Scripture Seekers (Bible Study) Overview

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In our last session, we decided to wait until everyone is settled, back from travels, and ready to begin this new study. So I am excited to report that this coming Thursday, October 29, we are getting into it!

Our new study is called "Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner's Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven."  Dr. Amy Jill Levine will lead us on a 6-week deep dive into Matthew 5-7, focusing on how these passages would land with Jewish listeners. She will take us up through mid-Advent. The book we will be using can be found online here. You can also order the book at your local independent bookstore (like Books on B, in Hayward). And it also comes in e-book and audio format (on Audible.) 

The format of this study will be similar to our last. We will study the scripture together, discuss the corresponding (short) chapters of the book, and view and discuss video reflections from Dr. Levine. With everything going on in our nation, reviewing these key teachings and values of Jesus seems timely.

Here is the promo video and an outline of our sessions:

  • The Beatitudes | October 29 (Intro and Beatitude Chapter in Book): We will examine the opening "blessed are" statements, looking at concepts like being poor in spirit, meekness, and peacemaking.

  • The Extensions | November 5 (Extensions Chapter in Book): We will analyze Matthew 5:17 and how Jesus's "you have heard it said... but I say to you" statements function as deep extensions or intensifications of the Torah rather than rejections of it.

  • Practicing Piety | November 12 (Practicing Piety Chapter in the Book): We will be exploring traditional Jewish expressions of devotion, charity, prayer, and fasting.

  • No Scripture Seekers | November 19: Council and PPRC

  • No Scripture Seekers | November 26: Thanksgiving

  • Our Father/Lord’s Prayer December 3 (Corresponding Chapter in the book): We will unpack the historical and cultural significance of the Lord’s Prayer for Jesus's first-century Jewish audience.

  • Finding Your Treasure and Living Into the Kin(g)dom | December 10 (Corresponding Chapters in the Book): We will look at material wealth, anxiety, and the final passages of the sermon.and concluding with practical applications for daily living and the Golden Rule.

We meet on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Thursday evenings at 5:30 PM Pacific on Zoom.