Bible Study Intensive: Recent Episodes
Joanne Lodge
A deep study of books of the Bible with Joanne Lodge in community with others at Cedar Hills Community Church.
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The Book of Ephesians
Bible Study with teacher Joanne Lodge
NOTE - this week's study guide is 2 pages
Bible teacher Joanne Lodge for a two-week study of the book of Jude Sundays Dec. 10 and 17
Bible teacher Joanne Lodge for a two-week study of the book of Jude Sundays Dec. 10 and 17
(Part 2) We only have had snapshots in three of the 16 prophets, we have already studied, obviously we won’t be able to do all 16 prophets in the 2 weeks we have left. It was a difficult decisions as to what direction I should go next. Isaiah spoke out to the people through the reign of 4 significant kings. I decided to make this a two-week study sheet on Isaiah. I hope I made the right choice.
(Part 1) We only have had snapshots in three of the 16 prophets, we have already studied, obviously we won’t be able to do all 16 prophets in the 2 weeks we have left. It was a difficult decisions as to what direction I should go next. Isaiah spoke out to the people through the reign of 4 significant kings. I decided to make this a two-week study sheet on Isaiah. I hope I made the right choice.
Digging in the Old Testament and Finding Jesus-Snapshots of Jesus in the Prophets: Micah, whose writing spans 70 years, did not write just one letter. He wrote a collection of excerpts trying to Judah and Samaria warning them to repent.
Digging in the Old Testament and Finding Jesus-Snapshots of Jesus in the Prophets
The prophets wrote their books at the time described in the historical books we just finished There are 16 prophetic books. Some tell a story like Jonah and Daniel, but others are made up of sermons or extended poems. The 3 major themes throughout these; sin, judgment, and hope. Ready, set, let’s dig!
You might be asking why study this book right now. What value could we find to connect us today to the things we will read about in this book? The 10 chapters reads like a fast-paced story. Even though God’s name is never mentioned in this story, His fingerprints are all over the pages. Let’s go seeking, we will find.
Last week we saw that Ezra and his returnees made a little holy noise and the enemies were waiting to stop or derail the project. By the end of the lesson we saw the completion and celebration of God’s victory through His people. What more can happen this week? Hang out and hang on!!
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah originally were combined. Each book contains material found in the other book. Ezra taught the Word and Nehemiah built the walls around Jerusalem. They tell the story of exiles returning to Jerusalem. The people came in 3 waves and that took about 100 years to be accomplished.
It is time to visit more of the happenings of the Southern kingdom. After the death of Josiah altars to idols and false worship was again resumed.
Difficult study sheet to create, because the news for God’s people is not the kind of news that we want to hear. However, I know we need to learn from those uncomfortable times. So here goes!!
I have to admit, because I have studied this section of scripture, I feel a reluctance to go there again. I would rather stay focused on David’s kingdom, before his children rebelled. My mind says that wouldn’t be fair, but my heart still does not want to see what happens next. Let’s go there together. God has a message.
The second half of I Samuel focuses on Saul’s demise as king and his relentless pursuit of David. David, even when he has the power and the opportunity to take Saul’s life and the throne, does not fall into that trap. The Philistines struck down Jonathan, and wounded Saul so that Saul fell on his sword and died.
The rest of the story. We know from last week Saul’s days are numbered. The people had rejected God as their king and now God has rejected Saul as the people’s king. The last question last week showed us that God was looking for someone after His own heart to be king.
Israel had gone from the very heights of victory and success as they came to the land God had promised to Abraham. As we saw last week time passed and the land was in chaos. This is no surprise to God.
This story takes place in the time of the judges before a king was in place to rule over the nation. The Talmud speculates that Samuel wrote the book, but there is no author named so we can say that for certain.
The name of the book comes from the 12 leaders whose leadership was from the time of Joshua to Samuel. We will look at the book as a series of snapshots taken over a period of 200-300 years. None of the judges ruled over the entire nation, but each of the 12 judges ruled over a geographic area for a period of time.
The next series of books we will be digging in are the historical books. We don’t know who wrote the book of Joshua, but it was someone who knew his exploits before and mentions the memorials after his death. The book of Joshua provides the means by which God fulfilled His part of the covenant.
We ended our last lesson with grumbling by the people and seeing this is a consequence for their disbelief. We will start to see what is further revealed by the Lord.
