Community Church of Christ Bible Study (Triangle, VA)

When we left the second chapter of John, Jesus had just turned water into wine. Although we know that God often manifested His glory by doing signs, isn't it interesting that Moses' first public sign was turning water into blood (Ex. 7:20) and Jesus' first sign was turning water into wine? Today, we're going to finish up the rest of John 2:13 - 23. Jesus poured out the coins of the money changers and turned over their  tables. And to those who were selling the doves, He said, "Take these things away; stop making My Father's house a place of business." Sources: IVP Bible Background Commentary, Keener; NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible; https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-second-temple-at-the-time-of-jesus; Jerusalem Temple: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQQyNVw8Pf4

Sources: https://biblia.com/books/esv/Jn1.1 I came across a conversation this week on Facebook that I want to share with you. Although I'm teaching you scripture and explaining to you how theologians (who have way more education than me) explain them, I'm reminded everyday that no one knows everything. Yes, we should stay humble and yet Paul admonishes us to be prepared to make a defense of the Gospel. Let's look at I Peter 3:13-17.

This month, we are celebrating our 45th church anniversary.  We have been going back in time, posting throw back photos on Facebook and Instagram,  sharing "did you know," facts from our church history, reminiscing about past anniversaries and remembering those we've lost. We also have a lot of great speakers lined up from the DMV to share God's Word with us each Sunday.  All are welcome to join us! Since we are celebrating the founding of our church, we thought it would be educational to learn more about the foundation of the early church. During this podcast, we too will go back in time. We're going back in time to experience the world of the first century church. What was it like living under Roman rule? What kind of societal or cultural challenges did they face? How did they endure persecution? I have a lot of respect for these sisters and brothers who endured so much so we could be here today. SOURCES: 200 Years of Christ's Power, Volume 1, The Age of the Early Church Fathers (1st - 6th century), Nick Needham.

The Resurrection has been the "storm center" of attack upon the Christian faith since day one. It's the linchpin that holds everything together. Disprove the resurrection, Christ lied. Christ lied, He was a false prophet. If He was a false prophet, you can't believe anything else He said. SOURCES: https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_812.cfm; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy1lQTc0HH0; Evidence for Christianity, Josh McDowell; https://reasonsforjesus.com/radical-conversion-jesus-brother-james/ Youtube video with Lee Stroebel (Case for Christ) and Sean McDowell (Evidence that Demands a Verdict), Evidence for Christianity, Josh McDowell.

As part of black history month, we wanted to cover the black presence in the Bible.

Quick preview of our Black History discussion for next week. Excerpts taken from The African American Guide To The Bible by Dr. H.C. Felder.

Using the book, The African American Guide to the Bible,” we will debunk the myth that the Bible was written about white people for white people.

What does it mean that Jesus is God in the flesh?

What do you think of Christ? Is He a really great prophet or is He God?

Learn more about the “Disciple Whom Jesus Loved.”

With so much going on in the world today, how do we know what to believe?

A lot of podcasts out there give you their opinion and tell you what to think. Join us and you will receive knowledge and wisdom directly from God’s Word!

You may have heard that you were created as a result of evolution. You may have already made up your mind about why you are here.  As the old saying goes, "there are two sides to every story and then there is the truth." Have you heard the other side? Really listened to the other side of the story of why you are here? Has your heart been telling you that there is something else out there? If so, listen to our podcast.