Recently we have updated our format for Thursday Bible Study a little. Since the Spring with COVID-19 we have had a Zoom option for people to come and join while we had social distancing at home.
We have seen that if everyone is logged in to the meeting with one or two people per screen, it is a lot easier to hear and see everyone. This also allows for us to include more people in the teaching on Matthew’s gospel that Scott Kjos is doing. In addition, parents with small children can attend and be a part of the meeting.
Recordings are being made with Zoom and shared on here on this YouTube playlist so that we can review the teaching and share with others. We would be glad to have others join, so for the most current information please check our Connect page.
See you for Thursday Bible Study. This week we will discuss Matthew chapter 4.
Like everyone else, we are in the throes of corona-virus concerns. We are mostly off work, working from home, or transitioning to a different work schedule. We are trying to balance due-diligence and carefulness while also demonstrating calm and lack of fear.
The ever-unfolding events make it difficult to keep firm footing. Keeping up with the latest info can be a full time endeavor. We want to be good stewards of our time. For those off work we are trying to redeem the time. Long put-off errands are finally being tackled. Procrastination is a little harder to justify. All (some!) overdue reading is being undertaken, and part of the writing endeavors are starting to materialize.
So what else is going on besides covid-19? Our dear sister Cheryl has come down for some much needed R&R. Through the years she has been a faithful partner and support. In more recent times she has come to help take care of her brother Rich. Since we are virtually “confined to quarters,” she is stuck with us for an indefinite stretch.
While not undertaking an Extreme Home Makeover, we are embarking on various home improvement adventures: cleaning closets, attending to yard work, repairing various nonfunctional items, fixing roofs, cleaning carpets, planting gardens and so on. We have an abundance of unskilled but willing workers who will pitch in when needed, and we even have some skilled workers. We are trying to keep our more vulnerable members more sheltered: the pregnant ladies and those of a “certain age,” currently defined as over 65.
A new pomegranate tree
A new large garden planter at the Ark
Ainsworth St.
The Kilns improvements underway
Laundry area ~ new ceiling
Our younger members have made many trips to the store, for us and also for our neighbors. We want to be available to our neighborhood to shed the love of Christ abroad. Our children are still being homeschooled which requires our attention. Meals are being fixed and shared on a daily basis.
So we are busy. But we still have moments to work together on puzzles, pray together, read by the crackling fire, talk, encourage one another, and share the abundant life together as we are in greater proximity on a daily basis than ever before.
We continue to pray for our nation and our world as we find ourselves in the midst of this crisis. We wish to be found faithful. Jesus makes the astounding statement in Matthew 16:18 that even the “gates of Hell shall not prevail” against His Church. May we demonstrate this truth today and all the days ahead.
Bible Study Summaries on our blog (http://www.servant-king.org/category/blog/) are group discussion session notes and summaries of direct teaching presentations. Group discussions, with which we lead off Thursday Bible study are where those gathered discuss what has been gleaned during the week as we do our homework. Teaching presentations are given for a more in depth look at the passage and point to personal response.
Assignments and study context:
“What do I still lack?”
Matthew 19:20
One of our assignments is to spend at least 2 hours doing homework and study in preparation.
We also have requested that people study together if at all possible, in order to spend time together, for accountability, and to work together in the scripture.
We make the attempt to study without an academic mindset but a more personal one. Not asking ‘what does the Greek say?” Rather, examining the scripture with the mindset of “What do I still lack?” Making it personal, not merely an intellectual exercise.
Timeline and disclaimer
Our current study of Matthew is taking place during the 2019-2020 time period. We are beginning our Bible Study Summaries in April 2020. In addition we have an effort to publish other types of study and teaching materials as we are able.
Posts to our blog at www.servant-king.org under the Gospel category are intended be an encouragement to others to dig deeper while asking the question of the rich young man in Matthew 19. Please know we do not think they are an exact representation of the conversations, comments, or teachings and are not intended to be a replacement for the value of meeting together to call each other on in our lives.
We would love to hear from you if you have any input, questions, or ideas but we do not desire to engage in doctrinal debates or conversations that do not call on the individual or congregations (churches) to renewal.
…we all strive to not merely exist, but to thrive and grow in these strangely unprecedented times
Regan
Last night we enjoyed wonderful, refreshing laughter as we gathered together outside for an evening of fun. But is was fun with a serious purpose: raising money for a ministry in Mexico providing food and educational supplies for a needy family. People were generous in donations, and generous in laughter for a memorable experience. We will do it again as one of our young men has committed himself to raising monthly support for another less fortunate boy.
We continue to wrestle with the question posed to Jesus so long ago: “Lord, what do I still lack?” as we study the gospel of Matthew for the straightforward truths laid out by Jesus. Last Thursday Jose finished his commentary on Matthew 16, reminding us of the things that make gates fall: reconciliation, forgiveness, discipline.
Against these weapons, Hades doesn’t stand a chance. He also referenced Acts 15:1-15 noting the mandate to reference and submit to godly leadership in the church, another essential element of life together. We were also edified by Drive through History, taking us virtually to the places where Jesus endured His trial and execution. May we never forget.
Finally, we all strive to not merely exist, but to thrive and grow in these strangely unprecedented times. God is still good. As Dennis Prager says, “Never take normal for granted again.” May it be so.
