What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 63 - 27/09/24

This week we tackle the first session on forgiveness.

We start by acknowledging God's sovereignty and thank Him for bringing us together. We commit this meeting to Him, praying for His guidance and healing, especially for those among us who are struggling, like Tim with his injury.

We reflect on how, despite our many Bible studies, we’ve surprisingly never focused on forgiveness as its own topic. Although we’ve touched on it through other discussions, it’s clear that this is a crucial subject we need to explore more deeply.

We dive into Joseph’s story and the profound forgiveness he showed his brothers after their betrayal. We realize that Joseph’s example teaches us how God can bring good from bad, even when we face painful conflicts, especially within our families.

We discuss the emotional and spiritual struggles we all face when it comes to forgiveness, acknowledging how difficult it can be when deeply hurt. Yet, we recognize that as Christians, we are called to forgive unconditionally, just as God forgives us.

We consider whether forgiveness sometimes feels conditional, but ultimately, we know that it shouldn't be. The Bible reminds us to forgive as the Lord has forgiven us, which challenges us to practice unconditional forgiveness in our own lives.

We explore the parallels between Joseph’s experience and Jesus’ forgiveness, recognizing how Joseph’s life prefigures the Messiah. Like Jesus, Joseph extended grace and mercy even to those who had wronged him, showing us how central forgiveness is to God's plan.

As we conclude, we are reminded that forgiveness is about more than just resolving conflicts in the moment. It’s about understanding God’s larger, redemptive plan. Even through our trials and betrayals, God can bring about good, and forgiveness helps us align ourselves with His greater purpose.

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What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 62 - 13/09/24

This week we take a look at Psalm 2.

Opening Prayer: The session starts with a prayer asking for God’s guidance, peace, and focus as the group dives into studying His word.

Psalm 2 Context: The group discusses how Psalm 1 and 2 serve as the introduction to the Book of Psalms, and the historical context behind Psalm 2 being seen as prophetic of the Messiah. They note the connection between Psalm 1's emphasis on meditating on God's law and Psalm 2's focus on the rebellion of nations against God and His anointed one (the Messiah).

Dividing Psalm 2 by Voices: The group identifies different voices in Psalm 2—God, the kings of the earth, and the psalmist—and how each speaks to the ongoing theme of rebellion and submission. This leads to a deeper reflection on the plot of nations against God and His Messiah.

Rebellion Against God’s Authority: The conversation turns to how the nations rebel against God's instruction, viewing His commands as burdensome, leading to a discussion of contemporary resistance to God's authority, especially in modern culture. Romans 1 is referenced, highlighting humanity's inherent knowledge of God and the deliberate rejection of Him.

The Futility of Rebellion: The group explores God's reaction to the rebellion, noting that God laughs at their vain attempts. They compare this to other scriptures, such as Psalm 37, where God's power and justice are highlighted. This leads to reflections on God's sovereignty and the foolishness of opposing Him.

God’s Judgment and the Role of the Messiah: Verses 7–9 of Psalm 2 are discussed in terms of God’s promise to the Messiah, with prophetic implications about Christ's authority over the nations. The group reflects on the tension between Christ's role as both Savior and judge, with references to future judgment in Revelation and other scriptures.

Call to Submit and Find Refuge in Christ: The psalm’s final verses serve as a warning to the kings and rulers of the earth to submit to God's authority ("kiss the son"). The group considers the duality of fearing God’s judgment while finding joy and refuge in Him. The discussion ends with a prayer for boldness to share the message of salvation and the reality of God's wrath with others.

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 61 - 30/08/24

This week we take a look at Psalm 50.

Introduction to Psalms 1 and 2: The discussion begins by explaining that Psalms 1 and 2 are often considered together as a prologue to the entire Book of Psalms. They lay the groundwork for understanding the Psalms, similar to how the opening chapters of Genesis set up the entire Bible. Some ancient texts combine them, but they are typically treated as two separate Psalms in most Bible versions.

Interpretation of "Blessed": The word "blessed" in Psalm 1 is analysed deeply. It is often translated as "happy," "fortunate," or "to be envied," but the discussion emphasizes that being blessed is not necessarily about material wealth or comfort. Instead, it signifies divine favour and spiritual growth, implying a deeper, more spiritual state that involves being favoured by God, often irrespective of one’s material circumstances.

Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked: Psalm 1 draws a clear distinction between the righteous, who delight in the law of the Lord, and the wicked, who follow ungodly counsel. The righteous are likened to a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season, symbolizing stability and prosperity. In contrast, the wicked are compared to chaff blown away by the wind, symbolizing instability and worthlessness.

Progression of Sin: A key theme discussed is the progressive nature of sin as described in Psalm 1: walking in the counsel of the wicked, standing in the way of sinners, and sitting in the seat of mockers. This progression illustrates how individuals can gradually become more entrenched in sinful behaviour, moving from casual association to active participation and ultimately to a settled attitude of scorn toward righteousness.

Call for Personal Reflection and Spiritual Growth: The discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives in light of the teachings of Psalm 1. It stresses the importance of not following ungodly counsel and instead staying rooted in God’s word. The importance of taking a stand against worldly influences and holding onto biblical truths is emphasized, highlighting the need for Christians to be vigilant about their spiritual health and growth.