The Hebrew title of this book is “In the Wilderness”. When the book was translated into Greek it was changed to numbers, because that is what the first chapters describe, census taking. Interesting in what we will learn about Jesus in this book.
By this time you know what we are digging to find, glimpses of Jesus. Guess what?!! By studying this book, that is often ignored by Christians, we will see in the images of Leviticus, the person of Jesus and His role. Put on your Indiana Jones hat and let’s go digging!!
We will use the same study sheet for weeks 13 & 14
God, through the Holy Spirit, directed Moses in the Genesis Chapter 1 to spend 31 verses and 3 verses in Chapter 2 to describe the creation of the world. Starting in Exodus Chapter 25 through 31 God explained to Moses the way in which the tabernacle was to be constructed. Then in Chapters 35 through 40 the actual construction was described. In all 50 chapters were devoted to the tabernacle and functions.
We will use the same study sheet for the next two weeks
God, through the Holy Spirit, directed Moses in the Genesis Chapter 1 to spend 31 verses and 3 verses in Chapter 2 to describe the creation of the world. Starting in Exodus Chapter 25 through 31 God explained to Moses the way in which the tabernacle was to be constructed. Then in Chapters 35 through 40 the actual construction was described. In all 50 chapters were devoted to the tabernacle and functions.
As we left the class that people had stated their desire to do everything the Lord has commanded. End of Story, Huh?!!?? In Chapter 19 the people agreed to accept the terms of the covenant. In Chapters 20-23 the terms of the covenant are written out. Next comes the ratification in Exodus 24.
God’s people who were once slaves are now free and starting on their journey. Will they see God and catch glimpses of Jesus as they begin their long walk to the land of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?
From the time of Moses up to the time of Jesus and beyond, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. In the Last supper Jesus presented new meaning to this ancient feast of deliverance.
At the end of last week we observed the plagues and the ramifications of a hardened heart like Pharoah’s. This week, we see God’s answer for the hardened heart: the ultimate picture of Jesus in the Old Testament.
We are just beginning digging into Exodus last week. Thought this was going to be about Moses, but guess what it’s not about him, it’s about God. The very real story of God’s people suffering and being freed by a loving God who sends a Savior is a story told throughout the rest of the Old Testament. Jesus is the One.
It felt like we stopped last week’s lesson at a very critical juncture. We left Jacob anticipating the events that will transpire as he reunites with his brother Esau the next day.
Last week a beautiful picture was painted for us regarding Abraham and his son. We saw Abraham was more afraid of losing his relationship with God than he was surrendering his most precious possession. The whole scene points to God offering His most precious Son for us. Realize what God was willing to do for you.
Faith that saves is not merely faith that believes in God, or tries hard to obey His commands. Saving faith is putting all our hopes in what God has promised, specifically His Son, Jesus Christ. His life, death, resurrection. Abraham rejoiced as he had this faith. Don’t you think that should also be our attitude also?
From last week’s lesson, we learned that all those who have hidden themselves in the ark of Jesus Christ will be protected from the coming destruction just as Noah and his family were protected from the flood. Our Savior will safely deliver us to a new heaven and earth. On to another digging expedition!
What happened in the garden regarding the serpent is critical for us to understand. We begin this week to analyze this relating the fulfillment as seen in the New Testament.
Nancy Guthrie in her book, "The Promised One?" says the Old Testament is an uncompleted story. As it ends, the people are still waiting for the fulfillment of the Promise. The Old Testament was to provide the context with which we could understand the necessity of suffering and the certainty of glorification. It is the foundation of all we need to know about Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. Salvation, the cross, resurrection and glorification made little sense without an understanding of the Old Testament.
The verses 1-16 of Chapter 16 are special greetings that Paul was sending. At least 26 different people are named, two unnamed saints and churches that met in homes. He closed with greetings from nine believers who were with him in Corinth when he wrote the letter.
*Note - This week and prior week are using the same study guide.
The verses 1-16 of Chapter 16 are special greetings that Paul was sending. At least 26 different people are named, two unnamed saints and churches that met in homes. He closed with greetings from nine believers who were with him in Corinth when he wrote the letter.
*Note - The next two weeks will use the same study guide.
We are in the midst of Paul sharing his insight about how to live for God. Last week we studied patterns for living God’s way. Believers may hold different convictions about many matters, but they must hold them in love. Today we will dig in to discover how we are to glorify God. You might be surprised!
Are you awake now? Can you hear what Paul is saying? He has laid out all the theology of the church, and taught us what it takes to have victory in our Christian life, now here are the practical exercises.
Paul has presented every doctrine a Christian needs to know and believe. In Chapter 8 we learned about living victoriously because God gave us the Holy Spirit. One of the commentaries I studied said in the Christian life, doctrine and study always go together. What we believe determines how we live. We are off on an adventure to see how to translate learning into loving! Are you up for the challenge??
Paul took the last 2 chapters to present the rebuttal that God is not faithless, His plans have not failed. In Chapter 9 Paul told us that all God’s elect to be saved will be saved and that not all Israel would be saved. Some Gentiles would be saved. The failure of the Jews to believe was their own fault. What’s next?
Last week we talked about God’s Sovereignty. Many interesting questions for us to wrestle and dig to find answers. Paul is going to continue to challenge us this week in Chapter 10, and we see his grieving heart.
We were on a high mountain top of scriptural truth. Nothing can separate us from the Love of God. It is much needed victory cry in a world where people act as if life has defeated them. The world is full of negativity. The Christian view is positive. One resource said, "We see God at the beginning of history (large and in charge), Jesus on the cross at the center of history (giving it meaning), and the return of Christ at the end of history (bringing history to a triumphant conclusion)."
Week 9 and 10: My ESV Study Bible titles this "life in the Spirit". My English Standard titles it "The power of Sanctification: the question of living." Holman Christian Standard is "Life-Giving Spirit". These 39 verses begin with 'no condemnation' and end with 'no separation'. Does it get any better than this?
My ESV Study Bible titles this "life in the Spirit". My English Standard titles it "The power of Sanctification: the question of living." Holman Christian Standard is "Life-Giving Spirit". These 39 verses begin with 'no condemnation' and end with 'no separation'. Does it get any better than this?
This is one of the best known chapters in the Word of God. Last week, Paul answered those Christians who thought because they were under God's grace, they could live as they please. (License). In this chapter, he is going to talk to the opposite group who say, "We must live under the law if we are to pleas god." (Legalism). Oh boy! This chapter hits me where I live!
I thought more than once about the statement, "You cannot help 'being in Adam' for this came by your first birth over which you had no control. But you can help staying 'in Adam', for you can experience a second birth--a new birth above above--that will put you in Christ."
After finishing last week's lesson, I was very thankful for a God who provides all I need to be righteous in His presence. Paul starts this next chapter in all of my Bible translations with the word "therefore". The last words in chapter 4 are "our justification". He will use chapter 5 to explain what those words mean.
Paul left us at the end of the last chapter with the knowledge that we are all in the same boat. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. That truth leaves little room for pride and bragging. Paul has stated his case--now he is going to prove his case using the Old Testament.
Last week we discovered how revolutionary Paul’s teaching was to the Jewish Christians. Their confidence had been in their lineage, sign of circumcision, and obedience to the Law. He blew all their perceived ideas of their right standing before God right out of the water. Only someone guided by the Holy Spirit does this.
Salvation has 3 facets. Allowing us freedom from the penalties of past sins. In the present salvation from the power of sin in daily life. And in the future salvation in heaven from the actual presence of sin. This salvation comes to anyone who believes in the gospel of Christ and what He did on the cross.
A week ago we learned a bit about Paul, the author of this book. He was raised a Jew, full of knowledge and zeal for God. That zeal birth in him a hatred for the believers in Jesus, and it caused him to set out with murderous intentions toward the followers of the Way. Then Jesus got ahold of him, and wouldn’t let go.
The disciples in vs. 29 say they realize Jesus is speaking to them plainly, not in proverbs. By verse 32 they say they know He is from God.
Go back to the answer on last week's question 13--that is our jumping off point. Read verses 15:1-17.
We were able to witness a very precious scene last week. Jesus' hour had come. We are in the upper room.
We ended last week with Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Psalm 118:25-26 predicted this entry. The people hoped this king would end the Roman rule. It looked like the world was following Jesus.
As we left our story last week, we sense that the disciples are about to hear and experience a reality that they had not encountered before: Jesus had reference Daylight (symbolizing the knowledge of God's will and reliance on His guidance) and Night (absence of knowledge combined with self-reliance). Jesus is in Daylight.
