Girlfriends Bible Study

In this Bible Study (7/13/23), we continue our study of "Hotness in the Bible" as we discuss whether or not Jesus descended into hell (Hades) before ascending to the Father. We also read and discussed The Apostles Creed (which you can read here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostles%27_Creed). Scripture references that support the descension: Colossians 2:15 Romans 6:8-10 Ephesians 4:9 Matthew 12:40 Scripture reference that implies Jesus went immediately to heaven: Luke 23:39-43

July has begun and with it a new theme: "Hotness in the Bible." In this Bible Study, we discuss the different names for "hell." We also read about Lazarus and the Rich Man. SHEOL (Hebrew) (SHEE-all) In some texts, Sheol is considered to be the home of both the righteous and the wicked, separated into respective compartments; in others, it was considered a place of punishment, meant for the wicked dead alone, and is equated with Gehenna in the Talmud. Sheol had come to have a definite connection with sin and judgment. It meant the humiliation and destruction of the wicked. HADES (Greek) Hades is a place of suffering, of punishment for sin. This conception was growing among the Hebrews long before New Testament times. Hades, according to various Christian denominations, is "the place or state of departed spirits", borrowing the name of Hades, the Greek god of the underworld. It is often associated with the Jewish concept of Sheol. Sheol and Hades Prior to Jesus’ atonement for the sins of man, the souls of all who died went to a place called Sheol (Hebrew).  It is defined as the world of the dead, the underworld, and, in the Old Testament, the word is translated into English as the pit, the grave, and hell.  In the New Testament, the Greek word for this place is Hades, and our English translation is Hell. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus described the abode of the dead as having two compartments.  One, a place of torment.  The other, a place of comfort called Abraham’s Bosom, which is no longer inhabited. TARTARUS (Greek) In some Greek sources Tartarus is another name for the underworld (serving as a metonym for Hades), while in others it is a completely distinct realm separate from the underworld.  Tartarus is generally understood to be the place where 200 fallen Watchers (angels) are imprisoned. GEHENNA (Greek) (je henna) Gehenna is the Greek term for the Hebrew Gai-Ben-Hinnom meaning Valley of the Son of Himmon. – It is an actual valley outside of old Jerusalem that was a smoldering garbage dump at the time of Jesus.

With all that's going on in the world, it can be hard to be hopeful. When our dreams haven't yet been fulfilled, it's hard to be hopeful. But without hope, without faith, our dreams and visions won't be fulfilled. In this study, we read and discuss what the Bible says about hope and faith. Psalm 42:11 Isaiah 40:31 Romans 4:18-25 Romans 5:5 2 Corinthians 1:10-11 Hebrews 6:13-20 The difference between hope and faith: Hebrews 11:1 Romans 8:24-25 Hope for the future - He's talking to us! Jeremiah 29:11 Proverbs 23:18

In this Bible Study, we continue our discussion about Siblings & Friends in the Bible. Our scriptures: Luke 10:38-42 - Jesus goes to visit Mary, Martha, and Lazarus - who become His friends John 11:1-44 - After the death of Lazarus, Jesus returns to His friends' home to raise him from the dead John 15:12-15 - Jesus tells His disciples, they are no longer just disciples, but friends And from Proverbs, we learn about different types of friends (or frenemies): 18:24 - a friend who sticks closer than a brother (NIV) 18:24 - you have to be a friend to have a friend (KJV) 27:6 - about frenemies 22:24-25 - don't be friends with a hot-tempered man (or woman!) 19:4, 19:6 - fair-weather friends 16:28 - don't be friends with a perverse man or a gossip

In part one of this Bible Study we examine sibling rivalry, which began with the first recorded siblings in the Bible: Cain and Abel. Britannica defines sibling rivalry as "Intense competition among siblings for recognition and the attention of their parents." It further states that "sibling rivalry normally begins when a new baby is introduced to a family." Famous Siblings in the Bible: Cain & Abel - Genesis 4:1-12 Isaac & Ishmael - Genesis 16, 21 Jacob & Esau - Genesis 25:21-34 and Genesis 33:1-11 Rachel & Leah - Genesis 29:9-30 Joseph and his brothers - Genesis 37:12-36 and Genesis 45:1-15

On tonight's Bible Study Live, we'll be reading in Numbers 13 & 14 about the Israelites who were unable to push through their fear and enter the promised land - the land they'd dreamed about. What dreams have you yet to accomplish because you haven't been able or willing to push through your fear?

