OC Bereans

Gentlemen,

Among the many things that we learned last night, we discovered that the story of Ruth is a beautiful glimpse of God’s grace, couched within a terrible time in Israel’s history.  To facilitate your preparation for next Monday’s study, here are several questions for you to consider:

1. What caused the “famine in the land”?  How might this be significant?
2. What is the significance of so many characters being identified by name?
3. Was Elimelech’s trek to Moab a step of faith or unbelief?
4. What do these passages teach us about Israel’s difficulties with Moab?

• Gen. 19:30-38
• Num. 22-24
• Num. 25:1-9
• Deut. 23:3-6
• Judges 3:15-30

We meet at 7 pm, at Biola University’s education center in Laguna Hills. If you are new to our study, there’s a link to a map and directions on the right-side toolbar.

Let’s start the dessert rotation again, from the top, in alphabetical order by first names.  Bob, are you up for that?

See you Monday, September 21st!

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Labor Day marks the “official end of summer” … but those of us who grew up in SoCal know that this is when the temperature really begins to rise!

With kids headed back to school this week, plus businesses readying for the “final quarter push” of this calendar year, it is also time for our weekly study to dive back into an in-depth study of one of the Bible’s 66 books.

For the next several weeks, or perhaps even few months, we will thoroughly unpack the two Old Testament books named after women:  Ruth and Esther.  To prepare for next week’s first look at the book of Ruth, read this short, four-chapter book at least one time each day for the next seven days … starting today!  In addition, jot down any (and every) observation you make about the book.  Come prepared to share your observations next Monday, September 14th.

The study starts at 7 pm!  Remember, the front doors to the building automatically lock at 7 pm, so plan to arrive before then.  I will bring the dessert!

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Roc stepped up big time last night and deftly dissected the Decalogue for us!  He distributed a very helpful chart full of cross-references, plus led us in a stimulating discussion.

Now, here is the schedule for the next four weeks:

• August 24 – No study … Angels game.  Steve will provide the details.
• August 31 – Meet at our new home at 6:30 pm for prayer, followed by fun & games.  Details, plus a map, will be emailed to you.
• September 7 – No study … Labor Day.
• September 14 – we kick-off an in-depth study of the Old Testament book of  Ruth.  Begin reading through this brief, four-chapter book right away.

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Wow!  For those in attendance at last night’s study, you know how content-rich our time together was.  Bob led a high-impact study, largely based on Abraham’s Mt. Moriah experience (Genesis 22), but supported widely from many other Scripture passages, too.  He also blessed us with his fascinating personal story of faith in Christ.  If you missed it, be sure to ask him for his four pages of notes … there’s enough good stuff there for at least five, full-length sermons!

This summer has served not only as a needed “sabbatical” for me, but as a wonderful opportunity to learn from each of you.  But it’s not over yet!  Here is the schedule for the next four weeks, including two more opportunities for a couple of you to lead our study again:

• August 17 – __________ *Let me know if you want to lead us!
• August 24 – No study … Angels game
• August 31 – __________  *Let me know if you want to lead us!
• September 7 – No study … Labor Day

On Monday night, September 14th, we will kick-off an in-depth study of the two Old Testament books that bear women’s names:  Ruth and Esther.  More details to follow.

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Thank you for faithfully praying for Nate and his ministry with Uncharted Waters Sports Ministry.  I just received a report from UW that during the first three weeks of this summer’s sports camps held throughout the U.S., 4846 kids attended, with 844 of those accepting Jesus as their Savior!

The statistics from their international camps have not yet been compiled.  Continue to pray for the next four weeks of camps throughout the U.S.  More detailed info is available on their website, which is listed to the right.

~ tr

Gentlemen,

Who cares that Prince Fielder, of the Milwaukee Brewers, won the MLB All Star “home run derby”?

Our very own Mark “hit one out of the park” tonight with his scintillating study of God’s covenants!!

We will continue that discussion next week, but on Scott’s houseboat on Lake Mission Viejo.  More details yet to come.

~ tr