Hello again! Welcome to the fourth session of What Love Is Online Bible Study! We are halfway through already. Can you believe it? I hope you are learning so much about God’s love for us and how we are to love others.
If you have any questions about how this study works, we’ve answered most of them here.
Catching up? That’s okay! We’ll leave the videos up, so you can take your time.
Okay, now onto the video! We’ve posted the questions to answer in the comments and your study assignment for the week below.
Questions to answer in the comments:
- In a world where so much is changing and in constant flux, what part of the definition of meno means the most to you and why? (page 76)
- Name one truth of the gospel or of Jesus’ teaching that you consistently come back to regardless of how culture shifts. (page 81)
- What does it mean to you that Jesus, the Holy One, has set you apart with His anointing? (page 80)
This week, complete Session 4: Easter Everyday and meet back here next week to discuss!
1. Being held. tHis means to me being held and supported with strength, and feeling that strength surge into me whilst getting through each day trying to live in the light and standing firm in what I know to be right. tHis, often in the face of scorn and sneers from non Christians.
2. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they might have life and have it in abundance. ” John 10 :10 The Lord has so clearly kept HIs promise to me in these words in my life through changing circumstances often very hard. Despite what the world values, what He gives to us is worth infinitely more- He gives us LIFE richly and abundantly!
3.it means that I am His and He is mine. I am special, chosen along with all God’s people. This is exciting. I also have a sacred purpose, a rifle and responsibility in God’s kingdom. This is a serious function I have to fulfil. It is at the same time exciting, challenging and serious. I can’t just try harder – I need to train properly to develop the skills and spiritual maturity I need to fulfil this purpose.
Cher Goeder – Toledo, OH I am so glad to see the post from Susan above. This past week really got away from me & even though I spend time each day, it took more than a day for me to get each lesson done. But I didn’t want to miss a word & am so thankful for the focus this study brings. Our pastor has spent the past few weeks teaching from I John & I love it when the Holy Spirit does that – same message from Sunday Service, Bible Study, a song on the radio. God is so amazing!!
Question 1 – Meno – I love the idea that while it is important for me to stay close to Jesus, He promises He will stay close to me. I am encouraged to think that as I remain, I will be nourished & strengthened & able to grow.
Question 2 – One Truth I keep coming back to – Jesus paid it all – and all to Him I owe.
Question 3 – Set apart with His anointing – I feel like I’ve been given something special – something sacred. I’m to be noticeably different.
Susan, Piscataway, NJ – flying solo
1 Am I allowed to say that the whole definition of meno means a lot to me? So awesome to try to wrap my arms around – I abide in Jesus and His words abide in me. I hate change and everything changes all the time. My children are growing up so quickly. But this remains, that Jesus is my unchanging TRUTH and that I abide in him and His word abides in me. So comforting and reassuring. Praise God. Amen.
2. The truth that comes back to me – that Jesus is God incarnate – fully human and fully God.
3. Anointing – too much to grasp really. It means that I am cherished, adored, loved, accepted, empowered. It changes everything, really.
1. The part of the definition of meno which means the most to me is “not to depart.” Daily the news gets worse and worse about things going on in this country and around the world. The only hope we have is that God does not leave us nor forsake us, regardless of what is going on in the culture. The evil one is strong, but he’s not stronger than our God.
2. I always come back to “Let not your heart be troubled.” Jesus is waiting for us with a greater existence than we could ever know in this world. That is so hard to grasp sometimes, but we have to hold on.
3. That Jesus has set me apart makes me feel indescribably special, but it also comes with a responsibility. I know that I have to reflect him in my actions, attitudes, and words so that others can see that anointing as well.
3. I am reminded that God’s anointing on His plans for your life are truly amazing even despite obstacles that come with that anointing. God has been faithful bc a seed he planted in my heart to write a book for Pastors Kids and their familiies came to fruition today. My book Reflections From A Glass House released today. I pray it helps a lot of people
Hi Everyone – so many great comments today. Love how everyone is thinking through the concepts of ‘meno’, and truth in a day when we want to come up with our own (I’m guilty of this sometimes) and what it means to have the anointing.
