Advent Bible Study Thread

[Verve]

Hey, if anyone is interested in doing a SOAP Advent Study along with me here I'll be posting the scriptures for the day and if you want to just post your thoughts on it maybe we can get some discussion going here.

We are on Week 1: Hope

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Today the scripture reading is John 1:1-4

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. - John 1:1-4 (NIV)



What are one or two observations you can make about this passage?

Can you think of one or two ways to apply this in your life?

Take time to pray about what you have learned from this passage.

 

[Verve]

Observations:
Without the Word there is no life.
No matter what, death (darkness) will never overcome life (light).


Application thoughts:
For me this was a reminder to let His light shine in me, to share the news of salvation through Him with others.

For application today I guess my focus will be on how to share His love with others.

 

[Verve]

Okay, it seems like people are interested in reading this but not responding yet. That's fine, even if you're just following along with it... welcome!

The scripture reading today is John 1:9-12

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— - John 1:9-12





What are one or two observations you can make about this passage?

Can you think of one or two ways to apply this in your life?

Take time to pray about what you have learned from this passage.

 

[Verve]

Observations:
The world is in darkness and doesn't really understand the purpose of His bringing light to it. This is like when we get so used to doing things our way and doing things His way seem foreign. The world is in sin and needs to repent and turn to the light.

He gives those who believe the right to become children of God.
He came to save us all, even though we didn't know we needed saving.

Application:

Remember that those who need salvation are likely to reject the message because it seems so foreign to them. Be kind and open with them so they can see.

We are adopted and this reminds me that we are all together in this as one big family. To become part of the light we turn away from the darkness together. Today I should try to see if there is a brother or sister who needs help.

 

[joshmurdoch84]

Today the scripture reading is John 1:1-4

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. - John 1:1-4 (NIV)



What are one or two observations you can make about this passage?

Can you think of one or two ways to apply this in your life?

Take time to pray about what you have learned from this passage.

Observation
That GOD is everything. He what we say, see, touch, hear. Without GOD there is nothing. No trees, no water, no land, no earth, no planets, no solar system, no sun nothing.

It applies to my life because right now I am jobless and living back at home with my mom and dad and no matter how bad I think things are and I don't give thanks as much as I should without GOD I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't have three great kids, and myself nor anyone else would have anything.

 

[Verve]

Thanks for joining in Josh! Great points too!

Today the scripture reading is Jeremiah 33:14-15

14 “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.
15 “‘In those days and at that time
I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
he will do what is just and right in the land. - Jeremiah 33:14-15


What are one or two observations you can make about this passage?

Can you think of one or two ways to apply this in your life?

Take time to pray about what you have learned from this passage.

 

[Verve]

Observation: God always follows through on the promises He makes.

Application: Sometimes it can be easy to get caught up in certain things forget the promises. Those promises are powerful and wonderful.

 

[Verve]

Cool, by the post count it looks like some of you are still following along here!

The scripture reading today is Isaiah 60:19-20
19 The sun will no more be your light by day,
nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory.
20 Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end. -Isaiah 60:19-20


What are one or two observations you can make about this passage?

Can you think of one or two ways to apply this in your life?

Take time to pray about what you have learned from this passage.

 

[crishmael]

Cool, by the post count it looks like some of you are still following along here!

The scripture reading today is Isaiah 60:19-20
19 The sun will no more be your light by day,
nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory.
20 Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end. -Isaiah 60:19-20

What are one or two observations you can make about this passage?

Can you think of one or two ways to apply this in your life?

Take time to pray about what you have learned from this passage.

Neat idea. I think I'll try my hand.

Observation: The use of the sun and moon as comparisons to the light of God is intended to draw a contrast. Both the sun and moon are sources of light, especially important in a time that lacked the benefit of electric lights. However, each of these has limits and natural boundaries. The sun shines only in the day and the moon only at night, but even in those periods their light can be obscured. The light of God, on the other hand, is boundless and will continually be there as a source of guidence and comfort.

Application: I suppose the best way to take this is to realize that even in the darkest moments, the light of God is fully enveloping us, and should be looked to as a source of hope. Our sorrows, like the sun and moon, have their limits, but the comfort of God extends beyond the threshold they cannot pass.