Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Blog

Disciple II begins September 13th!

2010-08-28T22:13:00.000-04:00

The Disciple I Bible Study proved to be a gift and blessing to the disciple participants. Now as we are about to begin the Disciple II Bible Study with Pastor Scott, the excitement is building for Into the Word Into the World! While the time frame committment of 32 weeks is initially intimidating, as the weeks progress the Holy Spirit takes over and you discover... that amazingly there IS time to do this. Not that folks made every single class, but we made the majority and were always refreshed and renewed by our efforts to be there. A remarkable comaraderie and prayer community also develops over the weeks. We will be the first to say that we are all works in progress ~ and we prayerfully hope new participants will join us. Pray, ponder, and make the leap towards an in-depth study of the Word of God. You won't regret it.

Regardless of your decision, may you recognize God's blessings in your life each day!

sg

Disciple Class Short Re-Write of John 10:7-18

2010-04-12T23:21:00.002-04:00

JOHN 10: 7-18 As re-written by the Disciple Class

Listen Up!

7. You got to go through Me.

8. Love everybody - thieves and bandits - them too!

9. You’re safe with Me. I’m the only way in and out.

10. Only I care about you.

11. I will die for you.

12. You belong to Me. I will not leave you.

13. Don’t be scared. I’m not going to abuse you.

14. I know all of you.

15. I got your back and I’m willing to die for you.

16. I want all of you.

17. Dad loves me. I must die so you can live.

18. What Dad says, I do.

The Book of Job

2010-03-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

During last week's Disciple reading of the poignant Old Testament story of Job there was much discussion about one of life's most complex questions. The "Why?" when bad things happen to good people. There was the man of faith, Job - with his large and prosperous family, great wealth, admiring friends, and excellent health. ALL* taken away in an extremely short span of time. Along come his "best" friends. At first with their silence, they offered comfort with their respectful presence. But soon, human nature takes over and their counsel of great debates begin.

As participants in the study, we all recognized words we may have echoed to others who were struggling with difficult situations for which there are no simplistic answers. By faith, we gratefully recognize and cling to the knowledge that God will provide restoration in His time and perhaps in unexpected ways. Pastor David shared on the white board a thoughtful summary of the mystery of human suffering. You may view a snapshot of the board below...

Thanks be to God for His word and for this study.
sg

*Job lost all except his faith! Read the story of Job to see that although he had questions and struggles, his faith helps him remember, "My Redeemer LIVES!"

Bible Heroes

2010-01-07T10:22:00.001-05:00

"The Lord raised judges, who delivered them [Israel] out of the power of those who plundered them." Judges 2:16

This past week exploring the book of Judges, we met fascinating heroes of the Bible who came during a time of degradation for the children of Israel, struggling under the iron rule of the Philistines. Among several judges some highlights were the amazing story of the prophetess Deborah (4-5) leading her people to battle; a doubting Gideon (6-8) needing bolstering by laying down a fleece; and that Biblical mighty man, Samson (13-16). God often chose the unexpected - a woman; a doubter from the weakest tribe; and an arrogant, strong man with a weakness for women and a penchant for riddles! While the slayings are bloody the stories are gripping - and some wondered how Samson's attitude and notorious exploits qualified him as a judge.

Our DISCIPLE workbook offered this: "But Samson is probably in the Bible because he dramatically symbolizes the people of God - so human, so quick to act without thinking, so prone to folly. We are set apart to be a holy people, capable of great strength against formidable foes, yet weakened by sin, blinded by the enemy, but able through the power of God to experience forgiveness and rise from the ashes to strike a blow for freedom once again." p.62

And at the dramatic ending of his life, Samson certainly strikes a final dramatic blow.

Alas, it is also good to remember as one of our Disciple Study participants shared, to think of the balance of many obedient and devoted persons chosen by God such as Boaz and Ruth (the Book of Ruth). If you haven't read these stories lately, try out the book of adventures and exploits - or sample a great love story. You'll be glad you did.

sg

Ten Commandment Links

2009-12-22T11:07:00.001-05:00

Friends, The first link is a great teaching video on learning the 10 Commandments, from a Hebrew perspective:
http://www.aish.com/sp/lal/48948961.html .

The second link is a group of men on a mission trip to Alaska, having fun with the 10 Commandments:
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=e734d7e1fef22e311eaf .

Enjoy and keep these commandments in mind as we journey together.

Blessings! David

Just Think

2009-12-15T09:27:00.006-05:00

Last night during out Disciple study on the early chapters of Exodus we focused on character traits (please see photos of work posted near the bottom of this page) of Biblical characters when the children of Israel were under slavery in Egypt. Included were the powerful saga of Moses' and Aaron's encounters with Pharoah and their reliance on God. An incredible story! During our discussions Pastor David led us to think of our own unique personalities, gifts, and callings. Are we willing to answer? The study reminded me of a Biblical quote and also a poem by Roy Lessin... found on the back of my calendar!

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:4

Just Think

By Roy Lessin

Just think,

you're here not by chance,

but by God's choosing.

His hand formed you

and made you

the person you are.

He compares you to no one else -

you are one of a kind.

