Answering The Call - Bible Study Fellowship
Transcription
Answering The Call - Bible Study Fellowship
® Answering The Call December 2012 “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7 S ince its beginning, the desire of Bible Study Fellowship is to engage people with the Truth of God in the Bible. Just as God captures our attention through the majesty of snow-capped mountains, the beauty of spring flowers or the vastness of the sky above, we aim to attract people to God’s Word through authentic and relevant expressions of who we are as a ministry. During the past two years, BSF has been engaged in a process to determine how to best express the heart of BSF in today’s culture. Because BSF has a global scope, expressing who we are as a ministry must ring clear in multiple cultures, nations and generations. Therefore, the process of updating our identity required a global team of professionals and volunteers. The process included the BSF Board of Directors, staff, Global Advisory Council and BSF leaders from around the world. God demonstrated His ways as His people unified around these distinguishing expressions of BSF: Working for His glory We accomplish what we are called to do through God’s power. We strive for excellence with humility and recognize it is by God’s grace that we are obedient and fruitful. He alone deserves our praise. Partners in the cause of Christ We recognize it takes all believers to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s our privilege to equip people to contribute effectively in their local congregations and support their pastors so the Church throughout the world is better prepared to eradicate biblical poverty. We are thankful and supportive of all other ministries that teach the Bible and serve people in the name of Jesus Christ. Passion for Jesus and compassion for His people We demonstrate our passion for Christ through compassion for one another. Loving, honest interaction – in the context and culture of our classes – fosters discipleship. Our heart’s desire is to see men, women and children transformed into the image of Christ. Never compromise the Truth Our teaching is Christ-centered and Christ-exalting. We understand the world is changing. But the Truth – God’s Word – does not. It is perfect, sacred and eternal. We commit to proclaim God’s Word boldly, correctly and with love so more 2 | December 2012 people will come to know the Jesus of the Bible and have the hope He alone offers. Seriousness and urgency of purpose BSF is intentional and focused. We teach the Bible, train leaders and support the Church. We embrace a particular responsibility and urgency to reach the next generation throughout the world with the Truth of Jesus Christ. We reflect this in our preparation, attention to detail, organization, structure and methods. Rigor and discipline BSF is substantial and challenging, yet welcoming. Our leaders do not spoon-feed class members. They point class members to the Bible to seek Truth and answers for themselves. Consistent in the essentials An international Bible study that serves many global cultures and all generations is exciting – and challenging. On one hand, we preserve a consistency in those things that make BSF who we are – our core beliefs, values and hallmarks. On the other hand, the unique qualities among the generations and nations require contextualization. Fellowship around the Word of God Bible study is meant to be done personally and in community. BSF provides a safe and loving environment for people to learn God’s Word, live God’s Word and share God’s Word. By now, you have seen our new logo and other visual expressions of BSF. More is coming in our Web site and materials. The BSF logo is a simple, warm and hopeful rendering of an open Bible, the focus of our mission. Radiant with a warm yellow color, the Bible in our logo represents the light of God’s revelation to His people. May God be glorified through this creative, relevant and authentic expression of Bible Study Fellowship. May a global audience be attracted to BSF classes so people from many nations, cultures and generations encounter God through His Word. For the fame of Jesus Christ in the nations, Susie www.bsfinternational.org The enhanced visuals and voice of BSF F or more than 50 years, BSF has sought to glorify God through materials that teach the Bible, train leaders and support the Church. In looking ahead, and with a special emphasis on working in partnership to eradicate biblical poverty and reach the next generation, BSF has undergone a Visual Identity Initiative. This effort enhances the vision and voice of BSF to communicate even more effectively our passion for Christ and compassion for His people. Since the beginning of this study year, BSF’s print, digital materials and messaging have carried this enhanced identity to reflect more consistently the God-honoring characteristics of BSF. During this year’s study of Genesis, you will see a mix of the old and the new as we make the transition to this enhanced identity. By the beginning of our study of Matthew in 2013-14, most, if not all, of our materials should carry the new look. This effort includes our lesson notes, making them an even more effective tool in reaching deeper into God’s Word. Genealogy and Birth of Christ Matthew 1 Bible Study Fellowship is an in-depth, interdenominational Bible class for people of all ages and backgrounds. God is using BSF to help people discover joy, freedom and satisfaction in their lives as they encounter God in the Bible. Through their study of God’s Word, the Lord equips members to serve in the cause of Christ in the church throughout the world. In the 50 years since our founding, hundreds of thousands of men, women and children have participated in our program. Many have gone on to assume leadership positions in their churches and serve God in other ministries. Regardless of your goals – one study or nine – or where you start – as a beginner or as an advanced Bible student – you’ll find there’s a place for you in BSF! You’ll receive lesson questions each week to complete on your own. During the program year, class members study one of nine courses – Genesis, Life of Moses, Israel and the Minor Prophets, Isaiah, Matthew, John, Acts of the Apostles, Romans or Revelation. