Bible Studies: Living way bible study

Living Way Bible Study (LWBS) is a practical course of study with a special emphasis on the application of God's Word to the life of the individual.
While emphasizing practical application, LWBS presents each book of the Bible as the holy, inspired, Word of God, the confessional position of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod.
Our purpose is to help equip believers to live joyfully in God's redeeming love and to share with others God's plan of salvation.
LWBS is also a means to reach those interested in the Christian faith and who may not be members of a church.  With its emphasis on the Bible itself, it has an appeal to Christians as well as to others who are searching for the truth.

The Four Step approach
1. PERSONAL – The student prays for guidance from the Holy Spirit and answers the Personal Application (P.A.) questions at home using only the Bible (no commentaries).
2. SMALL GROUPS – The class meets for an opening and divides into small groups of 8–10 people. The small group leader guides the group through the P.A. questions, encouraging each to share their answers and discuss further as time allows.
3. THE MESSAGE – The lecture or message is given by a pastor or layperson who has researched the material and presents the study, giving personal insight and augmenting, but not duplicating, the author’s comments.
4. THE NARRATIVE – The author’s comments or narrative, along with the P.A. questions for the next lesson, are given out at the end of the class. At the next class meeting, before answering the P.A. questions, the small groups may choose to review the author’s comments of the last lesson, and share what each has highlighted as meaningful or important.
With this four-step method the student has the opportunity to study the particular section of Scripture covered by the lesson from four different approaches. This emphasizes the Bible text and gives the student an understanding and ownership for each section studied.

To view sample copies and obtain complete studies visit https://www.livingwaybiblestudy.org/

Chris Yarran AFL footballer testimony need for God

Chris Yarran is an AFL footballer who went from being one of the best footballers for his club, to falling as a result of a number of issue, he tried many things humanly possible but it was interaction with some Christians and God that is leading him out of a dark patch in his life.  

Same Sex Marriage resources for 2017 Australian plebiciste

The Australian government is holding a non-binding non-compulosry plebiciste in the form of a survey undertaken through the Australian Bureau of Statistics so that parliament can be informed about the communities view in relation to Same Sex Marriage.  
Australians over 18 before the 24 August 2017 who are registered in the Electoral Roll will be invited to take part in this survey.  
The survey will be mailed to people from the week beginning 12 September and need to be completed and posted by 6pm on 27 October.
The results of the survey will be made available by 15 November 2017.  
For comprehensive information relating to the survey visit the ABS website.

As Christians we are encouraged to respond to this survey in ways that are consistent with God's Word.   To do so this it means we are not just to rely on our gut reactions, what others feel or how others may respond to us, but we are encouraged to study, reflect on and gain an understanding from God's Word in relation to both the outcome and how we conduct ourselves during this period of discussion and debate. 

Some resources that may help you
Lutheran Church of Australia resources
August 2017 Bishop's statement
Homosexuality - what the LCA says - an article in the Lutheran magazine November 2016
Summary of LCA's Commission on Theology and Inter Church Relations paper: Human Sexuality 3 key issues
Background paper of LCA's Commission on Theology and Inter Church Relations paper: Human Sexuality 3 key issues
A Discussion paper -  Lutheran schools and Homophobia
LCA's Bible Study on Sexuality

Other resources from outside the LCA 
Coalition for Marriage - is led by the Australian Christian Lobby, Marriage Alliance, the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. 
Seven Christian response to Same Sex marriage article by John Dickson Centre for Public Christianity
Lutheran Church Missouri synod -  Bible Study:  Why Marriage matters!
Reconciling Works - Lutherans for full participation- Bible Study Your people shall be my people 

As we engage with this issue, please consider not just the outcome, but also also how you relate to others in relation to this issue, both those you agree with and those you disagree with.  Ephesians 5:1-2 reminds us to: Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children  and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.   

Book: Changing Lanes, Crossing Cultures

Many countries are now extremely multi-ethnic. People from numerous overseas countries have made their homes in other countries, but they often have very little contact with Christians, and minimal understanding of the gospel. This book is about helping Christians and churches to understand the WHY, WHAT, HOW and WHEN of vibrant cross-cultural ministries, and to get involved.

"Changing Lanes, Crossing Cultures. Equipping Christians and churches for ministry in a culturally diverse society" is a very practical guide to cross-cultural ministry. Its three authors, Choon-Hwa Lim, Andrew Schachtel and Mike Wilson are all cross-cultural practitioners in Australia, with many years of experience between them. Although the book is written from an Australian background, the authors believe that much of it is applicable in a wide range of countries and situations.

Why "Changing Lanes"? There's an urgent need for Christians and churches to learn appropriate and effective new skills, and to change approaches and directions in how we do ministry. This book will help them to undertake the crucial, challenging but very rewarding process of changing lanes in an increasingly multicultural environment.

Changing Lanes, Crossing Cultures includes an examination of the biblical motivation for cross-cultural ministry, steps to overcome obstacles, practical information on how to get involved and many helpful anecdotes and case studies. Each section contains thought-provoking questions for reflection and discussion. It's written so that any person can pick it up and read it, or small-groups can study it over six sessions.

Buy the book 
Amazon
Interserve - Australia

Book: One in the Gospel 2016 edition

One in the Gospel - the Formula of Concord for our day is more than a commentary about the Formula of Concord, it explores how the Formula of Concord speaks to some of today's basic questions that we face throughout our life, including:

• What are we here for? 
• Where are we heading? 
• Is there a God who cares?
• What is expected of me?

This is a newly revised and updated edition of a book that first appeared in 1979 under the same title. The first edition, which gained a large readership, was particularly appreciated by lay people and was widely studied in church groups. The book helped many readers understand - sometimes for the first time in their life - what the gospel, the central message of the Christian faith, really is.

To order your copy go to Australian Church Resources

Contents include:

• Discovering our identity
• Dialogue with the Gospel
• We are beggars - Is it true?
• How do I find faith?
• No strings attached!!
• Fruits on a Good tree
• Sinners and Saints
• For Christ's sake, yes!!
• Jesus only
• Blueprint for action
• Louder than words
• And there's no other God
• Happy ending?
• Free -  to serve the Gospel
• Chosen!!
• Is God choosy?
• Our Lutheran identity