The Journey and Trinity Bible Scholars

The Journey

Matthew 16:18 and Ephesians 2:10 -20

Scripture for Nov. 15

We all have expectations about lots of things. You know, something is supposed to be a certain way. But then when it isn’t it, we’re not sure what to do. For example, we have a pretty good idea of much our water bill will be each month (or electric/gas bill). You could say we expect it to be around a certain amount. Then we get the mail and the water bill is twice as high as usual. Our expectations have not been met and we may be confused or even angry. Or let’s say we teach our child to be kind to other children. Then he or she acts out in some way. Again, our expectations have not been met and we get upset. We expect certain things from family, friends, employers and our church. Then when our expectations are not met, we have some decisions to make. How will we respond when our expectations are not met? Lots of emotions can be involved. It’s important for us to look at our expectations from time to time of other people, our church, our jobs and even God. We may just find that our expectations keep us from fully living the life that God invites us to live.

Prayer

Well God, when I really think about it, I can be quite upset when my expectations are not met by You and others. Gosh, I wonder if others and maybe even You, feel the same way about me…gives me a lot to think about, you know? Amen.


Trinity Bible Scholars

Nov. 15

Answers based on Matthew and Ephesians

1. The Gospel of Matthew begins with a genealogy. Which other book in the New Testament has a genealogy? ____________


2. What does Matthew 16:18 mean to you? _____________________


3. The city of Ephesus is in what country? __________________


4. When do scholars believe the Letter to the Ephesians was written? ______________


5. Where was Paul living when he wrote the Letter to the Ephesians? _______________

The Journey & Trinity Bible Quiz

John 5:2-9

Scripture for November 8

Most of us hold onto some things that really weigh us down. You know, things that have happened in our lives that we just can’t let go of. They seem to drag behind us and sometimes they get so heavy we can’t put one foot in front of the other. We tell ourselves to let go of the burden and we think we have for a while. But then there it is again. Sometimes the burden has become so much a part of who we are, we hold onto it out of habit, not even realizing it. How do we begin to let go? How do we discover how to release the burdens we carry around? How do we let go and let God carry them?

Prayer

Oh God, you know all too well what I carry and how hard it is for me to let you have it. Why do I hold on so tightly? Am I getting something out of it? Oh, these are tough questions and I need your help in finding the answers. Amen.





Trinity Bible Scholars
Nov. 8


Answers are from the Gospel of John.



1. Who is the Word? ___________



2. Who came to testify to the Light? ____________



3. The Gospel of John is one of four gospels in the Bible. Name the other three gospels. _________, _________ and _________.



4. What rather odd question did Jesus ask the man in the Scripture for November 8? _____________



5. The Gospel of John is supposedly written by John but is his name ever mentioned as the author except in the title? ______. Why do scholars believe it was titled the Gospel of John? __________ (cite the verse where you discovered the answer.)