From Stephanie Slater

Hi Amy,

Here's some thoughts. With regard to Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom Paul handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. Paul refers to Hymenaeus again in II Tim 2:17-18. It seems from the text that he, along with another friend, are poisoning the church with the doctrine of Gnosticism. So it appears Hymenaeus has not changed, therefore he had yet to learn his lesson. He is mentioned with a different companion, and both times he is mentioned first. Suggesting to me that he is perhaps the leader. Just a little side thought.

Now as to "handing him over to Satan..." and what that may mean. 5:15 says, "For some have already turned aside after Satan." (speaking of widows) indicating that we make the choice to go away from Jesus towards Satan. However, I believe our text in I Tim. is more like I Cor. 5:5. In reference to the son who had his father's wife writes, "Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the lord Jesus." This passage strongly suggests that there is a response by the faithful towards the unfaithful, in way of discipline by way of dis-fellowshipping, in hopes that they will feel the distance, figure it out, repent and return to their God.

Steph

From Stephanie Slater

Greetings Bloggers,

Well, I don't know how you all felt about the chapters and verses missing in the letter to Timothy. Myself, I loved the reading without them, but it was harder to reference. What do you all think?

Check this out and see what you think too. 6:3 "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing." coupled with last months - Galatians 5:10 "I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view."

For me, these verses assure me that I can be confident in the truth, and not believe as the world would have me believe - that I am not closed minded, or intolerant, or even self righteous because my thinking and actions are in line with God's truth and opposite of the world view. Like Romans 12 our minds need to be transformed into His will, His thinking, His views. We can not conform to this world, but rather we need to prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Steph

From Amy (soon-to-be Jackson) Quinliven :)

Dearest sisters,

I hope everyone is having a great week! I really enjoyed reading our letter for I Timothy. It's amazing how just taking the verse numbers out of the letter made the read more clear to me and made me feel as though I was reading a true snail mail letter. Although I value the purpose of verse numbers, this method really helped me remember more. This first comment is more to get feedback from my sisters because I have a few questions.

After reading this (1st page, 2nd to last paragraph) "Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenacus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme."

Question 1: Does anyone know more history on Hymenacus and Alexander? It says that they were "handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme." Did they learn their lesson and come back to God. Or rather, did God receive them back after they learned their lesson? I'll do some searching while I wait for some responses.

Question 2: On page 2 (2nd paragraph) Paul says "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent..." How do we as women in the church know our boundaries when this passage is so firm as to our position in the church? I know that many stories have been documented in the bible of great women who have dome wonderful things in the church. Can anyone give me more scriptures to help me with this one? Can anyone expand on this? Thanks :)

Ok sistas ... that's it for now. Thanks for your help! Can't wait to learn more.

Love,
Amy

From Nicki Rhoton

"I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, and the life that I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Freedom!

From Stephanie Slater

Hey All;

Where is everyone on weighing in on thoughts regarding our fellowship of study in Galatians??

Well anyway, I thought some statement of facts were awesome resources for us in our world (life) view. These eleven truths are opposed to the world's view on life.

1:8 the obvious, "Not to preach a gospel different than what has been preached by apostles." (the word is not out-dated, it is the truth always)

2:10 Remember the poor (individual responsibility to take care of the needy)

3:6-9 The gospel is that all nation would be blessed through Christ. (Jesus is the Common Salvation)

3:22 The whole world is a prisoner of sin. (All of us have a common (the same) problem - that's why we need a common Salvation and have a common Savior, Jude 3)

4:8 "But we are known by God - heirs born to Freedom" (freedom is God's idea he gifted us with, not man's invention)

5:6 The one thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (What we hear from God's word should be lovingly ACTIVE, not passive)

5:10 "TAKE NO OTHER VIEW" (The only world view is God's view - we need to see things his way! :)

5:13 FACT: Freedom is not for self indulgence, but to serve in Love. (Life is about serving, not about being served) It's not me, me, me.

5:19-25 If you life the sinful nature, you will NOT inherit the Kingdom to God. (We must come out! of ourselves, its a self sacrifice of passions and desires)

6:12 Self righteousness only looks good in the flesh, and is a way to avoid suffering the persecution for the cross of Christ.

6:15 We are a new creation in Christ. (We are not the creators of righteousness, only He is)

One last observation:
6:17 "Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus."
How ironic, no! How perfect, that those requiring circumcision of the flesh as a mark of fellowship, couldn't hold a candle to Paul's flesh which bear the marks of Jesus (that persecution they were trying to avoid)

Oh ya, what of 5:12 ? "I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!" Have you or would you ever say something like that? Is this something the world would say? Come on lets get some discussion going!!!!!

There is a lot more here ladies, check it out! Isn't it great how God supplies us with answers!

Havin a blast, and looking forward to April SIS, Lord willing I'll be there finally.

Steph

From Nicki Rhoton

(** Edited note: Huge apologies that these posts are so late! I just let myself get too busy lately and haven't been updating the Canyon blogs in a timely manner. I promise I'll do a better job in the future!! -Jenny)

Just listened to Galatians on my ipod whilst walking (yeah for Spring Break).

