Session III, Day 5

Yesterday we had our first word study about sanctifying.  I hope you enjoyed searching the scriptures, and taking the quiz.  The goal was that by examining other times the term sanctifying was used in the Bible, we would gain a more complete definition of that term.  As a result, we hopefully all better understand 1 Peter 1:2 and what it means for our lives as Christian women.

ASSIGNMENT:
Today we will are going to do a word study together using the discussion board.  We are going to be focusing on 1 Peter 1:15-16 and the term "holy."  Click the link on the right under "Let's Discuss" and look for the discussion thread titled "Be holy, because I am holy" to get started.

***Remember your input is always valued even if it is several days late.  Please do not let being behind discourage you from participating.  Many of us check the discussions for new comments all week.***

Session III, Day 4

Today we are going to do something a little different.  It is our first word study and quiz!  Do not worry it isn't for a grade.  :) 

ASSIGNMENT:
In 1 Peter 1:2 you will notice the phrase - the sanctifying work of the Spirit.  Please look up and read the following verses to learn more about what the term sanctify means.  You may also wish to use the cross reference notes and/or concordance from your personal Bible.
I Cor. 6:9-11
I Th. 5:23
II Th. 2:13
I Cor 1:2

***QUIZ TIME!***

Click here to access a short quiz to test what you've learned. 

Session III, Day 3

ASSIGNMENT:
On the chart entitled, I Peter Commands/Instructions, write Peter’s instructions to the letter recipients found in chapter 1.  Be brief, because we will be adding to this instruction list throughout our study.

For those onliners who printed their study guide at home, the chart mentioned above was added late to the list of files we originally asked you to print.  If you haven't already, you can access it by clicking the "Click for Documents" link on the right.  The file is titled 1 Peter Commands/Instructions.

Session III, Day 2

It is another marking assignment for today.  In addition, I would like all of you to grab a blank sheet of paper and write "To this I was called..." across the top.  As we continue our study over the next several weeks, please write down any callings that jump out at you.  I think you will appreciate having this sheet of specific instructions to look back over long after the conclusion of this study.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Refer to the Marking Key, and mark all references to suffering (both of Christ and recipients) in chapter 1.
2. Write down any ways you feel God calls you as you read through chapter 1.  (ex. to love my fellow Christians deeply and from the heart. 1:22)

Session III, Day 1

Welcome back this cool Thursday, as we kick off week TWO of our study of 1 Peter!

Yesterday our assignment was a discussion question and we did not get many responses.  I'm not sure if that was because some of us were too timid to voice our findings, we had technical issues posting a comment or if there really are only two people out there participating in the study.  :)  If there are more of you out there, don't be afraid to jump in even if it is to say, "That is exactly what I learned when I read."  These comments of encouragement are just as important as deep revealing insights because they let those studying at home know that we aren't off track.
  
All that to say we are back to marking.  :)
Enjoy your time in the Word!
 
ASSIGNMENT:
Refer to the Marking Key, and mark Peter’s commands/instructions and also warnings of evil and disobedience in chapter 1.

Session II, Day 5

We are going to do something a bit different today.  Our assignment is a discussion question posted on Google Groups. To access the discussion thread just click the link on the right under the heading "Let's Discuss."  You will be taken to a new webpage where you will see a welcome message with details on how to continue or start a new discussion.  The discussion question for today is found under the heading, "Why Trials?".

ASSIGNMENT:
To discuss (Click on the "Let's Discuss" link) suffering and the advice God gives to believers who face trials. Jump in and share your thoughts!

Keep in mind...
Peter writes to a people who are on a pilgrimage – travelling through “enemy territory.” We, also, are just passing through – this land is not our home.

Session II, Day 4

Ladies, today is the day that we get to go back and see what our marking has revealed to us or has helped to make more clear. 

ASSIGNMENT:
Under the Key Words/Concepts (Text, pg 1-2), make notations of what you learn about each of the persons of the God-Head and about the recipients in chapter 1.

Session II, Day 3

You will notice a new link on the sidebar titled "Background Info".  Clicking there will take you to some interesting information about Peter and the world at the time 1 Peter was written.  This will provide some context as you proceed through the rest of the study.

ASSIGNMENT:
Refer to the Marking Key, and mark all references to the recipients of the letter in chapter 1.
If you have more time, read through the background information provided HERE!

Session II, Day 2

Happy Friday! 

I haven't heard from any of you "onliners" about problems accessing and completing yesterday's assignment so I am hopeful that no news is good news.  :) 

Today is the first day of marking up your text.  For some who have never done this before it may seem odd at first, but as the study goes along I am sure you will be amazed at the connections this technique makes apparent.  So grab a pen, your marking key, and get going.

