Welcome to the introduction week of our latest online Bible study, "James: Mercy Triumps" by Beth Moore. I am so sincerely happy you have decided to participate. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: time in the Word of God is truly an eternal investment. You know the saying, “you can’t take it with you when you go.” Well this is the exception to that rule. This is the stuff that matters both here on earth and eternally. So welcome.
Before we begin, I want to lovingly caution you (or remind you, if you have studied in an online format before) that ONLINE Bible Study can be very difficult to see through to completion. It is one of those things that begin with the best of intentions and end without much thought at all. One of the reasons for this is because there is very little accountability in an online setting. Indeed, I (as the facilitator) am really the only person accountable to make regular posts and stay on schedule with our study. Thus some participants in past studies have gotten behind or altogether lost in their coursework.
Of course, my intention is not to discourage anyone from online study, but to encourage each of you to set your own personal goals that will enable you (with the Lord's help) to succeed. Consider committing to post a comment on our group page about what you learn in study each week. And, of course, sincerely pray and ask the Lord to give you the supernatural ability (ability none of us have in our own strength) to meet the goals you've set. I hope it is coming through my typing how desperately I want each of you to succeed - primarily because the Lord has completely changed my own life through the study of His word. So if there is anything I can do to help you to do that, please do not hesitate to ask. I will be sure to pray for you regularly, and would very much appreciate your prayers for me as well.
That being said, let me give you a quick overview of what this online Bible study will entail. I challenge each of you to start each week of study by watching a video of our teacher, Beth Moore. The videos are approximately one hour in length. After viewing the video, we will have five days of homework to complete in our workbooks. Each day of homework will take about 45 minutes to complete. If you are new to Bible study, this may seem like a lot of work. But again, I encourage you to persevere. I have never found the study of God’s word to be a waste of time. To the contrary, it has always proven to be one of the most valuable uses of my time. I am sure that once you get started, you will feel the same.
Moreover, if you are interested in taking your study of James to even greater heights, Beth gives 5 levels of study in which you can participate. Indeed, before watching the first video this week, please read the introduction beginning on page 8 and ending on page 11 of our workbooks. In case you are wondering, I have committed to participate in Level 4, and I am very much enjoying the exercise of writing the book of James in the back of the workbook, as well as reading Beth's daughter's very insightful articles. You should commit to whatever level you think you can handle, but in the words of Beth on page 11 girls, "Don't wimp out!"
This week, we’ll be watching the introductory video session. The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the introductory video session) can be found on pages 12 and 13 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 1” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 1" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 1 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week one begins on page 15 of our workbooks and ends on page 39. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
I can’t wait to get started! Let’s get to it!
Your friend, Amy
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