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

Matthew 19-20

Ahoy My Bible Pirate Friends!

Well, busy past few weeks for me... sick kids, upcoming events, my 10th wedding anniversary have made for an eventful few weeks.

I pray your study time is revealing more treasures... most of all I pray that as you spend time in God's word you are growing in the knowledge of Him. I pray that you are falling deeper in love with Jesus with every passing second.

Well, this week my friend Laura is teaching... she sent us her notes... Enjoy!

What did Jesus teach about divorce, marriage and singleness?
From what source did He draw His teachings?
What did Jesus teach about the kingdom of heaven?
What did Jesus teach about our treasure in heaven?W
What did Jesus teach about discipleship?
What principles and applications do you find in the parable of the laborers?Find and look up as many cross references as you can - there are lots!!

What verse did you choose as your key verse? Why?
How does the context of your life compare with the context of the passage in which your key verse is found?

Matthew 18

Aloha!

Well friends how are you all? Enjoying the hunting hopefully! Well, this weeks lesson is full of insights that will help us live the Christian life on Earth. The chapter is also an outstanding lesson to use your cross referencing skills. I crossed referenced 18:2, 18:10-14, and 18:18. Cross referencing provides further insight and helps clarify the meaning of the scripture. Always begin your cross referencing by reading the account in another Gospel (if it is recorded) before looking at the Epistles or turning to the Old Testament.

Note: Look for comparisons, repeated phrases, and key words. List what you learn about each. Don't forget to give this chapter a theme... In your opinion what is the thread that runs thru the chapter?

As you study ask the following observation questions or use the following questions for your discussion.

What do you learn about the Kingdom of Heaven from this chapter?

How does that help you live as a child of the King on Earth?

What do you learn about the consequences of sin from this passage?

What do you learn from verses 18:10-14?

What do you learn about forgiveness?

What was your key verse?

How have you applied that verse to your life?Enjoy your time with the Lord as you study the Living Word!

By the way... watch for a posting on chapter 17 on Friday... I missed that chapter due to vacation but will catch up later this week.

Interesting Article

The Jerusalem Post – January 17, 2008

First Temple seal found in Jerusalem
By ETGAR LEFKOVITS

A stone seal bearing the name of one of the families who acted as servants in the First Temple and then returned to Jerusalem after being exiled to Babylonia has been uncovered in an archeological excavation in Jerusalem's City of David, a prominent Israeli archeologist said Wednesday.

Photo: Edwin Trebels courtesy of Dr. Eilat Mazar

The 2,500-year-old black stone seal, which has the name "Temech" engraved on it, was found earlier this week amid stratified debris in the excavation under way just outside the Old City walls near the Dung Gate, said archeologist Dr. Eilat Mazar, who is leading the dig.

According to the Book of Nehemiah, the Temech family were servants of the First Temple and were sent into exile to Babylon following its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BCE.
The family was among those who later returned to Jerusalem, the Bible recounts.
The seal, which was bought in Babylon and dates to 538-445 BCE, portrays a common and popular cultic scene, Mazar said.

The 2.1 x 1.8-cm. elliptical seal is engraved with two bearded priests standing on either side of an incense altar with their hands raised forward in a position of worship.

A crescent moon, the symbol of the chief Babylonian god Sin, appears on the top of the altar.
Under this scene are three Hebrew letters spelling Temech, Mazar said.

The Bible refers to the Temech family:

"These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city." [Nehemiah 7:6]... "The Nethinim [7:46]"... The children of Temech." [7:55].

The fact that this cultic scene relates to the Babylonian chief god seemed not to have disturbed the Jews who used it on their own seal, she added.

The seal of one of the members of the Temech family was discovered just dozens of meters away from the Opel area, where the servants of the Temple, or "Nethinim," lived in the time of Nehemiah, Mazar said.

"The seal of the Temech family gives us a direct connection between archeology and the biblical sources and serves as actual evidence of a family mentioned in the Bible," she said. "One cannot help being astonished by the credibility of the biblical source as seen by the archaeological find."
The find will be announced by Mazar at the 8th annual Herzliya Conference on Sunday.

The archeologist, who rose to international prominence for her recent excavation that may have uncovered King David's palace, most recently uncovered the remnants of a wall from Nehemiah.
The dig is being sponsored by the Shalem Center, a Jerusalem research institute where Mazar serves as a senior fellow, and the City of David Foundation, which promotes Jewish settlement throughout east Jerusalem.

Matthew 16

How is your Treasure Hunting going friends? I trust that the Holy Spirit is illuminating the Word as you commit to study His word. By the way, have you heard of Illumination? "It is the supernatural influence of or ministry of the Holy Spirit, which enables all who believe in Christ to understand the Scriptures". (Foundations, Tom Hollady & Kay Warren) We are able to understand scripture because the Holy Spirit reveals it to us. That is exciting! Never forget as you study the Word, the Spirit is right there with you guiding and revealing God's word to you.

Lesson Hints:

Note the references made to the Pharisees and Sadducees. Make a list what you learn about them and their teaching.

Note how many times Jesus, the Son of Man, and pronouns for Jesus such as "I" are used in this lesson. Make a note of everything you learn about Jesus, and His teaching from this list.

