Thursday Bible Study

  [DAVID] A matter of conscience_   1 Samuel 24   How do we determine God’s will?    Do we look to circumstances, the counsel of friends, the words of Scripture?   On 17 th April 1521, Martin Luther appeared before the Holy Roman Emperor in order, he thought, to defend his Protestant beliefs. Instead, he was shown all of his writings and asked whether he still believed their contents. Luther ask es “for time to think, in order to satisfactorily answer the question without violence to the divine Word and danger to my soul.” The next day he stood before the emperor and uttered the famous words, “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reaso n... I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted, and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not retract anything, since it is nei ther safe nor right to go against conscience. I cannot do otherwise. Here I stand. May God help me, Amen.”     [Group discussi...

  [DAVID] True friendship_   1 Samuel 20:1-17 & 30-42   “You’ve got a friend in me!”   The Pixar film franchise ‘Toy Story’ begins with a very one-sided friendship.   Andy LOVES Woody. He plays with him all the time. He takes him with him everywhere he goes. He’s obsessed with him. But, one day, a new toy is introduced to Andy’s room... Buzz Lightyear. He’s ‘the next big thing’ in toys and now Woody faces the prospect of being left on the shelf. What will Woody do? How will he react to Buzz? Is he really his foe or could he be come his friend?       [Group discussion starter] What qualities do you appreciate most in a friend, and why?       In this study we will explore the strong relationship between David and Jonathan. They help us to see and appreciate the qualities of true friendship. ..     [Read 1 Samuel 18:1-4 and 20:1-17]         What impresses you about Jonathan’s and David’s love for eac...