Girlfriends Bible Study

Ep 122 - Interesting Biblical Facts About Angels

We finish our theme of Angels in the Bible tonight with random Biblical trivia.Genesis 2:1 - Angels were created by GodLuke 20:27-36, Matthew 22:30 - Angels can't die and don't marryJob 38:1-7 - They were present when God created the earth2 Samuel 14:17, 19, 20, Daniel 9:20-22 - Angels are wise and intelligentDaniel 9:21, Revelation 14:6 - Angels are fast; they flyRevelation 19:9-10 - Angels are NOT to be worshipped1 Peter 3:21-22 - Angels are subject to ChristIsaiah 14:12-15, Jude 6 - Angels have their own free willHebrews 12:22, Revelation 5:11-12, Psalm 68:17 - Angels are too numerous to countOnly three angels named in Bible - Gabriel (Daniel 8:16, Luke 1:19, 26), Michael (Daniel 12, 21, Revelation 12:7-9), Lucifer/SatanSeraphim (Isaiah 6:1-2) and Cherubim (Genesis 3:24)Satan started as a cherub - Ezekiel 28:12-17What cherubim look like: Ezekiel 1:5-11, 10:1-22Revelation 12:-9

Ep 121 - What We Deserve

In this Bible Study, we read what the Word says about "what we deserve." We also look up the word "deserve," which is often synonymous with "entitled to," versus its intended meaning of "to serve."We have to consider our lives as part of the whole, and as part of the purpose we were created for. If Jesus only dealt with what He "deserved," He would have never been on the cross. There's a bigger picture.Our scriptures:Deuteronomy 7:7-19 - because God loved us we have what we haveMatthew 5:43-48 - the sun shines and the rain rains on the just and the unjustJohn 4:35-38 - we reap what we have not sownRomans 11:5-6 - we are saved by graceRomans 14:7 - none of us lives to himself aloneGalatians 6:7-10 - do not be deceived, God will not be mockedEphesians 2:1-10 - it is by grace we have been saved and we are God's workmanship2 Timothy 1:8-10 - He saved us and called us to live a holy life1 Peter 2:20-25 - we suffer for doing wrong

Ep 120 - The Character of Jesus

How do you describe the character of Jesus? Are you able to do it at all? Does He feel like someone you know? Or someone you've heard about? If you are a follower of His, you should be able to describe His character. Conversely, if you are an ardent opposer of His, you should also be able to describe His character - your perception of it.Here are a just a few of the things I know, love and appreciate about Jesus's character:~ He's a story-teller - he uses parables to help explain difficult concepts. One of my favorites is the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)~ He has faith and He encourages us to have faith - Luke 11:9-10, Matthew 21:21-22, Mark 11:22-26, Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25, Matthew 14:22-36~ He has so much humility - this is shown when He washes the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17)~ He has so much compassion - whether dealing with the adulterous woman, the Samaritan woman, sinners, tax collectors, lepers, He didn't shy away or reject them (Matthew 9:18-26, Luke 17:11-19, John 4:1-26, John 8:1-11, John 11:1-44)~ His strength - especially in the face of adversity, rejection, temptation, evil, or betrayal (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13, Matthew 10:11-16, Matthew 21:12-13)~ His creative solutions - paying taxes, feeding the masses (Matthew 17:24-27, Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17)~ He was purpose-filled and never wavered from His purpose - even all the way to the cross
My sisters also mentioned His compassion, His humanity, and the way that He showed us how to operate in the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
How do you describe His character?

Ep 119 - Crisis Management in the Bible

Tonight we're reading from 1 Samuel 25.

Ep 118 - Dreams that Reveal the Truth

Tonight begins a new Bible Study theme "Dreams in the Bible."This study talks about "Dreams that Reveal the Truth." We read the story of Abraham saying that his wife Sarah was his sister, and we read when God revealed to Joseph that his wife Mary really was with child from the Holy Spirit.

Ep 117 - Dreams of the Rich & Powerful

Our May theme - Dreams in the Bible - was fascinating and enlightening.
We end with a study of Pharaoh's dreams and King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams. Both of these men were rich and powerful and yet they were unable to interpret their own dreams. They had to humble themselves and ask for help. Joseph and Daniel were up to the task. They both gave glory to God and made it clear that it was God doing the interpretation.
We learned a new word - "Oneiromancy" - the interpretation of dreams in order to foretell the future.
Scriptures:Genesis 41:1-40 - Pharaoh's DreamsDaniel 2:1-49 - King Nebuchadnezzar's Dreams
Daniel 2:21 - God appoints and deposes kingsRomans 13:1-2 - We are to submit to the authoritiesMatthew 20:20-28 - A true leader is a humble, a servant to his people

Ep 116 - Play/ Freedom for the Children for God

June 2023 began a new theme for Bible Study Live with Connie & Friends - "Playfulness in the Bible."Here to kick things off is our wonderful Guest Host Daebreon Poiema.God dropped a powerful word into Daebreon's spirit as she made an analogy between the Garden of Eden - the playroom that God created for us, and the nursery that new parents decorate and prepare for their new baby.God gave Adam "toys," which were the animals he got to name. But Adam wasn't complete until God gave him a playmate, "Eve."Together, they enjoyed the next level of "play" - intimacy.After eating the forbidden fruit, Adam & Eve engaged in another form of "play" - Hide and Seek - with God!!At that, playtime was over!Since that time, through amusement parks, spas, retreats, resorts and so many other man-made destinations, man has attempted to recreate Eden - our first and only Perfect Playroom.
Scripture References:Genesis 2:1-25Genesis 3:1-24Romans 8:1-39

Ep 115 - No Work, All Play

We continue our study on "Playfulness in the Bible" with a look at celebrations, parties, and feasts.Genesis 31:26-27 references a farewell party that Laban would have supposedly thrown for Jacob.Pharaoh threw himself a big birthday party with all of his officials in Genesis 40:20-22.And in Judges 14:7-18, we read about a 7-day bridegroom party that Samson threw for him and his boys. 
Most importantly, in reading these scriptures, we recognize that people take time away from work to play and have celebrations. Are you taking downtime? Do you celebrate your birthday and other special occasions? It's Biblical. Do it!

Ep 114 - Powers & Principalities

There is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10), including spiritual warfare.As difficult and dark as these times are in our country and the world, it's not new to God, nor is it a surprise.Most importantly, He knows (and has known) the end from the beginning.Since we really are in a repeating pattern, we need to be reminded and encouraged about how this will end.
Satan Tempts JesusMark 1:9-13Matthew 4:1-11Luke 4:1-13
Resist the devil and he will flee. (James 4:7)
Satan Cast Down!Isaiah 14:12-15Jude 1:6Revelation 12:4, 7-9Luke 10:18
The Armor of GodEphesians 6:10-18

Ep 113 - Unexpected Laughter When We Hear God's Word

Tonight, we're talking about laughter in the Bible - and our own laughter when we read the Bible. Sarah laughed when she heard God's messengers say that she'd have a son in the following year. The Bible said she was well past childbearing age. Did she scoff or snort laugh, I wonder.Speaking of snort laugh - enjoy this clip of Daphne from "Bridgerton" snort-laughing when the prince compliments her on her dress. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z6-h8Nyt54We sometimes laugh when we read or hear God's word, as well.And then there's the laughter and joy when we receive a blessing. Sarah does that, as well.