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced Bible student, you’ll find the rewards of the study will match your personal commitment. Investing in your relationship with God is the one thing you’ll never regret at any stage of your life. ® Focus when:_________________________________________________ where: ________________________________________________ more info: _____________________________________________ There’s a place for you in Bible Study Fellowship. ______________________________________________________ Just think of it! More than 1,000 classes on six continents in nearly 40 nations I102 (9.2012) are encountering God through the study of His Word. That’s Bible Study Fellowship today. Check out our Web site to find the class nearest you. Go to www.bsfinternational.org and our Facebook page to connect to the global BSF community and pray for people around the world. Get answers to life’s tough questions in community. Did you open the New Testament expecting to read about Jesus? His name appears in the first sentence. Jesus could have been dramatically introduced as a compelling teacher, a charismatic leader, a miraculous healer. Matthew, however, begins with Jesus’ genealogy. Matthew knew and followed Jesus and believed in Him, and wrote to bring his readers to that same faith.1 The faith to which this book points is based on evidence. God always gives reasons for belief. “Blind faith” is not biblical faith. Matthew intended to record the life of a genuine King, and, even more, the unique, divine Savior descended from Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel. The New Testament established Jesus’ miracles and even His resurrection with hundreds of witnesses.2 Matthew called on 42 generations of Abraham’s descendants to certify that Jesus was the promised Savior. He provided sufficient proof for faith to act. 1. The Purpose Join others around the world in a deeper relationship with Jesus. There’s a place for you in when: This Lesson A. The Genealogy – Matthew 1:1-17 B. The Birth of Jesus Christ – Matthew 1:18-25 The Genealogy – MATTHEW 1:1-17 Classes for men, women (day and evening) and young adults connect participants with others who also have questions and similar desires. You’ll find encouragement and new insights as you discuss what you’ve learned each week with members of your discussion group, listen to the lecture and read the lesson notes. Times for fellowship with members of your discussion group and seminars offer additional opportunities to learn and apply God’s Word. At Bible Study Fellowship, families can study the Bible together. Our preschool and school programs provide rich learning experiences for all ages – from infants to teens. Learn who God is through personal study. “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” – Matthew 1:21 (NIV84) Engage ______________________________________________________ Children may attend after their enrollment is confirmed. ® BSF® Lesson 1 Notes Matthew Series III Global Headquarters Bible Study Fellowship 19001 Huebner Road San Antonio, Texas, USA 78258-4019 www.bsfinternational.org Matthew’s first aim was to convince the Jewish people Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ. Life in Israel required proof of ancestry. According to Old Testament law, genealogical records were necessary for titles to land, for proof of royal descent, rights as Levites and priests, or even a place among the people of God. Priests had to prove an unbroken line of male descent from Moses’ brother Aaron. If the priest wanted to marry, he had to choose a virgin whose Hebrew ancestry reached back at least five generations. Even the great historian Josephus opened his autobiography with his own genealogy. Before Matthew spoke of the birth of Messiah, he went back generations to prove Jesus’ direct line to the throne of King David. Many Old Testament prophecies concerned David’s line. Anyone in His time who investigated would have known that Jesus of Nazareth’s claim to the throne of David was flawless. If not, there would have been no need to crucify Him because genealogies would have disqualified Him. On the day Jesus entered Jerusalem in a royal procession, the people welcomed Him and shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David.”3 If Jesus was not the Son of David, His enemies would have denounced Him as an imposter. Even on the day when our Lord solemnly challenged His attackers about why David called Him “Lord,”4 no one spoke against Jesus. Until the Romans destroyed the Temple in AD 70, the genealogical records were preserved in the Temple. No one ever disputed Jesus’ legal title. Since the destruction of the temple, only the genealogical tables of Matthew and Luke remain to prove descent from David and the rightful claim to David’s throne. Only Jesus of Nazareth descends directly and indisputably from David in the royal line. No other man can bring legal, documentary proof since the temple was destroyed and the records with it. Your own ancestry may