Blog Site Moving

Hi Friends.

Just wanted to let you know that this blog site is changing addresses. You can now keep up with our Bible study @

http://treasurehuntersbiblestudy.blogspot.com/

We're getting ready to start the book of Ephesians. Look forward to seeing you on-line!

XO,

CJ

Matthew 24 & 25

Hi Friends,

Chapter 24 and 25 are prophecy chapters. What is Prophecy? Mounce's Expository Dictionary defines it as simply; a prediction about the future.

In Chapters 24 and 25, Jesus in His final discourse, teaches His disciples about the future. As you study, it is important to remember that you could end your study time with more questions than answers. Prophecy is still the most widely disputed topic in the Bible. Theologians, Pastors and students of the Bible often disagree on the intended meaning of prophetic passages. The most important study tip is to let the text speak for itself.

Below are hints for Chapters 24 and 25 that will guide you in your study time:

1. Begin with Prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what He wants you to learn.
2. Observe the text. Read and reread the text several times. Set aside any past teachings you have heard on the topic. Let the text speak to you. God will reveal His Word to you. You must study for yourself the prophetic words of Christ.
3. Ask observation questions; who, what, when, where, why and how. NOTE – A common mistake in studying prophecy happens when asking the observation question when. A rule to follow is ask, “Does the text tell you when?” If not, God didn’t define it so we should not insist that we know.
4. Put the lesson in context; who was Jesus speaking to; where is He; what prompted Him to speak on the subject. Then ask; who is this about, when will it happen, where is this happening.
5. Use cross-references. Begin by reading parallel versions, followed with a Harmony of the Gospels. Then check other New Testament Scriptures and finally look up Old Testament verses.
6. Mark all references to His coming, the End and the End of the Age.
7. Look for and mark warnings or advice from Christ.
8. Finally, apply it! Ask, “What does God want me to do about what I have learned? What should my attitude be?” “If I knew the date of Christ’s return would it change how I live today?”

The point of prophecy is not to confuse us, it is to educate us! It is to remind us of God's plan. It is important to know that Christ is coming again because it gives us hope!

If you have taken Foundations, I recommend rereading The Second Coming Part 1 and 2. This lesson includes passages from Matthew 24 and facts that we need to know as we study prophecy. It will also give you insight on what our church teaches on the subject.

If you have questions, please post a comment on the blog.

XO,

CJ

Matthew 22:41-23:39

Hello!

Well, how are you doing with this weeks lesson? To date, this lesson contains the harshest and, in my opinion, the most disturbing language in the book of Matthew. It is important as you study to keep this lesson in context. Remember to look at last week's lesson and ask...

Where is Jesus?

What has been happening?

When does this take place?

Discussion / Study hints:

Continue to add to your list regarding the Pharisee's. What more do you learn about them this week?

Using a Bible dictionary or your study Bible, look up information on the Pharisee's. (If you haven't already)

What does Jesus say about them?

What do you learn about Jesus from this passage?

What is the theme or the thread that you have found in this passage?

What is your key phrase?

What is your key verse? What does God want you to do about it?

Would you like to learn more about Phylacteries? Check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59srFuB9sg0

See you Thursday,

CJ

Matthew 22:1-40

Hello Treasure Hunters!

I've been pouring over this lesson. It's full of life lessons... it is also a lesson that I find heart breaking. For me as I have read the account of the attempts to trap Jesus, my heart has broken over and over. Why could they not accept that He was the Messiah? Had I been alive during that time what would I have thought about Jesus? I am so grateful the Lord decided the time and place which I would live (Acts 17:26), and that I have the opportunity to know without a doubt that He is my Lord, He is my Saviour, He is my everything. Friends, be grateful. Know that God chose this time and place for you before the foundation of the Earth was laid. He loves you and treasures you...

As you study this week's lesson take time to study the parable. Do you remember how?

1. Ask Questions - who, what, when, where, why & how.

Look for answers within the text.

2. Look for the explanation of the parable. If it is not contained in the text ask:

• What is the application of the parable?
• What truth did it teach?
• What action should be taken?
  

3. Identify the relevant details.
Does it reinforce the point or theme of the parable? Remember that some details given may be irrelevant to the mail point or theme.

4. Remember context is King!
All parables should be interpreted in light of the culture and time they are told and not based on today's culture.

5. Ask application questions.

• What does this parable teach me?
  

6. What questions, if any, do you still have about the parable?

Using your study Bible:

What more can you learn about the Pharisee's, Herodians, and Sadducees?
What did each group believe?

Begin this week making a list of everything you learn about them... we will continue that list next week.

Make a list of what you learn about Jesus from this passage.

What is your key verse? Why? How does God want you to apply that verse to your life?

XO,

CJ

Matthew 20:17- 21:46

Hello Bible Pirates!

How is your treasure hunting coming? Are you remembering to begin your study time with prayer? Are you asking the Holy Spirit for insight and understanding? Most importantly are you apply what you learn to your life?

Well, this week's lesson is packed full of lessons?

Pay close attention this week to where Jesus is going and why. If you have a map in the back of your Bible check the locations throughout the lesson. What do you notice?

What do you learn from the mother of the sons of Zebedee?

What do you learn about Christ from His entry into Jerusalem?

What do you learn about faith?

From this lesson what do you learn about authority and postion?

What do you learn from the parable of the vineyard owner?

What is your key verse?

How do plan to apply that verse to your life?

I pray that God richly blesses your study time.

XO,CJ