Why study Scripture?

Read the gospel of Luke, Chapter 4
 

The first lesson was given out May 9, 2004.   It seemed appropriate to ask the question "Why study the Bible?"  After all, the devil can quote scripture didn't you know?  How do we know the devil can quote scripture?  Because it says so in Scripture.  See the Gospel of Luke Chapter 4.  It is all about the devil tempting Jesus - trying to get him distracted from his mission.  I think it is worth noting that Jesus' response to every one of the devils temptations was to quote scripture right back.  Scripture is a powerful tool for guiding us away from making poor choices.  But, as this passage demonstrates, Scripture can be misused.  I am convinced that time and effort spent obtaining a better understanding of Scripture can make us less likely to be misled.

Any questions or comments.
 
 

Bible Study lesson 2. May 9, 2004
 

We should praise a job well done, right?

Read  Genesis chapter 4, 1-16 and the gospel of Luke chapter 17, 7-10
 
 

Every year around this time we have an honor banquet at the school where I teach.  We give out awards to students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in various areas.  Invariably I hear comments from some students like "How come I didn't get anything?  Is there something wrong with me or are teachers just playing favorites?"  I have had a similar experience at home where if I praise one of my children,  another one might say. "What's wrong with what I did?"

There seems to be a fundamental aspect of human nature that causes us to resent others being given special recognition.  The passage from Genesis indicates that this resentment is the cause of Cain's decision to kill his brother Able.

So how does Jesus deal with this aspect of human nature?  Luke's gospel gives us an idea.
 

any comments?

email:

jimc@willapa.wednet.edu