The Wife Always Knows!

Rule number 1:  never bet on the horses; Rule number 2:  the wife always knows!  Over the past two weeks we have observed the influences Jonathan and Nathan had upon David's life.  Do we have similar relationships with fellow Christians who will influence our lives in positive ways?  Do we hold others accountable for their actions as did Nathan?  Or, do we take the "don't rock the boat" approach and simply look the other way...... letting those around us march head first towards destruction!  Let's not let the example of David fall upon deaf ears; let us actively seek relationships with our fellow Christians in a way that will hold us accountable to our faith and glorify God!!!

Austin's comment

How did we discuss David vs. Goliath and not talk about the fact that the story involves a giant. A literal giant! Goliath was part of a group of people called the Nephilim. They are first mentioned in Genesis 6:1-4: 1 When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with[a] humans forever, for they are mortal[b]; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”
4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.

Why did God create these giant people?
What are "sons of God" and "daughters of humans"? It sounds like these giants were almost supernatural creatures. What does it mean that "They were on the earth in those days and also afterward"? Did they survive the flood? Were they preserved so that God could remind Israel of His sovereignty when David (and Israel) killed them?

The story of David and Goliath also resembles the story in 1 Chronicles 11:10-24 and 2 Samuel 21:15-22. Are these different accounts of the same story? Why are they so similar?

Goliath wasn't the only giant mentioned in the Bible. References to races of giants are found in Deuteronomy 12:10-12, Deuteronomy 2:20-21, Deuteronomy 2:10-11, Deuteronomy 3:11, Joshua 13:12, Joshua 17:15, 2 Samuel 21:15-22. What’s up with all these giants?

David vs. Goliath

Hey everyone, two very important things:

(1) Go to this site and read the story of David and Goliath under The Message translation.  It is very interesting, and a little funny.  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20samuel%2017&version=MSG

(2) I haven’t started planning for next week’s study yet.  So I thought we’d make it a little interesting.  Answer the questions below in the comments section.  Whoever gets the most right wins a spectacular prize.  And I promise not to let your comments guide me.

1. How many videos will be shown in class?  Over/under 2.5

2. Who will arrive last to class?  (And you can’t claim yourself.)

3. Will there be Sporcle?

4. Will any children’s materials be used?

5. How many pop culture references will there be?  Over/under 5.5

Little David play on that harp!

This past week we began our study on the life of David.  For now, we will plan to use the following schedule:

Week 2:  The calling of a king;
Week 3:  David & Goliath;
Week 4:  David the warrior;
Week 5:  David's relationship with Jonathan;
Week 6:  David & Bath Sheba;
Week 7:  David's repentance;
Week 8:  David the Psalmist;
Week 9:  David's children;
Week 10:  David's legacy (part 1);
Week 11:  David's legacy (part 2);
Week 12:  Summary/review

After we wrap up our study of Genesis this week we will get together at Derek's house to discuss:  (1) important theological concepts learned over the past 12 weeks; or (2) our favorite connection between Genesis and modern culture.  Or better yet, we could just hang out and enjoy one's company.  If you haven't been to Derek's house, you're in for a big treat!  They have a huge backyard which allows for plenty of enteretainment.  Check out the video from one of our "get togethers" a few years ago!

The Beginning of the End

Sunday School

College and Career: Genesis Recap (Part I)

For 2/12/12

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Next week we will spend time dealing with the Christology of Genesis.  A good summation of this is found at (http://www.tecmalta.org/tft153.htm).  In part, Pastor Paul Mizzi describes it as:

“In the Old Testament Christ is revealed as the coming God-man, having a most excellent character, about whom all the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets speak, as He himself affirmed (Luke 24:27; John 5:46). In a very real sense, the Old Testament is full of Christ, though oftentimes in a veiled form. But with the full light of the New Testament, by His appearing, then we can read the Old Testament and cannot but be impressed and edified as we see Him there depicted in all His richness. Though the Son was incarnated at least 4,000 years after the Fall, yet all of God's elect knew about Him, trusted in Him, endured reproach for His sake (Hebrews 11:25,26), looked forward for His day (John 8:56), and were justified by Him just as the New Testament saints are (Romans 4:24,25). God's people throughout the ages were dependent on the promised Messiah.”

If you want to prepare a little ahead of time (and this is not required, only recommended), spend about fifteen minutes in the question below, look at the web site above, or just thinking and praying about Christ’s relationship to our studies.

The scary looking assignment:  Look at each of the topics below that we have covered and write/think about how each play a role in the story of Christ. 

1. Creation (Spiritual)

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2. Creation (Scientific)

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3. The Fall (Original Sin)

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4. Abraham (God’s Promises)

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5. Jacob & Esau (The Birthright)

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6. Jacob & Esau (The Blessing)

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7. Jacob & Esau (The Reunion)

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8. Joseph (Overview and Contrast to the Others)

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9. Judah and Tamar

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10. Joseph (The End)

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Morning Joe

Tomorrow we will continue our look into the life of Joseph.  I've tried to consider whether my life is more like Joseph's or his brothers.  My quick response would be to say that I am a sinner and probably act more like the brothers than Joseph.  But I also tried to question whether I have a similar view of God to that of Joseph.  We'll try to understand how Joseph viewed God and how this was manifisted in his life.  Maybe you can read the story of his interaction with the baker and cupbearer; and then read his interaction with Pharoh to try to gain some direct evidence of Joseph's relationship to God. (Genesis 40 and 41)

Of course what would the blog be without my favorite video of Joseph!!!!  Ah Donny...... raise your hand if you sang "Puppy Love" when you were young.

Judah left his brothers and.....

Derek provided a summary of what we focused on over the last two weeks:

(1) In the reconcilation between Jacob and Esau, we see the human tendency to doubt God's promises in light of overwhelming evidence to why we should not. 

(2) In the story of Joseph, we first examined the problem of deception and our very natural inclination towards it.  Dr. Perrin very brilliantly discussed hypocrisy in his sermon on Sunday and how we are not Christians because we are perfect, but precisely because we are not.  Second, Christ's solution to the problem of sin is to radically remove ourselves from situations that lead to it.  The problem of course is how to do so.  A butterfly flew by and with my very little lack of attention span, I feel like we did not finish this properly.  So, I would encourage you to think about the places where this needs to be addressed.  Certainly, since we are human, we will screw up more than succeed.  But it is a command of Christ and one that I hope to take very seriously.

This Sunday we will look at Genesis 38 and the story of Judah.  Perhaps you will condiser a few things before our lesson:  (1) Why does this story come between the events of Joseph's life?  (2) What can we learn from this opening sentence "At that time, Judah left his brothers....."  Look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday; and don't hesitate to bring hot Krispy Kreme donuts if you so desire!!!!

Back to the Beginning

This Sunday we will resume our Study of Genesis.  You may recall we concluded the last year with the story of Jacob & Esau.  Have you identified what your bowl of stew is???  We will plan to recap this story and move into a discussion on how God's sovereignty was evident in Jacob's life.  Paul references this story in Romans 9:13.  What is your reaction to the conclusion, "and so Esau despised his birthright."  Don't you want to say, "wait, wait, wait.... but Jacob was a deceiver and he tricked Esau!"  In preparation for this Sunday, please read Romans 9:10-18.  You may want to also take a look at this article and consider some thoughts to discuss:  http://www.reformationtheology.com/2009/01/jacob_i_loved_but_esau_i_hated.php

The story of God's creation is everywhere; click the video to the right to see Ilya Bryzgalov's views on the matter.  "Different personality.... different ideas.... " Thanks to Derek for finding the video!