or may not be significant to you. However, the genealogies of Israel were part of the record of God’s fulfillment of His ancient promises to His people, and through them, to the world. When sin first came into the world, God promised to send a deliverer.5 After many generations, God called Abraham and promised to bless the world through his descendants.6 The genealogies carefully traced Abraham’s family line through which God would keep His promise.7 God chose A sampling of new BSF materials (counterclockwise from top left): Welcome brochure, invitation, name tag, International/Multi-lingual funds brochure, Teaching Leader PowerPoint template, redesigned Web site (coming in early 2013) and a new lesson format (coming for Matthew study). In compliance with copyright restrictions, no portion of these materials may be reproduced in any form or stored on any system without written permission of the publisher. HEADQUARTERS – SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS Copyright © Bible Study Fellowship 1960, 2004, 2013 ® where: more info: ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Children may attend after their enrollment is confirmed. ® Global Headquarters 19001 Huebner Road San Antonio, Texas 78258-4019 www.bsfinternational.org G102(9.2012) Genesis Lesson 12 International and Translation/Multi-lingual funds The International Fund helps support BSF’s overseas classes and Global Ambassadors, who work with residents to plant classes in new areas. The BSF Translation/Multi-lingual Fund supports BSF’s efforts in translating material and reaching people of many languages. Tax-deductible donations may be made online at www.bsfinternational.org or mailed to BSF Headquarters 19001 Huebner Road San Antonio, Texas 78258-4019 ® Bible Study Fellowship is... • prayerful • encouraging • positive • respectful • hopeful • fellowship Bible • pretentious • random Study Fellowship is not... • arrogant • showy • condescending www.bsfinternational.org G117 (7.2012) • study • approachable • passionate for Jesus • compassionate for people • uncompromising (The Truth) • relevant • gracious • transforming • organized • inspiring • authentic • substantial • joyful • practical • humble • trustworthy • honest • high standards • welcoming • personal • chaotic • wishy-washy • lukewarm • easy • unfocused • mediocre • average • harsh • arbitrary • self-serving • worldly • disorganized • frivolous • superficial • despairing • exclusive • naive • political • old-fashioned • trendy December 2012 | 3 A new generation of discipleship Two stories of twenty-somethings show how faith in Jesus Christ is making a difference in the world. Cover and page 4 photos by Howard Chang Throughout most of his first year out of college, Brendan Kiu has worked as a computer programmer during the day and has spent his nights and weekends living with and serving the homeless. Brendan Kiu, 23 | San Francisco, Calif. Brendan Kiu didn’t realize what he was doing. While in college, Brendan, 23, was digging deep into God’s Word, analyzing its context, its people and God’s attributes. As he synthesized the passage into two sentences, as he typically does when studying the Bible, his mother looked at his work and said, “You know what? You’re doing homiletics.” Brendan is a lifelong student of the Bible. He loves God’s Word. But he also loves living God’s Word. “And do not seek what you are to eat or what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” – Luke 12:29-31 Brendan grew up in a strong Christian home. He spent years in the BSF school program and was heavily involved in youth and campus ministries in high school and college. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh in December 2011 with a master’s degree in computer-human interaction. He promptly moved to California’s Silicon Valley, where he landed a well-paying job at Web giant Yahoo. However, Brendan will tell you his most significant work in his first year out of college is serving the homeless in San Francisco. Not only does he serve the homeless, but he lives with them, in a bus he bought and affectionately named the Jesusmobile. From his bus – formerly a church bus refashioned with cots for sleeping – Brendan befriends, mentors, feeds and listens to dozens of men whom God has called him to serve. More important, Brendan teaches them about the truth and love of Jesus Christ. He tries to train them how to serve others amid difficult circumstances and challenges – poverty, alcoholism, drug abuse. Continued on page 5 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ ” — Matthew 25:40 4 | December 2012 www.bsfinternational.org Continued from page 4 “I’m not interested in just feeding the homeless,” Brendan said. “Or giving them a place to stay. If we’re not making disciples of Jesus Christ, we’re wasting our time.” Brendan, whose mother is an editor in BSF’s Chinese translation project, gives much of his salary away to various ministries and missions. He also feels called to the mission field. God’s call led him to the streets of San Francisco, and it is what he believes is leading him to mission work in Asia, where he has a heart for people in unreached places. “I can’t change people. Only Jesus can,” Brendan said. “Everything is about Jesus. Without Him nothing makes sense.” To many people, living outside the comfort and security of a home and serving on the streets or abroad would be considered dangerous. Brendan thinks otherwise. “The safest place to be,” he said, “is in God’s will.” Jennifer Zielke, 28 | Aurora, Ill. How precious is friendship? When it’s in the Lord, it has eternal value. Jennifer Zielke, who serves as a BSF children’s