On 4th of July, 2012, we went for Skydiving near Chicago. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of our life. Skydiving jump was at thirteen thousand feet, with free fall for about 40-50 seconds at about 120 mph. To jump out of plane at such height requires great courage. Yet your tandem instructor is right there with you, holding you tightly with all the harnesses, gears and most importantly parachutes. (Two of them, one as a backup). To jump from the plane is to trust him for your life, believing that even if you will fail to open the parachute, he will do it at the right time. When you are at such a height in plane with open doors and when you look down, all your senses may tell you, “This is not a good idea!” Your common sense look for safety and security… Read On…
Archive for the ‘Christian Discipleship Studies’ Category
Martha or Mary – Who Are You?
Bible Study Topic on Luke 10: 38-42
We often host many international students from the University at our home. My wife usually prepares a wonderful, delicious and hot meal that all students would relish. But one thing that always bothers me is the time she would spend in the kitchen preparing for the food, snacks, coffee or tea, when the students are over. She has a wonderful personality, along with great leadership and communication skills. She can bring many insights in our conversations which I usually have with students. But because of her work in the kitchen she would miss out on all these opportunities.
Similar story was played out when Jesus came to Martha and Mary’s home. It seems likely that Martha was the elder sister, and she being the host was busy with all the preparations that needed to be done. Read On…
Seeking God: David’s Prayer in Psalms 27:4
Psalms 27:4 – “One thing I ask of the Lord, and this is what I seek that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in His temple.”
In one of our gatherings with new college students, we started with an ice-breaker; a question, “If you are to have one last meal, what would you pick? What will be your favorite food that you want to have one last time?” The answers were funny and surprising. It ranged from mother’s home cooked food to some exotic food one had a long time ago. Read On…
Blessed is the Man – Psalms 1 Bible Study
“Blessed is the Man” bible study guide on Psalm 1 explores the contrast between the way of the righteous and the wicked. The participant study guide can be downloaded here.
Q. What are the actions not associated with the righteous man (person) in v 1, 2?
- The righteous man does not walk – in the counsel of the wicked.
- He does not stand – in the paths (ways) of the sinners.
- He does not sit – in the seats of mockers.
- He does not participate in the sinful acts of others. It does not mean he does not befriend or talk with them. Read On…
How to Lead Small Group – Practical Guide
- Identify your small group.
- Identify you topic.
- Begin and end on time.
- Introduce new comers.
- Mark keywords of your bible study topics.
- Visualize the picture.
- Ask relevant questions (It should not be too obvious or too hard!)
- If your small group does not understand, rephrase your question. Read On…
How to Overcome Temptation
Background and Meaning of the Word ‘Temptation’:
- The same Greek word (Peirasmos) is used for ‘temptations’ (Mat 6:13, 1 Cor 10:13, Jas 1:13) and ‘trials’ (Jas 1:2,12, 1 Pet 1:6).
- Meaning of the word – To put to proof by experiment of good or experience of evil
- to scrutinize, entice, discipline, examine, prove, try, tempt
- It is important to make a distinction between two meanings within this one word.
- On one hand, it signifies an attempt to entice someone into evil. (Often translated as temptations)
- Satan is the ultimate source of all desires and actions contrary to God.
- He is the tempter. (Mat 4:3, 1 Th 3:5)
- On the other hand, it indicates a testing which aims at spiritual good. (Often translated as trials)
- On one hand, it signifies an attempt to entice someone into evil. (Often translated as temptations)
- This bible study is detailed description of ‘temptation’ in its negative significance. Read On…
Struggle with Sin in the Life of Christian
Bible Study Passage: 1st John 1:5 – 2:6
One of the most aggravating, painful, and confusing aspect of our walk in Christ is our struggle with Sin. As a follower of Jesus Christ, we may find in us this dual nature. Our inner being delights in God and ready to do His will. Yet we find our flesh, vulnerable to Sin. We find ourselves constantly in the battlefield. Sin in the life of a believer is one of the major theme in the book of 1st John. It is a fact that we Christian do sin. We cannot deny it, cannot ignore it or live with it. 1st John 1:5 – 2 – 6 specifically deals with the Sin in the life of a believer. (Check out Fellowship with God -Bible Study on 1st John 1:5-10). Read On…