Online Bible Study with Randy McRoberts

Series: How to Become a Better Church Series: How to Become a Better Church Lesson 3: Inside and Outside In the last lesson we focused on the nature of love. In other words, what does it mean to love someone. We learned it is far deeper than the emotions made trivial in pop music. It involves doing good for and to others. Now let’s get specific about love within the church. How we treat one another is important. In fact, we really kind of need each other. Galatians 6:7-10 (ESV) 1 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Questions Does it s

I've been hearing from several folks outside of the comment stream here on the page that they like the format of the study and they enjoy reading and thinking about the scripture, but that they are not likely to leave comments. I suppose there could be lots of folks in that bucket. I will forge ahead with this same format until people stop caring about it and stop showing up. Thanks.

Series: How to Become a Better Church Series: How to Become a Better Church Lesson 2: The Nature of Love In the last lesson we focused on the foundational role of love in Jewish and Christian piety and practice. In this lesson we will deepen our understanding of the importance of love in the life of a Christian. In particular, we will look at some words of Paul to the church at Ephesus and some words of Jesus himself to his disciples in preparation for his leaving them. Some of the deepest and most moving theology (meaning: information about God ) in the New Testament comes in the prayers Paul prays for his churches. As a background to our first section of scripture, the Ephesians have been worried about Paul, who is in prison. Paul shifts the focus back to the church and describes the way he prays for them. Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV) 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that accordi

Series: How to Become a Better Church Series: How to Become a Better Church Lesson 1: Love your Neighbor, even in Church Let's start with the basics. If we were only allowed one fundamental Christian instruction, it would be to love God. But we aren't limited to one, so let's add the second most important instruction: love others, too. Some theologians call this the Jesus Creed. Love God and Love Others. Before this lesson is over you will understand calling it the Jesus Creed. In the upcoming installments of this Bible study, we will be looking at some specific ways we can love God and love one another. But as I said, let's start with the basics. Deuteronomy 6:4–9 (ESV): The Shema, a foundational document for Israel and for Christians. 4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall