Sunday, February 18, 2018

The Life of Jesus: 6-Session DVD Bible Study

Two years ago I purchased the Miracles of Jesus and led my women’s class in a Bible Study. We enjoyed the picturesque scenery of Jerusalem and everywhere that Jesus walked. We used the discussion questions and the study guide to prepare my lessons. The Life of Jesus series seems to be just as interesting and wonderful. My favorite part of this DVD of the life of Jesus is the opening backdrop in Jerusalem Galilee and other points of interest. Since I have never been to Israel it is important to me to see where Jesus walked. The information on the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River was in lightning. Although all the sessions offered historical truths of key events of Jesus' life, I think my favorite part of the series is Session 6 with Dr. Matt William sitting in front of a campfire during the dark of night. Defeating the Enemy chronicles Mark 1:21 – 28 when Jesus Casts Out Demons. He shared scripture and gave a detailed background of Jesus’ confrontation with the demons. He encourages us to balance our thinking. Not to be overly obsessed with demons because “greater is He that is in us than Satan that in the world.” We know in the book of Revelation that the Devil has been defeated.  However, Matt encourages us to remember that Satan knows his time is short and we are likely to see more demonic activity in the days to come. Demons are very real and powerful. We cannot face them in our own strength. Prayer is essential and we must rely on the power of Jesus’ name. The Deeper Connections series was written and taught by biblical experts who could also communicate that material in a clear, practical, understandable manner. Each video is approximately 30 minutes with breaks for discussion and resources to use with the videos. I appreciate the scripture verses shown the screen so participants can read it without turning the lights. Thank you, Hendrickson/Rose  Publishers for allowing me to preview this valuable resource.

Friday, February 16, 2018

Rose Christ in the Passover

For years I have been intrigued with the Jewish Celebration of the Passover. I myself have attended three Passover Seder meals. One hosted by a Messianic Jew and his many children. It was very meaningful to hear the children ask the questions. Most Christians have little insight into the feasts and festivals of the Jewish faith. The demonstrations of the matzo bag fascinated me. As a Bible Study teacher of women I want to share with other the experience of the Seder Meal. I invited this family to come to our church and explain the history of the Passover and the significance in the celebration and symbolism as it relates to Jesus Christ our Savior. Years later, I am teaching a Women’s class at my church. This PowerPoint of Christ is the Passover is the perfect vehicle to share the Old Testament background of the Passover. The slides show a detailed comparison of the Passover and the Lord’s Supper using scripture from Exodus 12 and several passages from the New Testament. The Christian Seder portions of the slideshow uses full-color photos of the matzo bag and the Seder plate representing the essential elements in the traditional meal. The photos of middle matzah, called Afikomen, was broken and one piece placed back in the matzo bag show what no amount of words can convey in a lesson. The various slides can be used to supplement teaching and the participants can use the worksheets to share in the reading of the scripture. This resource would be a wonderful addition when used in a Bible study or a special class prior to our Easter celebrations. Thank you Hendrickson Rose for allowing me to review this PowerPoint of Christ in the Passover.