Bethlehem North Women's Bible Study

In Psalm 56 we saw how faith in the midst of fears works for those who know and trust God. With David as our model, we walked through what it means to resolve to trust the Lord when fears arise. We saw David turning to the Lord. We saw how his overwhelming fear led to trust, which resulted in praise, which led to increased trust, and which ultimately resulted in not being as afraid.

In Psalm 51, we hear David powerfully articulating the gospel through a broken, contrite heart to a steadfastly loving, abundantly merciful God. It is our prayer that as we go through David's penitential lament for his grievous sins, you will see how God's Steadfast Love Creates a Broken, Contrite Heart to Worship Him.

In Psalm 34, David shares his resolve to praise God and invites his listeners to do the same. Following a personal testimony to God's faithfulness, David welcomes God's people to receive the blessings of provision and protection available to those who fear the LORD. In the last half of the psalm, David teaches how the fear of the LORD influences words and actions. Finally, he reveals why we should fear the LORD. He expands on God's preserving and saving work for those who take refuge in him, both to sustain us through trials in this life and to save us from eternal condemnation.

The psalmist takes a very public occasion to tell a very personal story of his failure and God's mercy. Layered into the story of the temple dedication is the story of the failures of God's people and the relentless pursuit of God to be with His people and to provide a means for displaying His goodness to them. In crescendo-like manner, this Psalm depicts the failures of His people (including David, Israel, and even us) against the glorious backdrop of mercy and grace that brings about a resurrection transformation that elicits eternal praise.

In the layering of the psalmists' experiences and stories, one central figure emerges—the Anointed One from Psalm 2 who blesses all who take refuge in him. In the Psalms, the faithful people of God sing of the hope they have in God's promise to establish this King and his worldwide kingdom of righteousness and peace. Throughout every season of their lives, these faithful ones cling to God's promises by meditating on God's words, by remembering their history, by imagining the future, and by praising the Lord. Today, the faithful people of God worship Jesus as the Anointed King and continue to sing these songs until the day God will bring the whole world under the reign of Christ Jesus.

Bryan will share practical encouragements for moms as they seek to raise Christian disciples who delight in God.

“This God - His Way is Perfect” -2 Samuel 22:31 Reflections on God's Power and Provision in David's Life As we come to the end of the books of 1-2 Samuel, the narrator provides us with an epilogue by looking back at six events from various seasons of David's life. The narrator will give us opportunities to look at the ways God has shown his power and provision in the past, as well as providing us with David's prophecies about the future eternal king God has promised from the line of David. 

God keeps all his promises. And though it appears that Absalom and David are the central characters in the story, it is actually our promise keeping God who takes center stage. There is little exemplary human behavior in this account, but God's character shines. As he keeps his promises to David, we see his faithfulness, his justice, and his mercy.  

What is Jesus' heart for the vulnerable- people with disabilities, widows, orphans, and the elderly? How do we follow His example in welcoming these precious “image bearers” into our hearts and lives?  

2 Samuel 11-14 In the last 10 chapters, David has resisted harming or killing Saul, and David inquired of the Lord and obeyed him. In 2 Samuel 11-14, the story takes a marked pivot. David violated and killed, and the consequences were great and generational. In these chapters, David “utterly scorned” the LORD, and didn't lead his family. In the previous chapters of 1-2 Samuel, we had a vision for a godly generational reign; in these chapters, David's sons are repeating--and outdoing--the sins of their father. It would be tempting to despair: will another king lose his anointing? Are our sins more powerful than God's plan? Can we trust any king? Let's look and see!

As the King Fares, So Do His People: 2 Samuel 2-10 David knew he had been anointed king of Israel for the sake of God's people. But now we see that God had much more in mind than one king over one little nation for one little page of history. In these incredible promises to David, we hear the fulfillment of his long ago promises to Abraham, and we realize that God has chosen David to be the first in a long line of Israelite kings to not just bless the people of Israel, but to bless all nations of the earth. In these promises, God recycles the language of his promise to Abraham.

