The purpose of these pages is to engage in some group study focussing specifically on the mid-week period of Tuesday to Thursday. We will post some scripture verses, and a few thoughts before throwing the conversation over to you. This is not a teaching session, use the prompts (and Google) to explore scripture and share relevant verses. Log in to the conversation as often or as infrequently as you like and if you wish to join in put your thoughts in the comments box at the bottom of the page.
The right frame of mind
Before you start to dive into this week’s bible study, take a few moments to calm your spirit. Get comfortable with your beverage of choice, your Bible and something to write with. Pray that God would give you the time to study and put to one side the concerns of the day. Breathe deeply for a few seconds and focus on who Jesus said he was…. When you are ready move on…
8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly (6:8 Or prudently) with your God.Micah 6:8
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Over the last couple of weeks we have looked at two of the I am’ statements of Jesus listed in John’s Gospel. We looked at what it is to be branches grafted into the vine – Taken from John 15 – Last week we started looking at “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51)
This week we are going to look more at what it means to be grafted or attached to the spiritual root of Jesus and how (to mix our metaphors) that gives us the bread of life.
Jesus said “come to me” and “believe in me” John 5:24 & 6:35 and you will…
- Have eternal life
- Not be condemned
- Never go hungry
- Never be thirsty
the latter two talking about our spiritual needs.
The suggestion in John 15 is that the gardener grafts us into a permanent source of nourishment that allows us to grow and flourish. The image of many branches growing together towards and in the light is synonymous with the local church.
There is much talk in this Covid-19 season about ‘live streaming’ video of meetings that people can’t get to. You plug in and get a continuous feed of video signal until it is all over. Sound familiar? The vine provides a continuous stream of nourishment, purpose, guidance, reassurance and peace.
Colin Urquhart, the Christian author, talks about taking time to enjoy Christ and take in what He is saying. When we take time to read scripture and meditate on it’s meaning: God does speak to us. Isa 55:11 What else happens? Psalm 23, John 15:5, John 15:7, 2Cor 5:17, Phil 3:9.
This new creation is not something we do, it’s who we become.
Read Jesus’ pray for those who come to Him
John 17:20-26
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