Hello! We’re so glad you’re studying with us. We hope you’re learning more and more and realizing there’s no reason to be intimidated—we’re all learning together! Thank you for participating in the comments. We love reading what you have to say.
Here’s how this will work: (We’ll post this every week as a refresher, but if you already got the hang of it, feel free to skip to the video.) Each week, you’ll come here and watch the video with Angie Smith. The videos are about 5-10 minutes long and have some fresh insight from Angie. She will lead us through the Seamless study week by week. Once you watch the video, we have some questions for you to answer in your group or in the comments section of the post (or in both!). We want this to be available to those who are studying together and those going solo. Some of the questions ask you to get to know your fellow Bible study participants and we hope the interactions you have will be both challenging and encouraging. Each week at the end of the video, Angie will let you know the homework assignment for the next week. You can do the homework in the Seamless Bible Study Book. We highly recommend you getting a copy for this study, since that is where most of the studying will take place! You can get a copy at your local LifeWay Store, by clicking here, or get an ebook version here. That’s it! The study will be seven weeks long.
If you can’t participate right now, or if you miss a week, don’t worry. We will leave these posts up for you to do when you’re ready! You can find all the older ones using our Online Bible Studies tab at the top of the blog. Just click on it and then the Seamless study.
A note about the Bible study videos: Seamless is a video-based Bible study. These videos are available to rent or download here and also through the purchase of a Leader Kit. These videos are not the same as the free videos available here on the blog. The videos for purchase are longer (around 15 minutes each) and dive deeper into the topic of each session. They are the videos that go with the viewer guides in the Bible study book. We recommend them if you want to hear more of Angie’s teaching and learn even more about the seamless thread uniting all of God’s Word.
Catching up?
Click here for Session 1.
Click here for Session 2.
OK, I think we’re ready for Session 3!
Questions to answer in the comments:
1. What is distinctive about a covenant? In other words, what makes it so important? (page 62)
2. What is one name you think of when talking about yourself? What is a name you pray could replace it? (page 51)
I AM CONFUSED ABOUT THE VIDEO’S SESSION ONE WAS ABOUT 14.54 MINUTES. SESSION 2 AND THREE SAYS THEY ARE 15:33 AND 15:51 BUT WHEN I WATCH IT THEY ARE ONLY ABOUT 5 TO 6 MINUTES.
CAN ANYONE HELP ME PLEASE ?
blessings
Judy
Hi, Judy! Are you referring to the online Bible study videos? Those are all shorter—they’re different from the videos that are available for purchase at LifeWay.com/Seamless. We wanted the online Bible study videos to be a little different, as if Angie is leading you through the Bible study. The longer videos are around 15 minutes and are available for rent or purchase at LifeWay.com/Seamless. We apologize for the confusion and hope that helps!
Thank you !!
1. What makes a covenant so distinctive and important would be that it is an agreement, or contract, or bond between two people, or someone else and God. Each party would offer up a sacrifice and whoever initiated the covenant would be the one that is liable to uphold there end of the promise its not mutual
2. The one name I think of when talking about myself would be resentful, and the one name I wish I could pray and change it to would be forgiving .
3. Something new I learned this week would be learning more about Jacob and Josephs stories as I really didn’t know the details, I just knew of them, where the rest of the week I already knew those stories.
I think what makes a covenant so important is that it is a bond, a compact between two things (man and man, tribes and nations, or man and God) who are in agreement. What makes it distinct is that it’s not just a promise, but in that day, a transaction that they called on God to witness. The two parties were held accountable before God, and that is some serious stuff! To break a covenant i’m sure would lead to death! It also represents God’s character, who he is and how He never breaks promises.
The first thing that comes to mind when talking about myself is a doubter. I have a hard time trusting when I don’t understand. I question so often. I also see myself as a worrier, because i’m always stressing over things that I know aren’t worth it. I am self-seeking, when I should be seeking God, and serving others.
I want my names to change to Faithful, Trusting, Humble and an Overcomer! Oh i so want to be known as these things!
I didn’t know about the significance of the name “Judah”. I think it’s amazing how because of Leah’s change of heart from trying to please man – to praising God – Judah was the tribe from which all the kings came from, and the greatest King, Jesus! So cool!!
Also, that the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 was the first time “love” is used in the Bible. What a better way than to describe the love between father and son, which is a picture of God’s love towards his Son, and how much of a sacrifice it was to give him up for the forgiveness of our sins. Awesome!!
1. A covenant with God is an actual promise God makes with us. One in which we know will never be broken. For God always speaks the truth to us and never waivers from his promise.
2. All too often I call myself – Unworthy. Unworthy of love, unworthy of acceptance, unworthy of happiness. I hereby rename myself – Worthy. I am worthy of being loved, accepted, believing and happy. Not only in myself, but by others as well.
3. Esau and Joseph’s story struck a chord with me. Terrible things happened to them by their family members, but they never held any anger against the ones who did them wrong. Instead they went out to greet their loved ones with open welcoming arms. Offering what they had to family members who had taken so much from them.
