BIBLE STUDY

When the Anglican Lay Preacher said she would not be able to take next Tuesday’s Bible study, I offered to do it. I added a few questions at the end. 
 
The Dictionary’s meaning of eternity is time infinity. That implies it never has a start or an end but goes on for ever, and ever, ever, ever without a beginning or an end. God added another vital addition to this when he placed the birth of Jesus Christ right in the centre of this long definition. In John 3 verse 16 we read, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” 
 
Of all God’s creations only people can think, chose, and communicate with God and other people.  Animals have instincts, salmon know when it is time to return to where they were spawned six thousand miles away, elephants in Etosha follow the matriarch to where she digs for water in the hard, parched earth, dolphins form a circle around shoals of herring before they swoop in and eat their fill. 
 
Of all life God created, only people were created in his image. In Genesis 1:27 NIV we read, “So God created mankind in his own image. In the image of God, he created them, male and female created he them.” God implanted a conscience in us. The most ignorant savage has a conscience, he or she knows that it is wrong to murder, steal, cheat, tell lies and slander others. If they do these things they will bear the consequences of their actions, but they do them and say, “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.” An exceedingly short view of life as they forget that consequences follow bad deeds and eternity has no ending. 
 
Because man is made in God’s image, he shares some aspects of God’s character. God has emotions. He is a God of love, he loves his children and cares for them, people fall in love  and some love their children and others love only themselves, God gets angry, and in Eph 5:6 we read, “Let no man deceive  you with vain words for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. God is a jealous God, though not in the way we are jealous.   In Exodus 34:14 KJV we read, “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” 
 
God has given us the freedom to choose our own path in life. He did not want a huge population of puppets in his new earth. The choice is ours and be careful how you use it! What does the Bible say about our choices? Jesus said in Matthew 12:36-37, “I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words, you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.” Prov 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” James 1:5, “If any one of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your minds, that by testing you may discern   the will of God what is good, acceptable and perfect.” 
 
Throughout our lives God protects us. Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.” What an encouragement to us and the multitude of martyrs throughout the ages and now.  
 
I asked the members “Who was the first martyr?” “Stephen,” replied a woman, “Who was the only apostle who was not martyred?” I asked. No reply. “Who was James who was martyred?” I asked. Nobody knew. Do you? 
 
God bless all those who read this Bible Study. 
Merle.