Discussion Starters, Mt 5:1-12, Lk 6:20-26

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(a) Try composing an alternative set of ‘beatitudes’, based on popular opinion.  How would these compare with the ‘real’ beatitudes taught by Jesus?

(b) Rudyard Kipling spoke of his ‘six honest serving men’:-

I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why
and When And How and Where and Who.

Interrogate the beatitudes by asking questions such as…

  • Who are ‘the poor in spirit’?
  • When will ‘the meek inherit the earth’?
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Polygamy in the Bible

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In current debates about same-sex marriage, the assumption that marriage has always been between ‘one man and one woman’ has been disputed.  What about marriage in the Old Testament?  Did not David (and others) have more than one wife?  Does not that fact undermine the assumption?

Monogamy was established by God in creation (Gen. 2:18–25), reaffirmed by Christ in his teachings about marriage (Matt. 19:3–12 // Mark 10:2–12), and echoed in the later NT when it touches on marriage (1 Cor.…

After the resurrection

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  1. Bereaved – Mary, Jn 20:13.
  2. Disappointed – Cleopas, Lk 24:21.
  3. Afraid – the Twelve, Jn 20:25.
  4. Doubting – Thomas, Jn 20:25.
  5. Restored – Peter, Jn 21:15ff.
  6. Commissioned – Disciples, Mt 28:19.
  7. Blessed – His own, Lk 24:50.

(Pickering, Subjects for Speakers and Students, adapted)…

Discussion starters, Phil 2:19-30

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  1. At first sight, this rather personal and practical section seems unconnected to the great themes that Paul has been exploring so far in the letter. But have a closer look: do you see any ways in which this section picks up any of the concerns that Paul has mentioned earlier in chapter 2?
  1. Verse 22 reflects the fact that, in New Testament times, sons would often be trained by their fathers in the family trade. In what ways have you benefited from a more experienced Christian taking you under his or her wing?
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Periodicals

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Resources

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Blogroll

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About

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From the tale of a garden to the city of gold. From prayer to predestination. From Puritans to Pentecostals. From angels to Zionism. From book reviews you can read to blogs you can visit. From the theology of animals to the theology of extraterrestrial life.

This website gathers thoughts and insights from a wide range of Christian writers, and offers comment and reflection on the Bible, and on issues facing God’s people today.

Ever since I became a Christian back in the 1970s, I have been passionate about the Bible as the word of God.…

Implications of the Lord’s Prayer

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See Matthew 6:5-15

  • I cannot say OUR if I live in a watertight spiritual compartment; if I think a special place in heaven is reserved for my denomination.
  • I cannot say FATHER if I am not one of his family, through faith in his Son.
  • I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if I am so occupied with the earth that I am laying up no treasures there.
  • I cannot say HALLOWED BE THY NAME if I, as a Christian called by his name am not holy.
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