Ladies, we are embarking on a challenging voyage. We have arrived with Paul in Rome after a harrowing journey aboard an ancient Alexandrian ship where we survived storm, shipwreck, and savages. God has graciously installed Paul in comfortable quarters while he awaits trial and we have an opportunity to study the letter Paul wrote to the Romans several years ago.
Please join us on Tuesday mornings at 9:30am. Read as much of Romans as you can this week…but concentrate on chapter 1:1-17.
This is your challenge…make every effort to read Romans chapters 1-8. You will be blessed for your extra efforts.
Remember, childcare is provided, but call Sue 265-3731 if you plan to bring several children so we can accommodate them.
Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology is now available, all 52 chapters, as a podcast on iTunes. But, here’s the best part: it’s not a narrator reading the text, but Dr. Grudem instructing the course at his home church. Each session includes question and answers from participants. You can also download individual chapters or subscribe by going to feedburner.
This is probably the most widely used theology ever and the men at NCCF have gone through it a couple times on Sunday mornings over the past ten years. Now anyone can join us in the study and discussion. I know that this has been a valuable resource for a number of us, as we “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus.”
![](http://nccftoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/51-sjw-uil_bo2204203200_pisitb-sticker-arrow-clicktopright35-76_aa240_sh20_ou01_.jpg "\\"Love or Die\\" by Alexander Strauch"){kind=icon}
Please join us for the next 5 weeks as the Ladies Tuesday morning Bible Study will be reading “Love or Die” by Alexander Strauch. This book examines the alarming rebuke that Christ gave to the church in Ephesus, Rev. 2:4 “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” We will search Scripture for instruction on LOVE. And, we will examines our own hearts as we study practical ways to cultivate LOVE in the local church.
This week, Nov. 17-24th we will be Reading Part One, pg. 3-23, and studying the Problem of Lost Love & Christ’s Remedy. The study guides are available to download.
This Tuesday we will begin reading and discussing Tim Keller’s book, The Prodigal God. It’s a nice change-up from the more technical books we’ve been reading at Java John’s and I think it will be helpful to a wider audience. Please feel free to join us in reading and dialogue online or in our gatherings. Don’t panic if you haven’t gotten a copy yet… we will begin slowly and let everyone catch up. This week, we’ll warm up with the Introduction and The Parable.
From D.A. Carson:
There is more than one way to run away from God and defy him. But there is only one way back: God is so prodigal in his grace that he reaches out to humble and restore and receive both. Few books unpack this theme with greater force than this slim volume from Tim Keller.
This is a book that fits nicely with our Mission and reaching out with the Gospel
Continue reading about The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
I recently finished reading Real Love for Real Life: The Art and Work of Caring by Andi Ashworth (her husband is writer, performer and producer Charlie Peacock). Hospitality and caregiving in a Christian context has been an interest of mine since the first time I read the Acts of the Apostles. Denise and I have always been blessed to enjoy fellowship in Christian communities that value table fellowship and deep relationships. Alex Strauch’s Hospitality Commands came along to provide a Biblical framework for the experience.
Real Love takes the discussion even further, emphasizing the creative nature of caregiving that flows from a deep sense of calling or vocation, as followers of Jesus. This is a particularly valuable insight for moms and others, providing care without financial compensation for family, friends and neighbors. From Amazon.com:
In Real Love for Real Life, caregivers of all kinds can find the help and hope they need to fulfill their calling. Through personal illustrations, timely research, and thoughtful quotations, Andi Ashworth addresses the practicalities, philosophies, challenges, and joys of providing care in the relationships of home and community – leading readers to a greater understanding of the value and the validity of their call to be caregivers. With the encouraging hope and creative insights they’ll find in these pages, they can serve others in more effective, more fulfilling ways–in the name of God.
We saw in Luke 22 that Jesus planned His last Passover with His disciples. He allowed Judas to betray him, and He prayed for Peter, knowing that he would deny Him. Jesus also prayed that He, himself would be spared this “cup”…the cross…but He never veered from submitting to the will of God.
Now we will see how Jesus answers his accusers. We will see who mocks Him, and who weeps for him. Was there anyone to defend Him? And who were those guys shouting “Crucify Him!” Join us as we study how Jesus fulfilled His Passion and His Purpose….for us!
Our study from Luke on end times was interesting. We found that Jesus gave many words of encouragement as he presented some grim predictions for the future. We were encouraged to be ready and watchful, to expect God to provide for all your needs and to trust Him for the words to say and for our salvation.
Now we will be seeing how Jesus prepares for His ultimate purpose. What does he tell his disciples? What does he do and what is his attitude? Share your insights into His thoughts and actions at this time and how does this instruct you?
We had a wonderful Bible Study on Luke 20 this week! Wish you were there!
Ladies you are all a wonderful blessing. You study the Word and come prepared to share God’s wisdom with all of us. Thank you.
Yesterday, we saw the Pharisees “schooled” by Jesus! It was a thrill to see the wisdom of our Lord and the manner in which he answered his antagonists.
The principle learned: Answer a question with a question!
If you can redirect your accuser in a way which forces him to explain his position, you have gently but decisively deflected an attack.
We also saw the kindness and the severity of our God who judges. Fear the Lord!
Pay your taxes and show respect to those in authority over you.
The most exciting lesson we learned was that there IS a resurrection. Jesus demonstrated the certainty of this and gave us hope and more motivation to share Him with our loved ones.
Now we will be studying Luke 21. Jesus gives details about the end times that he wants his followers to be prepared with. This promises to be an interesting discussion. Read ahead and share your findings here. We can get a head start.
Alright Ladies. Our new goal is to discuss the chapter as we study it. So, this week we will be studying Luke Chapter 20. I look forward to reading what the Lord is teaching all of you as you study through this chapter.