This week's chapters, 1 Samuel 27- 2 Samuel 1, highlight Saul's undoing and David's deliverance. The narrator contrasts the character of David and Saul throughout these chapters as they face hardship. Where do they seek their help? How is God at work? Saul continues to pursue self-sufficiency. But, we see by God's grace, “David strengthened himself in the Lord” (1 Sam 30:6b). In our distress we are to turn and be strengthened in the Lord. David was strengthened by remembering God's promises, reminding himself of God's unchanging character and seeking God's presence.

This week, we learned that David grew as a man after God's own heart and in his role as king by learning and remembering that “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers them out of them all.” (Ps 34.19) David experienced persecution, betrayal, false accusations, and many other afflictions. In Psalm 56, he lamented “man tramples me all day . . all day long an attacker oppresses me, they have waited for my life,” yet he continually called out to the LORD “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Ps 56).   1 Samuel 21-26

Beholding and Becoming in Friendship and Community: Doubled Joy and Halved Sorrow Our God is a relational God, and he created us to be in relationship with Him and others. How does God use the friendships and communities in our life to make us more like Jesus?  We'll consider unique challenges at each stage of life, and share how life in community has helped us persevere in faith.

The Battle is the Lord's 1 Samuel 17 highlights the story of David and Goliath, where we see God at work to defend the honor of His name through David's weakness.

"Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Consider what great things he has done for you." –1 Samuel 12:24 Our lesson this week in 1 Samuel 8-15 highlights Israel's transition to a monarchy, Saul's rise to power, and his eventual rejection by God due to disobedience. We saw God sovereignly work through Israel's demand for an earthly king “like the nations” to reveal their weak faith, hard-heartedness, and their true need for a heavenly King. We were challenged to examine our own hearts, humbly repenting of sin and seeking God's forgiveness.

Amelia will help us see how the gospel brings hope and stability when life seems out of control.

In 1 Samuel 4-7, an important question is asked: “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God?” Samuel's answer comes with a promise: To stand in the presence of the LORD, you must humbly repent of your dishonoring him, put away all your idols, and serve the LORD with your whole heart . . . and he will deliver you from the Philistines--or in our case, every weight and sin which clings so closely. Today, the call of the LORD to us is the same: With all your heart, humbly destroy the idols that gravely dishonor the Lord, and serve the LORD only. By faith in Jesus, we have the grace to stand in the presence of the LORD. Hallelujah!

As we seek to become more like Christ, our marriage is an opportunity to live out the “one another” commandments from Scripture. As we do, we will grow in unity and connection together.   February 2 & 3

New Beginnings: Hannah, Eli, and Samuel (1 Samuel 1-3) God chooses the setting of barrenness and the context of dark rebellion as the opening scene to giving a promised child, who will point to the King.

Join us in examining the biblical, historical, cultural and literary context of 1-2 Samuel. Gain some new insights into studying Biblical Narrative, and see how God is fulfilling His promises and foreshadowing his Coming King.

What a privilege it is to live out our faith before the watching eyes of our children. Kelly Vranyes will share life stories of how God has used time in the word and prayer in his sanctifying work in her and her children's lives. “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart“ (Jeremiah 15:16).

Our youth ministry pastors and staff from nursery through high school will share their vision for each of their ministries and provide practical ways parents can partner with each age level at home. There will be an opportunity to submit questions.

God's People: Saints and Servants Saved by the Gospel (Romans 16) Learn from Paul's greetings in Romans 16 on how to serve one another in love for the sake of the gospel. 1. A Servant-Hearted Sister 2. Saints to Greet 3. Deceivers to Avoid 4. A Few More Greetings from a Few More Good Men a brief recap before Paul's benediction…. 5. To God Be All the Glory!

Romans 15 calls us as believers to live out Christ's example of love, living in harmony with each other, to support the spread of the gospel and glorify God. God equips us with hope and endurance through the Scriptures and by Christ's example, to glorify God together. 

God's Righteousness Lived Out: Honoring Convictions While Extending Grace In Romans 14, Paul provides categories and principles to foster unity among brothers with different consciences. He outlines that we believers, proceeding from faith, welcome and honor one another, put off passing judgment on one another in matters of conscience--because we live and die to the Lord--and instead, we pursue peace with each other, building up one another and God's kingdom of righteousness, PEACE, and joy! Whether we forsake or partake [fill in the blank!] because of our conscience, we are always to love.

Responding to God's Self-Revelation: Worshiping Through the Seasons of Life God reveals Himself to humanity so that we would rightly respond to Him in worship. Romans 12:1 expresses Paul's heart that all of life should be seen as worship. We naturally ask, so what does it look like to 'treasure Christ in all of life?' Practical help for growing as worshipers in the ordinariness of daily life.

Explore with Paul how love fulfills the Law as we live transformed lives by the power of the Spirit.

In Romans 12:9-21, we saw how God's righteousness is lived out in our everyday lives as we interact with a wide range of “one anothers.” As we behold the perfect example of genuine love in Jesus, we become more like Him.

Can we really give our kids a vision for global missions when our daily lives feel so…local? Giving a vision for global missions starts by beholding the glory of the Lord and embracing the spirit of Jesus. But it doesn't stop there. Missions is where awe becomes action. It's taking what we've seen and letting it shape how we live—becoming the voice, hands, and feet of Jesus to the nations in front of and with your kids. Join Kristin Dearth for a conversation about easy, inspiring ways to raise globally-minded kids who love Jesus deeply and follow him boldly—beginning right in your own home.

A genuine, transformed Christian life is an overflow of God's mercy. It is a life spent in loving, serving, and using your God-given gifts within the community of faith, all for the glory of Christ. This is a profound process rooted in God's mercy and centered on Christ. It is not merely a set of rules but a new way of living that reflects a change in heart and purpose. God's mercy is the deep, solid foundation that will hold us fast through every storm of life and as our lives are anchored in God's mercies, they will demonstrate the transforming mercy of God in action…. God's righteousness is displayed in our transformation.

God's Righteousness in Future Restoration | Romans 11 | Kïrsten Christianson Here in chapter 11, Paul proves God's righteous plan for future restoration with an argument that shows the intricacy, reveals at least some of the mystery, and underscores God's sovereignty in his election plan for his people. Paul's intention in writing this passage was to show us that God is righteous in all things--including in his plan of salvation for the Gentiles and the Jews--and that we can and should completely trust him to accomplish his perfect will for each and every one of us.

Mary was completely paralyzed with polio at 15 months of age, not expected to live, and endured 18 years of surgeries, but God had a plan! The LORD is our redeemer of the past, present, and future as he uses the weak to confound the wise for his glory!

Mary was completely paralyzed with polio at 15 months of age, not expected to live, and endured 18 years of surgeries, but God had a plan! The LORD is our redeemer of the past, present, and future as he uses the weak to confound the wise for his glory!

God's Righteousness Rejected at Present: The Reason, the Remedy, and the Result As Paul continues to defend God's righteousness in election, in Romans 9:30-10:21 he zeroes in on the human responsibility to respond to God's offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Believing in Jesus and confessing him as Lord are essential for salvation. We have a present responsibility to respond to God's offer of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. While God's election is sovereign, He also calls people to put their faith in Christ for salvation. We also see the importance of praying (10:1) and sharing the gospel: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

In Romans 9 we see God's unconditional election clearly revealed in the Bible, and we are stirred to humility, worship, gratitude, and hope as we reflect on our own salvation and prayerfully seek the salvation of others.

Paul's anguish over unbelieving Israel was made more painful when he thought of all the unique privileges and blessings that they possessed. The question hanging in the air is “Has God's word failed? Can we trust God?” In Romans 9:1-13, Paul launches into the basis of election: an explanation of the doctrines of unconditional election and divine sovereignty over human willing. Paul argues for God's faithfulness in His sovereign election of Israel. He aims to vindicate God's righteousness.  God's word has NOT failed! Our faithful God has kept, is keeping and WILL keep his promises!

To kick off a new season of MOMS, Pam Larson unpacked our theme for the year: Behold and Become. 

At some point, every Bible reader needs to wrestle with the problem of Israel's unbelief. If God failed to deliver on the big, saving promises he made to his people Israel, who's to say he'll be faithful to the big, saving promises he's made to us? Paul wrestles with this question after writing his most famous promise-filled chapter of all. And his answer is at once surprising and precisely what we should have expected all along. Surprising faithfulness: what else would we expect from a God like ours!

