Seamless Online Bible Study | Session 6

1. I have seen Jesus in the world by just the overall beauty and scenery. I mean look at the green grass, the bright blue and white sky, the blue water, and just everything God has made on this earth has to come from Him.

2. I wrestle with believing in Jesus the exact same way that Angie does. I have never seen Jesus, touched, met, or heard Him speak. My Faith is definitely very strong in that I do believe He is here even though I do not see Him.

3. The differences in The Gospels really intrigued me because it was 4 different writers writing about the same events happening but yet saw things differently and wrote out their accounts. I really enjoyed the chart we had to fill out in Day 5 of the homework with who the audience was intended for and what the main message was. It was such a simplified way to explain and understand The Gospels that I could even explain it to someone and I feel like I learned so much.

Hello! I don’t know if anyone is still looking at these. It is now December and I am in the last days of recovering from my mastectomy. I wanted to comment on what I have struggled with believing God. Here is what has happened over the past year. I have lived with my parents because I can’t afford rent. My parents decided to sell the house in the town we lived in to retire to Cocoa Beach. The problem became for me that I couldn’t find a place to live. I had no idea how to do it. Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I am writing from the apartment I share with my parents while going through treatment. I am grateful! God came to me the night before my diagnosis and said that I will provide but in a different way. The message I believe he has sent is to trust and believe. I leave to go look at condos in a couple of hours and due to being in debt once again and knowing that I can’t afford this I need a miracle. I am trying to trust and have faith.

Did you know that in the Viewer Guide Resource, there are missing pages for Sessions 5 & 6? I can’t seem to find them anywhere.

Thanks!

*Where don’t I see evidence of Jesus in my life and the world? His blessing abound in creation, food, shelter, health, family, work and relationships. He is omnipresent!

*I think i wrestle in the tangible, not able to see or touch him. Perhaps I too am like Thomas when at my lowest points – how nice it would be to have a hug and be seen

*I really liked the way you explained & outlined the writer’s of the 4 gospels . It helped me to understand simply the audience intended and the main message in each which was different slightly in each. It was like an ah-ha moment for me!!

1. How have you seen evidence of Jesus in the world? I went to a Bethel prayer meeting when they came through town (Omaha, NE) and there a woman who was elderly who had one leg longer than the other and limped as she walked up, people prayed over her and watched her leg grow. I was not up close so I didn’t see it, yet I believe and saw people’s amazement. Also through child-like faith, there was a little girl at one of the church’s we serve at who was about 9 years old, who was trusting in God to heal her hearing (she had cochlear implants). Her dad said he (himself) didn’t even have much faith that she would be healed. During the worship service (after she had been prayed over) the music began to get louder and louder. God healed her hearing and she had to get her cochlear implants removed. When they shared the testimony on stage her dad was weeping. The same “healing” service, my husband brought me too (it was on his birthday). He brought me up to the alter and said “all I want for my birthday is my wife to be healed (I’ve had nerve damage symptoms about 7 years). They prayed over me, and afterward the woman said “I’ve never prayed over anyone like that before”. (her prayers were so powerful and I felt deeply loved by the Lord and my husband and others). I wasn’t healed that day, but God healed my husband’s back during the service. He said his back all of a sudden felt warm and then the pain went away. Praise God! He is so awesome!

2. In what ways do you wrestle with believing in Jesus? (page 134) I believe in Him and His love which is demonstrated on the cross and what He went through for us. But sometimes I wrestle with knowing how much He cares for EVERY single detail of my life. (crying as I type this part).

3. Now that you know the writers of the Gospels, how does that help you understand them better? What new things did you learn? Hmmm… I finished this reading last week and I’m trying to remember. I have loved the Gospels and like Angie, Mark is the one I read the least. My favorite is “Luke” and probably “John” too. In my Bible commentary it says something like Luke is the one that has the most references to women. So that’s one reason I like the book of Luke. I did it as a study once in a group of women. I learned that they are kind of geared toward different audiences (sort of).