We found out last week that Christ had come to be a shepherd for God's people. The role of the shepherd, according to Psalm 23, was to make the sheep lie down in green pastures, to lead them beside quiet waters, to restore their souls, and to guide them in paths of righteousness. Christ as the Good Shepherd was Himself the way to receive these blessings.
Last week, we saw Jesus claim to the the light of the world. The reaction to this statement from the Jews is that they pick up stones to try and kill him. It is all together fitting that the next encounter Jesus has with a broken man demonstrates the truth of His identity.
Last week we saw Jesus escaping a difficult situation with the Pharisees and in the process He redeemed a woman. Does it get any better than seeing that happen? He is in the business of doing that for us.
Some of the earliest and most reliable manuscripts do not have John 7:53-8:11. However, references by the church fathers to this event can be traced back to AD 100, which gives us validity to include it in our study. There is some debate about the exact time this took place in the ministry of Jesus.
This next section is important in regard to understanding what Jesus is proclaiming to the people. Jesus is talking about fulfilling their request for more bread in a very unique way, for a specific time and in eternity.
As we left Jesus last week He had made some very strong claims. No man ever made these claims before. According to the law of Moses for such a claim to be proved true there had to be two witnesses. (Deut.17:6)
We saw Jesus meet the woman at the well just as she was, with no judgement or prejudice. She opened her life to Jesus and then she opens the eyes of the townspeople and brings them to Jesus.
Keep in mind, God does not love men's sins or the wicked world in which man lives, but He does love His people. If we are honest before God, we realize we are sinful. God provided Jesus as an atonement to cover our sins and provides entrance into God's kingdom--only if we confess our sin and embrace Jesus.
What a journey we had last week! God opened a precious treasure to us. Be ready to receive again. Jesus in this section has changed location. He goes to Jerusalem. It is time for the Passover and every Jewish male who lived within 20 miles of the city was expected to come to the temple.
John doesn't waste time. Unlike the other gospels, he tells us nothing of the early life of Jesus. In the prologue, he introduced Jesus as the Son of God. When Jesus came, the truth was that God's own people rejected Him. The story wasn't over--good news for us! Those that believe become the children of God.
If you want to understand the true meaning of life, if you seek to have eternal life, if you long to know God, you will find these desires fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ as He is revealed in this gospel. The first 18 verses are more than just a prologue. These verses set the theme for the entire book. John is introducing us to his beloved friend, teacher, Savior and revealing Jesus' true identify to us. The faithful Jewish priests served in the temple day after day, but by the time of John, the glory of God was not felt or seen in the temple.
Galatians 4:4-5 - "But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His son, born of woman, born under that law. So that He might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons." This is the right time for God's people.
"Strangling Life's Problems" - Nehemiah had been gone a year. He returned to Jerusalem to find the situation had deteriorated rapidly. The people were not living up to the vows they had made. Nehemiah's opponents were are resilient as he was. His absence had led to setbacks.
"How Far is Your Joy Heard?" - Last we, we had to answer some hard questions and realize some important truths. Have you let God restore? Are you ready to move to His beat in your life?
"Moving On" - Once the people feel that their part of the task for God is done, they park on their complacency couch and begin to coast through life. That isn't really living! What does it take to blast you off your complacency couch and into a new pattern for living? Let's learn from the people of God in Jerusalem.
"Assigning Priorities" - This week we see the people anxious to get on with their lives. They want to do the things that are easiest and most enjoyable first. God, through Nehemiah, is stopping them in their tracks and having them go through a process of refocusing before they move ahead and make a mistake.
"Praising, Reflecting and Repositioning: Time for a Spiritual Check-Up" - The walls are constructed--now God is ready to begin a major reconstruction on His people. As the people feasted on God's cuisine, we see the first recorded revival. We come to understand that once you have the well-constructed wall outside, it's time to move on and take care of the inside.
"Taste, See and Be Revived" - The walls are built. People have settled down; their lives are comfortable. Life is good according to outward appearances. However, all the outside trappings are worth nothing unless there is life within. God's Word provides all the nourishment one's inner life will need. But is it feast or famine at your table?
"It Isn't Over Till It's Over" - All the attacks to which Nehemiah was subject had one thing in common: the attacks kept Nehemiah on his knees. He relied on God. For the moment, hostilities cease and building resumes.
