Bible Study April 30

April 30, 2023

Psalms 102 to 103 are three very different Psalms. As you read them name some differences and look how each could be useful to you.

Psalm 102 –

Over and over again the Bible depicts the brevity of life – that there a few short days to walk in this world, they slip by quickly. The psalmist emphasizes the suffering and discipline often associated with sin. The lament rose out of the situation where the godly, together with the wicked, were exiled from the land.

Psalm 103 –

God removes the barrier that separates people from Himself by canceling the debt of sin (all our iniquities) so that anyone can enjoy a loving relationship with Him. God’s love removes a person’s sin as though it never existed (103:12). The major difference between divine love and what often passes for human love is justice.  God’s love for His people is like a father’s love for a wayward and rebellious son, He waits anxiously. Life is like a flower in the field that grows up one day and is gone the next.

Psalm 104 –

As the Creator and Master of all things the whole universe exists to serve God’s purpose; the storm clouds are His chariots. He uses the wind for transport, the storm blast His messenger.

The order that exists in creation testifies to the magnificent  wisdom had in designing such a place.

Bible Study April 29

April 29, 2023

1 Chronicles 7 – 10 today we read more about the descendants of the tribes, the sons and chief of the men of Benjamin, those who returned from the exile and the death of King Saul.

Chapter 7 –

This chapter primarily covers the northern tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin, while not a northern tribe, is included here. Chapter 8 will provide information on this important tribe. The woman named Sheerah founded three cities – an unusual detail in the genealogy of Ephraim. While scripture is silent about the character of Asher, the rabbinical literature of the day reports that he was an honest man, who spent much time keeping peace between his quarrelsome brothers.

Chapter 8 –

Verses 1 – 40 give us more extensive genealogy of Benjamin that reminds readers the Saul, the first king of Israel descended from the tribe of Benjamin.

Chapter 9 –

The focus shifts to the group of people who returned to Israel after being deported to Babylon – the first inhabitants who dwelt in their possession.  This passage from verses 10 -32 recounts the return of the priests and Levites along with describing the Levites responsibilities, including the role of gatekeepers. These reliable men, appointed by David guarded the tabernacle at each of the four gates to preserve its holiness. They would also prepare the House of the Lord for worship.

Chapter 10 –

The focus abruptly shifts from the history of Israel to their exile in Babylon (586 BC) and then back to the reign of Saul and his demise.

The three sons of Saul were all killed n battle. The Philistines worshipped the god Dagon, their god of grain. The temple of Dagon was the place where Samson died killing three thousand Philistines. Saul consulted a medium although he knew God forbids it. Apparently, God ultimately judged Saul because he did not obey Him. The story of Saul should paint a clear picture of what it means to disobey God. There are consequences to disobedience.

Becoming a Welcoming Church Chapter 3A

This book is written by Thom Rainer entitled “Becoming a Welcoming Church.” As with the last book I will be adding a chapter a day for us to consider. I am in no way saying our church or your church if you are reading this is not welcoming – just something to think about. I am capitalizing the chapter sections.

This is part two of chapter 3. “SIGNS AND SITES”

As promised, this is the second part of chapter three.

THE FRONT DOOR WE OFTEN FORGET

His first question under the above caption is “What led you to visit our church?” He says it began as an innocent question to one couple. Out of the dozens of churches near them, what was the main factor that prompted them to return? He says “the answer surprised me. We visited the church’s website.”

He said he heard from seven out of ten first-time guests. That is the primary factor they used in choosing to visit the church was the website.

“Okay, if the church website is truly the front door of the church, how do you make the front door most accessible?”

  • Address and worship time difficult to locate – Asbury is on the first page,
  • Outdated information – we strive to keep it current,
  • Lack of clarity about beliefs and doctrine – I need to add this more clearly,
  • Incomplete or total lack of information about children’s ministry or student ministry,
  • Poor graphics and copyrighted images,
  • Hardly visible contact information,
  • No photos of pastor, staff, and other leadership,

We need to add a place we can call “How to Become a Christian?”