No Separation: God's Everlasting, Amazing Love in Christ Our assurance: God is FOR us not against us! NO CONDEMNATION! More assurance: God's love is FOR us forever! NO SEPARATION! God's forever love is FOR us because of what Jesus has done for us.

We can rest assured! God's plans work for good as he conforms us to the image of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Live in the Spirit! The Spirit will help us! We have such great assurance in God's plans & purposes! Pray! We have assurance that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit are working through our prayers. Be Conformed to Christ! Embrace God's plans for our past, present & future.  

There is GLORY to be revealed! As Christians, we do suffer, but not without HOPE of a far greater, future glory. That sure hope of a glorious future strengthens us to patiently persevere through the trials we are faced with now.

Paul reminds us that it is by the Spirit you have been freed from your sinful flesh, found as adopted sons of God whom you now call Abba! Father!, and have been made co-heirs with Christ by the fellowship of his suffering for the fruit of eternal glory with him.

Our passage this week takes up the issue mentioned at the end of Romans 8:4— how does this new walk, walking according to the Spirit, come about? We looked at three ways set out in Romans 8:5–11: We walk by the Spirit as we set our mind on the Spirit.  We walk by the Spirit if (and only if) God's Spirit dwells in us. We walk by the Spirit in hope of the resurrection power of the Spirit.

In Romans 8:1-4, we have the glorious proclamation that IF we are in Christ, we are no longer under condemnation, but have liberation in Christ, propitiation through Christ's sacrificial death for sin, and sanctification through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit's power in our lives.

Romans is a detailed explanation of the heart of the gospel and how it works in our lives. Apart from God and his grace, we are utterly without hope. In this episode Pam Larson reviews Romans 1–7 to open our study series on Romans 8, examining various aspects of the gospel much like a jeweler would examine the facets of a beautiful diamond set off by the dark black velvet background ... the bad news that none of us are righteous and all are under God's wrath apart from Jesus and his work on the cross. How do believers relate to the law? The law is holy, righteous, and good! But it can't make us holy, or righteous, or good. The great news coming in Romans 8 is that God has done “what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do.” (Romans 8:3). God redeems us by sending his Son to fulfill the law. We have been set free from the law and walk in the new way of the Spirit.

Three of our North Church women share about their experience in a Titus 2 multigenerational community, encouraging one another to hope in God through many different seasons and circumstances.

Suffering is hard and fear is real, but suffering also brings surprising gifts to those who know Jesus.

We have been set free from the law and walk in the new way of the Spirit. The law is holy, righteous, and good, but it can't make us holy, righteous, or good. Even though we struggle in the fight against sin (which is powerful), thanks to Jesus, his grace is stronger. The focus shifts from the power of sin (Romans 6) to the powerlessness of the law. (Romans 7) 1–Romans 7:1–6 | Two husbands  2–Romans 7:7–11 | Story #1: Is the law sin? 3–Romans 7:12-13 | The law and sin  4–Romans 7:14–25 | Story #2: The Struggle and the Deliverer

This week in Romans 6:12–23, Paul reminds us that because of what Christ did, we are not slaves to sin and our passions anymore. Instead, we have a new master, a master Paul calls Obedience, Righteousness, and finally, God. And what a gracious master God is!  Under this new master, we have become obedient from the heart, we devote ourselves to righteousness, and we bear the fruit of sanctification by living unto God—for eternity. When we believe God, this is our reality, and Paul entreats us to live out of that reality. Sinclair Ferguson says it this way, “This is how we want to grasp Roman 6, not so that we understand it up here (gestures to head), and it is a challenge to grasp it up here, but so that it will create in (us) gospel instincts, affections, and emotions that are driven by the fact that we live the whole of our lives in union with Jesus Christ.”

Paul offers a sustained argument debunking the outrageous idea that by saying that “when sin increased, grace abounded all the more,” he was suggesting that we should “continue in sin that grace may abound.” His chief argument is that the old, sinning, self has died giving rise to a new righteous life. Sinning is incompatible with this new life. It's actually the transformation of sinners into righteous people that really highlights God's grace.  Such is God's grace. Not only did he declare you righteous in Jesus, his amazing grace daily transforms you from the sin-ravaged, fearful of death old self into the image of Jesus. This grace is yours if you come to Jesus in faith; his grace is great enough to transform you no matter how great your sins.