The one experience we all share as humans is loss. Loss can appear in various forms and isn’t limited to death, but can also include disappointments and the change, shift, or end of: a job, career, home, health, marriage, parenting, friendship, or other types of relationships. Wherever we are in our experience of loss and even if we might feel alone, Jesus assures us that we are not. Even when we can’t see or hear Him, He is here and He isn’t silent. Jesus is never absent in the Scriptures and He’s not absent in our lives either. Since He cares even for the birds of the air, how much more He cares for us who are much more valuable to Him (Matthew 6:26). In this class, we will focus on the “much more” part based on teachings from the Bible where He has so much prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). We will explore how Christ is our steadfast Hope in the midst of our loss, but also how He moves us beyond the suffering and grieving to grow us and turn ashes into beauty (Isaiah 61:1-11)—all while being our Good Shepherd, Comforter, Healer, Counselor, and sovereign Heavenly Father. We will loosely follow Cameron Cole’s “Therefore I have hope” (not required reading) while sharing our stories with each other and a few crafty days.

"BEMA" (or bimah) is a Hebrew word that refers to the elevated platform in the center of 1st century synagogues where they read the Torah. In the early church, the community of God's people didn't face a stage with an audience but rather centered around the Word of God. 

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In our group, we will listen to the conversations in the BEMA podcast and learn a new approach (eastern vs. western) to the Scriptures. Through this class, we will hear about how the Israelites would have understood the Torah and what experiences and teachings would be in the forefront of their minds as Scriptures unfolded.  This eastern approach gives us permission to pause, observe, and find "problems" in the Bible. This podcast and our discussions will not just be engaging the mind, but will also tug at your heartstrings as we experience God in new ways.  We will be starting the New Testament podcasts this spring semester beginning with the Book of Matthew.

This is a continuation class from previous semesters.  If you'll be joining us for the first time or have never listened to the BEMA podcast before, it is recommended to listen to the first 5 episodes of Season 1 to understand the style of discussion we will participate in.  

If you were to describe your daily life, would you use the word abundant? Or would you be more likely to say overwhelming, busy, or tiring? Though we all experience seasons of distress, exhaustion, or busyness when we abide in Christ, the Spirit can still bear abundant fruit in and through us. 

Abundance isn't determined by our circumstances but by our reliance on our Savior. When we bring our tiny seed of faith to Him, the Holy Spirit nourishes and cares for it, and from the abundance of His power, He produces fruit that brings God glory.

No matter what season or circumstance you are walking through, the Holy Spirit has all power and purpose to tend, cultivate, and bear abundant fruit.

This Bible Study will incorporate expressive arts to help transform God's Word from thoughts to actions, so His Word will take root in our hearts as we abide in Him.

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The greatest thing we can do for our marriage is to invite God into the conversation. This book will give us the inspiration and tools we need to pray about specific needs in our relationship - from health crises to handling conflict, in-laws to intimacy. Each chapter invites us to read, reflect, and respond as we pray over every part of our relationship.

 

Author Jodie Berndt, along with her husband, Robbie, share vulnerable stories about their marriage, as well as wisdom gleaned from years of mentoring others. The goals are for us to discover the power of prayer, peace when approaching difficult situations with God's promises and perspective, a new spiritual passion, and a more loving, joyful and deeply connected marriage.