StoneBridge Community Church
Hear, O Israel! (Deuteronomy 6.4)
Pastor Jeff Cheadle
Locations & Times
StoneBridge Campus
4832 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
Saturday 5:30 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
Growth Groups
Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA
Sunday 12:00 PM
Online "Connection Card"
Thanks for joining us today! Follow this link to a simple online "Connection Card" where you can let us know you were here and share any prayer concerns.
http://bit.ly/2jWI2Qt
Michel D'anastasio “Shema Israel”
Today's Text in Context
Bob Utley, "Deuteronomy 6" from the series <i>Deuteronomy</i>
http://bit.ly/2tm0c3UWord Study: Shema "Listen"
The first installment of a Word Studies series of the ancient biblical prayer called “The Shema” (found in Deuteronomy 6:4-6). Excellent animated <i>YouTube</i> video from <i>The Bible Project</i>.
http://bit.ly/2pB8VK31. Listen…
<b>1. Listen to the LORD and put him first.</b>
Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers
"An ordinal number is a number that indicates position or order in relation to other numbers: first, second, third, and so on. Contrast with cardinal number. 'Ordinal numbers do not represent quantity,' notes Mark Andrew Lim, 'but rather indicate rank and position, such as the fifth car, the twenty‐fourth bar, the second highest marks, and so on' (<i>The Handbook of Technical Analysis</i>, 2012). "Ordinal Number Definition and Examples" <i>ThoughtCo</i>. Read more…
http://bit.ly/2uaFy3VFor reflection/discussion
When the people of Israel arrived in the Promised Land, they were tempted to worship the gods of the Canaanites in addition to, or instead of the LORD. Is there anything that competes with God for first place in your life? Why is it important that we put God first? What problems emerge when we put our confidence, trust, and hope in anyone or anything other than God?<br><br><b>Application:</b> Ask God to help you decide if He occupies first place in your life.
2. Love…
<b>2. Love the LORD your God with all you are.</b>
Love God With Your Everything
Jason DeRouchie, "Love God With Your Everything," <i>Desiring God</i>.
http://bit.ly/27MAMbl
For reflection/discussion
In Matthew 22.38 Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and identifies it as "the first and greatest commandment." He adds (quoting Leviticus 19.18, "And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Why, in your judgment, does Jesus call the Shema <i>the first and greatest commandment?</i> What connection, if any, do you see between the ritual and moral law found the Old Testament and the command to love God and neighbor?<br><br><b>Application:</b> Look for practical ways to show your love to God and others today and in the week ahead.
3. Lead…
<b>3. Lead your children in the way of the LORD your God.</b>
Tefillin
"<i>Tefillin</i>, also called <i>phylacteries</i>, are a set of small black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah. They are worn by male observant Jews during weekday morning prayers." —"Tefillin" <i>Wikipedia</i> article. Read more…
http://bit.ly/2tBYnQvMezuzah
"A <i>mezuzah</i> comprises a piece of parchment called a <i>klaft</i> (always contained in a decorative case) inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). These verses consist of the Jewish prayer "Shema Yisrael." In mainstream Rabbinic Judaism, a <i>mezuzah</i> is affixed to the doorpost of Jewish homes to fulfill the <i>mitzvah</i> (Biblical commandment) to 'write the words of God on the gates and doorposts of your house' (Deuteronomy 6:9)." —"Mezuzah" <i>Wikipedia</i> article. Read more…
http://bit.ly/2ssZwtcRaising Godly Children
Karen Wolff, "Raising Kids God's Way: Pass on Your Faith to Your Children" <i>ThoughtCo</i>. Read more…
http://bit.ly/2ub0ZBN
For reflection/discussion
Some parents choose not to raise their children as Christians, arguing that they want their children to "decide for themselves when they are older" what they will believe. What possible problems do you see with taking that course of action? How important is it for parents not just to expose their children to faith, but to model and live out their faith for their children to see? What are some of the unintended consequences of inconsistent worship in the lives of our children?<br><br><b>Application:</b> Look for and ask God for opportunities to convey your spiritual passion to a child or younger person you know.
4. Live…
<b>4. Live with gratitude lest you forget the LORD and all his blessings.</b>
How To Be Thankful in All Things
Billy Graham, "How To Be Thankful in All Things"
http://bit.ly/2ssWVQ0
For reflection/discussion
Why are we tempted to forget God when things are going well and we are most blessed? What are some of the blessings that you have enjoyed in life that you didn't earn but came from the sacrifice of others?<br><br><b>Application:</b> Take an inventory of the gifts God has given you and thank God for his goodness and generosity. Think of some of the ways that you can "pay it forward" and be a blessing for those who come after you.
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