You lack nothing

that His grace can't give you.

He has allowed you to be here

at this time in history

to fulfill His special purpose

for this generation.

...........................

How timely are God's ways.

Thanks to Rachael for taking the pics posted below!

See you next week,

Wrestling with God - Genesis 32:24-32

2009-12-08T13:16:00.002-05:00

We have all struggled with life events we do not understand - I suppose we might sometimes think of this as the groaning "Why me?" syndrome! But as our faith walk is strengthened something amazing happens - God begins to shape us. And this marvel transforms that old complaining question into a deeply moving reality that God truly cares. The "Why me?" becomes a question of wonder and thankfulness that God can love us so much.

As we continue in the Disciple Bible study, we'll experience those moments of clarity - thanks be to God. We will support each other in this walk learning that grace can help us understand stories about definitely not-perfect Biblical people chosen and refined by God to demonstrate His love for us as chronicled in the Old Testament. And by grace how the only Perfect One died for our sins as chronicled in the New Testament... till we truly are rejoicing and living life more abundantly - walking with Christ!

A great little article about Jacob's struggle is found here: http://www.unionchurch.com/archive/100399.html

A little snippet from the above article is a great quote by G. K. Chesterton...

G.K. Chesterton once said, "Christianity has not been tried and found empty . . . it has been found difficult and left untried." Chesterton read an article in the London Times that asked the question "What is Wrong With the World?" He was asked for his response. He got out a fancy sheet of paper and wrote, "I am. Sincerely, G.K. Chesterton."

See you next week at Disciple!

sg

2 Samuel 11-12

2009-11-28T11:02:00.003-05:00

Persons who may know only a smidgeon of the Bible recall the story of the shepherd boy who would slay a giant in the battlefield and later become a king. As a man his legend grew among the Hebrew nation and we can read today his psalms that sometimes implore mercy but more often praise and glorify God and his creation so magnificently. So how could he allow the horrible deed to ever begin? Were there small steps towards the ultimate sins? Was he simply given too much unlimited power? Did he ever ponder, "Oh, if I had simply gone to war with my men? If I had been about kingly responsibilities instead of coveting Bathsheba? Why did I force her to come to me? How could I have done the horrible deeds to brave and loyal Uriah?"

And then there's Uriah the Hittite. My commentary explains that his name means, "Flame of the Lord" or "The Lord is Light." A man who embraced and valued the faith and God of the Hebrews. As was the custom of the Hittites, he would not voluntarily take leave from the Ark and his men in battle to be with his wife. A respected and valued warrior, he was also an honorable and righteous man. So much more righteous than his king. And to think as David plotted his death, he had Uriah carry his own death plan back to the battlefield.

These scriptures cover some of the most tragic series of events in Biblical history. Was David haunted with guilt? In 2 Samuel 11-12, we learn that it took the bravery of the prophet Nathan to confront his king. Later, David would have sincere regrets and he would suffer tremendous loss from his cover-up and misdeeds. But we learn that his confession to God with a contrite heart and his confession to God and his people through Psalm 51, helped to begin the healing and cleansing of his heart. Helped to save his soul.

May God provide us windows of escape to flee from sin and the wisdom to respect the Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit within us to resist sin. For sin indeed is our human condition. And may we practice sincere confession to God. For we all fall short of His glory and are in need of His mercy.

sg

Interesting Article

2009-11-17T13:12:00.001-05:00

Praying for everyone attending the Disciple class. I also wanted to pass along an article that may be of interest to those in the class. It can be found at: http://www.christiancentury.org/article.lasso?id=7927

To God be the glory!

David

Disciple Bible Study Scriptures

2009-11-12T16:25:00.000-05:00

For those who may be interested in the scriptures read in the Disciple Bible Study, below is a sampling from the first 2 weeks. Please note that Biblical history and more detailed additional information studied is not included here.

Psalm 84; Hosea 11; Exodus 15:1-18; 1 Kings 19:1; 1Chronicles 22; Acts 9; Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5-6; Micah 4; Philemon; Luke 15
Genesis 1:1-2; 3; Genesis 2:4-25; Psalm 8; Psalms 19:1-6:33; Job 38-39; 40:15-41:34; Psalms 104;150; John 1:1-5

Please say a prayer for the study group committing their time and hearts for the next 34 weeks. Thank you and God bless!

sg

Welcome Disciples!

2009-11-10T23:04:00.003-05:00

We thought a blog dedicated just to the Disciple Study would be appropriate. A place to post questions and comments and share in this journey. Hope to hear from you soon.

Psalm 84

2009-11-10T19:57:00.001-05:00

Sheila's post shared from http://www.shegardens.blogspot.com/ ...

Tonight we discussed Psalm 84, one of the Psalms of Zion that celebrated God's presence in Jerusalem. Thankfully today it is not necessary to travel to the temple to draw near to God. We can pray and sing our praises to Him at anytime - anywhere when we accept the invitation to have Christ in our lives. Have you ever experienced so much joy that a spontaneous song of praise sprang forth from your heart? Try lifting your own unique song this week. Off -key is not important - God listens to our hearts.

What do you think?