“It’s not just about signs and sites, it’s about the message of hospitality. And the message of hospitality becomes the pathway where we can share the message of the gospel with people.”

POINTS TO PONDER

  1. Look at the five myths about church signs and websites. Do you think any of these myths are in our church?
  2. Review Romans 12:13, 1 Timothy 2:2-3, and Titus 3:7-8. As you see the repetition of the word hospitable, do you see your church’s signage and website as truly hospitable?
  3. Review your church’s website again. Does it show clearly the most important information? Ours can be accessed by asburyumcfoley.org if you have not looked at it I invite you to do.
  4. What does it matter if your church has it’s beliefs on the website?
  5. Does looking at this make you view our church differently? Why?

Bible Study April 28

April 28, 2023

From the Book of Psalms we read today in chapters 81, 88, 92 – 93.

Psalm 81 –

This psalm or song was for the new year and the Festival of Shelters in the autumn. The new moon was the beginning of the festival, the full moon was its ending of the festival. God’s deliverance from Egypt was intended to be a testimony.

Psalm 88 –

This is possibly a poem by the sons of Korah for Heman (1 Kings 4:31) who was gravely ill with what may have been leprosy. The term pit in this verse six is another word for grave. A soul in bereavement does not have the same perspective as faith does. Although he appears to be oppressed, he remains persistent in prayer pleading to God.

Psalm 92 –      

Every morning and evening animal sacrifices were offered with praise under the Mosaic system. The use of instruments were sanctioned in the scriptures. In the Old Testament a fool is not merely a simpleton but a confirmed sinner. Be scattered literally means ‘shall scatter themselves.”

Psalm 93 –

This is a royal poem after other things are swept away by floods of adversity (vs. 3) hostile nations, or evil powers, the Lord and His throne stand from time immemorial and His word cannot change. God’s house is one of holiness which Paul reaffirms in 1 Corinthians 3:17.

Becoming a Welcoming Church Chapter 3

This book is written by Thom Rainer entitled “Becoming a Welcoming Church.” As with the last book I will be adding a chapter a day for us to consider. I am in no way saying our church or your church if you are reading this is not welcoming – just something to think about. I am capitalizing the chapter sections.

This is part one of chapter 3. “SIGNS AND SITES”

This chapter is all about signs, directions, websites, and helping people find their way.

“We all need directions.”

FIVE MYTHS ABOUT CHURCH SIGNAGE AND WEBSITES

Myth #1 – Everyone knows where the church is.

Myth #2- Our church is small we do not need signs for people to get around.

Myth #3 – Church websites are really not that important.

 “Please hear me carefully: most people go to your church website before they ever set foot on your property.”

Myth #4 – It’s easy to get around our church.

Myth #5 – Signs and websites are human-centered methodologies.

A PRIMER FOR CHURCH SIGNAGE

“Good church signage is a statement of your church’s hospitality. It means you are expecting guests, it means you desire guests to come to your church. Bad or no signage is a sign of a lack of hospitality.” Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of someone who has not visited our church before.

  • Signage is not for members. “Strive to have “outsider eyes” when evaluating your signage.
  • Quality signage is very important.
  • The primary external church sign is also very important.
  • The parking lot should have clear signage.
  • The should be clear signage pointing to the entry points of the church.
  • The two “must” signs are handicap and guest parking.
  • Internal signage must have three basic characteristics: good quality, readable font, and right height.
  • All signs should be friendly and communicate an attitude of hospitality.
  • All signage can be very helpful for guests and for the church.
  • Church leaders should conduct a sign audit once a year,

THE FRONT DOOR WE OFTEN FORGET

Tomorrow, we look at the church website.

Bible Study April 27

April 27, 2023

The tribe and descendants of Levi are found in our reading for today from 1 Chronicles chapter six.

