Thursday Bible Study

  [Nehemiah] EIGHT: Revival_   Nehemiah 8   This chapter of Nehemiah reveals something about real repentance, contrition, and weeping... but also celebration and joy!     [Discussion starters] People are often classified as either optimistic or pessimistic. Which of these two do you feel best describes you?   How much is celebration a part of your own regular Christian life?     [Read Nehemiah 8]     The number seven was important to the Jews.   The seventh month is no exception... it is one month that contains multiple feasts and festivals, as well as the Day of Atonement.   If you were an editor of the bible, given the themes and feel of this chapter, what title or name would you have given this chapter of Nehemiah?       If you were Nehemiah, and given what’s gone on in the previous chapters, what would make you want to meet with all the other people who had built the wall?       In verses 2-3, ...

  [Nehemiah] SEVEN: Family history_   Nehemiah 7_   Genealogy, family tree, generation history are all things that lots of people are interested in. It seems to be important and interesting for us to know where we come from.   With websites like ancestry.com and online family trees and TV shows like “Who do you think you are?” are becoming more and more popular.     [Group discussion starter] How many generations back can you go in tracing your family name? Are there any colourful characters or interesting stories you can share?     [Read Nehemiah 7]     In verses 1-3, what progress is Nehemiah making with his plans and goals?       What safeguards does Nehemiah take to protect Jerusalem?       Back in Nehemiah 1:2, we were introduced to Hanani.   From the qualifications we’re given about him, why could Nehemiah trust him?       Nehemiah decides that the families that have returned from...