Maadi Women's Bible Study

4. The Power of Story: Esther and Ruth

Questions:

Are you in a time of calm or turbulence?  What things are you doing in the calm to be ready for what is ahead?  How has past preparation served you well?

How do you handle injustice (in the world largely and in your own personal life)?  Are you willing to let God right wrongs in his own time and way, or do you fight for resolution yourself?  How can we fight injustice while still trusting God to fight for us?

3. The Power of Story: Esther and Ruth (ch. )

Questions

Do you find yourself identifying closely with Vashti? How about Esther?  How do your modern sensibilities influence the way you interpret their actions?

Esther is a book that highlights the providence of God.  How should knowledge of the providence of God impact the way you live your life? Does it change the way you view your own decision making? Are there things you need to “trust to the Lord” and move on from?

 

2. The Power of Story: Esther and Ruth (ch.1)

Questions:

Can you identify any areas in your own life where you blindly follow the ways of Empire? What does this reveal about your heart and how does your acknowledgment of those help motivate behavior change?

When viewed against the allure of Empire, is our church body offering an attractive alternative to our generation and the next? How can we do this better?

1. The Power of Story: Esther and Ruth (Introduction)

Taught by Amanda Risseuwe

Questions

Of the three approaches to the “Problem of Persia” which one resonates with you the most? [Return Restore Rebuild, Do what you want - but you better obey, or Stay and Resist]

Can you recall a time when God has intervened on your behalf, and how do you know it was Him?

 

13. Join Us at the Table a Study in Romans (ch. 6 Ya Gotta Serve Somebody)

Notes

Old Life

Master:

Actions:

Pattern:

Fruit:

New Life

Master:

Actions:

Pattern:

Fruit:

Questions

 

1. What value is there in examining your old life if you are now a new creation?

 

2. In what ways in your life have you seen sin become a trap that leads to even more sin?

 

 3. In what ways in your life have you seen righteousness lead to even more righteousness?

11. Join Us at the Table a Study in Romans (ch. 2-3 Saved by Faith, Sustained by Faith)

1. When and where do you see works based religion slipping into your thinking? How do you combat this tendency we all have?
2. What do you think is the difference between a work based theology and evidence of fruit theology. Both require action why is one right and the other wrong?
3.  Paul quotes, about Israel, “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”  It’s easy for us to look back 2,000 years and say how bad those Jews were, but what about us?  Can you think of things Christians do that may cause non-Christians to curse Jesus?

10. Join Us at the Table a Study in Romans (ch.1:18-32)

Questions

1. Do you struggle to accept the reality of God’s wrath? Why or why not
2. Share how understanding the depth of your own sin, and God’s just wrath on that sin, has helped deepen your appreciation for Christ’s work on the cross.
3. Paul says that what we worship determines our behavior. Do you see the connection between worship and behavior in your own life?
4. When sharing the gospel do you begin by sharing the the good news first or the bad news? Why?

9. Join Us at the Table a Study in Romans (ch.1:16-18 You Are Loved, Called, and Holy)

1. What would you say is your life “thesis” right now? How does Paul’s life thesis (the gospel) both challenge and encourage your own? (1:16-17)
2. How does realizing you’re a saint affect the way you respond to sin in your life?

8. Join Us at the Table a Study in Romans (ch. 11Has Israel been Rejected?)

Questions

How does the concept of a “remnant” encourage you in the midst our current culture where all seem to have abandoned God?

Who do you know you in your life that you have written off as outside of God’s reach or interest? How does this passage change your thinking about that person?

At the end of Romans 11, vs. 33-36 Paul shares a deep satisfaction that God’s wisdom, His knowledge, ways, plans, and judgement are perfect beyond what we can imagine. What do these verses inspire in you?

7. Join Us at the Table a Study in Romans (ch. 9)

1. How does the concept of election and sovereignty bring you comfort? What questions does it raise within you?
2. Does Paul’s answer to the question of verse 9:19 satisfy you? Why/why not? 
3. The basis of God’s expression of mercy is our disobedience. Disobedience is our status quo into which God shows mercy. How do you wrestle with this truth that you were born into sin and fully deserving of condemnation? (Rom. 11:30-33)