I also found Joseph’s way of turning his slavery into a positive to be inspiring. Joseph never let his slavery beat him down. Joseph saw that God had a plan for him. Joseph favor in not only Potiphar’s eyes but also with in prison warden’s eyes. Pharaoh put Joseph, a slave, in charge of his land, blessed Joseph’s family during the famine and even traveled back to Canaan to honor Jacob at his burial.
I post behind most weeks because I am continuing to fight my illness of breast cancer. A praise that we may be making strides with healing.
1. A covenant is a permanent promise that God makes between himself and his people.
2. I would like to let go of the names anger, unforgiveness, and perfectionism.
3. I hope that God will open my eyes to something new.
1. God always keeps his word. A covenant is a sacred promise, and in this context the promise is between a person and God. Sometimes the covenants are made between a person and God but extend to others.
2. Sadly, I too often think of myself as fat, ugly and undesirable. I pray that it could be related with beautiful, desirable, lovely.
3. Page 37 – a theme of obedience in the bible. “….a majority of the time it’s not because they have all the details. It’s because they trust God.” I need to trust God.
1. What is distinctive about a covenant? In other words, what makes it so important? (page 62)
A covenant is binding – it really struck me the contrast between Moses’ rainbow and Abraham’s circumcision (Joyce Meyer) – it reminds me that whilst some people are blessed day after day with His promises, and I am still in wait, His promise remains the same. It will surely take place, in His timing.
2. What is one name you think of when talking about yourself? What is a name you pray could replace it? (page 51)
I often find myself muttering words that pull me down: broken, marred, weak, alone, afraid.
I am praying that I can see my weaknesses as STRENGTH, that I can see myself the way my Heavenly Father sees me: BRAVE, STRONG, BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, and that I am WORTHY of a future.
3. What is something new you learned this week? Perhaps a connection you didn’t see before.
* It struck me that whilst Rachel was Jacob’s favourite wife, he was actually buried with Leah.
* The fact part about Hyksos and linking unsettled times then to now with isreal.
Little behind here. Been on vacation. So glad this is at your own pace because I am really enjoying this study.
I view a covenant as a step above a promise. A promise that can never be broken and involves God.
I see myself as naïve, doormat, people pleaser, but positive. It is also very hard for me to forgive extreme wrongs. I would like to change to insightful, cautious, strong minded, but stay positive and more readily able to forgive.
I was struck this week by the reunion of the Jacob and Esau. Wow! I did not see that coming. I would have been so bitter and angry.
i love reading through all of these comments!!!!! keep up the hard work, ladies!!!! love to you all
I am playin catch up from being gone several weeks on vacation! Yikes! Nonetheless, I am love, love, loving this study!
1. A covenant is a promise that is binding- no backsies, way more binding than a pinky promise. God keeps His word.
2. I.am.a.worrier. I know it is a sin and I have prayed and memorized scripture but still battle it daily. Hear lately the worrying has really been partnered with FEAR. I have a teeny panic attack just typing it. I would like my name to be changed to Full of Joy. Worryin and fear take so much joy away and is just exhausting.
3. I was taken back by the connection in lineage to modern day stuff and problems. It is all connected.
Love,
Full of Joy
1. A covenant is when “God made a promise he will keep for all time.” I love seeing how Go’s story is weaved throughout history. His promise to always provide whatever his people need. It may not come at the time we want or expect, but His promise is fulfilled in better and more amazing ways than we could ever imagine.
2. I am lost, broken, wanderer and disobedient. I am renewed, strong,gentle, loving and beautiful.
3. One thing I learned this week was that Joseph was first buried in Egypt, then with his fathers’ in the promised land, as was God’s will. I also learned more about Joseph’s character. Also, when his brother approached him in Egypt, he could have been upset and angry with them, but like Esau was when Jacob returned, he was pleased to see them and graciously provided for them. The connections between generations and stories are beautiful. When God changes your heart, we are more Christ-like and demonstrate fruits of the spirit.
I love scrolling through all these great answers (but it takes forever too!)
1. Covenant is a promise that cannot be broken. I love how God keeps his, even though we fail to keep our attempts at promises. I love how the covenant with Abe was all on God, as Abe fell asleep. And we know God has kept that one big time!
2. I always label myself “pharisee” knowing all the rule keeping and judgemental ways I used to live. Now I like to remind myself (and let God remind through his word) that I am covered, loved, and already perfected in Jesus. I’d like to be known as one who loves well and loves authentically!
3. I didn’t realize Jacob had so many kids with different women. I also loved the picture of Jacob wresting with God, THEN getting a name change and new identity in Him! Good stuff!
1. What is distinctive about a covenant? In other words, what makes it so important? The theological definition is an agreement that brings about a relationship of commitment between God and his people. I think the important thing is the relationship. However, Abram was asleep when the covenant happened. It is so true. God is always open to a relationship with us. We, on the other hand, let things get in the way of that. A covenant with God is always available. We just need to step up and take it.
2. What is one name you think of when talking about yourself? What is a name you pray could replace it? I think “unworthy” is the name. Many times I feel so mediocre. I think I would love to be peaceful comforter.