1. I have seen Jesus in the victory, salvation, mercy and grace He has given to me and my family; in His Presence and the peace He has given me in times of intense fear and anxiety
2. I think the way that I most struggle in my belief in Jesus is believing in His love for me, believing in its unfailing strength and that He will never leave me or give up on me
3. It was very interesting learning more about the writers of the Gospels- the groups of people that they were writing to and how it affected the message- it adds a texture to the word that helps to see why they included the testimonies that they did, the situations they shared, and what it meant to the people at the time, and how it still applies to all groups of people today- love the picture of another way Christ reveals the truth of His salvation and the message of a cross by meeting us where we are, appealing to each person in a way that we will understand

1. When I completed the homework, I responded to this question in a very basic way, that I had seen evidence of Jesus that very day as I woke up feeling sick physically and emotionally (depressed) but by the time I was digging into the study my prayers had been answered and I felt well. I experienced deliverance from an evil man twice in my life. The first time I was 23 years old and the victim of a violent crime. My life was preserved. The second time I was 34 and sadly was married to an abusive man. The Lord protected me from permanent injury and the life I have today is better than I could have imagined possible.

2. I do not wrestle with believing Jesus is the son of God, the Messiah, God himself. What I wrestle with is believing that he loves me. I wrestle with the concept of a personal relationship. I want him to sit down across the table from me and just talk to me. I pray. I study scripture. I am blessed as a result of these activities. I just wish He could be more tangible in my every day life. I hope that this makes sense.

3. I so much enjoyed the study of the gospels. I understood pieces of what we learned but not the whole picture prior to this study. For instance, I knew that Matthew was writing to the Jews, but did not know that Mark was writing to the Romans. I had a fairly good grasp of the Gospel of John but only because I have done Beth Moore’s study of the beloved disciple. John “got it” that Jesus was the Messiah and spent every waking moment trying to help others believe. I am grateful for this study as it pulled it together for me.

Dear Angie,

This Bible study was perfect for me. I absolutely LOVED it. I have been a Christian for the majority of my life. However, I often found the Bible hard to study & understand. I purchased this study & your videos and immersed myself in it. I read ahead & couldn’t wait until Thursday. I would love it if you would do another one. I also would love if you could recommend any studies that have gripped your heart as well. You are an inspiration. Thank you.

1. I have seen evidence of Jesus all around me. In my own life, I have seen Him through the miracle of a baby that I waited years for, through two years of no income where we didn’t know where our next meal was coming from, and I’ve prayed for years for the protection of my son, who is living a very dangerous life. These things can only be explained by the presence of Jesus.

2. I have always had a strong faith, and for the most part it’s been unshakable. But the last few years I’ve had some really hard relationships. I’ve prayed so hard for these issues to be resolved, and I have to admit, sometimes I wonder where God is in all of this. But I know that His timing is perfect, and I need to learn to wait.

3. In college, I took a New Testament History class, and so I had learned about the differences between the Gospels-what audience they were written to, and what the purpose was. But I had forgotten, and it was really interesting to learn it all over again.

1. How have you seen evidence of Jesus in the world? (page 133)

I see Jesus/God in the intricacy of His creation. I can’t look at the world – how perfectly positioned our planet is in the solar system, the amazing way the human body works, the beauty of creation – and believe that any of it happened by chance. It’s just not possible.

2. In what ways do you wrestle with believing in Jesus? (page 134)

Despite my answer to question one, there are still days when I struggle to believe in a God I cannot see and when I wonder how I can ever know for sure that I’m believing in the “right” God when some people believe just as strongly in “their” God.

3. Now that you know the writers of the Gospels, how does that help you understand them better? What new things did you learn?

Knowing the intended audience and purpose for each of the Gospels has helped me understand why some details seem different across the four books and why some details are emphasized in one book and not (or different details are emphasized) in others. What originally seemed to be confusing inconsistencies can now be viewed from a different perspective.

#1. A few years ago some friends of ours had twins at 23 weeks, a boy & a girl. Within a few days they lost the little boy, parks. Indy, his sister, struggled in the NIQU for months. Fighting for life. I knew without a doubt that her living life as a 5 year old little girl, living at the beach, about to start kindergarten is evidence of Jesus. I believe that just like God sent His son to earth, He left Indy here as a sign of hope & faith to her parents. She literally, is a walking, talking miracle. She has everything going against her, nothing about her story made it possible for her to live through being born so early, except God.
The second one was a few years ago. We had gotten in such a bad place financially that we weren’t going to be able to afford Christmas for our son. We had just been spending too much. I was faced with having to put our little boy, who struggles with sickness, in daycare which terrified me. I payed on the floor in our dark room& cried out to God to intercede. Within a week, I had lined up a few jobs from my business & was paid upfront & we had Christmas. This spoke so clearly to me & changed my relationship with Christ.
#2. It was refreshing to hear Angie say that she has doubts. Not doubts that change her faith, just doubts. I don’t doubt Christ was here. I don’t doubt he died for us, but I do have a difficult time wrapping my mind around all of this at times.
When I was 14 or so, I remover asking my youth pastor how was it possible for us to mess up so much & do so many things wrong & still be able to go to heaven. I was just having a hard time wrapping my mind around it all. He went to my parents & questioned my salvation. I was actually pretty offended. I didn’t feel like what I was saying was wrong. My dad was actually made at me for asking that question. But it showed me exactly what you talked about in the video, that people make you feel bad or wrong, when you have doubts. Us being able to have those doubts & ask those type of questions is what sets our faith apart from religion.
#3. I knew each of the books was written to a different group of people, but it never really made sense as to why. Now, knowing the history behind it all, the reason they where written to different people makes so much more sense.

