1 Samuel begins with a look at two contrasting families? What point might the author be making about families and Israel's crisis?
3. What can the cases of Hannah's and Eli's sons teach us about a parent's responsibility for spiritual growth of children? How might modern parent's avoid Eli's rebuke?
4. God's judgement of Eli's family cancelled a promise he had made previously (2:30). How is the fulfillment of God's promises related to man's performance.
5. Don't forget to select one verse in this week's reading that impacted you - if you cannot make the meeting this week - post a comment below with your verse and any comments you want to share.

Making Promises (Vows)

As we move to Lesson 2 and return to Chapters 1 and 2 of 1 Samuel, it might be helpful to have some background on biblical vows. See the hyperlink below for some info from the American Bible Society.

http://www.bibles.com/brcpages/MakingPromisesVows