Hey, speaking of anointing and truth and abiding, I was talking with a friend of mine who’s a successful businesswomen. Sometimes she perceives her place in the workplace as not as ‘spiritual’ as those in full-time ministry, those married with children or serving overseas. She has missed the value and favor the Lord has on her life right there in her office, right there in the middle of so many who love and respect her and who are looking for someone who’s living a life of rest (meno), a life with that special anointing, a compassionate life of conviction and truth. So, no matter where God has placed you – at home, in ministry, in a high rise as a business executive, know HE has you in that place and that you have huge ministry wherever you are.
Blessings on you guys today. Love seeing all these comments because it tells me you guys have been in the Word with John and the Lord and that He’s speaking to you. So encouraged!
Wow – I just read your post *after* I posted something very similar in my personal insights for #3 (below).
3. That is a good question. I am still trying to figure that out. In my younger years, I was sure I was going to be somebody important and do something important. Now that I am 42, I realize that is not the case. My role may be right here in small town Georgia, at our little budding Church. No fame, no glory. Hmmm, what a lesson as God has been showing me that I could not have handled a higher level calling, as I would have made it about me and not Him. Praise Jesus.
Your words are further confirmation t God is speaking to me on this issue!!
Thank you, Kelly, for letting the Holy Spirit work through you!
🙂 ~Kerri
1. Interestingly enough, the three of us chose to be held, but for different reasons. One said it meant she didn’t have to be alone. Another said He is holding me and I ma to endure in this world.
2. He is the ONLY way; No one comes to the Father but by Me; In the beginning….
3. That I am set apart – I’m now a part of His family – I’m chosen and loved.
Wow – I’m not to be like non-believers. This anointing emphasizes that I am to be a better person and only with Christ is this possible.
Love your group chose the same word but for three different reasons. The Word is so personal.
Whenever I think about abiding and remaining in Christ, I am consumed by wonder at His gracious gospel. I am also reminding of Mary and Martha: Jesus tells an exhausted Martha that her irresponsible sister who is doing nothing but sitting at Jesus’s feet has made the better choice about how to show her love. Wow. First and foremost, He asks that I abide in Him!
I am reminded of the apparent contradiction of the inclusivity and exclusivity of salvation–since we are saved by faith and grace alone, and since Jesus will never drive out the one who calls on His name (John 1, 10), I am so saddened to hear people complain about the ONE way (John 14:6). The average person doesn’t try to cut through a wall or jump into a window to get into a building, especially if there is a Savior who desires to carry you through the only door! Praise Him for the one way He was made for us!
Anointing comes with the power and authority that I need as I go through this life serving Him and preaching Him crucified. What a privilege to have this calling on our lives.
1. In a world where so much is changing and in constant flux, what part of the definition of meno means the most to you and why? (page 76)
Two parts stood out to me as equally meaningful-to be held and continually. There’s a consistency with God that always is present no matter the season. He is the one who stays with us and loves us no matter what.
2. Name one truth of the gospel or of Jesus’ teaching that you consistently come back to regardless of how culture shifts. (page 81)
He is faithful.
3. What does it mean to you that Jesus, the Holy One, has set you apart with His anointing? (page 80)
His anointing far outshines and outlast any blessing or anointing of man.
Love how simply you put all of these, Sarah. Sometimes I have difficulty boiling these down but you nailed them with such wisdom.
1. Meno. I appreciate all components of the definition, but I especially like the “to be held, kept, continually” part.I like to picture the gentle way He holds me in His hand.
2. One truth of the gospel is that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He never changes though our culture does. When I see some commercials depicting family members (even parents) hiding/stealing goodies for themselves, I do not see love your neighbor as yourself.
3. Anointing. That’s a wow! I’ve been anointed by Jesus and set apart! I hadn’t thought of it in that way. It’s too amazing!
(I did respond on July 9 via my iPad when I was waiting for a friend in the doc’s office, but something weird happened and I lost everything. Lesson learned to copy when using my iPad so that i don’t have to recreate this. I think my first one was a bit more detailed….) 🙂