Erotic LOVE

(lesson 1 of 3 week 2)

Sexuality is a very important part of God’s design for us. It is the means to “be fruitful and increase in number (multiply)” (Genesis 1:28). It is the “one flesh” union mentioned in Genesis 2:24.

Between husband and wife, especially over a period of time, all varieties of love appear: sexual attraction, family bonding, deep friendship, and sacrificial self-giving.

The relationship between husband and wife is rich, complex, challenging, and fruitful—not to mention confusing, humorous, and (at times) painful. We see this in Song of Solomon, a biblical poem that celebrates love, as bride and bridegroom rejoice in their new relationship, bonded by love in all its rich complexity. You can read Song of Solomon if you’d like to.

Read Isaiah 54:4-8 and consider the passions the Lord describes. List the kind words the “husband” speaks to His wife.  How does this passage help you understand the depth of God’s love for you in Christ?

FAMILY LOVE (recap)

Here is a recap on 'family love' and what we have (or should have) read this past week.

There are many wonderful examples of family love in the Scriptures that we can learn from. This past week we were encouraged to not only read but experience what 'family love' can look like through the lives of Isaac and Rebekah and Naomi along with Ruth and Boaz. Ok, let me back up and state the obvious; If God had nothing to do with either of these families' I would have nothing to gain from their way of 'family love'. Wouldn't you agree that you would want to learn how to love your family from a well mannered, 'God fearing' family? Me too!

I once refereed to the people in the Bible as characters. Not realizing that I was placing them as fictional people acting out the story of God's message. My husband lovingly corrected me on how these people are not character's in the Bible but rather the people God has chosen to carry out His message. He has given us His message through these real life people so that we might learn of His Love and how He shinned His light through His people so we might hear His message. After all, Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

If you haven't already read the real life events of Rebekah and Naomi please do so. I would like to encourage you to walk along side these women as you read or reread their story. You are also invited to comment on the post's as you will see I shared some of my thought's.

FAMILY LOVE!?

What is it to me?

Please leave your thoughts below and remember that God is still at work in us and we are all in different walks of life then the next lady. So please share openly knowing that God has placed you in the position you are in for His glory. And if it is His glory, we to will shine for Him. (Matthew 5:16)

Family LOVE

Boaz and Ruth

(lesson 2 of 2 week 1)

read the Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth contains another “case study” of family love. In contrast to the dysfunctional family dynamics of Isaac and Rebekah, Naomi’s relationship with her daughter-in-law Ruth reveals a depth of affection and degree of sacrifice seldom seen between blood relatives, much less between  in-laws.

To what blessings did Boaz and Ruth love lead? How has this affected you and your family? (read Ruth 4:17-22 and Matthew 1:5)

 

 

This week we are focusing on family love. Next week we will study more about the way of love; erotic love, friendship love and love for God.

 

 

 

 

 

Family LOVE

The way of Love

(lesson 1 of 2 for week 1)

 

             Read John 15 and also read about Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 25- 27 and notice in Jacob’s story and in Malachi’s words the passionate heart of God’s love for you fulfilled in Christ Jesus.

 

1         Do “love” and “hate” mean something more than simple emotions? Can “love” be a decision, an act of the will, as well as a feeling or an emotion?

2         Read Malachi 1:2-3. How does this passage describe God’s love?

3         If God loves what is good, how would He respond to what is evil and destroy His dear creation (Ps. 5:4-5)?

4         Though your sin offends His holiness and righteousness, His fatherly love constrains His heart. In Holy Baptism He washes away your sins. He lovingly embraces you as His dear child through Christ. Though you lie and deceive like Jacob and Rebekah, though you despise His blessings like Esau, He extends His gracious hand in mercy as if to say, “Come here, My child, and kiss Me” (Gen. 27:26). He makes you the heir of all the blessings that belong to His firstborn, Jesus. 

Fruit of the Spirit

Thank you for joining this online Bible study. I look forward to learning more about the Fruit of the Spirit and hearing from you.

Please submit your email address (if you have not already) to 'Follow by Email'. Each lesson will then be emailed to you with the link to this site.

New Bible Study Starting September 1

Jesus said, "I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit -- fruit that will last" (John 15:16) 

Christ called you and every other believer to bear fruit.

But what fruit?

How will you bear fruit as a believer?

By studying one word every 2 weeks from the 'fruit of the Spirit' found in Galatians 5:22-23 you will understand the Holy Spirit's work of sanctification, recognize your personal strengths and weaknesses in view of God's calling and identify ways you can bear fruit in the Lord's service.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness,

Gentleness, Self-Control

 

 Please read Galatians 5 before we start our study and prayfully consider how you can add this Bible study to your busy life this fall.

 

Confidence (Day 4) The God of Confidence

·         Psalm 91

Read aloud the following:

12H555E229A7110V8844E667N12

Does it make any sense? Now cross the numbers off and focus on the letters. What does it say?

What is God’s focus and number one goal for us?

Our spiritual lives are more important to God than anything else. His number one goal is to bring us home to heaven to be with Him eternally. Let’s study the spiritual promises of God in Psalm 91 so we can grow in confidence that God will accomplish His heavenly goal for our lives.

·         In what ways does your church give you spiritual shelter and protection? How does your church help grow your trust in God?

·         What spiritual enemies attack our faith and/or the faith of believers around the world. What “snares” do these enemies use to lure or pressure us or others away from Jesus and into the trap of unbelief or wrong beliefs?

·         God’s protections and refuge become all-important in reaching the heavenly goal. Reread Psalm 91:4. How could God’s wings of Law (showing us our sin) and Gospel (showing us our Savior) or Word and Sacrament provide refuge from the enemy snares?

As we dwell under the Almighty’s wings (v.4), we become spiritually confident and secure. Read Psalm 91:5-6, 13. Luther explains the terror, arrow, pestilence, and plague as dangers to the soul. The enemies listed in verse 13 may also describe the same dangers to faith.

·         Give examples of arrows, pestilence, and plague inflicted on Jesus by the Pharisees (John 11:47-53) Then list examples of those in your own life and in today’s world.

 

·         Remember that it is God who protects our faith and preserves us from these attacks. He is determined to bring us home to heaven one day.  What spiritual truth and confident hope are also detailed in Psalm 91:7-8?

 

·         Finally, read Psalm 91:14-16. What comfort and confidence do these words offer in your life of spiritual struggle?

What confidence we can have that God is at work---protecting, strengthening, and shielding our faith! All that He does in our lives works toward bringing us closer to Him and fulfilling His goal of bringing us home to heaven. As we study His Word, our faith grows, and we, too, more easily focus on our spiritual well-being and turn our eyes more frequently to our heavenly home. Focus on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and confidently pray.