For Devotion:

Verse 16:15..."He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" This is the great question of life. Who is Jesus Christ to you? Is He Lord in all that you do and say? Spend time meditating on this verse...

For Discussion:

Have a group member share what she knows about the Pharisees and Sadducees. Often we assume everyone knows who they are and what they stand for but a little bit of research in a Bible Dictionary (available online @ Bible Gateway) will add flavor to the discussion.

What new insight / or unexpected insight did you gain from this weeks lesson?

Did something excite you?

Is there a particular verse that you would like to explore further in the group time?

What verse did God impress on your heart this week?

How do you intend to live it out/apply it to your life?

Happy Treasure Hunting!

Matthew 13:53-15

Ahoy!

Well, lots to take in this lesson. When studying a large portion of scripture remember to find the thread or the theme that you see running throughout the entire lesson. Keep in mind the reason the writers grouped these verses together is because they saw a flow...

Make sure to note the location of events. Is there anything significant about the location or the people? If you are not sure, after you have completed your study check your study Bibles for location information.

Lesson Hints:

What do you learn from the Feeding of the 5,000 about:
Christ
The Disciples

What do you learn about faith from:

• Peter walking on water
• The Canaanite Woman

For Devotion:

• What verse spoke to your heart during your study time?
• How have you applied that truth to your life?

Discussion Starters:

What was interesting to you this week?
Did you see something that you had not seen before?
What life application lessons do you see from Peter walking on water?

Want to go deeper? Interested in learning additional study tools?

There are many different ways to enrich your study time. Try outlining the lessons or doing a word study. In this passage try a word study on unbelief, faith, or doctrine.

As always may God meet you in the pages of His word, may the Holy Spirit show you exactly where He wants you to dig. If you are not part of a group, we would love to have you post your comments and thoughts to share with our on line Bible study community.

Matthew 13:1-52

This week's lesson covers Matthew 13:1-52... it is full of lessons taught in Parables... What is a Parable?

Parables are stories that teach moral lessons or truths. These stories are true to life ever thought they are usually not factual. The word parable means parallel story.

How to Interpret a Parable:

1. Ask questions: Look for the answers within the text being studied.

• Why? Why did Jesus tell the parable?
• What? What event caused Jesus to tell a parable?

2. Look for the explanation of the parable. The best expository teacher in the world is Jesus... look for His exposition/explaination of the parable.

• Did the disciples as Jesus to explain it?
• If Jesus does not explain the parable ask:

What is the application of the parable?

What truth did it teach?

What action should be taken?

3. Identify the relevant details!

• Ask "Does this detail reinforce the point of theme of the parable"?
• Remember - Some deatils given will be irrelevant to the main point or theme.

4. Remember context is king! It rules and always has the final word.

• 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?
• Is there an action to take? A warning to be heeded?
• How can I apply this truth to my life?

Don't forget as you study this week to look for and mark words of comparison -Look for the words "like" or "as" - i.e. the kingdom of heaven is like

Discussion starters:

Did you see something new or fresh this week?

What was exciting to you?

What was challenging for you?

What parable was most interesting to you and why?

What verse was your key verse and how do you intend to apply it to your life? Never forget that the entire point of inductive Bible study is to teach us to observe the text, so that we can interpret it correctly, so that we can effectively apply it to our lives... the result should be LIFE CHANGE and a deeper more intimate relationship with God.

Happy Hunting!

"And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."Proverbs 2:3-6 NIV

Matthew Chapter 12

Ready to Treasure Hunt?

Well, this week's lesson is jammed packed with gems! Remember to always begin your study time with prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where to dig, and how to apply what you learn to your life. Read through the lesson once before begining to the exercise below. If you are a little rusty with your tools, check out the previous posts for a refresher. As always we would love for you to post your comments and questions.

For those of you who are just joining us we are using the ESV translation of the Bible for our observation. See the Blue Letter Bible link.

What word jumps off the page at you this week? Why?
What verse is God impressing on your heart? How can you apply this verse to your life?

What do you notice about the people in this chapter?
How does Jesus react to them?
What does this teach you about Jesus?

Don't forget to use your optional tool this week! Although each week's tool is optional it is fun to try out new tools and it enhances your study!

This weeks optional tool is:

Using a study Bible, cross-reference the Scriptures regarding what David did in the Old Testament. If you would like more information about cross-referencing, see Chapter 10, Step 4 of Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods.

For your discussion...

Make sure you share your key verse and discuss how you intend to apply it! It is part of the adventure and fun of group Bible study! If you are not part of a small group post your treasure here!

Hello Me Hearties!

Ahoy Friends!

And a very Happy New Year to you all! Well, since this year I am committed to Treasure Hunting through the book of Matthew, I thought I would use this sight to post study hints and insights for the weekly lessons. That means we will be putting our Philippians study on hold until the summer...

So... with that in mind get your Treasure Hunting tools ready! A few things of note...

1. First each week there will be a pod cast for the chapters covered. Follow the link on the right for great teaching from dynamic women who love the Word!
2. Also you will find weekly study hints and discussion idea's.
3. As always, post your questions, insights or comments!

Looking forward to growing with you all in the Lord this year!

CJ