Speaking truth to power doesn't always end well. Sometimes the results are miraculous. Other times they're disastrous. We take a look at several people who were imprisoned for telling the truth. Joseph - Genesis 39:6-23 Daniel - Daniel 6:13-24 Samson - Judges 16:18-21 Jeremiah - Jeremiah 37:1-2, 13-16 Paul & Silas - Acts 16:22-28 Peter - Acts 12:5-10 John the Baptist - Mark 6:17-24 Hebrews 11:32-40

We continue our study on speaking truth to power with a look at Daniel 2 and Micaiah (1 Kings 22). We learn there's a time to speak to a fool and a time to ignore him (Proverbs 26:4-5). Margaret Mead's powerful quote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has" illustrates how powerful a group can be. We see this Biblically in Genesis 11:1-9 (the Tower of Babel).

Speaking truth to power is not always easy. In fact, it can be terrifying! But it is necessary - for correction, truth, confirmation and for clarity. We discuss several examples of this in Scripture. Esther - Esther 4:9-17, 5:1-8, 7:1-6 Lady Who Wanted Crumbs - Matthew 15:21-28 Gideon - Judges 6:36-40 Nathan and David - 2 Samuel 12:1-14 Abraham / Sodom and Gomorrah - Genesis 18:22-33 Abigail & David - 1 Samuel 25:23-31

In our theme of "Water," we first talk about "Jesus & Water." His first miracle was turning water into wine. (John 2:1-11) Jesus calmed the storm. (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25) Jesus walked on water. (Matthew 14:22-36, Mark 6:45-56, John 6:16-24) It was interesting to note that people touched the hem of Jesus' cloak before the woman with the issue of blood did so.

We continue our theme of "Water" with a study of Moses and how he miraculously brought water from a rock, in obedience (Exodus 17:1-7) and in disobedience (Numbers 20:1-13).

Hosted by the wonderful and wise Bria Lacour, this study finishes our theme of "Water." In her message, "Water and the Presence of the Triune God," Bria shares how water figures prominently in the beginning, middle and end, and how God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are there. Scriptures: Genesis 1:1-2 (God formed and separated the water) Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus baptized) Revelation 22:1, 17 (Eden restored)

Special guest host Bria Lacour continued our  theme of "forgiveness" by engaging us in an excellent study about the prison of unforgiveness. Scriptures: Matthew 18:21-35 - The Unmerciful Servant Ephesians 4:32 - We're reminded to forgive as we've been forgiven Luke 7:47-48 - Jesus forgives sins

We finish our theme "Bad Girls / Rude Women" with a look at some of the little-known worst women in the Bible. ~ Lot's Daughters (Genesis 19:30-38) ~ Rebekah (Genesis 27:1-17) ~ Herodias and her daughter (Luke 3:18-20, Mark 6:17-28, Matthew 14:1-12) ~ Athaliah (2 Kings 8:16-18, 2 Kings 8:23-26, 2 Kings 11:1-16, 2 Chronicles 22, 23) We also talk about some of the women who are considered "bad" but did good. ~ Rahab (Joshua 2) ~ Jael (Judges 4:16-22) Did you know about all of them? Lastly, we discuss how frustrated we feel when we see evil people prosper. Psalms 73 and 37 help us process these feelings.