I really haven’t participated in the blog, but this has been such a great study. For covering the whole Bible, Angie, you have done a wonderful job of connecting the pieces. Your honesty, sense of humor have made it a comfortable study for all levels of students. I often don’t finish studies I start on because I get behind at some point. I’m behind now because we were out of town for a week. I took it along & attempted it a few times but I’m still behind but I am sticking with it. Admittedly there are still those moments I have doubts, but I don’t allow myself to dwell there. I choose Christ & to pattern my life after him. I’m sure I send a pretty confusing message to those I live most intimately with. Peter is encouraging to me. I struggle like Paul. So often I do not what I intended but what I did want to do. Confess it & get back on board. God is never finished with us.

1: almost hitting a pole head on after hitting black ice. Not even a scratch on my car or anyone in it. The car went right between the pole and guide wire. It was a real life Jesus take the wheel. I don’t remember much about how it all happened. It was all Him. I see it in how people change, in the love dogs give us, and the intricitities of everything, how our bodies work automatically, the beauty of the earth, etc..
2: sometimes it is hard to trust everything will be ok even if you don’t get what you think you really want in life
3: there is a reason some stories are in one gospel and not another. It’s to that they contradict, but that different stories would have meant more and an owed Jesus more to their audience than others.

I , too, wanted to thank you, Angie for this study. I am 60 yrs old and have been to church my whole life and have never understood more of the Bible than I do now. God Bless You!

I just wanted to say that I am so very happy to be doing this study. I fell behind but am now caught up again. This study has been a huge blessing to my life and I am so grateful to you Angie for providing such an amazing guide and I am so grateful to God for helping me to understand things that I never thought that I would understand.

Thank you.

1. How have you seen evidence of Jesus in the world? (page 133)
2. In what ways do you wrestle with believing in Jesus? (page 134)
3. Now that you know the writers of the Gospels, how does that help you understand them better? What new things did you learn?

Sorry I am not keeping up with the lessons, I am on week 6 now, I went with my husband on the truck and really enjoyed it. I am hoping to do it again with him. I figured I would do the questions here and finish them up in my book of questions I have.
1: I have seen evidence of Jesus in the world. I was asking questions about what happened to the Ark of the Covenant, after the King of Babylon (can not say his name LOL) took it. Well, everything is pointing to the crucifixion, the Ark of the covenant was placed under Jesus , no wonder the top of it was called the “Mercy Seat”, I didn’t get it until I saw it on YouTube. WOW, I was shocked and stunned… then, I cried because I got it, right then and there I got the WHOLE message of what it was about, the torn veil, the rock and the earthquake, I got it!!! I do not know if I was crying because I understood or because the Holy Spirit was showing me this and it was like my eyes were open for the first time. But I praise Christ for showing this to me.
2. I never wrestled with believing in Jesus, I knew he was there, we had a bond after I excepted Him into my life, if I asked him to hold me, I felt him holding me, if I asked him for a sign, he gave me a rainbow . One time he gave me TWO rainbows, which meant yes to BOTH questions ( asked for another baby and I asked him if my oldest son’s Father and I would ever get along). What I wrestled with is if I was going down the right path for Jesus.
3. I always thought of the apostles as higher than me, now I see them as human, they too are no different than any of us. The one I seem to understand the most though is I think it was Mark, because I understand him better than the others. I have read the New Testament as well as the Old Testament and never thought that the Old Testament talked about the coming Messiah until I read with you all. Like I said, I got it!!

Sometimes when I pray for others or for God to work in others and I can’t see the change that I’ve prayed for, it makes me wonder if He is really there and really listening. It makes me wonder “why?” I have to remember that He knows better than I do, that He has a plan for everyone, and that my prayers were probably answered, just not in the way that I expected them to be.

