HM - Bible study

May/June '05 Bible Study

Imperfect in Our Lives
On page 20, Foreknown states “the imperfection in our lives is the exact reason we need Jesus. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9. How does this verse relate to that statement? Are there any other verses that speak about this idea?

Secular Influence on Christian Artists
On page 22, Bloody Sunday mentions several mainstream hardcore bands when asked to name some of “the all time hardcore classic albums.” Is it OK for a Christian musician to be influenced by secular artists? Why or why not? If so, to what extent? As Christians, should we listen exclusively to Christian music? Is it possible to listen to and enjoy music without buying into its message? Where should we draw the line? How does Philippians 4:8 apply to this discussion?

Love
In the feature story on page 40, As I Lay Dying talk a lot about love, and the difference between love and romance or infatuation. What does hearing the word love make you think or feel? In what ways is love more than just a feeling or emotion? Read 1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 3:16-20, 4:7-21, and John 15:13. How do these verses reinforce or perhaps change your definition of love? In what ways in your life have you experienced a love that went beyond an emotion, and involved sacrifice on your part?

Christianity and Popular Culture
In Chris Wighaman’s column (pg. 69), he talks about how popular culture borrows from Christian terms and sayings, and vice versa. Read his quote of Romans 12:2 in the article and then read it again in a different translation. Are there areas you can think of, besides the ones mentioned, that the Church imitates or borrows from “the world?” How do you see yourself doing this personally? What things can we gain from the above passage of Scripture in order to combat this trend, as a Church as well as personally?

The Back Page
The back cover talks about laying down baggage. What kinds of baggage do you see in your life? What kinds of things do you think those around you seem to be “weighed down” by? How do you normally deal with the “baggage” in your life? Does this method seem to work? Are you ever reluctant to bring you burdens to God? Why, or why not? Read Matthew 11:28-30, John 16:33, and Hebrews 4:16. What light do these verses shed on the subject? In what ways are Christ’s yolk easy and His burden light? How does this relate to the promise: “In this world you will have trouble…” in John 16:33?

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