Monday, July 22, 2013

NoHo Study, Friday July 26th at the Dandurands at 7PM

I hope you have all enjoyed the many events we have been able to enjoy this month. I certainly have and I look forward to the events in August as well.

Please remember to arrive in time to begin promptly at 7:30PM.

I hope to get through the rest of Proverbs 8 this Friday. That means, we will be focusing on Proverbs 8:17-36

Here are the questions for this Friday.

Proverbs 8.17 I love those who love me,
and those who seek me diligently find me. 

What does it mean to look for something diligently? 
 What principle can we learn about obtaining wisdom from this verse?
 What tension might this create with our theology?
 Can this tension be resolved? If so, how?

Prov. 8:18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
Prov. 8:19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
and my yield than choice silver.
Prov. 8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
in the paths of justice,
Prov. 8:21 granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.

18: What are those who receive wisdom promised in verse 18? Is this all spiritual or is there something more tangible involved?

19: If you think of fruit, just normal fruit, like peaches and oranges and apricots, what do you know about how it is grown? Take some time, 10 or 15 minutes, to learn a little bit, maybe look on google to find out what farmers do to increase the fruit yield of their crops. Also, how long does it take, roughly, to see these changes take effect? Fertilizing, pruning, watering, sun exposure, etc.

What principle can we learn about obtaining the fruit of wisdom from this verse?

Proverbs 8.20           I walk in the way of righteousness,
                        in the paths of justice,
Proverbs 8.21           granting an inheritance to those who love me,
                        and filling their treasuries.

Who are those who love wisdom?

Proverbs 8.22 ¶       “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work,
                        the first of his acts of old.
Proverbs 8.23           Ages ago I was set up,
                        at the first, before the beginning of the earth.

If Wisdom was set up, was an act of God, was possessed by God, what can Wisom NOT be?

Remember from our previous lessons, we have learned that Wisdom is the way things are made, the manner in which they are made to accomplish the purpose of their creation. As that applies to man, it is living in accord with the purpose to which we were made, i.e. to glorify God with our lives. Consider that as you read this next large section. What does it mean that Wisdom was beside God as He began to create the earth and the Heavens?

Proverbs 8.24           When there were no depths I was brought forth,
                        when there were no springs abounding with water.
Proverbs 8.25           Before the mountains had been shaped,
                        before the hills, I was brought forth,
Proverbs 8.26           before he had made the earth with its fields,
                        or the first of the dust of the world.
Proverbs 8.27           When he established the heavens, I was there;
                        when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
Proverbs 8.28           when he made firm the skies above,
                        when he established the fountains of the deep,
Proverbs 8.29           when he assigned to the sea its limit,
                        so that the waters might not transgress his command,
             when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
Proverbs 8.30           then I was beside him, like a master workman,
             and I was daily his delight,
                        rejoicing before him always,
Proverbs 8.31           rejoicing in his inhabited world
                        and delighting in the children of man.

What principle can we learn about obtaining wisdom from these verses?

What other part of scripture, i.e. book, do verses 24-31 reference? Can you find at least one verse from that book which demonstrates the wisdom of God?

Proverbs 8.32 ¶       “And now, O sons, listen to me:
                        blessed are those who keep my ways.
Proverbs 8.33           Hear instruction and be wise,
                        and do not neglect it.
Proverbs 8.34           Blessed is the one who listens to me,
                        watching daily at my gates,

After wisdom establishes her primacy and importance she begins to instruct.

According to verses 32-34, what is our responsibility if we would be blessed and wise?

Proverbs 8.35           For whoever finds me finds life
                        and obtains favor from the LORD,
Proverbs 8.36           but he who fails to find me injures himself;
                        all who hate me love death.”

Verse 35 refers back to verse 17, "those who seek me diligently, find me." What else does the diligent seeker receive or find?

If we are promised wisdom if we seek her diligently, then who is it that doesn't find wisdom?

:36 - How else is this person described in verse 36?

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Doulos NoHo Prayer meeting July 5... 7pm... A thru H @ GCC room 234... I thru Z @ the Westermann's

Greetings NoHo Duloi!

This Friday (7/5) we will be meeting for prayer and fellowship. We will be meeting as two groups in two different places @ 7pm this Friday. 

Group A = Last name A-H
Group B = Last name I-Z

*if you are bringing a visitor just bring them to the group that you are going to :)
*the host homes will provide light snacks. feel free to bring snacks to share if you'd like!
*The Wongs will go with group A and the Moores will go with group B

Group A - Meet at church room G234, 7pm
  • 13248 Roscoe Blvd, Sun Valley, CA 91352
  • We (the Wongs) were originally going to host this group at our apartment but because of the heat in our 2nd story apartment we're moving this group to the church room G234 where the AC is nice and cool. 
  • Stephen Duwe will give a short devotional before the prayer time for group A!

Group B - Meet at the Westermann home, 7pm
  • [for more info please email us at <doulosnorthhollywood@gmail.com>]
  • Location & Parking: Recall the Grosjean's house? Well, it's the same!
    • If you've never been, it's about a quarter mile East of the church, on the South side of the street. Parking may be somewhat limited, but still available within a few houses distance.
  • Alberto Solano will give a short devotional before the prayer time for group B!

Why 2 groups on prayer night?
The reason for splitting into 2 smaller groups on these 1st Fridays is to foster relationships in our study. Our study is  large which comes with its blessings and challenges. In a group of, say, 20 people it’s much more natural for us to have meaningful conversations with each other than in a group of 40-50.  Our goal is to see the fellowship that we share in our group deepen in relationship with one another even as we grow in the size of our study. Jacob and I have thought and prayed much about this and think that this will be a blessing to you.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday!

yours in Christ,
Vincent and Jacob

Monday, June 24, 2013

Meeting at the Dandurand's This Friday, June 28th at 7PM

This week we will have fewer questions but I hope they will still be a blessing to you all.