I loved learning more about the men who wrote the Gospels. I didn’t realize they were so vastly different in experience and background, nor that they were framing their words for particular audiences. This really helped me to grasp their words in a new, more educated way.

1. I see evidence of Jesus in the world in the children and youth around me. I am late getting to homework this week because I was leading Vacation Bible School last week. Spending time with 24 children ranging in age from 2 to 9, you can’t help, but see Jesus. They are open and eager to learn. They are candid and truthful (and also very literal)! And they love with great big hugs and smiles and laughter. They give me hope and love in a world that has way too much hate.

2. The world is so ugly and I see so many awful things happening on the news and even in my community. It is hard to believe in Jesus. Also on a more personal level I have a hard time trusting in Jesus and in God’s plan. When the day to day poop happens, it is just hard. I have two sons and I love them, but the older they get the harder the challenges. My son in college is almost an adult, but he has so much to learn. Sometimes it is hard to watch him fail and trust that Jesus will see him to where he needs to be. My youngest son graduates from high school this year. He will be on his own way very soon. I am so excited, but so nervous and anxious at the same time. I have to believe that Jesus will see him through as well, but sometimes I think I have to do all the work by myself.

3. I decided to do both of the summer series bible studies this year. Pretty ambitious and a couple of times, overambitious. The other study is about 1, 2 and 3 John. During that study we have spent considerable time in the gospel of John in addition to 1, 2 and 3 John. Learning that the gospels were to different audiences and with different intents helped me draw more connecting parallels between the two studies and gave me more detail in my ever growing framework or blueprint. It is just so cool that I have this spanning picture now. Icons to guide me; people I feel I know now that give me more understanding; and knowledge of the writer’s perspective and intent. I have learned so much and even though that shows me how much I don’t know, the approach of this study has made it doable. So, as one of my coworkers loves to say, “Bam, that’s right!” I just love it!

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead…
I see evidence of Jesus in all of creation, a bird’s nest, a seedling pushing through the soil, stars twinkling in the sky, a child’s smile, and the wonderful way God provides for us!

I’m so glad that Angie admitted to wrestle with believing in Jesus. Although, I don’t struggle with my faith as much as I used to, it’s comforting to know that others feel the same way sometimes too. I felt so guilty when doubts would creep into my mind, that I would try to push them away quickly. Now, I know I can confess them to God, and He will strengthen my faith.

I didn’t know that the writers of the four Gospels wrote them with a different audience in mind. This helped me understand their viewpoint better.

1. How have you seen evidence of Jesus in the world? (page 133)

I have not seen Jesus face to face, as one similar comment made session #6 but, I have seen countless evidence of Jesus in the world throughout my life. As it reads in Matthew 24:14, “And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it and see it and tell it.” This was the disciples’ mission and it is all believers mission in the here and now.

2. In what ways do you wrestle with believing in Jesus? (page 134)

Ways that may cause doubt sometimes with my faith is fear, the flesh and the enemy that comes to steal, kill and destroy my relationship with God that causes disobedience. It is the sinful nature, that still clings to Christians that we struggle with on a daily basis.

3. Now that you know the writers of the Gospels, how does that help you understand them better? What new things did you learn?

Knowing the writers of the Gospels has given me a clear view of the Gospels. The writers worked together to provide a complete testimony of Jesus, they had the one common goal in mind, that all people would believe in Jesus Christ.

I have learned that each Gospel writer wrote to different audiences and groups. Also, Luke was the only Gospel writer who is a Gentile, who wanted to show Jesus’ connection to Gentiles.

So, God has proved Himself to me, in so many ways. From healing my Dad physically and mentally after a complication from open heart surgery when I was just 13 years old. To keeping gas in my car while traveling late at night on a deserted stretch of highway with my baby girls in the car. To causing my niece to have no evidence of a heart defect that nearly took her life at birth. To seeing Him intervene in the life of my older daughter in her teenage rebellion. To saving my youngest from an anorexic complication that nearly took her life. He is so real. Yet, I too, have my moments of doubt and uncertainty. He remains faithful. I do believe that it helps me to see e gospels differently knowing the writers purpose and intended target. It brought me fresh understanding. Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability.

I guess I’ve seen evidence of Jesus in the world by the fact that this world still is. He still waits for the unbelieving world to wake up and believe in Him. He’s given us all this extra time to choose Him because he doesn’t want anyone to perish but to have eternal life. John 3:16.

I see Him in different aspects of my little world. I see Him in others and the relationships I have. I see Him in my circumstances and how He shows me a different way to be. I see Him all over Scripture……of course this is probably an obvious. I’ve seen Him work miracles in the tiny details of my life and those I love. I’ve seen Him answer prayer when the obstacles have been insurmountable but somehow He made a way. The evidence of Jesus is all around us….all we have to do is Look and See and open the eyes of our hearts as well as Listen (really listen) and Believe.
I’m sorry Angie that maybe I’m Not answering this question as you hoped and giving a concrete example. There are some concrete ones ( many to list) but really mostly the evidence of Jesus is in my heart and the journey I’m on with Him.

After saying everything I’ve said above it doesn’t mean that I don’t wrestle with it all. I have questions that are too numerous to mention here. I wrestle with a lot of His teachings and how to come to terms with it all in my own life. Somehow I want my own perspective on things to matter and maybe even change what God says in His Word. I’m so glad you mentioned that it’s okay to ask Him, no matter how silly or irrelevant it may sound to me. Honestly I’ve thought for a long time that somehow I am not entitled to ask Him anything because that would be dishonouring so for a long time I didn’t. But these days I find myself asking more ” When will this evil end and why aren’t you intervening because you can?”
That’s after I’ve read the news of some horrific event happening this side of the world with ISIS and reading how the fishing industry in Thailand is making a living through trafficking human people and children. That’s my struggle. I know we live in a fallen world etc. but I hear myself saying…”Really God, how can this be??”

I loved how you showed the difference between the 4 Gospels and their writers. I didn’t know Mark was the shortest Gospel. I learned that Mathew and Luke traced the lineage of Jesus differently.

Hi Angie,

I want to thank you Angie for the time and effort you put into doing this study. I am going to be ordering the study books plus the Dvd. My small group has agreed this is the book we will do in September. I am very excited. I thought maybe they wouldn’t want to do the homework. This study will take the fear out of getting involved in other bible studies in the future and make them feel comfortable looking into God’s word on their own.

Grace be with you.

Irene Mary

1. Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Just think how we are made. The DNA and everything in our body how it operates. Or looking into the heavens and the vastness it seems to go on forever.

2. I don’t feel I measure up lack confidence. Moses didn’t feel he measured up either. God reminded Jeremiah not to be concerned about the fact he was young. Paul did the same thing for Timothy. Learning to shut down the lies that the enemy tries to use to hold me back from doing what God calls me to do.

3. My favorite gospel is Johns’ because he seems to share a personal relationship with Jesus. And that is what Christianity is about having a personal relationship with Jesus.

Matthew 2:2 Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His start in the East and have come to worship Him.

Now that caught my attention. How did they know about the King of the Jews? How did they know to follow the star? They were not Jews. They were gentiles. They came to worship the King of the Jews? The Jews had all the Old testament and had it memorized yet they missed the coming of Christ they saw the miracles and heard his message. Yet they missed it. The irony of it all.

I am going to post before it all disappears no pressure or anything.

1. 9/11-there were so few people in the planes that were hijacked and the evidence of his peace and provision in the aftermath, blessings in my husband and children’s lives-see His hand in their life decisions, His hand in keeping me safe through really stupid situations I put myself through in my naivety and His care when I’m hurt.
2. I struggle when I see current world events. Also, I struggle when I see my beloved country allow such evils and the election of evil people when so many are praying and fighting for righteousness.
3. I went in knowing a lot about the writers but learning exactly who they were writing to makes more sense to me now. Now I get why we have 4 different versions of the same story.

I’m a Christian author with an end-times trilogy 2025. I haven’t understood how to get the message out. A couple of weeks ago, I was asked by a Bible Study in Greer, AZ that I visited once last summer, to be their speaker for a Mystery Luncheon. Would I bring my trilogy and talk about my journey writing it? The group usually was about eight members but when I got to the luncheon, there were 31 ladies. I had prayed and God wanted me to take them on my personal faith journey so I started with my testimony and then discussed the books and my hope to touch lives.
God provided a friend to drive me from my town, gave me a free lunch, and a gratuity. What a blessing.

I have a difficult time “feeling” God’s love. I think it is rooted in the years when I felt no love or caring from my father and sometimes my mother who had her own struggles. Maybe I have difficulty believing He loves me. But like someone else said, I have to believe His word which says “For God so loved the world.”