Chapter 6 –

The first section chapter six verses one through fifteen records the line of the high priests from the sons of Levi prior to the exile. The next section verses sixteen to thirty outlining seven sets of the two generations and one set for (Kohath) for ten generations.

You may remember from our previous reading of the godly following of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and the ungodly following by Nadab ana Abihu.

The lengthy list of temple musicians shows the role of music in the worship service. Aaron and his family along with other Levites, did not possess specific territory like the other tribes rather they lived on land provided them throughout Israel.

There is also another reference to cities of refuge that God told them to establish for a safe haven after accidentally killing someone.

Becoming a Welcoming Church Part 2A

This book is written by Thom Rainer entitled “Becoming a Welcoming Church.” As with the last book I will be adding a chapter a day for us to consider. I am in no way saying our church or your church if you are reading this is not welcoming – just something to think about. I am capitalizing the chapter sections.

This is part two of chapter 2. “Confidential Report – For Your Eyes Only.”

TOO FRIENDLY

This was a surprise to me. He said “about seven out of ten guests told us they did not return because were to friendly. Some mentioned the ‘stand and greet” while others mentioned it was an issue all over the church. ‘

Justin said, “I came away from the visit to the church the people were allover us, they seemed desperate to get us.” Rainer says this was a common point from people who did not return. For some it came across as desperate or disingenuous.

WHAT’S NEXT

Many of them really desire to see if the church is a place for them and their families. Some of these guests were not Christians and struggling with their faith, a clear indication of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Many guests expressed lack of clarity about next steps, where can they get information about the church? What are the next steps to becoming a part of the church? What are some ministries that impact them? They simply want to know “what is next?”

He says if we want our church to be a truly welcoming church it will take prayerful effort to do the things he advocates in his book.

POINTS TO PONDER

  1. Review each of the surprises listed which one surprises you the most?
  2. What are ways your church can answer the question “What’s next?” to our guests.
  3. Look at Hebrews 13: 2 “Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
  4. Read 1 Peter 4:9 “be hospitable to one another without complaining.” What is the significance of the last two words: “without complaining?
  5. What can you do personally to make guests feel more welcomed just prior to the beginning of the worship service?’

Bible Study April 26

April 26, 2023

Psalms 73, and 77 – 78 are today’s readings. These are all Psalms of Asaph.

Asaph was a Levite appointed by David to minister before the ark of the covenant in Jerusalem (1 Chron. 16:37).  When David brought the ark to Jerusalem, Asaph was among those who led the celebration and song. He was faithful and obedient to the law; he had a pure heart and innocent hands. But there was a time when he could not perceive the goodness of God. At a point of pain, pressure, and problems in his life. This bothered him so terribly that it created a deep resentment in his heart. He came close to slipping off the foundation of his faith.  while he understood that God had been good to Israel, he could look around and see life and see things did not make sense.

Psalm 73 –

Asaph is bothered by the profanity of the wicked as much as their pride and prosperity. They mock God and they mock Asaph for trusting God. God’s presence reminded Asaph that he did not in fact, purify his heart in vain, for nearness to God surpasses anything else. A resolve to stay near God strengthened his heart in difficult times.

Psalm 77 –

Even though the psalmist is now confronted with distressing circumstances his hand is outstretched to the Lord. In times of despair that is exactly what we are to do by remembering the past works of the Lord. God is the ruler of every storm the great waters will not overcome His people. They are no obstacles for Him.

Psalm 78 –

By recounting the history of Israel within this Psalm Asaph hopes the present generation will not repeat the sins of the past ones.

He summarizes God’s judgement and Israel’s reactions to them. Even the repentance of Israel was shallow and therefore not a cure for their sins. The same thing repeated itself. As a leader of the nation David put into practice the skills he learned as a shepherd.

Becoming a Welcoming Church Chapter 2

This book is written by Thom Rainer entitled “Becoming a Welcoming Church.” As with the last book I will be adding a chapter a day for us to consider. I am in no way saying our church or your church if you are reading this is not welcoming – just something to think about. I am capitalizing the chapter sections.

