Ways to Witness

“You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48)

Taking as its starting point the Biblical story of two disciples’ encounter with the risen Christ on the Road to Emmaus as told in Luke, Chapter 24, our 2010 Easter season Bible study series reflects on the messages that story contains for our own discipleship and witness today. Working from the key verse “You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48), each of the eight sessions explores a different aspect of the narrative; one of eight different ways to witness.

Luke’s account of the Road to Emmaus is full of questions: Jesus' questions to his disciples; the questions the apostles ask of Christ. Addressing these questions to ourselves, the eight weeks’ series will itself be a journey of faith for all who take part (into our own pasts and forward too).

As well as reflecting on other Bible passages related thematically to the respective week’s question, each session includes a meditation on the day’s “ways to witness” theme: Celebrating life; Sharing stories; Awareness; Celebrating the faith we have received; Suffering; Faithfulness to Scriptures; Hope and trust; Hospitality.

13 April:                Celebrating life
“Why do you look for the living among the dead?”
Genesis 1:1. 26-31 - Psalm 104:1-24 - 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 - Luke 24:1-5

20 April:                Sharing stories
“What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?”
Jeremiah 1:4-8 - Psalm 98 - Acts 14:21-23 - Luke 24:13-17a                            

27 April:                Awareness
“Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place?”
1 Samuel 3:1-10 - Psalm 23 - Acts 8:26-40 - Luke 24:13-19a

4 May:                   Celebrating the faith we have received
“What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth.”
Deuteronomy 6:3-9 - Psalm 34 - Acts 4:32-35 - Luke 24:17-21

11 May:                 Suffering
“Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?”
Isaiah 50:5-9 - Psalm 124 - Romans 8:35-39 - Luke 24:25-27

18 May:                 Faithfulness to Scriptures
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he was ... opening the scriptures to us?”
Isaiah 55:10-11 - Psalm 119:17-40 - 2 Timothy 3:14-17 - Luke 24:28-35

25 May:                 Hope and trust
“Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?”
Job 19:23-27 - Psalm 63 - Acts 3:1-10 - Luke 24: 36-40

1 June:                  Hospitality
“Have you anything here to eat?”
Genesis 18:1-8 - Psalm 146 - Romans 14:17-19 - Luke 24:41-48

The Bible Study series begins on Tuesday 13 April. Each session starts at 19:30 hrs (7:30 p.m.).
Venue: the home of the Dehling family, Uhlandstrasse 60 – only a few minutes’ walk from the Mining Museum.
More information from Pastor Jimmy (0234 13365).