It’s been a wonderful review, one long overdue, And…I liked thinking of who was writing and to whom they wrote.
You did a great job making that clear. A note to the new Bible students…take your questions to Jesus about things you don’t understand. He will amaze you and many times give you a special “knowing” that only comes from Him.

I have seen how Jesus can bring something good out of a hurtful situation. He is holding my hand as He walks me through the journey of forgiveness, helping me let go of the hurt and see the situation from a different perspective – something I could not do without Him!

I struggle with the belief that Jesus loves me, especially when things do not go as smoothly as I would like.

Even though my Bible states at the beginning of each book who the intended audience was, I never really connected the dots! I am anxious to now reread and study the Gospels with this in mind.

I have a question: Does anybody know the difference between John 20:19-23 and Acts 2:1-4? It sounds like to me that the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit in John 20. So in Acts 2, were the disciples already filled with the Holy Spirit and this is when other people received the Holy Spirit?

1. How have you seen evidence of Jesus in the world? (page 133)
– it’s always been through people saying things that I needed, caring for me, teaching me, etc. or what I called “God winks” …whether it be a song on the radio that had words that I needed to hear, a scripture that pops up that is exactly the verse that needed to, a provision that is unexplainable…it could go on.

2. In what ways do you wrestle with believing in Jesus? (page 134)
– my doubt always comes when hurt and suffering happen in the world…but I quickly remember that we are a fallen world and everyone has a choice. I need to remember that my opinion is going to be strange to those who don’t believe…and that suffering does happen because evil and sin still exsist.

3. Now that you know the writers of the Gospels, how does that help you understand them better? What new things did you learn?
– this was one of my favorite lessons from the week! I never knew the info about the writers, their focus, etc. This really points out to me that they really were writing to let EVERYONE know the good news, and they wrote it to fit them so that they would receive it.

1) I have seen the hands and feet of Jesus in just the past week! As I type, I’m in the pediatric ICU sitting next to my 4-month-old son who just 48 hours ago had open heart surgery. Prayers were lifted up from Facebook friends I forgot I had, my church, and even friends across the world. Surgeons working miracles that could only happen by the hand of God. Meals organized to be delivered. And a mended heart for my baby … all the work of God!
2) I wrestle with unbelief when I think of devout believers of other religions who are as convinced that their God is true as I am of mine.
3) I never knew about the perspectives of the Gospel writers. I’m still not sure who Mark is though.

I have seen the lives of people change because they they came in contact with Jesus in a personal way. Salvation changed their life from humdrum and bad to joyfulness and alive for others.

I learned in early Christian life that there was no changing in Jesus..

The writers of the Gospels came from different backgrounds and different occupations so they told their truths in their own personal God guided ways.

1. How have you seen evidence of Jesus in the world? (page 133)
I have seen Jesus in my walk multiple times. I didn’t always recognize it as God’s Hand in my life, or other people’s lives, until at a later point where I was a little more mature in my faith (I still have a LONG way to go on that). I want to share a story, that is probably similar to others, but made such an impact on someone I knew.
– A family that my family was somewhat close with during my elementary years had two sons; one was a few years older and the other was in my same grade. We lived a couple blocks apart and we were familiar with each other, seeing each other often. One of the things that was remarkable about the older brother was his golfing. His skill was high enough that he was thought to go on to pro-golf within a few years. One night, the older brother was driving with a friend from a golf tournament. It was very late at night and both of them were exhausted. The older brother was driving and they both fell asleep on the road and ended up crashing. No other cars were involved, but both of them were thrown feet away from the car. The friend died in the car accident. They had difficulty finding the older brother because he was thrown so much farther away from the car. Neither one had their seatbelt on. By some miracle (this is where Jesus came in), the older brother survived. He shouldn’t have, by any means. He was approximately 15 feet from the car. The doctors examined him and said he has a brain injury and he might be able to walk, MAYBE, but he would never play golf again. Jesus proved the doctors wrong and he did play golf again. No, he probably won’t ever golf professionally, but he can golf and he can walk when he shouldn’t even be alive. It was a miracle in all aspects.

