Luke Chapter 1

The first reading sets us up for the coming of Christ. Here we learn of the birth of John the Baptist, the man that was to prepare the people for the coming of Christ. This chapter also contains the story of the Annunciation to Mary. The faith that Elizabeth and Mary had are amazing, to take on the demanding and courageous task of raising these two men that were going to be such leaders and change the history of the world. Would we have the courage and faith to anwer yes if the Lord ever asked us to raise such a child as John or Jesus?

The long-awaited re-birth

Finally, I am back to start up the new Bible Study. First, a re-statement of our plan.

We are starting with an Introduction to the Bible, split up into three sections. First, we will cover the Life and Teachings of Jesus, then the Life and Teachings of Paul, and finally a bit on the Old Testament. We are going to focus on the foundations of our Faith through these Scriptures and the teachings within them.

Lord, please be with us in our readings and understandings. Help us to see your ways and your Truth in these words and we try to understand better the foundations of our faith and strengthen our belief and desire to know and love you.

Continuations

Here is the beginning of a new phase of the Bible Study Maggen and I started in college. A bit different than our blessed 8 am meetings. There are no pancakes involved with this one, yet it is still a meeting of minds discussing our Lord and Father. Here is to a new beginning of an old, beloved thing.

And to start, the text of psalm 46, the basis and underlying thought behind this study:

1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.