June 1st Small Group: Wisdom Literature

Happy Memorial Day, 20somethings!

Hopefully the rain we got this morning hasn't ruined your plans for the day. Take a minute today to thank any members of the armed services and veterans that you know, and to pray for those currently serving our country and for the families of those who have lost loved ones.

And hopefully you'll be able to join us tomorrow, as we meet together to study the Bible, pray for one another, and enjoy each others' company. This week Tom will be leading us as we look at Psalms, Proverbs, and Wisdom literature in the Bible. For the month of June, we'll be meeting at Jill & Heather's house, 460 Sunnybrook Lane, Wheaton IL 60187. You can park on the street. See you at 7:30pm on Tuesday, June 1st!

We will also be discussing our Narrative Challenge. Remember, we're reading the Joseph narrative (Genesis 37-50), paying attention to the following:

• Plot
• Setting
• Point of View
• Characterization
• Dialogue
• Structure

Remember that narrative is primarily about GOD. He is the main protagonist, not us. As we read through the Joseph narrative, we also need to strive to see how this "third level" narrative fits into the "second level" (story of Israel) as well as the "first level" (overarching story of salvation).

Some final things to keep in mind as we read this and any other biblical narrative (taken directly from "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth"):
An Old Testament narrative usually does not directly teach a doctrine.

1. An Old Testament narrative usually illustrates a doctrine or doctrines taught propositionally elsewhere.
2. Narratives record what happened - not necessarily what should have happened or what ought to happen every time. Therefore, not every narrative has an individual identifiable moral application.
3. What people do in narratives is not necessarily a good example for us. Frequently, it's just the opposite.
4. Most of the characters in the Old Testament narratives are far from perfect - as are their actions as well.
5. We are not always told at the end of the narrative whether what happened was good or bad. We are expected to be able to judge this on the basis of what God has taught us directly and categorically elsewhere in Scripture.
6. All narratives are selective and incomplete. Not all the relevant details are given (cf. John 21:25). What does appear in the narrative is everything that the inspired author thought important for us to know.
7. Narratives are not written to answer all our theological questions. They have particular, specific, limited purposes and deal with certain issues, leaving others to be dealt with elsewhere in other ways.
8. Narratives may teach either explicitly (by clearly stating something) or implicitly (by clearly implying something without actually stating it).
   
9. In the final analysis, God is the hero of all biblical narratives.

May 25th Potluck!

Hey 20Somethings,

Tomorrow (May 25th) is potluck! Bring something edible to share with everyone, and look forward to spending the evening eating, talking, and playing games with friends. Meet at the Shelleys' house at 6:30pm.

Also, here's a reminder from Sarah in case you missed (or have forgotten) last week's challenge. This is a 2 week challenge that we're working on until the next small group (June 1st). Our challenge is to read through the Joseph narrative (Genesis 37-50). Make sure to pay attention to the following:

• Plot
• Setting
• Point of View
• Characterization
• Dialogue
• Structure

Also, we need to remember that narrative is primarily about GOD. He is the main protagonist, not us. As we read through the Joseph narrative, we also need to strive to see how this "third level" narrative fits into the "second level" (story of Israel) as well as the "first level" (overarching story of salvation).

Some final things to keep in mind as we read this and any other biblical narrative (taken directly from "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth"):
An Old Testament narrative usually does not directly teach a doctrine.

1. An Old Testament narrative usually illustrates a doctrine or doctrines taught propositionally elsewhere.
2. Narratives record what happened - not necessarily what should have happened or what ought to happen every time. Therefore, not every narrative has an individual identifiable moral application.
3. What people do in narratives is not necessarily a good example for us. Frequently, it's just the opposite.
4. Most of the characters in the Old Testament narratives are far from perfect - as are their actions as well.
5. We are not always told at the end of the narrative whether what happened was good or bad. We are expected to be able to judge this on the basis of what God has taught us directly and categorically elsewhere in Scripture.
6. All narratives are selective and incomplete. Not all the relevant details are given (cf. John 21:25). What does appear in the narrative is everything that the inspired author thought important for us to know.
7. Narratives are not written to answer all our theological questions. They have particular, specific, limited purposes and deal with certain issues, leaving others to be dealt with elsewhere in other ways.
8. Narratives may teach either explicitly (by clearly stating something) or implicitly (by clearly implying something without actually stating it).
   
