Harmony Bible – vocation

The Community of Disciples

June 12th, 2015|Five|Comments Off on The Community of Disciples

Week 51 | Section 60

This week our scripture passage is very brief – only two sentences that comprise three verses. Still their significance and the dialog that your small group will have will surely spark all sorts of activity and a greater sense of community.

The passage is exemplifies Jesus’ missional ministry, and includes two significant aspects – He was joined by “the twelve” (the apostles whom he had appointed (section 53) and a few women who’s lives had also been transformed by […]

Heartfelt Sorrows

May 31st, 2015|Five|Comments Off on Heartfelt Sorrows

Week 49 | Section 58 in the Harmony of the Gospels

Jesus’ prophetic voice sounds clear warning in today’s passage from Matthew 11:20-30. The sorrow he expresses towards the cities of Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum is heartfelt and the silver lining for those communities despised by the faithful and pious are offers a glimmer of hope to those who would hear what the spirit has to say. Its easy to get off track and even […]

Fishers of Men

November 30th, 2014|Three, Two|Comments Off on Fishers of Men

Week 27 | Sections 40,41

In this week’s study we’re transitioning from phase two to phase three of Jesus’ ministry. Though this is week 26 for us, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist about a year before. In today’s study the five men who had been following Jesus choose to become his disciples. This is a major transition in their lives, and in the life of every disciple who since believed because of the ministry […]

The Spirit of the Lord is on Me

November 23rd, 2014|Two|Comments Off on The Spirit of the Lord is on Me

Week 26 | Section 39

Though Jesus had already shown sufficient evidence and declared himself to be the Messiah, when Jesus reads from the scroll the prophetic words “The spirit of the Lord is upon me…” from the scroll of Isaiah – we catch another glimpse of God’s eternal purpose and his plan to see it accomplished.

Scripture:

Luke 4:16-31a
16 He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom,¯ into the synagogue on […]

Ripe for Harvest

November 9th, 2014|Two|Comments Off on Ripe for Harvest

Week 24 | Section 35b,c

No bones about it, Jesus was certain of his identity and word of his deeds were spreading as quickly as the sun was ripening the grain fields. The air was being filled with the sweet aroma of a promise – a harvest of souls and the hope of Israel.

Scripture:

Section 35b | John 4:27-38
27 At this, his disciples came. They marveled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no one said, “What are you looking […]

Humble Service

October 26th, 2014|Two|Comments Off on Humble Service

Week 22 | Sections 33, 34

In these two sections we read once again the witness of John the Baptist who personifies the humility we ought all embrace with the understanding that “He must become greater; I must become less”. We also read of the first account of Jesus’ disciples “doing ministry” – the baptizing of many – more than whom John had baptized thus far.

Scripture:

Section 33
John 3:22-36
22 After these things, Jesus came with […]

Behold, the Lamb of God

September 21st, 2014|Two|Comments Off on Behold, the Lamb of God

Week 17 | Section 26, 27

Word of John the Baptist’s ministry reached Jerusalem and concerned enough of the Jews there that they sent the a cadre of priests and scholars to investigate. Was he Elijah? The Prophet? or the Messiah? Why was John baptizing folks? In humility, John replied, I am “a voice” and I my role is to “make straight the way of the Lord”. These were familiar words to such learned Jews […]

Prepare the Way of the Lord

August 24th, 2014|One|Comments Off on Prepare the Way of the Lord

Week 13 | Sections 20, 21

As we continue our chronological reading of the gospels, Jesus has now grown to be a man. This is when the Apostle Mark begins his Gospel record in which he aims to emphasize the activities and miraculous works of Jesus. John was already preparing the way, softening the hearts of his listeners away from self-righteousness and indifference with a message of repentance and baptism of those who desired release.

Scripture:
Section […]