Online Bible Study cancelled Th, Nov 28

Posted in Uncategorized | - by Rebecca

Yesterday we held our first Zoom bible study session on the Gospel of John by reading Chapters 1 and 2.

We use the Bible (Preferably the Orthodox Study Bible for everyone who has a copy) and take turns reading through it, a couple chapters at a time, at each study. We will also use Fr. Lawrence Farley’s Book “The Gospel of John as a resource but will not be reading through it on the study nights as we only are allocating 1.5 hrs. for 2 chapters. However, if we could take the time during the week between sessions to read about 40 pages in the book this will help us to be better prepared when we meet each session. As you are reading through the book, keep a notebook at hand and write down any thoughts and questions that arise. During our study, we will go around the group each week and discuss and try to address these thoughts and questions.

We will try to keep to meeting from 7:30 to 9:00 PM on Thursday evenings, but there will be gaps at times between our Thursday sessions. Actually, the first gap will be next Thursday as Fr. Andrew will be out of town for the week so this will give us a good 2 week period to get our reading done for the first 4 chapters of the Gospel of John. For this first session of the first 2 chapters, we should read up to page 45 in Fr. Lawrence’s book. For the next session read through to page 85 for the chapters 3 and 4 of the Gospel of John.

An example of what you will be reading in Fr. Lawrence’s book is below:

“First Sign: Turning Water into Wine (Chapter 2: 1 – 11)

This is the beginning of the signs and miracles which Jesus did, and it sets the tone for all the signs He will later perform. For it is not a public miracle, but one which is only manifested and known to His disciples. They know of the miracle; the others at the wedding feast do not. To be sure, Christ’s subsequent miracles will indeed be seen by all and not just by His disciples. But these later miracles will have this in common with this first sign: they will not fully disclose His messianic glory, but only point to it. That is why John calls them signs—for like signposts, they point to something. Christ’s miracles point to His status as Messiah, but they only carry such conviction to those who, like the disciples, approach them with faith. For His disciples, the miracles are manifestations of His glory as Messiah. For the Pharisees, however, they are no such thing, but only evidence that “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons” (Mark 3:22). Thus, Christ’s messianic status is veiled in this age, and disclosed only to those with faith.”

If you have any questions, need the study book or an Orthodox Study Bible, or can’t make a session let us know. You can catch up on the next one.

Looking forward to spending some Thursday’s with you all!