Bible Study Notes
April 2023
Please remember we don’t have to have all the answers ourselves, that’s the great thing about being in a study group.
Leaders, if there appear to be too many questions for a particular week, please ask the group which ones they would like to discuss.
BIBLE STUDY: Sunday 16-4-23 ‘As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you.’
Gospel: John 20:19-31. Read the Gospel together.
Open: Have you ever felt the need to make sure you have locked your door?
Dig:
1. Why are the disciples fearful now?
2. Of all the things Jesus must have said, why does John record ‘peace be with you’ three times (vv 19,21,26)? How does this relate to their fears? To being sent (v21)?
3. Read John 14:4-6 and 20:24-29. How does Jesus deal with Thomas’ doubt? What is significant about the way Thomas responds?
4. What does (v21) ‘I am sending you’, mean? Being sent to do what? How are you/your church fulfilling this Commission? What could be implemented to better equip people at your church ‘to be sent’?
5. Read Matthew 28:18-20. What is Jesus’ role in this Commission? Ours?
6. Why is John 20:22 crucial to remember in being sent? Do you/your church rely on the Holy Spirit or sometimes do things with your own strength?
7. Re-read verse 31: What is the author’s purpose for writing this Gospel? How might this be related to being sent?
Reflect:
1. How do you need to hear Jesus peace in your life today: In a relationship? In some inner fear? In your work? In your church? Share a verse that has bought comfort to you (e.g. Matthew 28:20b).
2. With what doubts or questions about God are you struggling? Brainstorm what might be helpful in dealing with doubts.
3. What has convinced you about who Jesus is?
4. What might you do this year with the Holy Spirit’s help, to fulfill ‘being sent’ to proclaim the Gospel? Pray: • For each other and any needs for inner peace. • Your role in being sent as well as that of your church.
Pray:
• For each other and any needs for inner peace.
• Your role in being sent as well as that of your church.
BIBLE STUDY: Sunday 16-4-23 ‘As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you.’
Gospel: John 20:19-31. Read the Gospel together.
Open: Have you ever felt the need to make sure you have locked your door?
Dig:
1. Why are the disciples fearful now?
2. Of all the things Jesus must have said, why does John record ‘peace be with you’ three times (vv 19,21,26)? How does this relate to their fears? To being sent (v21)?
3. Read John 14:4-6 and 20:24-29. How does Jesus deal with Thomas’ doubt? What is significant about the way Thomas responds?
4. What does (v21) ‘I am sending you’, mean? Being sent to do what? How are you/your church fulfilling this Commission? What could be implemented to better equip people at your church ‘to be sent’?
5. Read Matthew 28:18-20. What is Jesus’ role in this Commission? Ours?
6. Why is John 20:22 crucial to remember in being sent? Do you/your church rely on the Holy Spirit or sometimes do things with your own strength?
7. Re-read verse 31: What is the author’s purpose for writing this Gospel? How might this be related to being sent?
Reflect:
1. How do you need to hear Jesus peace in your life today: In a relationship? In some inner fear? In your work? In your church? Share a verse that has bought comfort to you (e.g. Matthew 28:20b).
2. With what doubts or questions about God are you struggling? Brainstorm what might be helpful in dealing with doubts.
3. What has convinced you about who Jesus is?
4. What might you do this year with the Holy Spirit’s help, to fulfill ‘being sent’ to proclaim the Gospel?
Pray:
• For each other and any needs for inner peace.
• Your role in being sent as well as that of your church.
BIBLE STUDY Sunday 23-4-23 ‘Jesus walks beside us on our journey.’
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35. Read the Gospel together.
Open: Have you ever had a time when you felt you would just like to get away from things? Where might you imagine going?
Dig:
1. Why were the disciples feeling downcast (v17-24)?
2. What hopes of theirs are dashed? How do they react to the ‘stranger’?
3. What do you think of Christ’s comment in verse 25? Reflect on Jesus’ instructions to the disciples in Mark 8:31-33; 9:30-32; 10:32-37. How do the disciples react?
4. Brainstorm (using a Commentary or a reliable ‘Google’ website), what passages from Old Testament prophecy and law might ‘the stranger’ have discussed with them in verses 25-27. Do you feel confident using scripture when sharing about Jesus with others? What could you/your church do to enhance this?
5. Why might Jesus have done this rather than revealing His identity immediately (vv25-27)?
6. How does the time at dinner open their eyes? Why do you think? Share any scriptures that come to mind.
7. Why was there a special appearance to Simon (Peter)?
Reflect:
1. What has helped you recognise Jesus walking beside you when you are feeling anxious or troubled about things?
2. Where is your ‘Road to Emmaus’ – the place where Jesus surprised you recently? What happened?
3. How well do you think you could explain the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and how a person can have a relationship with Him?
4. If time: Brainstorm what important elements need to be included in evangelism. (We will begin to explore this topic and the role of the Holy Spirit next Sunday the 30th). Pray: • For needs within the group or people who are known to you. • For enthusiasm and empowerment at All Saints to share the Gospel.
Pray:
• For needs within the group or people who are known to you.
• For enthusiasm and empowerment at All Saints to share the Gospel.
BIBLE STUDY Sunday 30-4-23 - ‘Sent’
Sermon on Heaven/Sin/God
Read together: John 14:1-6, Revelation 21:2- 4 and Matthew 5:48.
Memory Verses: (Try to learn some).
Heaven: And God himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death shall be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more…. Rev 21:3b-4. (NRSV)
Perfection: You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48 (ESV)
God is loving and just: I, [God], act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. Jeremiah 9:24 (NRSV)
Open: What do you think Heaven will be like? What do you expect to see and do there?
Dig: John 14:1-6; Revelation 21:2-4; Matthew 5:48; Rom 3:23
1. Read John 13:36; 14:5; 14:8; 14:22. What problems are the disciples struggling with?
2. What comfort does Jesus offer his disciples in John 14:1-6?
3. What stands out most to you in Revelation 21:2-4? What do you most look forward to in heaven? Who are the citizens?
4. Read Matthew 5:20. What do you think righteousness means?
5. Share Matthew 5:48 in your own words.
6. Briefly, in a couple of sentences, describe how sin entered the world and what are its consequences (Genesis 3:1-23).
7. Read Romans 3:23. Who has sinned? What does ‘sin’ in this verse encompass? Give examples.
8. Read the following verses in the group. Jeremiah 9:24; 2 Peter 3:9; Isaiah 59:2 and Ezekiel 18:32. What do they say about God’s mercy and justice?
Reflect:
1. Why does the study of Heaven/Sin/God present a big problem for humankind?
2. In light of verse John 14:6 what would you say to someone that says there are many ways to God?
Close in prayer
Memory verses are a wonderful tool for telling others about God.
Please learn as many as you can.
Good news! Next week we will look at Christ’s role in God’s plan of salvation.