We began our April theme (Good Girls / Kind Women) with a look at several women who saved babies in the Bible.  Jehosheba and Zibiah - who saved the future king Joash (2 Chronicles 22:10-12, 23:1-21; 24:1-2) Jochebed, Miriam, Pharaoh's Daughter, and Pharaoh's Daughter's Servant Girl - who saved Moses (Exodus 2:1-10; 6:13-14, 16, 18, 20, 26) Mary mother of Jesus (Matthew 2:1-23; Luke 1:26-55, 2:1-40) We also gave an honorable mention to the prostitute who was willing to give up her son to a lying prostitute, just so he wouldn't be cut in half. (1 Kings 3:16-27)

Our last message for our Good Girls / Kind Women theme is about the good women who found Jesus' tomb empty. Scripture: Luke 23:50-56 Luke 24:1-35

Tonight we are learning about angels in Genesis 18 and 19.

We finish our theme of Angels in the Bible tonight with random Biblical trivia. Genesis 2:1 - Angels were created by God Luke 20:27-36, Matthew 22:30 - Angels can't die and don't marry Job 38:1-7 - They were present when God created the earth 2 Samuel 14:17, 19, 20, Daniel 9:20-22 - Angels are wise and intelligent Daniel 9:21, Revelation 14:6 - Angels are fast; they fly Revelation 19:9-10 - Angels are NOT to be worshipped 1 Peter 3:21-22 - Angels are subject to Christ Isaiah 14:12-15, Jude 6 - Angels have their own free will Hebrews 12:22, Revelation 5:11-12, Psalm 68:17 - Angels are too numerous to count Only three angels named in Bible - Gabriel (Daniel 8:16, Luke 1:19, 26), Michael (Daniel 12, 21, Revelation 12:7-9), Lucifer/Satan Seraphim (Isaiah 6:1-2) and Cherubim (Genesis 3:24) Satan started as a cherub - Ezekiel 28:12-17 What cherubim look like: Ezekiel 1:5-11, 10:1-22 Revelation 12:-9

In this Bible Study, we read what the Word says about "what we deserve." We also look up the word "deserve," which is often synonymous with "entitled to," versus its intended meaning of "to serve." We have to consider our lives as part of the whole, and as part of the purpose we were created for. If Jesus only dealt with what He "deserved," He would have never been on the cross. There's a bigger picture. Our scriptures: Deuteronomy 7:7-19 - because God loved us we have what we have Matthew 5:43-48 - the sun shines and the rain rains on the just and the unjust John 4:35-38 - we reap what we have not sown Romans 11:5-6 - we are saved by grace Romans 14:7 - none of us lives to himself alone Galatians 6:7-10 - do not be deceived, God will not be mocked Ephesians 2:1-10 - it is by grace we have been saved and we are God's workmanship 2 Timothy 1:8-10 - He saved us and called us to live a holy life 1 Peter 2:20-25 - we suffer for doing wrong

How do you describe the character of Jesus? Are you able to do it at all? Does He feel like someone you know? Or someone you've heard about? If you are a follower of His, you should be able to describe His character. Conversely, if you are an ardent opposer of His, you should also be able to describe His character - your perception of it. Here are a just a few of the things I know, love and appreciate about Jesus's character: ~ He's a story-teller - he uses parables to help explain difficult concepts. One of my favorites is the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) ~ He has faith and He encourages us to have faith - Luke 11:9-10, Matthew 21:21-22, Mark 11:22-26, Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25, Matthew 14:22-36 ~ He has so much humility - this is shown when He washes the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17) ~ He has so much compassion - whether dealing with the adulterous woman, the Samaritan woman, sinners, tax collectors, lepers, He didn't shy away or reject them (Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 17:11-19, John 4:1-26, John 8:1-11, John 11:1-44) ~ His strength - especially in the face of adversity, rejection, temptation, evil, or betrayal (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13, Matthew 10:11-16, Matthew 21:12-13) ~ His creative solutions - paying taxes, feeding the masses (Matthew 17:24-27, Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17) ~ He was purpose-filled and never wavered from His purpose - even all the way to the cross My sisters also mentioned His compassion, His humanity, and the way that He showed us how to operate in the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) How do you describe His character?

Tonight we're reading from 1 Samuel 25.

Tonight begins a new Bible Study theme "Dreams in the Bible." This study talks about "Dreams that Reveal the Truth." We read the story of Abraham saying that his wife Sarah was his sister, and we read when God revealed to Joseph that his wife Mary really was with child from the Holy Spirit.

