Thursday Bible Study

  [WOMEN of the Old Testament]   RUTH: The cost of loyalty_   Ruth 1-2     A university student wrote to J R R Tolkien after reading Lord of the Rings... “You have made loyalty and courage more meaningful to me.”   Even with the recent success of the films ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ and the TV show ‘Rings of Power’ loyalty still doesn’t get much press today.   Even when it’s present in people’s lives, it’s not heralded or championed like it used to when people would sign their letters “Your loyal friend”.     [Group discussion starter] What does loyalty look like in a person?   What keeps us from being loyal to our family and friends – and even to God?     The book of Ruth is a simple story about the cost and value of loyalty.   It takes place during the time of the Judges, which were dark and turbulent days for Israel. It provides us with a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who show care and loyalty for...

  [WOMEN in the Old Testament]   RAHAB: An unlikely ally_   Joshua 2; 6:15-25_     Have you ever felt like you’re living in enemy territory?   Some people go around hoping no one will suspect they are Christians.   Because it costs to identify yourself with the people of God.   [Group discussion starer] “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” The writer of Hebrews gives this definition of faith.   What is your definition of faith?   What risks are involved in faith?     After the death of Moses, God told Joshua to take the land of Canaan. The major cities of Canaan were , in reality, small kingdoms, each ruled by a local king. The invasion point was in the plains of Moab on the far side of the Jordan.   Joshua sent out a reconnaissance mission to spy out their first target... the city of Jericho. God had already prepared the heart of one woman in that city who became famous for her goo...