Bible Studies, Inspired by Faith and Science

Advent started yesterday, and the color for Advent is not the white of rejoicing but rather the purple of penance. Christian tradition used to ask us to "fast," not just during Lent, but during Advent as well. Hunger would make us remember the season and pray. Prayer would remind us how much the world needs the coming of Jesus--not just the first coming, but His continuing presence until the second coming also. And the struggle would remind us to take Christmas seriously--it's hard work, preparing to meet our Savior.  So, after all, it's not so weird if our Bible study series feels like Lent in Advent.  And today, having  "walked" the Via Dolorosa last week.  we enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the final "Stations of the Cross." (108) At the Foot of the Cross Th traditional route of the Via Dolorosa goes west from the Lions’ Gate in the Muslim Quarter, to the Old City, to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter. The fi

 After the trial comes crucifixion, and our Coffee Break group is following the road. In a world of present trials and tribulations, it seems a good road to follow - a good Savior to follow (107) The Road to the Cross We all know the next part of the story, but we know in pieces that we put together in our minds. Visitors to the Holy Land follow the Via Dolorosa to the church of the Holy Sepuchre – it’s equivalent to the first 9 stations in the “traditional” Catholic list (14 stations – we’ll look at a newer list later). So, let’s join that journey, the Via Dolorosa. 1.        Jesus’s trial by Pilate, and Jesus is scourged: We read this last week. What stands out most to you ? 2.        Ecce Homo: This is where Pilate says “Behold the man” – John 19:5 –again, from last week. How often do we stop to “behold” Him in everyday life ? 3.        Jesus falls the first time: Read John 19:16-17 The Gospels don’t tell us that Jesus fell, but we know Simon of Cyrene will end up carrying t

  The world is heading to darkness, winter, and Covid chaos. Meanwhile our Bible studies head to the time of Christ's death and resurrection - darkness and chaos then too, but eternal hope, which is perhaps exactly what we need today as well. Join us! (106) Time to Choose When Jesus was brought to trial in front of Pilate, the world outside Judaism became involved. Pilate is neither convinced of who Jesus is, nor of the threat he poses—an independent observer, with power? Read John 18:28-38 1.        Verses 28-29. What does the leaders’ not going up the steps tell us about them? 2.        Verses 30-32 . How does their behavior relate to their interpretation of the law? (And could they kill people?) 3.        Would their actions still be wrong if Jesus were who they think he is, instead of who we know he is? 4.        Verse 33. Jesus follows Pilate into the Praetorium. Does that mean Jesus is defiled? How willing are we to go where we’re not “supposed” to go, in God’s na

 Continuing our way toward Easter, as the world continues toward Christmas (105) Working our way through the Courts… Dragged away by armed policemen in the middle of the night: There must be many people alive today who can relate to that. Our Savior would know just how they feel, but: How do we relate to them? Jesus will be brought before Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod during the next few hours. What authority does each of them wield, and how might their authority relate to earthly authorities today? We start with Annas: Read John 18:12-24 1.        Read John 11:49-50 Caiaphas inherited power, authority & responsibility. What’s wrong with practical solutions? 2.        Annas still weilds a lot of power. What’s wrong with Annas asking Jesus about his doctrine? 3.        How can we tell if someone wants us to explain our faith, or if they just want to prove their own position? 4.        Read John 18:22-24 When might we complain we’re being spoken to i

(104) Gethsemane The disciples are in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Jesus has predicted his death, but they’re probably just as good as we are at pretending bad stuff won’t happen. So now, relaxed after an excellent meal and maybe confused after a rather long sermon, they’re resting on the Mount of Olives. They’ve paused on the journey back to Lazarus’ house for the night. But Jesus knows, this night will be different… Have you ever felt a concern that nobody else seemed to share? Read Matthew 26:36-38, Mark 14:32-34, Luke 22:39-40, John 18:1 1.        What’s the connection between watching and praying? And between watching and temptation? 2.        If we “watched” with Jesus today, what would we see, and what would we be tempted to do? Read Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:35-36, Luke 22:41-42, Matthew 6:10 1.        What can we learn about prayer from Jesus’ prayer? 2.        How easy, or how hard, should it be for us to say, “God willing”? Read Matthew 26:40-44, Mark 14:37-