Chapter 2 “Confidential Report (For Your Eyes Only)

First, let me say I am learning so much from reading these two books I have been sharing with you about.

Today there are some very interesting insights in what I share. He conducted a survey about the “stand and greet” portion of a worship service.

Here is the essence of what he found: “we church members are often clueless about what our guests are thinking and experiencing.” I understand that I have visited churches in the past and in fact I wasn’t sure how things were done at Asbury when I arrived.

He refers to a couple who visited a church for the first time after not attending for a decade.  Their story was this. The church had a great website, getting to the church and parking was a “breeze”, the signage was clear for guests finding the guest parking places was easy. The people were genuinely friendly. So far, an overall good experience. But once they got into the worship center no one recognized them or spoke to them. His conclusion “Guests are most often overlooked in the few minutes before worship service.”

VERY FEW CHURCHES CONSIDER GUESTS DURING STAND AND GREET

“Both majority of the members and the guests would like to see “stand and greet” go away. Nine out of ten do not like it. Most guests found it a way for members to connect.

MANY GUESTS SEE AN ABUNDANCE OF HOLY HUDDLES IN CHURCHES

In one church of seven hundred he said he found twenty-seven “holy huddles” of members clustered together talking to one another. He went on to say in twenty-six of the twenty-seven “holy huddles” no one spoke to him.

“WHERE’S THE BEEF”

Here he refers back to Wendy’s commercial of the 80’s. His question is “Where is the information?” He suggest having a central location for information about the churches, and having Bibles available for people should they need one.

THE SILENT KILLERS

“The particular assignment for which I was retained (he said) was to help churches learn why first-time guests were not returning. He interviewed twenty-four first time guests who had not returned. In order to be consistent he said he developed a checklist of questions to insure consistency.

He said he received a lot of positive feedback:

  • The people were friendly,
  • The lead pastor’s sermons received rave reviews,
  • The signage was clear and simple,
  • And they were able to find the welcome center and the children’s area easily,
  • The worship center was equally easy to find.

His initial reaction was “these people really liked the church.” Why did they not return? He said he got silence and hesitation from some. But finally received some responses:

  • The worship center was “too dark.” She could not read her Bible; she could not see other people well.
  • I am quoting here to be clear “Indeed, I interviewed all twenty-four of the guests, the sound issues and the sound problems came up all but three times.”

“As I conducted hundreds of consultations over the next three decades, I heard many first-time guests mention issues with light and sound.”

I will take up the next very interesting topic in this chapter tomorrow. A hint “Too Friendly.”

Bible Study April 25

April 25. 2023

Today we go back to 1 Chronicles reading in chapters 3, 4, and 5. There are more genealogies to read about today.

Chapter 3 –

These comments focus only on the length of David’s reign. Additional reading is found in the book in chapters 10 -29. Bathshua is Bathsheba by name, minus any reference to any sin David committed with her. He only focuses on the fact that he was chosen by God. The list of the descendants of Solomon could also be called “The Kings of Judah.” Jehoiakim who ruled Judah was an evil king although his father Josiah had been faithful to God.

The list traces the Davidic line from the exile to when it is written.

Chapter 4 –

Jabez asked God to turn any curse associated his name means – He Will Cause Pain” into a blessing – God did so we should always consider human prayers are important.

Anytime Israel was defeated God never forgot about them He always sent judges to rescue them. Caleb who is mentioned is the one sent into the promised land. The writer also has us see where the linen workers and potters skills apparently associated with particular clans or guilds.

Chapter 5 –

This chapter describes the tribes who were to cross the Jordan. The first tribe is Rueben since he was the first born. A them of both 1 and 2 Chronicles is that when the people cried out to God in battle, He listened because they put their trust in Him. Still the were prone to forget when they approached the next battle.