Wed 24 Sep, 2008
Lesson 3 – The Woman at The Well Becomes a Witness (John 4:20-43)
Comments (4) Filed under: Spiritual Formation, thewellTags: Dr. Sherry Mortenson, Spiritual Formation, The Well Bible Study, WACC, Whittier Area Community Church
How are you doing with your study? How are you doing meeting Jesus on a regular basis? Have you found your perfect spot? If you’re still wobbling through all this don’t worry…we’re sending you grace. It will come. There was a lot of information for you to take in with last week’s lesson and we’re pulling for you. Growth is hard and not easy. So if you’re feeling the ground moving a bit under you, that’s good. You’re being transformed. For have you ever seen a home being re-modeled without something being torn down?
Well, it’s time to move along now from Lesson 2 to Lesson 3. If you haven’t watched the second video, please do so now. After you have watched Lesson 2, then your next step is to download the materials for Lesson 3. The video teaching for Lesson 3 is included in the post above. available on Tuesday, Sept. 30 by Noon Pacific Time.
Here’s the link to click to download the materials for Lesson 3.
Also, feel free to leave a comment at anytime. We’d love to hear how the bible study is impacting you.
God Bless.
Lori says:
In working through this week’s questions, I’m wondering if telling ‘our story’ to others of how God has worked in ‘our lives’ is a bit backwards (not to mention perhaps a bit self-centered). I understand the concept of sharing my story with someone, but am concerned that God doesn’t stay as the hero of the story when presented that way. Is that leaning too much on personal experience to help others know God?
As I read it, the woman’s testimony is really sharing with the others what God did, and not focused on how she was changed? “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?” In other words she is telling others what Jesus did, and who He is, giving greatness and glory where it’s due.
My undertanding is that the Gospels are a presentation to us of who Jesus is- the Messiah – and that is their main purpose.
Anyone else get this? Thanks.
wuaw says:
Dear Lori,
I greatly appreciated your comment and so glad that you shared your concerns. I too am taking this “Well” journey with you and although I understand your point, I have a slightly different interpretation. I believe that God is creating each of our stories and as such, when I tell others my story, I say it in such as way as not for personal glory but in order to give God the glory. For only Jesus can the glory be given in my life. When I’m acting out of my own human-ness I fail. But, with God’s guidance, I have my success. My life belongs to Him and all that I boast in is not my accomplishments, but what he has done with me – this sinner unworthy of his love and attention. I believe when you share your story with others they know you will not be doing this to puff up your ego, but you will be lamp unto his feet and you will extol his good works in you. They will see that.
Don’t know if this helped.
Mike says:
Hi Lori,
As I read your comments, a couple of ideas come to mind. The first has to do with the drastic change that came about at Pentecost. The Samaritan woman did not have the benefit of the transformative inner workings of the Holy Spirit. At that point in salvation history, she wouldn’t have been able to speak of what God had done in or for her in the same way that we can today.
When delivered appropriately, our testimony can and does bring glory to God. When we share Christ, it should be a message of transformation. We can tell of how, after giving Jesus his rightful lordship and authority in our lives, the Kingdom of God has advanced within us in such power and love that we have been forever changed. Personal examples of how God’s grace reforms our character and allows us to overcome our circumstances can make a strong impact upon the one who hears it. The act of sharing a personal testimony can be intentionally refined and honed to accomplish this objective.
Lastly, our lives themselves can be a testament of God’s grace. It’s like St.Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel, use words if necessary.” Matthew 5:16 delivers the same message in a different way. Sharing Christ is just as much about operating out of faith, hope, and love in the doing of justice and mercy as it is about sharing the message of the cross. I personally think that the message means more when the recipient values the character and integrity of the one who presented it.
Anyway, some food for thought. It might not be anything new for you. Blessings…
Zemfira says:
It’s fun. ATP Subscribe to the RCC perhaps