HM - Bible study

Jul/Aug Bible Study

Company Verse
Read the scripture under the masthead and list of writers, on page 18 (Psalm 34:1-3). Why would HM chose this verse? What kinds of meaning are carried by the word “extol?” What does it mean to “extol the Lord at all times?” In what realistic or practical ways can this attitude be displayed in our lives?

Natural Disasters: God’s Power and Plan
On page 34, the band Kekal talks briefly about the Tsunami in Southeast Asia last year. What purpose could such disasters serve? Mike Herrera of MXPX also talks about his experience of being in an earthquake recently. How is God’s power displayed in such events? Read Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, Luke 21:11, Isaiah 24: 19-20. What might these passages tell us about the disasters that occur today? What are the “birth pains” talked about in Mark 13:8?

Dark Times, Struggles, and Hope
Kids in the Way are interviewed on page 36. They mention the presence of darkness in their music and lyrics: “A lot of the darkness comes from real experiences in our lives. It’s cool because we can write dark music and violent music, but in the end there’s always that overpowering message of hope. In a Christian’s life, there can’t be dark without the light overcoming it…Being a Christian doesn’t mean it’s sunshine and rainbows all of the time. We all have very dark moments in our lives, but we know where to turn.”

Then on page 64 and 65, Trevor from TFK talks about his car getting broken into and having many of his possessions stolen.

Why do some Christians feel accepting Christ should be a “ticket to happiness?” Is this ever promised to us in the Bible? What are the promises we ARE given when hard times arrive? Turn to John 1:4-5, Hebrews 12:2-3, John 16:33, Romans 8: 35-39, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 2 Thessalonians 3:3 for examples of dark times, and the promises we are given when we face them.

The Young and the Elderly
Denison Witmer talks on page 46 about learning lessons from his baby niece as well as his grandmother. What do Psalm 8:2 and Proverbs 16:31 say about this? What lessons have you learned from spending time with children or the elderly? What do these age groups appreciate or value that the rest of us sometimes miss?

So and So Says
In “Every Time I Die Says” on pages 93-95, there is a discussion about the realization that one will die some day, and whether or not a “blissful ignorance” approach is the best way to counteract that thought. Is it better to ignore the sad, unsettling, evil, or troubling things that occur in our lives and live in happiness? What insight does Luke 9:23-25 offer? Is the life of struggle described in this passage better or worse than living in ignorant bliss to the harsh truths? Why or why not?

Concerning the issue of death, why do you think the book ETID’s singer spoke of suggested living life ignoring, or at least skirting, the issue of imminent death? What worldview might this view of death reflect? Read John 11:25-26. How does holding this view of death affect the approach to living life?

Back Cover
Take a look at the back page artwork and the text beside it. What does it say to you? What are your impressions? What could it be trying to say? Read 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Hebrews 2:18, 1 Corinthians 10:13, and Hebrews 4:15-16. What perspective do these verses give on the topic of temptations and choices? If the battle has already been won for us, what is our responsibility in the process?

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