2. In what ways do you wrestle with believing in Jesus? (page 134)
I am so young in my faith that sometimes it’s hard to talk about what I struggle with because so much doesn’t make sense to me or I don’t understand. I’m trying to work my way through the Bible, but I can’t always pick up on everything or understand it. A couple of things I really struggle with are Jesus’s resurrection, meaning also we will be resurrected one day, and Jesus’s teaching about being slapped and turning to offer the other cheek. I struggle with what the resurrection looks like and how that even happens. I believe a little more that Jesus was resurrected because He is the Son of God – He can do whatever pleases Him. But us? Being resurrected? How in the world will I be resurrected? I have trouble with the concept of letting someone wrong me a second time when I know what they’re going to do. Like that phrase, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” I don’t necessarily want to punish them for wronging me ( or I might want to, but I hold back because that doesn’t solve anything), but I would want to correct them from doing it again. Like, if someone were to purposefully break one of my things, I wouldn’t go ahead and break one of their things. I would want to talk to them about what they did, why they did it, and put into perspective that it’s not okay to break people’s things and there are other ways to go about getting their point across. Or is this what Jesus meant by turning the other cheek? See? I am such an infant in my faith. I know the Bible provides the answers, but I’m having a hard time deciphering it on my own.

3. Now that you know the writers of the Gospels, how does that help you understand them better? What new things did you learn?
Now, somewhere along the line, I did pick up that the Gospel writers wrote in different ways. Matthew to emphasize the prophecies are fulfilled, Mark talking about the deeds of Christ, Luke focusing on details the others didn’t plus the Gentile perspective, and John with his message of believing. What I didn’t put together until this study was the significance of these four Gospels. I realized that all the Gospels are not just the same book written 4 times by different people. It’s 4 people talking about the same person from different perspectives. Like, when you are looking at a life problem, you look at all the different factors involved: psychologically, socially, economically, physically, etc. With the Gospels, they’re looking at Jesus and focusing on evidence (Matthew), behavior (Mark), documentation (Luke), and conclusion/spiritually (John).

Although I didn’t get to participate in the online conversation, I have finished the study. As a seasoned Christian, I wasn’t sure what I would gain from this study, but sensed I was do it anyway. As I reflected throughout and at the end of the study, I have been so blessed to see how all the stories I am familiar with are weaved together in God’s Word. I have a new appreciation for the story the Jesus and how God began His plan from the first day of creation. I was reminded again about the sovereignty of God and His overwhelming love for his people in the past, present, and future. Spending time in the Bible to answer the questions and reflect on the words Angie wrote was a highlight of my summer. By the way, Angie is hilarious. I laughed every day at her humor…she makes studying the Bible so fun!!

1. I think I’ve commented before that my husband had an industrial accident last year – he was electrocuted in the head. We have seen God show up in AMAZING ways – the first being the fact that he was working in a hospital emergency room when the accident happened. We are told that if it had happened anywhere else, he would not have survived. But because he was in an emergency room, the medical staff immediately scooped him up and got to work stabilizing him. God’s had plenty of opportunities to take this man home but hasn’t yet, so we know God has a plan for us!

2. I have been blessed to have the spiritual gift of faith. Beyond the occasional fleeting question, I’ve not doubted that God was there and He loved me. It’s a blessing that I am so grateful for. And I’m not just saying that because I live with my head in the sand or have a “perfect” life – I’ve had plenty of hard struggles in my life, been tempted to leave ministry because it’s HARD, been tempted to leave my marriage in the early years, now dealing with the “new normal” of my husband’s injury – yet through it all, I knew God was there and had a beautiful plan for my life if I would just remain in Him.

3. I love getting to know Bible people in a more human way. I love how John refers to himself as the one Jesus loved. I love that God covered all the bases in whom He chose to write the Gospels and their audiences.

I am having trouble viewing the video for week 6. It keeps stopping and restarting. I did not have trouble viewing the previous weeks. Do you have any suggestions?

I grew up in the church memorizing the Lord’s Prayer, singing Jesus loves me, etc. But I have always been so distant in my thoughts about the role of Christ.
I have recently decided to fully follow God and He has really been showing me how far off the mark I’ve been with my definition of Him and how He works.
I’ve really been struggling with recognizing Jesus’s power and authority. And honestly I would appreciate prayers for me to truly see Him as more than just a “friend” or “helper” and see His role as king and ruler as well.

#1 As I read the first question the first thing that came to my mind was the project MercyShip. This is an awesome ministry to people in Africa who are physically hurting and have no way to fix their needs. On their Facebook page you can read the stories about the patients and the volunteers who board the MercyShip. Jesus’ hands are all over each and every story and everyone there.

#2 I guess I wrestle in my belief when circumstances in my life are not resolved and they continue to happen. For instance, my husband is an alcoholic and I have prayed for years for Jesus to deliever him from his addiction. Also, I have a very special loved one who has chosen to live their life, once they have become an adult, far, far away from Jesus.