Our May theme - Dreams in the Bible - was fascinating and enlightening. We end with a study of Pharaoh's dreams and King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams. Both of these men were rich and powerful and yet they were unable to interpret their own dreams. They had to humble themselves and ask for help. Joseph and Daniel were up to the task. They both gave glory to God and made it clear that it was God doing the interpretation. We learned a new word - "Oneiromancy" - the interpretation of dreams in order to foretell the future. Scriptures: Genesis 41:1-40 - Pharaoh's Dreams Daniel 2:1-49 - King Nebuchadnezzar's Dreams Daniel 2:21 - God appoints and deposes kings Romans 13:1-2 - We are to submit to the authorities Matthew 20:20-28 - A true leader is a humble, a servant to his people

June 2023 began a new theme for Bible Study Live with Connie & Friends - "Playfulness in the Bible." Here to kick things off is our wonderful Guest Host Daebreon Poiema. God dropped a powerful word into Daebreon's spirit as she made an analogy between the Garden of Eden - the playroom that God created for us, and the nursery that new parents decorate and prepare for their new baby. God gave Adam "toys," which were the animals he got to name. But Adam wasn't complete until God gave him a playmate, "Eve." Together, they enjoyed the next level of "play" - intimacy. After eating the forbidden fruit, Adam & Eve engaged in another form of "play" - Hide and Seek - with God!! At that, playtime was over! Since that time, through amusement parks, spas, retreats, resorts and so many other man-made destinations, man has attempted to recreate Eden - our first and only Perfect Playroom. Scripture References: Genesis 2:1-25 Genesis 3:1-24 Romans 8:1-39

We continue our study on "Playfulness in the Bible" with a look at celebrations, parties, and feasts. Genesis 31:26-27 references a farewell party that Laban would have supposedly thrown for Jacob. Pharaoh threw himself a big birthday party with all of his officials in Genesis 40:20-22. And in Judges 14:7-18, we read about a 7-day bridegroom party that Samson threw for him and his boys.  Most importantly, in reading these scriptures, we recognize that people take time away from work to play and have celebrations. Are you taking downtime? Do you celebrate your birthday and other special occasions? It's Biblical. Do it!

There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10), including spiritual warfare. As difficult and dark as these times are in our country and the world, it's not new to God, nor is it a surprise. Most importantly, He knows (and has known) the end from the beginning. Since we really are in a repeating pattern, we need to be reminded and encouraged about how this will end. Satan Tempts Jesus Mark 1:9-13 Matthew 4:1-11 Luke 4:1-13 Resist the devil and he will flee. (James 4:7) Satan Cast Down! Isaiah 14:12-15 Jude 1:6 Revelation 12:4, 7-9 Luke 10:18 The Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-18

Tonight, we're talking about laughter in the Bible - and our own laughter when we read the Bible. Sarah laughed when she heard God's messengers say that she'd have a son in the following year. The Bible said she was well past childbearing age. Did she scoff or snort laugh, I wonder. Speaking of snort laugh - enjoy this clip of Daphne from "Bridgerton" snort-laughing when the prince compliments her on her dress. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z6-h8Nyt54 We sometimes laugh when we read or hear God's word, as well. And then there's the laughter and joy when we receive a blessing. Sarah does that, as well.

We wrap up June's theme of "Playfulness in the Bible" with a study on Optimism.

We continue our theme "Bad Girls / Rude Women" with a look at two spouses - Eve (Adam's sig other) and Michal (David's wife, Saul's daughter). Eve was bad and Michal was rude! Eve's story plays out in Genesis 3:1-13. She knew what Adam had told her; and she knew he heard it from God Himself. Yet, when some slithering stranger came up to her, she listened to him instead of checking in with her husband. And Michal, she despised David in her heart when she saw him dancing before the Lord. (2 Samuel 6:12-16, 20-23) Have you ever been with someone who hasn't want to see you happy? You just might be unequally yoked.

We finish our study of "Little Known Miracles" with a look at Elisha in 2 Kings 5:1-27 and 6:1-23. There's an interesting movie line in the scripture - the Jedi mind-trick. They completely ripped it off for the blockbuster movie! 

