SPECIAL NOTE: Next week's episode will come out on Monday, May 10th, 2021. Not this next Saturday.
When we look into the Old Testament at key examples where Jews and Gentiles came together into one community, it has always been the Gentile(s) joining the community of the Jews.
God intentionally made it that way. We've been grafted into THEIR root system, we've been brought into THEIR community, and we've been adopted into THEIR family. And not the other way around.
Listen to the podcast to learn more of why this order of things is significant!
Our study shows how God the Holy Spirit was the One Author overseeing the writing of the whole Bible.
SCRIPTURES STUDIED:
Ephesians 2: 12-13 (without hope and without God in the world apart from Israel and the Jews)
Romans 9:4-5
John 4: 1 ff, especially verse 22. (woman at the well)
Exodus 12:38 (a mixed multitude went up with them)
Story of Rahab
Joshua 2
Joshua 6: 22-23; 25
Story of Ruth
Ruth 1
BIBLE STUDY TOOLS:
The Blue Letter Bible App
The Law of First Mention
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. Reflect and describe your previous attitude towards the Jews.
Paul writes, "...do not boast against the branches (Israel and the Jews). But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you." --Romans 11:18
Do you feel like the general attitude of Christians towards Jews is one of arrogance and boasting? Why or why not?
If so, what sort of things can bring a change to this boastful attitude in your life? In the life of other Christians?
2. As a Christian in today's world, reflect on what it would mean to enter into the community of Israel, while both retaining your salvation and identity in Christ.
How can we learn more about the culture, traditions, needs, etc. of the Jews? How can we bridge the gap between us and them?
3. Do you feel like God has made His point clearly that he wanted Jew and Gentile to be woven together into one fabric? What's the significance of being "interwoven?"
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1. Share these podcast episodes with others who may be interested.
2. Begin reading and studying Romans 9-11. What is God clearly saying through Paul in this passage? How can we spread this truth to other Christians?
3. Listen again and review the main points of this podcast.
4. Read the story of Rahab, focusing on Joshua 2 and Joshua 6.
5. Read the story of Ruth in the book of Ruth.
MY EMAIL ADDRESS: theophilus0633@gmail.com
Feel free to write to me!