"Dealing with Attacks, Subtle and Direct" - Just because you have a God-sanctioned plan doesn't mean there is smooth sailing. Some of the roughest waters are those that are closet to your boat. Prepare to learn survival mode. Nehemiah would be singled out to experience direct confrontation and attacks. Now, it is getting personal.
"Wall Building Reveals Problems Within" - When the grumblers and snarlers brought out their bag of tricks, the were defeated when Nehemiah went to his knees in prayer. Through community prayer time, he reminded them of the great things God had done, and encouraged them to believe in the great things still to do. Problems over?? Not by a long shot!
"Rebuilding in the Face of Opposition"
It is August 1, 444 B.C. You are standing before a pile of rubble. There are 4.5 miles of wall to build. Impossible task? 52 days later, on September 21, the wall was done.
"Confronting Obstacles and Setting Focus"
Last week, we determined walls provide protection, establish boundaries, and give people a sense of security. Within a safe environment, a person can nurture, dream and live a good life. God's wall building work is never easy. In these last days, it is getting more and more difficult to build strong walls and serve God. The enemy is hurling his ammunition and setting clever straps. Are your walls needing some repair?
"Overcoming Life's Challenges God's Way"
The book of Nehemiah is a case study in overcoming life's challenges. After the year we have lived through, it isn't, "Will I face challenges?", it is, "When will they come and how will I deal with these tough times?" From Nehemiah, we learn where to discover hope and how to have victory when challenges surround us.
THREE MAJOR THEMES 1. Restoration in a world ravaged by sin. 2. Covenant commitment. 3. Spiritual leadership requires human agents and Divine activity.
Studying Ezra & Nehemiah with Joanne Lodge at Cedar Hills Community Church.
"Repentance and Restoration"
In chapter 7, Ezra set out to change the world by studying, obeying and teaching the Word of God. It made a difference. Chapter 9 showed us that God’s Word exposed the peoples’ sin. In this study sheet, we will see the prayer Ezra prayed to connect the people’s past to the present, revealing God’s mercy.
Studying Ezra & Nehemiah with Joanne Lodge at Cedar Hills Community Church.
"How to Reinvent Life Patterns"
There is a lot that happens in the rest of chapter 8. Once more, Levites were recruited and 200 temple servants. God had to be stirring many hearts for people to leave the comforts of home for the unknown.
Studying Ezra & Nehemiah with Joanne Lodge at Cedar Hills Community Church.
"Here Comes the Man"
We are on a journey–how are you preparing? What help can you expect along the way? You have a vital role to play in God’s working out of your destination. Last week we saw the joy the people had as they began to celebrate and worship God in His prescribed way. Seeing their worship caused me to question my own worship and dedication. Between chapters six and seven, 57 years had elapsed. Here comes the man, Ezra.
Studying Ezra & Nehemiah with Joanne Lodge at Cedar Hills Community Church.
"God Behind the Scenes"
Last week we saw how the temple work was resumed. Behind the scenes, God faithfully pursued His plan. He set limits on the powers of the world. The people could have despaired or retreated when the questioned, but they would remember their past and trust God.
Studying Ezra & Nehemiah with Joanne Lodge at Cedar Hills Community Church.
"Tricks and Treachery and Victory"
Last week we questioned ourselves and our seriousness about building God’s temple. God has declared and demonstrated that He is steadfast. We need to hang on to that fact and get on track with His program. In their process of resettlement, these returning exiles got off course.
Studying Ezra & Nehemiah with Joanne Lodge at Cedar Hills Community Church.
"Dealing With the Unexpected"
Ezra established the legitimacy of the returning exiles. They settled in ancestral lands. They then knew they needed to get back to the basics. They met the in the fall of the year, the most sacred month on the Jewish calendar, containing the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement and the Feast of the Tabernacles.
Studying Ezra & Nehemiah with Joanne Lodge at Cedar Hills Community Church.
"Painting the Background – An introduction."
Understand where people are, how they got there and where they are headed.
Studying 1 & 2 Peter with Joanne Lodge at Cedar Hills Community Church.
"Discover Your Hope"
Last week, we concentrated on opening our eyes to the adversary that could be infiltrating our precious sanctuary. Peter is not finished yet. This is a truly glorious climax to Peter's writing to us. He will talk about the rest of the story. This truth has kept him strong and hopeful through the crazy times in which he lives.
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