I noticed that the main theme of the book is to warn the Galatians of the false teaching on circumcision, which they were requiring new gentile converts to do.

Strong emphasis on their no longer being under to law of Moses; admonition for requiring conformity from the gentile converts in this respect whilst not keeping the law themselves.

For us: we are saved by Christ's blood. We can improve our character, e.g. "fruits of the spirit"; but we will never be pure enough to enter into a right relationship with God, without the blood of Jesus. It is impossible to be saved by the law, and even just by righteousness.

From Stephanie Slater

Hello,

I noticed that each chapter in Thessalonians ends with the coming of Christ.

1:10 ...Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
2:19 ...presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
3:13 ...at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
4:17 ...Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
5:23 ...preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

4:18 Tells the Thessalonians to comfort one another with these words. Do we refer to the coming of Christ often to encourage each other? Just thinkin!

Do you all agree these references ALL refer to the final judgment day? If not, please share.

Another thought; Like Phil. 1:6 "He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ," Thess. 5:25 says, "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." Jesus is sufficient for me!

In Him,

Steph

From Jean Smith

Hello Canyon Sisters:

I thought I'd put out a little study challenge for you to investigate this week. I've been doing some background study on the writing of the book of Thessalonians and came across two historical pieces of data today that I thought were interesting. See if you can answer the following in your study of the book this week:

1. What is Via Egnatia and how did it relate to either the book of Thessalonians or Paul's 2nd missionary journey?

2. What piece of information is contained in the inscription found at the Temple of Apollos at Delphi that helped confirm the year Paul wrote the book?

Happy studying!

Jean

Philippians Recap

Wow, sisters! Thanks for a great turn-out for last night's SIS. We are so thrilled to see the excitement about this Bible study!

Just to review, here are the summary statements that we are memorizing for Philippians:

Have the mind and humility of Christ.
Be anxious for nothing; have the peace of God.
Think on these things.

Next month, Jean will be leading our study of I Thessalonians. In the meantime, we have three jobs...
1. Read and study I Thessalonians
2. Quiz yourself and your sisters on the summary of Philippians
3. Blog about the pearls of wisdom you find in I Thessalonians

Now I'm off to read a little Thess!
Love you all,
Jenny

From Amy Quinliven

Dear Sisters,

I have loved reading through everyone's uplifting and encouraging thoughts from the book of Philippians. I can't wait to dive into our Father's word even deeper this Sunday!

I'd have to say that Philippians 1:23 is extremely powerful to me. I'm trying to meditate more on the word rather than reading it as a "study" session. I'm trying my best to put on the shoes of the particular person I'm reading about, and bring the moments and emotions to life.

Philippians 1:23 - For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better, 1:24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

Although I 200% X infinity believe in Christ, if I'm not reading passages like this, the thought of passing can be paralyzing because it's unfamiliar. To bring light to that, I love how Christ gives us confidence through his word. This verse has given me so much strength and fear seems to diminish the more that I meditate on this.

This makes me re-focus on my goal and purpose, not the fearful unknown that Christ has ALREADY taken care of. I can only say this because of his perfect word and love for us.

February SIS

Hello Girls!

February's Sister in Spirit is this Sunday! We will be meeting at Glenna's house for dinner (sandwich bar) at 5:00, followed by our discussion of Philippians at 6:00.

Please be sure to bring your notebooks, Bibles and something to write with.

If you missed our introduction last month, don't worry. We're just getting started with our first textual study, and we will have plenty of extra notebooks!

See you Sunday!

From Jenny Kreil

How I have enjoyed this month's study of Philippians!!

While studying this month, there have been so many moments that have demanded my quiet reflection. God's words (through Paul) are POWERFUL.

"...to live is Christ and to die is gain." Volumes could be filled discussing the implication of those words.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing..." Hmmm. Volumes could be filled discussing the ways I have failed in this area!

But the powerful statement that has moved me today is found in verse 12 of chapter 3. "...I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Jesus took hold of Paul for the spread of the gospel. He claimed Paul, with his talents, gifts, circumstance, as His own for the purpose of spreading the good news. And Paul, in turn, claimed that mission as his own.

I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

For what purpose did Jesus take hold of ME? What are my gifts and talents that Christ claims?

Am I striving to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me?

From Stephanie Slater

Hey Sisters,

I just sat and read every ones blog entries and comments and it just brought excitement to my heart.

I have felt that reading, meditating, re-reading, cross referencing, blogging, and highlighting this book has been amazingly powerful and rejuvenating for me.

It has provided what chapter 1 verse 9 says, a "love that abounds more and more in knowledge and depth of insight," then in 3:9 it says whatever we have learned to put into practice. The very next book in Col. 1:9-10 Paul prays for the brethren on Colosse to be filled with knowledge of His will that they may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful and increasing in the knowledge of God. AND THEN to top it all off, check out Col. 3:9-10, and see what it is that renews us. Without a doubt, The Lord works in us through His word to perform! So man we need to be in His word like we are.

fyi - all these references were in either chapter 1 or 3 and in verse 9, that makes it easy to remember!

