SparrowNest: By His Wounds Bible Study

Thursday, March 1, 2012

By His Wounds Excerpt

"Who are you? How do you describe yourself to others? For what do you want to be known? And in the stillness when no one else is around, how do you view yourself? If you are like me, you have likely spent much of your life trying to figure out who you are and what purposes and accomplishments will give meaning to your life. Since I was a young child, I have watched others' responses to things I have said and did. Longing for affirmation and approval, their reactions determined how I would act next. As I grew up, I admired from afar those who seemed comfortable in their won skin with the confidence to act as they were convicted rather than react in light of others' actions toward them. . . but what about you? Back to the opening question of the book, who are YOU? What triggers your insecurities? To what do you look to define your worth and establish your identity? Is it your degree or career? Did the bottom drop out from under you when you lost you high-status job in your friend o choice? Is it your husband? Dow you daily happiness depend on his affirmation and approval of you? Is it your children? Do you feel pride over their successes and shame over their failures? They have the power to rear your heart out, you know. Raiseing my children has exposed my insecurities at an entirely new level. Or if you do not have a husband or children, do you feel like you are in a holding pattern with no personal identity until God gives them to you? To what are you looking for your identity and security? I believe that you, like me, will find answers in Ephesians to these questions that will sustain you for a lifetime. . ."

That is just a small excerpt from the book introduction to get you pumped for the study! If you want to read more than please join us in this interactive, online Bible study. We already have participants from California, Wisconsin, Germany and Florida! It doesn't matter where you are in the world or where you are in your walk with the Lord. All are welcome to join in on the study and discussion. See more details on how to join on the post below or click here.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

You're Invited to the "By His Wounds Online, Interactive Bible Study"

I've been wanting to start a Bible study for a while but have been uncertain about doing so until recently. I actually tried to start one up this month but not many could make it because of their busy schedules. Several friends that couldn't go mentioned to me that they still would like to order the book, and that gave me the idea to turn this into an online, interactive study!

The book I want us to go through is entitled, "By His Wounds You Are Healed: how the message of Ephesians transforms a woman's identity." I recently read Ms. Alsup's first book and was impressed with how straight forward and logical it was. I've read a variety of Christian books but her style of writing is much different. There's no fluff. It's not experiential (based off her experiences). Instead, she supports everything she writes with verse after verse. This is her second book and comes highly recommended that it be studied in a group since there are several discussion questions in the back.

Just so you get an idea, here is a description of the book taken from Amazon...

This study of Ephesians is for women who have tired of topical women's Bible studies and long to go deeper into the Word. When read in context, Ephesians has much to say to women beyond just the passages traditionally thought to apply to the female gender. The whole book applies, and the extensive good news Paul presents will radically transform how we view ourselves and our daily responsibilities. This study is appropriate for individuals or groups. It is accessible, practical, and easy to read while still dealing with the deep things of the Word.

Are you interested? It doesn't matter where you are in the world, through the wonderful invention of Facebook, I have started a private group where we can post amongst ourselves. So here is the 411.

What? An interactive, online 6-week Bible study. We will be going through the book Ephesians and will be using Wendy Alsup's book to help guide us in finding our identity in Christ. There are 35 lessons that we will study over a course of 6 weeks (that equates to roughly 6 lessons per week). These lessons can be used in place of your morning devotions or can be a supplement to whatever you are studying now. You can come back to the group page and comment daily.

Who? You! or any other lovely lady you think may be interested. Send them a link to this page to give them more details. It doesn't matter where you are in your walk with God. Old Christians and new alike are both invited.

Where? Facebook! After you have ordered the book, you may request to join our private group on facebook.

Why? Because we all have demanding schedules. Let's face it...we all spend a ton of time on facebook, so why not use this free resource to connect us with other sisters in Christ and to grow deeper in our faith.

When? March 12th will be our first day! You should order your book asap. Amazon's 2 day shipping is surprisingly inexpensive too.

How? Purchase Wendy's book here on Amazon. It's only $12. After you've done so, request to join the group here. There will be more instruction how to participate on the actual facebook page. We all be going through the same lessons daily and you can check in daily on the facebook page for new discussions or to share what the Lord has been teaching you.

If you have any questions, comment below! I'm really excited about this :) Feel free to share by grabbing the button below and posting it on your blog too.