#3 I loved learning that each gospel targets a specific audience and the background about each of the authors. I made sure to write in my Bible, under each Gospel, notes telling about each man…their background, who they were writing to and why…to help me remember what I have learned this past week.

Thank you so much Angie for the journey so far!!!

1. I see evidence of Jesus in the world through the lives of my children every single day. it AMAZES ME that my children( ages 2 and 3) want to sing and talk about Jesus. It amazes me that they remember things about Jesus that we talk about. Their childlike faith reassures me that Jesus is indeed very much alive and present.

I also see evidence of Jesus as I look into my own life. It seems that when I’m walking closer to Him, EVERYTHING is better for me – my marriage is more enjoyable, my job as a stay-at-home-mom is more enjoyable, food tastes better, I can mark things off of my task and goal list. That is not a coincidence!

2. I struggle with my belief in Jesus because I still allow Satan to get into my head and tell me mean things about myself. When my confidence plummets, I sometimes doubt His love for me – “after all, why would He waste His time on me? I’m not worthy of His help. ” I’m so thankful that every single time however, Jesus prevails and leads me back to a place where I do indeed feel worthy and loved. It’s a battlefield of the mind, and even though I already know who wins, sometimes I can’t see the how or why.

3. I never knew the four gospels were written with a different purpose/ audience in mind. As a “communications person”, this is so intriguing! To know that each gospel was written through a different lens (frame of reference), I’m impressed (AGAIN) that God knew to approach the gospels in this way. Way to go, God!

1 I was robbed at gunpoint and Jesus protected me from harm. The person allowed me to go into my purse to get the money out of my wallet. My prayer partner at the time was calling me as I was walking into my house. She stayed on the phone with me until the police came. She said most robbers don’t allow you to do what I did. I did not lose my life nor any of my id or credit cards. I only lost $40 because my Protector was with me. Where sin abound Grace much more abound!

2 My wrestle with believing in Jesus has diminished greatly because over my life He has proven Himself faithful. Every promise that God has spoken is Yes and Amen in Christ. The most recent deliverance from the stress and oppression of my job further solidified my faith and trust. I may question why I am going through a particular time of fierce testing but I know His love never fails. I know Jesus will work it out for my good and His glory. It’ll be yet another testimony that I can share with others who are going through tough times that the Lord will make a way somehow. Praise His Name forever!

3 Knowing who the Gospel writers target audiences were helps me understand why they emphasised certain aspects of Jesus life and ministry the way that they did. Also it reminds me of why Jesus prayed for the unity of believers. It takes all of us living in the fullness of the Spirit to be able to help unbelievers see an eternal God that cannot be seen. They must see Jesus in us.

I did not connect the symbol of the Old Testament – circumcision with the New Testament symbol – baptism. That was a revelation to me.

Numbers 1 & 2 sort of go together for me. I struggle with being able to discern where is God at work. People tell me (and the Bible says) “ask and it shall be given.” I am always trying to figure out “was that what God is trying to tell me” or “is that just what I want to hear?” Is that really Christ working there in that situation? Sometimes I feel sort of “left out” — like I am doing something wrong in my walk with Christ…..or there is something I am not doing…..Otherwise, I would be able to see where Christ is at work in my life. It is magnified by the fact that I am a pastor’s wife, so really, I should be on top of this. Hope that made sense.

#3 — I had no idea that the different gospels were written for specific groups of people, or that the book was written from a different perspective, i.e. the Lord as King, the Lord as servant, the Lord as a man, the Lord as the Messiah. No one ever pointed that out to me. So when next I read/study those books, I will certainly have a different perspective to start with!

I’m learning to recognize aspects of Jesus’ character in people that used to rub me the wrong way. Usually when that happens, it’s because God is using them to expose an area in me that He wants to address. I’m learning to see that person as His instrument, even if they aren’t aware of it.
I wrestle with discerning Him in me. He’s given me a new heart, and He’s shepherding me from there, but I still believe lies that obscure the picture at key moments. My main challenge is discerning distractions or counterfeits from things that He wants me to walk into. As a younger believer the choices I had to make were more clear cut. But the longer I’ve walked with Him, the more He’s called me to discern more subtle areas as well. It’s definitely stretching me beyond myself.
For me understanding the Gospel writers helps me see the unity of the message they’re sharing. They each highlight a different facet depending on their individual gifts, but it’s one Gospel.

I spent about a half hour typing out my answers to today’s questions. My nook froze up and it was all lost. I have to get to work so I will try again later.