leader, has a lifetime of memories with her childhood friend, Stacy Leigh Lisi. Recently, Jenni shared on her blog her memories of — and thanks for— a life-transforming visit from Stacy. Her honesty and transparency reveal what a difference Christ-centered friendship makes in the lives of His people. Below is a portion of her post. “… My freshman year in college was rough. We had just moved to Texas, and even more life-shattering than that to me was that Michael and I broke up. I started a new life in Texas, a double life. I was good at playing the part of “good Jenni” when I needed to, but with my new friends I partied. Hard. And I got myself stuck in a web of alcohol, drugs and sex. “At the end of the summer, right before I was going to start my sophomore year, Stacy came to visit. She was getting ready to start her freshman year at the University of Illinois. While Stacy was there I tried to hide my “bad Jenni” side, though I’m sure she knew. She met all my friends and was incredibly gracious to them all. She was relevant, but unchanging, and never wavered from who she was in Christ. She was real. When I was with Stacy that week, I felt my old self start Stacy, left, and Jennifer in their early years. www.bsfinternational.org Jennifer, left, was the matron of honor in Stacy’s wedding. to emerge … my real self that I had shoved away that year. I remember feeling God awaken my soul again. “Stacy’s flight left early one morning before I was awake, but she left me a note on my pillow. I remember finding it and getting up to read it before it was even light out. In it “I remember feeling God awaken my soul again.” she thanked me for spending time with her, told me she was thankful for our friendship, and that she was praying for me and all that God would do through me that year. I broke down and cried. I lay on the floor and just cried and cried. “God had been working in my heart that whole year, but He used Stacy in a major way to bring His prodigal daughter back. She was the vessel that saved me from a life of destruction and despair. I firmly believe God used Stacy to redirect my life. She was loyal, faithful, loving and gracious. She didn’t judge me or correct me; she just loved me and prayed for me. I will never forget what she did for me that summer. “And actually, if that hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have gotten back together with Michael that year, married him that next summer, had three beautiful boys years later. So Stace, you’re the reason my family exists. :) “I have a love/hate relationship with the journey we are all on in life. I love the mystery of God and the excitement of seeking Him and joy in knowing Him. Obviously, life has some rough places, a lot of mine have been self inflicting, but I’m thankful for a God who redeems. He is faithful, loving, and gracious and waits for me. Thank you Stacy Leigh Lisi for being such a beautiful living example of Christ.” December 2012 | 5 It’s coming “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” — Revelation 22:13 W hile the staff at BSF Headquarters is busy planning and preparing for the 2015-16 study of Revelation, we hear a common question: “Why not sooner?” That’s understandable. The study of this book – the glorious consummation of God’s plan and promises of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – has been one of the most highly requested and eagerly anticipated. BSF’s board of directors has been prayerful in discerning God’s will and timing in offering Revelation. In the wake of the board’s decision to move forward, the executive director and staff of BSF are being just as prayerful, deliberate and careful in developing a study so every man, woman and child who attends BSF receives the best teaching, training and materials possible for the glory of God. There is much work to do, and three years is a short amount of time to accomplish this task. Here’s a preview of what’s ahead. Today The first draft of notes, written by a theologian, is in hand and being reviewed by BSF’s team of editors. The Revelation Study Fund was inaugurated with a donation of $125,000. BSF staff is continuing to plan the logistics of the study, including anticipated costs, materials, facilities and growth. 6 | December 2012 2013 Beginning in January, BSF edi- tors will undertake a 15-month process of editing and revising the 30 weeks of notes while developing the questions and answers for adults and students; pre-school and school program material; home discussion pages; home training lessons; and leaders training material. All of the materials will undergo a theological team’s review for clarity and accuracy. 2014 Beginning in the summer, BSF headquarters staff will begin the 30-week study of Revelation on a pilot basis. We’ll make revisions on the adult questions and notes based on feedback. Beginning in the fall, select BSF day and evening classes near BSF headquarters in San Antonio will begin the study on a pilot basis while all other classes study the regularly scheduled series of Moses. We’ll make further revisions on all materials based on feedback. We will translate all material and begin printing for mass distribution in time for the upcoming BSF study year. 2015 An expected 1,100 teaching leaders and more than 100 area advisors from around the world will be taught and trained by a team of theologians and BSF headquarters staff at a weeklong TL Institute in preparation for the Revelation study. (It will be the first time all TLs have gathered together since more than 900 convened in the summer of 1999 to prepare for the first Romans study.) In the fall, BSF classes will begin their study of