If you happen to be new around here, let me tell you what Sister Studies is about. Last Thanksgiving I believe God gave me the idea to start a site where the women from Butler (and our friends in other places and countries even!) could study, learn, share, and grow together - even though meeting together physically all at once on a regular basis is nearly impossible. I jumped in head first and created this blog site, where I attempted to post something approximately every other week, either a video study or something written. While we haven't had as much conversation in the comments as I had originally hoped, and while I also haven't posted as often as I had hoped, enough of you have told me you appreciate it that I 'm going to keep going. (Yay!)
The studies/posts/videos have been about a variety of topics... Grace, gratitude, Christmas, and reading the Bible. Several of us have even been working (albeit slowly!!!) on reading through the New Testament this year. (More about this below...)
I have really enjoyed the challenge of creating the studies and am grateful for all I learn while preparing. (There is never enough time to share everything I learn with you!) When summer came around and my three kids were all home from school though, especially with the impending departure of my daughter for college, it was hard to find the quiet space I needed to create anything new.
BUT finally my daughter has started her college classes, my boys are back in their school routines, I'm back at my part-time teaching job, and IT'S TIME to get started with Sister Studies again!
Like I said, we started early this year reading through the New Testament. We aren't just reading from beginning to end in the order you'll find it in your Bible, though. We're trying to read the various books in the order they were written! It's kind of hard for me to believe that in all of my years of going to church (over 4.5 decades!) until this year, I've never attempted to sort out when the different New Testament books were written. I don't know for sure about anyone/everyone else, but I've found it fascinating to look at the timeline and history as it's presented in the book of Acts and then to read the letters that were written to the various churches based on when they were written. In some cases, the experts out there don't agree about when certain books were written, so it's impossible to know for sure, but even getting it close has been a new experience for me.
Because we are going fairly slowly, it's not impossible to keep up AND if you're just joining us, I don't think it would be too difficult for you to catch up with us - especially if you jump ahead to Acts. Here's what we've read so far:
The gospel of Luke
The gospel of Matthew
Acts 1-16
Galatians
James
I won't deny that I'm a bit of a Bible nerd, (okay, more than a bit!) so I have loved following along on a map as I've been reading about Paul's journeys and the new churches as they were started. Yes, it takes a bit more time than just reading (and if you only have time to read, then just read!) but if you do have time to check out a map as you go, it helps it all seem more real. This site here has a really nice New Testament timeline including when the various books were written, AND some really neat maps that show the journeys Paul and his companions took as they traveled.
One more thing? When we started this journey back in early 2019, I had no idea Pastor Scott was going to do a series in Common Ground going through the book of Acts. Just this week, he preached a message on Acts 15 and Acts 16 is right where we are about to pick up again! (So cool!)
So jump on board! It's not too late and whether you go back to the beginning of Acts and start there or jump into where we are now, I really hope you will consider joining us - especially if you don't already have a Bible reading plan.
Honestly, I have gone in circles a bit about whether or not I should keep pushing the reading plan, because I know not everyone is participating in this part of Sister Studies. I've worried that you might stop reading/watching if you aren't reading along or that you'll get tired of it. But the thing is, the Word of God is LIFE. God speaks to us through His Word. God nourishes our hearts, minds, souls, and spirits through His Word. God transforms us through His Word. Why would I ever think my words (even about God's Words) would be better? So, when I realized Scott's series now is exactly where we left off, I knew I just had to go for it and pray you'll stick around for the journey.
By the way, if your favorite posts are the ones where I share my mistakes and mess-ups and whatever else God is teaching me, fear not! Those posts will be back, too. I've already got at least one great story to share with you about an epic goof I made last week.
So here's what's next. You can review Acts 1-15 to get a sense for what's been happening or refresh your memory if you need or want to. Then join us reading Acts 15:36-18:22 (Paul's 2nd missionary journey) and the two letters to the Thessalonians probably written while Paul was in Corinth.
Review Acts 1-15
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Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey
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8/26-30
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Acts 15:36-18:22
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9/2-6
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1 Thess. 1-5
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9/9-13
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2 Thess. 1-3
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Whether it's through reading along with us or reading on your own or with another plan, may you be transformed by the renewing of your mind as you fill your thoughts with God's word and his truth this week.
Blessings to you, Sister!
Love,
Melissa ♥️