Tonight we're continuing our study with a discussion of miracles in 2 Samuel 5, and 1 Kings 13.

Tonight we're beginning a new theme of "Little Known Miracles" in the Bible and starting with Numbers 16. Did you know about this?

Tonight we discuss little known facts about Noah's Ark and the Ark of the Covenant. First child born after the flood - Arphaxad (Genesis 11:10-11). Noah's Ark mentioned in New Testament - Matthew 24:36-39, Luke 17:26-27, Hebrews 11:7, 2 Peter 2:4-9, 1 Peter 3:19-22 Scriptures about the Ark of the Covenant: 2 Samuel 7:1-17 Numbers 1:51 Exodus 25, 33 - making of the Ark Hebrews 9 Revelation 11:19

We are still talking about the Ark...the other one this time! Scriptures: Genesis 5:32 Genesis 6:1-22 Genesis 7:1-24 Genesis 8:1-22

We read about Joshua marching around the walls of Jericho - with the Ark. (Joshua 6:1-20) And then we read a crazy story about what happened when the Ark was stolen by the Philistines. (1 Samuel 4-6)

We start a new theme tonight - The Ark. I'm sure you thought I meant "Noah's Ark" but NO! We're starting with the Ark of the Covenant. Reading from Hebrews 9:1-5, we discuss what was in the ark - Manna (Exodus 16:1-36), Tablets (Exodus 25:10-22), and Aaron's Budding Rod (Numbers 17:1-13).

The definition of sowing, according to Dictionary.com, is "to scatter seed over (land, earth, etc.) for the purpose of growth. Our actions and words are seeds that we sow that produces either good or bad fruit. Several scriptures remind us of this: Matthew 7:15-20 Matthew 12:33-37 Galatians 6:7-10 Isaiah 55:10-11

We continue our theme of "Reaping & Sowing" with a review of two titans in the Bible - David and Jacob. King David's affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah (when it was revealed that the King had gotten her pregnant) was a horrible seed sown. It had an immediate "reaping" effect as they lost their son. (2 Samuel 11:1-17, 26 and 2 Samuel 12:7-20, 24-25) Jacob sowed a seed of deception when he pulled the okey-doke and stole his older brother Esau's inheritance by deceiving his father. (Genesis 27) A while later, he fell in love with his Uncle Laban's daughter Rachel and agreed to work for seven years to marry her. But on their wedding night, Laban pulled the okey-doke on Jacob and slipped his older daughter Leah into the wedding chamber. (Genesis 29) Once again, the law of reaping and sowing - or better yet, sowing and reaping - was on full display. Galatians 6:7-10 reminds us that God cannot be mocked. A man will reap what he sows. Most dirt is done secretly - in the dark - so it seems like people are going to get away with it. But God's word is clear that what's done in the dark WILL come to the light. Luke 8:17, 12:2-3 Ecclesiastes 12:14 1 Corinthians 4:5 Job 12:22 Isaiah 29:15 Matthew 10:26 Mark 4:22 Ephesians 5:11-13 John 3:19-21

Tonight we start a new series studying Idols in the Bible. We begin by reading Isaiah 44:6-28 which points out the illogicality of worshiping idols that we create with our own hands. Brilliant, humorous, and eye-opening.

In this Bible Study, we read about Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) who both conspired to lie, and immediately reaped the repercussions.   We also read about Rahab in Joshua 2 and Joshua 6:22-25. Interestingly enough, she also lied - to protect the spies. The mercy that she sowed with them reaped mercy for her family later on.   We also talked about the story of Fleming and Churchill. It may be a myth, but it's a beautiful story of sowing and reaping.

We continue our theme of Reaping and Sowing with a study of "The Greatest Seed Sown" - Jesus Christ. Accept Jesus is eating the bread of life. He sows life into us. (John 6:47-58) Adam (and Eve) sowed a seed of death. Jesus sowed a seed of eternal life. (Romans 5:12-17, John 12:23-24) The Bible says we know a tree by its fruit. (Matthew 7:15-20) An orange tree can't just say it's an apple tree. And people can't just claim to be believers. According to Jesus, loving each other is how you can tell if we're believers. (John 13:34-35)

In this Bible study, we read and discuss Matthew 13:1-43 about seeds being sown along the path, on rocky ground, among thorns and into good soil.