Revelation with introductory lessons from Old and New testaments that will prepare members for this apocalyptic book. After several preparatory lessons, class members will study Revelation chapter by chapter. Almost all Schedule A classes will begin the Revelation study in September. Schedule B classes will start in January 2016. What you can do Pray: For excellence in handling every aspect of this study – materials, logistics, planning and contingencies. Invite: Don’t wait until Revelation to invite a friend to BSF. We are in a fascinating study of the book of Genesis, followed by studies of the Gospel of Matthew and the Life of Moses. God has something to say to you today through His Holy Scriptures. Therefore, there is no better time than today to be in God’s Word and to invite others to BSF. www.bsfinternational.org Digging in M uch of the work of BSF is what is seen. Teaching and sharing in classes, training at headquarters, weekly lessons and other materials all are visible means that spread God’s Word in the world. Lately, headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, has been undertaking a great deal of work that is unseen — cutting through rock and replacing water pipes and septic systems. Contractors have laid new fire hydrant pipes and installed fire truck accommodations on the 33-year-old campus. The hydrant project will improve existing fire protection in areas that have been inadequate and will allow future growth of the headquarters campus, if needed. In addition, a two-year project is underway to replace 16 septic tanks and drain fields that have also reached the end of their useful life. After all that digging, re-beautification efforts are planned as the new systems become fully engaged. Meet the new headquarters staff Thom Bartz Sara Brigman Pete Helgren Christine Lagerlef David Martin Susan Probst Chief Information Officer/Director of Men’s Classes Born in: Cleveland, Ohio; spent most of life in Colorado Introduced to BSF by: a friend Formerly: Area Advisor in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico Copy editor Born in: San Antonio, Texas Introduced to BSF by: answered prayers of family Formerly: Teaching Leader in Philadelphia and India. IT development Born in: Lafayette, La., before soon moving to Salt Lake City, Utah Introduced to BSF by: his wife (after multiple requests) Formerly: Teaching Leader in Salt Lake City. Children’s Division training assistant Born in: Leesburg, Va.; spent most of her life in Alaska. Introduced to BSF by: a church friend (on fourth invitation) Formerly: Children’s Area Coordinator in Maryland and Virginia. Director of IT Born in: Kansas City, Mo. Introduced to BSF by: his lovely bride Formerly: Area Class Administrator for Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma Volunteer supervisor Born in: Kansas City Introduced to BSF by: her mother in 2007 Formerly: Children’s Leader in Overland Park, Kan. www.bsfinternational.org December 2012 | 7 Book list The books listed do not necessarily represent the BSF point of view in their entirety, but are recommended to challenge your thinking and enlarge your understanding of the world and the Church. If any of these books is out of print, we suggest you look in a library or resale bookstore. Biography 50 People Every Christian Should Know, by Warren W. Wiersbe. Spiritual giants of the Christian faith A Chance to Die, by Elisabeth Elliot. The life and legacy of Irish missionary Amy Carmichael. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, by Eric Metaxas. The development of a humble Lutheran pastor who confronted one of the world’s most evil leaders. George Müller of Bristol and His Witness to a PrayerHearing God, by Arthur T. Pierson. One man’s journey from rebellion to rebirth. ESV Student Study Bible, Crossway Books. A Gospel Primer, by Milton Vincent. Learning to see the glories of God’s love. The Transforming Power of the Gospel, Jerry Bridges. The Gospel is the ultimate power source for true spiritual growth. Why Christmas, by Barbara Reaoch. A Christmas devotional for the family. God’s Names, by Sally Michael. A family devotional for 8- to 12-year olds. One Year Alone With God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God, by Ava Pennington. A daily walk with God, focusing on His attributes. Jesus Storybook Bible, by Sally Lloyd-Jones. Every story in the Bible whispers the name of Jesus. The Mighty Acts of God, by Starr Mead and Tim O’Connor. A family Bible story book focusing on the characteristics of God. Your Child’s Profession, by Dennis Gundersen. Helping parents discern the validity of their children’s profession of faith. Theology, doctrine, Christian life Archaeological Study Bible, Zondervan. An illustrated walk through biblical history and culture. Desiring God, by John Piper. Finding true satisfaction comes through the pursuit of the pleasure of God. Devotionals for adults and children Counsel from the Cross, by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Dennis E. Johnson. Connecting broken people to the love of Christ. Face to Face, by Kenneth Boa. Praying the Scriptures for intimate worship. Parenting, children Family Worship: In the Bible, History and Home, By Donald S. Whitney. A simple guide to help families worship God together at home. How to Handle Your Life, by Carine MacKenzie. A collection of personal stories that encourage children to start a daily habit of reading the Bible, praying and meditating on God’s truth. Published and copyrighted by BSF International, 2012 | Global Headquarters: 19001 Huebner Road, San Antonio, Texas 78258-4019, U.S.A.
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