The first step.

Participating in a Bible Study, for me, is about learning more about who God is. Lately, I have discovered so much, its crazy, and oftentimes, challenging. A huge part of what I've learned is that the more I discover about the character of God, the more I realize how much more I have to learn. As my time stateside begins to fade, and deployment rapidly approaches, I fear my lack of fellowship overseas will be a challenge that will be really tough for me to overcome, so I've decided to start an online study where I can take the opportunity to learn more about who God is, and do it with close friends at the same time. The idea of this study is not for me to lead, but to have everyone participate in a way we can all learn and share in God's presence...even though and ocean seperates us.

The first study I want to tackle is one my sister and I discussed this weekend, the Spirit of God. When JR and I did a study a while back, he gave me a couple of really good questions to ask before a study starts, so this entry is dedicated to that, before we start piling through scripture and doing all sorts of fun homework!

What is the Spirit of God?
What does the Spirit do for us?
What do we do for the Spirit?
What does it mean to be Spiritual?
What are scriptural references to God's people being full of, or filled with the Spirit of God?

The last question is one that I find particularly important and challenging, but I'd like to invite more questions, as well as a guiding hand in pulling things into focus. I'm in no way an expert in leading studies, so I'll take any help I can get! Feel free to critique and make requests, but most importantly, to give whatever you learn or excites you to the rest of us doing the study! I pray that this works the entire time I'm overseas, and that it will be valuable for everyone who participates.

"God, I pray that you bless this endeavor, that sometimes my will is outside yours but that this time, its within it. Help guide and direct us in your Word. With all that I am, thank you for being my Father and redeeming me."