3. What is something new you learned this week? Perhaps a connection you didn’t see before. I had never thought about the true reason names were changed. It truly is because the heart of the person was changed. That is remarkable. I love it.
Before next week, complete Week 3: Exodus and the Promised Land in your Bible study book. We’ll discuss that next week!
I love reading all the comments and discussion. We are sisters out there in the www!
I had the opportunity to walk with God on an Oregon beach and ponder and wrestle with Him about my old name (Lazy) and new name (Active for God). I confessed all of my old “names” and claimed the new. Then I looked for a white stone on the beach (I remembered something about God writing our new names on a white stone in Revelations) and found the perfect, heart shaped pure white rock. Thank you, Lord!
1) A covenant is an all in heart, mind and soul commitment, a conscious choice to remain true and faithful to the bond established with the covenant.
2) The names I associate with myself is angry, hateful and a cursing tongue; I long to replace them with Joyful, at ease, and clean spoken
3)I love that Joseph remained true and loving to his brothers even though they had wronged him; Joseph fully accepted God’s will for his life…He held no grudge towards his brothers…Truly a testament to how great a love our Father offers us daily…through Him all things are possible.
1) When God makes a covenant, it’s awesome. It can’t be broken. I had never noticed that Abram was snoozing when God made the covenant with him. All of the promises must have seemed so beyond belief to him, but his faith in God and His promises was strong.
2) I have been a worrier and a nagging person. I want to be a joy-giver, an encourager.
3) I had never thought much about the giving of new names, but it really does signify a change in Jacob’s life. He would no longer be what he had formerly been. We do not have to be what we have formerly been either.
First of all I just have to tell this little funny moment. I was all ‘proud’ of myself on Tuesday. I thought ‘yea I’m staying up with the bible study. I am on track. Good for me. Look at me go, God’
Only to get the ‘Seamless’ email on Thursday to realize that I was A FULL WEEK BEHIND!!!! I’m Sorry but,
That’s just funny stuff there. And a nice reminder from God to set my pride aside. Ok. So Im a week late but here are my answers
1. Covenant. Something I don’t think I have ever given enough thought into. An agreement. From God. I mean, really?!? Agreement from God. For us. For me? Why is He so good? And generous? It’s almost too. Much. For. Me. To. Handle.
2. Names. This is tough and SO TIMELY.
SO , long story as short as it can be… I was born with Hip Dysplasia (deformity of the hip sockets). Had 6 surgeries birth – 3 1/2 years old. Had a relatively ‘normal’ life. Played sports. Active. Some pain. Big scars all over my hips. And a slight limp when I was tired. Some kids were super mean and called me ‘retarted’ (you have no idea how much I hate that word). Otherwise… Smooth sailing.
Needed 3 more intense surgeries in college. More scares but college aged people were much nicer. No mean names. But I never fully got a perfect gait back. Limp stayed permenantly.
Fast forward to age 28. Intense pain. Had to give up all activities (hiking, waking my dog, weight lifting, shopping… Everything). Finally found Surgeon who could identify source of pain. 3 more surgeries between age 30-32. I. Am. Pain. Free. I have my life back. My husband stood by me and never complained one time. My God was so faithful. He brought me out of dark, seemingly hopeless days. We have NO DEBT for surgeries and therapies. We should be almost 1million dollars in debt. That is NOT an exaggeration . 2 of the best surgeons in the world worked on my. Almost 4 years
Of non stop Physical Therapy. One year on ‘medical leave of absence’ from work. I just ‘graduated’ from physical
Therapy yesterday. I have a slight limp but my surgeon and therapist strongly believe that it will go away as I become stronger. What?!? I mean. Really?? How
Is this even real?
All of this to say. I often feel like my names are: a patient (in need of care). Needy. Dependent on others. Weak. Pitied. Not good enough. Not enough.
I want my names to be : strong. Overcomes. Faithful. Enough. Whole.
Phew. That was tough to get out
3. I think what really was an ‘ah-ha’ moment. (Refer to my response on #2 for the relevance in my life) was how Joseph was so quick to forgive… His brothers and God … For his struggles. And how Faithful God was To make something glorious out of a very painful circumstance. And how Joseph grew from it. Wow
Ps. Angie, I am loving this study. Thank
You!
1. Covenant – permanent, it was one sided just like forgiveness – it can be made without the other person involved, it’s almost a promise to yourself. Thankfully God doesn’t go back on his promises. Also, Kim mentioned in her earlier post that something has to die. That really struck me.
2. The names I’ve been called
they run the gamut and unfortunately I had believed them – runt, slut, yet also goody-two-shoes and prude – how do they live together?! But God. He has given me a new name – loved, forgiven, Princess – daughter of the Most High God. Another name I would love to claim is Authentic – I am much closer to this than ever, His truth heals.
3. I’ve read these stories so many times yet never connected that Joseph was Rachel’s son, the two favorite’s were connected and why Benjamin was also so important to Joseph – full brother.
Very cool study! Like a few of the ladies have mentioned the Word is Alive, no matter how many times you read and study there is always more to see and understand – our God is huge and beyond us. So thankful He allows us to get to know him. Thanks for the great study.