Our study this month is on Animals in the Bible and we're starting with the Donkey. The story of Balaam's Donkey is found in Numbers 22:7-35. Samson using the Jawbone of a Donkey is found in Judges 15:1-17. The book of Zechariah gives the prophecy about Jesus riding in on a donkey (chapter 9, verse 9). And in Matthew 21:1-11, we read that Jesus does just that! An honorable donkey mention is Genesis 22:3 when Abraham travels to the place he is going to sacrifice his son Isaac - before God stops him.

We continue our theme of Animals in the Bible with a look at some "Fantastic Beasts." Ezekiel 10:8-22 - describes the Cherubim. Although they may be angels, they are certainly something to behold (and a bit scary sounding). Revelation 12:1-9 and 13:1-18 - talks about the Dragons. This was completely terrifying!! The book of Job talks about a lot of animals, but in this study we focus on: - the Behemoth (or possibly a brontosaurus), in Job 40:15-24. - the Leviathan in Job 41:1-10. - and my favorites, Unicorns, in the King James Version Job 39:9-12.

Our theme of "Animals in the Bible" continues with this study. While preparing to talk about Lambs and Sheep, I had the revelation that Jesus is both the Lamb and the Shepherd. We normally just read or hear about one at a time. It made me emotional to think that He sacrificed Himself as the Lamb, all while being and becoming our Good Shepherd. We read a lot scriptures that talked about these things. Isaiah 53:6-7 - led like a lamb to slaughter... John 1:29 - Look, the Lamb of God 1 Peter 1:18-19 - a lamb without blemish Revelation 5:12 - worthy is the Lamb John 10:11-17 - Jesus is the Good Shepherd Matthew 18:12-14 - Leaves the 99 to go after the 1 Matthew 10:16 - sheep among wolves Ezekiel 34:31 - You are my sheep John 21:15-18 - Peter, feed my lambs Psalm 100:3 - We are the sheep of his pasture John 10:14-28 - my sheep know my voice Psalm 95:6-7 - We are the flock under his care Matthew 7:15 - beware of false prophets Isaiah 40:11 - He tends his flock like a shepherd Hebrews 13:20-21 - the Great Shepherd of the sheep 1 Peter 5:4 - Chief Shepherd

We finish our study of Animals in the Bible with a look at lions. Scriptures: Revelation 5:5 Isaiah 31:4 Genesis 49:9 1 Peter 5:8-9 Proverbs 19:12, 28:1, 30:29-31 Daniel 6 - The Lion's Den

The effect of music is powerfully illustrated in the Bible. David calmed King Saul with music (1 Samuel 16:14-23). Moses sings the first song  - Exodus 15:1-21 Last song reference in the Bible is Revelation 15:1-4 - where they reference Moses' song. Shortest song - 2 Chronicles 5:13, 20:21 Here's the article from the APA that was referenced: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/11/news-music-power

Gina and I read the longest chapter in the Bible - a song (or a poem, by some accounts) between two people - Psalm 119

Jesus and the disciples sang at the Last Supper - Matthew 26:30. Paul and Silas in jail, singing hymns - Acts 16:25-26 The Prodigal Son - they sang in celebration - Luke 15:25 Jesus raises the dead girl and pipes were played in mourning - Matthew 9:23 The Rapture - trumpets will sound - 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

We continue our theme of Music in the Bible with a study of trumpets! There are 118 mentions of trumpets in the Bible (KJV). Trumpets are used as a war cry, as a celebratory sound, and to herald a notable arrival. Scriptures: Numbers 10:1-10 1 Chronicles 15:24, 28 1 Chronicles 13:8 Joshua 6:8-20 Judges 7:15-21  Revelation 8, 9, 10, 11 Matthew 6:2 1 Thessalonians 4:16