I am so sad I will be in Bullhead this SIS meeting. I know I will miss a great deal of important, encouraging moments. You all enjoy the blessings!

In His Abounding Love,
Steph

From Nicki Rhoton

I just love this study. I am so happy that SIS this year is digging into the Epistles. I see clear threads running through this book, those of unity and humility, encouragement in the face of persecution.

1:1-11 Richness of the words used in this passage: thankfulness, joy confident, good work, completion, share, grace, long for, affection, pure, blameless.

1:12-18 Rejoice because Christ is preached, even by those preaching from selfish ambition, or to make Paul's situation worse! Through the ages there have always been people preaching Christ out of selfish ambition, even today!

1:19-26 Am I ready to suffer without fear to be a sign to those who oppose Christ? Am I ready to accept that suffering as a gift?

2:1-4 Humility, humility, humility. We should not be like the people 1:12-18. On the contrary we should do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.

2:5-11 Christ humbled himself while we were still sinners.

2:12-18 Humility theme continued. It is not about us, it is God who is trying to work through us! Do everything without complaining. Then you will be pure and blameless, then you will be able to hand out the word of life. Paul is hoping that his life will be poured out like the drink offering the Jews were told to make daily, morning and evening, to have fellowship with God. Our lives are to be a constant daily act of faith, humbly seeking that fellowship.

From Diana Young

When I was reading through the print out of Philippians that we all got in our envelopes (from the NIV), it caught my attention that Paul says, "...and I may have less anxiety." (Phil 2:28) Wait a minute! Paul is anxious? He's the one that wrote the well known verse, "BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING, but in everything by prayer and supplication..." (Phil 4:6). I knew that couldn't be right, so I looked into it. The New King James uses the word "sorrowful" in 2:28 instead of "anxious". And, even better, the original Greek word used in 2:28 is literally translated "grief". That makes a lot more sense to me. Paul felt grief and sorrow, not anxious.

From Nicky Rhoton

On going through the photocopy work sheet for the first time I look at the words Paul used to describe the people he was writing to: Saints, Partners in the Gospel, Brothers (used at least 8 times), Friends, Loyal Yoke Fellows, Workers. He feels such a close bond to those who have joined him in his love for Christ.

When you look closely at the first 11 verses of this letter, the affection Paul feels for these fellow workers, brothers, friends jumps right out at you. In his prayer for them he thanks God and prays with joy because of their partnership with him. He feels such affection for them it is like the heart ache we feel when we are parted from someone, maybe a child, husband, brother, sister, who we love.

From Stephanie Slater

Hi Study Partners,

I have so enjoyed my reading and rereading in Philippians these past two weeks. I wanted to share something I discovered that thrills me and, even more than that, encourages and strengthens my faith.

I was amazed at how often Paul points out how "God performs IN us." Check these amazing passages out: 1:6, 11, 19; 2:13; 3:9, 15, 21; 4:7, 13, 19, 23.

He began and will carry out a work in us.
He fills us with the fruit of righteousness.
He gives us help.
He works in us to will and to act.
He makes things clear for us.
He will transform our lowly bodies.
He will guard our hearts and our minds.
He will meet all our needs.

WOW :) Is that not totally awesome!?!?!

Doesn't that cause a great deal of confidence in you?!

This book is filled with pearls; have fun ladies!

Luvya,
:) Steph

How To Comment and Post

Hi Sisters:

Thanks for checking in! Here's a little tutorial on posting to this blog so you can stay in the SIS loop:

(1) To post a NEW idea for discussion, email me the text you want to post (thekreils@yahoo.com). Blogger only allows the author of a blog to publish new posts. I will publish your thoughts to the blog for others to see.

(2) To COMMENT on a post, there are some initial steps to follow. The first time you want to comment, you will have to sign in to Blogger. Near the bottom of the page, you will see an option to sign in as a follower of this blog. Simply create a Blogger ID by using your email address and a password you choose. You should only have to do this once. Later, you should be able to click COMMENT under a post, and publish your comment. If you have any questions on getting started, feel free to call me. (Please look me up in the directory. I'm working on the assumption that publishing my phone number on the world wide web is a bad idea!)

Happy blogging!!
Jenny

From Lea Sims

I grabbed a cup of coffee and my Bible while the kids were still sleeping. What a way to start the day. It only took me 15 minutes to read the entire letter of Philippians. There were so many familiar thoughts: the Gospel advancing because of Paul's chains and he rejoices, Christ's humility and willingness to come down for us, Paul had reason to boast in the flesh but considers it loss for Christ, press on to the goal and Paul had not attained it yet, "whatever is pure, noble, holy ...". Reading it in one sitting makes me wonder what the connection is between these and other thoughts he wrote. Now I have something to meditate on today.

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