ASSIGNMENT:
Refer to the Marking Key, and mark all references to God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in chapter 1.

Session II, Day 1

You may be wondering what happened to Session I?  If you went to Ladies' Class yesterday to pick up your study guide, then you attended Session I.  For all of the rest of the online takers your Session I assignment is to download and print a study guide, or email megan.drennon@gmail.com to arrange for a packet to be ready for you to pick up this coming Sunday.

THE FORMAT:

1. Check this blog every weekday for a new post with that day's assignment.  
2. Our week of assignments will run Thurs, Fri, Mon, Tues, with a discussion question typically on Wednesday.  This will allow our study to run concurrently with Ladies' Class.
3. We encourage you to start discussions by clicking the link on the right under the heading "Let's Discuss."  Be sure to check the discussion page periodically to see what is being said, and offer any thoughts!

TODAY'S ASSIGNMENT...

1. Read through the Introduction Page of the study guide if you haven't already.
2. Read all of I Peter in one sitting, and as you read, make a note of any questions that come to mind in the left margin of the Text.

We are excited to be kicking off Brentwood's first ever Online Bible Study, and so glad you took that first step and logged in today.  We will see you back tomorrow!

Background Information for 1 Peter

What do we know about Peter?

• Mentioned more than any other apostle in gospels
• Usually named first in any list of apostles
• First to confess Jesus as Son of God             
• Lead spokesman for apostles in Acts
• Denied knowing Christ during His trials
• Deserted Christ as He was crucified
• Commissioned by Jesus to “feed my sheep” (John 21)

Who were the recipients of this letter?

God’s elect, scattered strangers, chosen, etc. (I Peter 1:1-2)

The terms Peter used in addressing his audience, were terms generally applied to Jews.  However, it seems likely that his audience was mostly Gentile because of comments in 1:18, 2:10 and 4:3-4:  It is not likely Peter would have used these descriptions of Jews.  How beautiful to hear Peter referring to Gentiles in this way.

What was the political climate at the time of the letter (around 64 AD)?

• During the “Acts” period, the Roman government allowed Christians to worship without interference. 
• Nero (emperor 54-68) was generally a respected & decent ruler during early years.  However, around 62 things began to change.
• During his reign, Christians began to fall out of favor w/Rome because:

1)  Christians refused to affirm that Caesar was Lord (required of Roman subjects in an annual public ritual)

2)  Christians believed in a returning King who would set up a worldwide kingdom

3)  There were rumors of secret rituals observed among the believers in which they ate/drank human flesh & blood. (communion)

4)  These feasts were rumored to turn into orgies – because Christians referred to them as “love feasts.”

• In 64, Nero was believed to have been responsible for the fire in Rome that destroyed his palace and other buildings.  Needing a scapegoat, Nero blamed Christians.  Thus, the beginning of an era of extreme persecution.

_____________________________________________

At the time Peter penned his first letter, whether this period of extreme persecution had actually begun, we cannot be sure.  However, through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, Peter wrote to prepare those he loved of the coming trials.

This letter holds much promise for all Christians, regardless of the era. 

And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,

after you have suffered a little while

will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

To Him be the power forever and ever.  Amen

I Peter 5:10-11

Welcome!

The Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ Women’s Online Bible Study of I Peter will begin Thursday, September 17 and run through December 9. This study will use the same material designed for the Wednesday morning Ladies’ Class which meets at the building. A daily blog posting will be made where reading assignments and questions will be provided.

Online students are invited to attend the introductory Ladies’ Class at 10:00 a.m. in the parlor of the main building on Wednesday, September 16 for an overview of the study and to receive a study guide. Babysitting will be provided.

You are also encouraged to attend “live-and-in-person” Wednesday classes whenever possible since both the on-line and in-class students will be on the same schedule.

Getting Started:
To participate, you will need a study guide (no cost) which will be issued at the first Ladies’ Class and will be available in the library. Contact Megan Drennon at Megan.Drennon@gmail.com for instructions. You also have the option to download and print the necessary documents from your computer by clicking the link on the sidebar under the heading “Study Guide.”

Let’s Discuss:
We have found that online discussions are one of the most rewarding aspects of this type study. To post a comment, pose a question, or reply to another student’s comments/questions, click the link on the sidebar under the heading, “Let’s Discuss.” This will take you to the Brentwood Women’s Google Groups page where you will see ongoing discussion links posted.

Catching Up:
If you should miss a day and wish to access an earlier assignment look under the sidebar heading “Blog Archive” for a list of all previous posts. Click the title of the assignment you need and it will be opened for you.

Need Help?
Contact us via email at BrentwoodWomen@gmail.com or Megan.Drennon@gmail.com.