9. In the final analysis, God is the hero of all biblical narratives.

And if you've made it this far, you deserve a preview of upcoming events! For the month of June, our small group will be meeting at a new location: Heather & Jill's house! Also, check out the calendar below for upcoming events, including minigolf, a trip to Starved Rock, and sand volleyball! We've certainly got an exciting summer ahead!

May 18th Small Group: Narrative

Hey 20somethings,

Tomorrow is Tuesday - and that means it's time for small group! We'll be meeting at the Shelleys' house at 7:30pm for fellowship, study, and prayer. I jumped the gun a little bit last week, but this week we really WILL be studying the genre of narrative (represented by much of the Old Testament & the book of Acts). Sarah will be leading us in our discussion, and we'll also be discussing our Challenge of the Week. If you missed last week (or have forgotten what we talked about), here's the info on our Parable/Gospel challenge.

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Passage of the Week: Luke 15:1-32

1. What is the historical context?

2. Who is the audience?

3. What literary device(s) are used?

4. Compare the Luke passage to Matthew 18:12-14. What is unique to Luke's account? What things do both passages share?

5. What is the point of the passage?

6. What was the response that Jesus' hearers would have had?

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See ya soon!

--Jill

Challenge of the Week: Luke

Here's a reminder about our Challenge of the Week:

In light of our discussion of the Gospels on Tuesday, we are studying Luke 15:1-32 on our own this week. You may also want to compare it to a similar passage -- Matthew 18:12-14. We'll share our observations & reflections at group on Tuesday. As you read these three parables, try to answer the following questions.

1. What is the historical context?

2. Who is the audience?

3. What literary device(s) are used?

4. Compare the Luke passage to Matthew 18:12-14. What is unique to Luke's account? What things do both passages share?

5. What is the point of the passage?

6. What was the response that Jesus' hearers would have had?

Also, a few events updates/reminders:

• Cara has invited us to join her & CareNet in the Walk for Life on June 19th. Check out this link for more info: http://www.ministrysync.com/event/website/?m=403488
• Kristi is possibly looking for people to help her sister & brother-in-law paint & move next Saturday (May 22nd). Contact Kristi for more information.
• If you are interested helping out the Woodridge family (not sure that's spelled correctly) in their time of need by babysitting for their two incredibly adorable boys, contact Susan.
  
• Set aside your Wednesday evenings, starting in June, for Agape Cafe. More details will be forthcoming, or contact Michael.

May 11th Small Group: Narrative

How are you doing on this week's challenge? We're reading Philippians again, this time keeping an eye open for examples of messages that are culturally bound (i.e. only for the Christians reading the letter back when it was written) and examples of timeless messages that are directly applicable to us as Christians in the 21st century.

At group on Tuesday, we'll move into a new genre: Narrative! (I think that means the Old Testament books and maybe Acts, but you'll have to come on Tuesday to find out for sure.) Tom will be leading us in a discussion of books in this genre - why they were written, what they meant to the initial readers, and how to read, interpret, and apply those messages to our lives today. You don't wanna miss it!

Also, summer is almost here! (16 school days left for me & my high school students!) We're excited to see those of you who were away at school this year & will be home for the summer. We have lots of fun events planned to keep even those of us who have to work over the summer in a jovial mood. Stay tuned for details!

--Jill

May 4th: The Epistles, Part II

Hey Friends,

I hope to see you tomorrow night (Tuesday May 4th, 7:30pm) at the Shelleys' house for small group. Sarah will continue leading our discussion on how to study the Epistles, and we'll also be sharing what we learned from our Challenge in Philippians. Hopefully you've had a chance over the past two weeks to dive into Philippians, meditate on it, & try to understand it. If not, don't worry, you can still get in on the challenge. Sit down right now and read through the four short chapters, and try to answer the following questions:

1. Does the book itself state its author?
2. Does the book itself state when it was written?
3. Does the book contain/refer to any historical events?
4. Does the book contain geographical information?
5. What does it say about the recipients?
6. What is the relationship between the author and the recipients?
7. What hints of social customs/manner of life are contained?
8. Does the book appear to give an overall purpose for its having been written? Generally? Specific mention?
9. Are there any special concerns? A recurring word or theme?
10. Can you discern an outline?
11. Are there any other questions or observations you have not covered by the previous questions?

See you soon!