*****


Proverbs 8.12           “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
                        and I find knowledge and discretion.
Proverbs 8.13 The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil.
             Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
                        and perverted speech I hate.

            What does it mean to hate? What does it mean to hate evil? Can you think of any examples of “hatred of evil” in scripture?

            Why are pride and arrogance wrong (think beyond, "the bible says so.")? And what do these vices have to do with the fear of the LORD?

            What does “perverted” mean? What are some examples of perverted speech? What is the intended purpose of speech? Can you think of a verse to support your idea? What does it mean to hate perverted speech? Does the way you (personally) speak reflect a hatred of perverted speech?

Proverbs 8.14 I have counsel and sound wisdom;
                        I have insight; I have strength.
Proverbs 8.15 By me kings reign,
                        and rulers decree what is just;
Proverbs 8.16 by me princes rule,
                        and nobles, all who govern justly.

Proverbs 8.17 I love those who love me,
                        and those who seek me diligently find me.


What does it mean to love wisdom? How does this verse relate, if at all, to Prov 2:1-5? Based on verse 17, Who are those who love wisdom?  

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

NoHo's Good Ol' Day at the Park... Saturday 6/22

Dear NoHo family,

Get ready for a series of NoHo Good Ol' Park Days! This Saturday, 6/22, we will meet at Stonehurst Park for a great time of fellowship, fun, football, futbol, frisbees, fearless squirrels... ok, I think you get the picture :)

These NoHo Good Ol' Park Days will take place on the 3rd Saturday of every month for the summer season. We will NOT be meeting on the 3rd Friday of each month for the summer season. These Saturday Park Days will be scheduled in lieu of our usual 3rd Friday fellowship nights. If y'all have any questions about this please email us back for clarification.

Where?
Stonehurst Park
9901 Dronfield Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91352

Details:
10a to 2pm-ish :)
Bring Your Own Lunch

If you got 'em, bring the following:
  • Softballs
  • Gloves
  • Bats
  • Frisbee (or two)
  • Chairs
  • Blankets
  • Shades
If you have or know someone who has:
  • Bases (not sure if they are there)
  • A tee
A big thanks to Shelbie, Amanda, and Mary for organizing this Park Day!

(Hebrews 10:23-25)
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

yours in Christ,
Vincent and Jacob

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

NoHo Bible study 6/14/2013... 7pm @ GCC room 234... Studying Colossians 1:24-29.

Dear NoHo Family,

This Friday we will be studying Colossians 1:24-29. Because the Dandurand home is unavailable this Friday, we will be meeting at church, GCC room 234 @ 7pm. 

[13248 Roscoe Blvd, Sun Valley, CA, 91352]

In this passage (vv 24-29) Paul follows up his soaring exaltation of Jesus Christ (vv 15-23) with a description of his labor of love for the church. In doing so he teaches wonderful truths about Christ while also modeling the heart of a pastor for his flock.

If you are able to, please prepare yourself for the study by reading through the passage (vv 24-29) and then making a copy of it in your own handwriting. As you pray and meditate through these verses, ask yourself these two questions: #1 What is the big idea of this passage; and #2 How do these verses fit into the flow of Paul's letter to the Colossians?

Have a great week. We look forward to seeing each of you on Friday!

yours in Christ,
Vincent and Jacob

Monday, June 3, 2013

Doulos NoHo Prayer meeting...7pm...June 7...A thru H @ the Bartons...I thru Z @ Natasja's.

Greetings NoHo Duloi!

This Friday (6/7) we will be meeting for prayer and fellowship. We will be meeting as two groups in two different homes @ 7pm this Friday. 

Group A = Last name A-H
Group B = Last name I-Z

*if you are bringing a visitor just bring them to the group that you are going to :)
*The Moores will go with group A and the Wongs will go with group B

Group A - Meet at the Bartons home, 7pm

Brett wrote: 

When you park on the street take care not to park in the no parking zone right in front of our compound (the only zuch zone on the ztreet, I might add)  If you want, and can, bring snacks, but snacks will be provided.
We love you guys, and are really looking forward to it.
Brett for the Bartons

Group B - Meet at Natasja's home, 7pm

Natasja wrote:

Major cross street is Victory and it's a house on the right.
Parking is a little challenging but there is some parking space available on the side street next to the house or around the corner down the street from where I live. Don't know what the outcome will be but if someone has some extra folding chairs, feel free to bring some if possible just in case? Also shoes off since my landlord is a little finicky with the carpet :) 

Thank you so much and I'm looking forward to fellowship/prayer meeting.

- Natasja

The reason for splitting into 2 smaller groups on these 1st Fridays is to foster relationships in our study. Our study is  large which comes with its blessings and challenges. In a group of, say, 20 people it’s much more natural for us to have meaningful conversations with each other than in a group of 40-50.  Our goal is to see the fellowship that we share in our group deepen in relationship with one another even as we grow in the size of our study. Jacob and I have thought and prayed much about this and think that this will be a blessing to you.

Jacob and I are here to serve you. As your Bible study shepherds, we endeavor to "present every man complete in Christ" (Col 1:28) by God's grace. Please let us know if you have any thoughts or questions about this format for our 1st Friday prayer nights.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday!

[please email us at <doulosnorthhollywood@gmail.com> for address and additional info. Thanks!]

yours in Christ,
Vincent and Jacob