Summer Bible Study Theme
2010 Summer Theme: Filled With Joy!
"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."– Psalm 126:3
Day 1: Joy In Praising (David, Israelites)
Primary Text: Psalm 65:9-13Key Verses: Verses 12-13 (stewardship of creation)
Do we join Creation in praising God?
Catechism Connection:
First Article: I believe that God created me and all that exists.
Commandments: Love God with all your heart, soul and mind.
Focus Points:
- God's creation and His word reveal His greatness.
- All of Creation sings praises to God.
- Creation speaks without a sound, yet its message goes out to all the earth.
- Because of God's grace, we are free to joyfully praise and worship God.
Day 2: Joy in Obeying (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego)
Primary Text: Matthew 28:19-20Key Verses: Verses 16-17 (stewardship of words)
Do we understand the power of words?
Catechism Connection:
Sixth Petition: Lead us not into temptation.
The Apostles Creed: Confession of Faith.
Focus Points:
- Words are powerful in building up and destroying.
- May our words be acceptable to God.
- Use words to teach and counsel each other.
- Joy fills our hearts when we respect and obey God's words and believe God's promises.
Day 3: Joy in Being Content (Madame Blueberry - Veggie Tales)
Primary Text: Hebrews 13:5-6Key Verse: Verse 5 (stewardship of stuff)
Are we content with the possessions we have?
Catechism Connection:
First Article: I believe that God created me and all that exists.
Fourth Petition: Give us this day our daily bread.
Focus Points:
- We own nothing. All we have belongs to God.
- Be content with what you have because God is faithful.
- A life filled with joy is not based on how much stuff we have -- no matter what the world tells us.
- God calls us to give joyfully and generously according to what we have.
Day 4: Joy in Suffering (Peter, Job, Jesus)
Primary Text: Romans 5:1-5Key Verses: Verses 3-4 (stewardship of hope)
Where do we find hope in suffering?
Catechism Connection:
Baptism: A new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.
Holy Communion: Shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sins.
Focus Points:
- Sometimes we will not understand the mystery of God.
- However, nothing can separate us from the love of God.
- The Holy Spirit gives us hope in our suffering and strengthens our faith.
- We can rejoice in a new relationship with our Creator through Christ's suffering.
Bible Text References: Psalm 13:1-6, 1 Peter 4:12-16, Romans 8:26-27, Philippians 4:4-7, Romans 8:37-39, Job 6:1-13, Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 15:1-39
Day 5: Joy in Sharing (Good Samaritan, Mary and Martha)
Primary Text: 1 Peter 4:10-11Key Verses: Verses 10-11 (stewardship of time and talents)
Do we use our time and talents to help every neighbor in need?
Catechism Connection:
Second Article: That I may serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness.
Commandments: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Focus Points:
- God loves and values each of us.
- We should value our own lives and the lives of others just as God loves and values us.
- We are called to share our time and talents (our lives) joyfully as brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Not because we have to, but because we want to.
Additional Bible References: Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 10:25-37, Luke 10:38-42, Psalm 139:13-15, Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Acts 4:32-37, James 1:22-27
