Recently in the Lively Hope there has been an announcement saying that all worshippers are encouraged to attend Bible study classes and fellowship activities. Today I’d like to share a bit about the different Bible study and fellowship groups in Hope B-P Church. However, before I do that, I think it would be good to consider why it is good to study the Bible and to be a part of a fellowship group.

Why study the Bible? Simply because it is God’s Word. He has given it to us to teach us, reprove us, correct us and instruct us (2 Tim 3:16). It tells us about what we are to believe concerning God (Joh 20:31; Rom 10:17; 2 Tim 3:15) and what He requires of us (Deu 10:12-13; Jos 1:8; Mic 6:8). The scriptures also give us comfort and hope (Rom 15:4). Yes, you can study it at home, alone, and you should do that too but it is also good to have times studying with other people. This can help us to think more about what we are reading and to discuss applications. Some people will have a better understanding than others and can help explain more difficult passages. This is part of being in a fellowship group but it also involves caring for one another (Rom 12:15; Gal 6:2), stirring each other up to love and good works (Heb 10: 24-25), praying together (Mat 18:20). In fellowship groups we can learn from one another, support and build up each other.

On Sundays there are currently two Bible study classes available which are both held after lunch. Firstly, there is the Basic Bible Knowledge class which is for people interested in learning about the Christian faith and those seeking baptism or membership in Hope Church. The second class is the Adult Sunday school class where we are currently studying the book of Luke. Both of these classes are open for anyone to attend.

On Wednesday evenings there is a prayer meeting and Bible study. This is also open to all. The prayer time is generally based on items listed in the Lively Hope along with any other items shared on the night. For the Bible study portion sometimes we may have a topic series (e.g. how to study the Bible, church history) and other times we have a series of studies on a book of the Bible. Recently we have been watching some messages delivered by Dr Jim Berg.

Our fellowship groups meet on different days or nights during the week. For the very youngest in our church (and their parents) we have Tiny Tots. This is currently held twice a month on Friday mornings. The children are read a Bible story and then they sing action songs together. The aim of this group is to introduce the children to God and the Bible from a young age. It is, along with Sunday school, an aid that the church gives to help parents in their duty to teach their children about God. Let’s look at Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.  And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” This clearly shows that God wanted (and still wants) parents to teach their children about Him and what He has commanded. This teaching is to take place as part of their everyday lives, whether they be sitting or walking, at home or out and about. If you would like to know more about Tiny Tots please speak to Sis. Bernadette Ng.

Next we have Sparks4Christ. This is our Teens fellowship for those in high school. It meets on alternate Friday nights at 7:30 pm. They have Bible studies and other activities. In a time of life when many things are changing and different distractions are abounding, it is good for the Teens to be able to come together, study God’s Word and to share with one another. Sparks4 Christ is led by Dn Colin Gan, Dns Joyce Gong and Sis Marion Chan.

The Young Adults Fellowship meets almost every Friday night of the year at 7:30 pm. This group is mainly for those in tertiary education and young working adults. In addition to Bible studies it also has workshops, share and prayer nights and other activities. Generally once a year, we have a combined retreat with the Adults Fellowship Group (AFG) for a few days away from the world, focused on God’s word. This year the YAF theme is “I, Christian”. We are currently studying the book of First Peter and plan to work through Second Peter too by the end of the year. The current YAF committee consists of Bro Daniel Ki and Sisters Clara Sim, Shu Ai Cho and Sarah Carpenter. Please contact any of them if you would like to know more about YAF activities.

AFG mainly consists of working adults and couples with young children. It meets on the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 4pm. This year we are studying parables and also learning about the great Reformers.

The Ladies Fellowship is open to all ladies in the church. I know in the past, people (including myself) have felt that it is just something for the “aunties” but it isn’t meant to be. This is a group for ladies to learn from each other, to share with one another, to encourage and build up one another in our different stages of life. There are two different types of meetings in a month. On the third Saturday of the month there is a fellowship meeting at 2 pm. This is either a Bible study or something else (e.g. next month it is planned to be a cooking demonstration). Currently we are using the Bible study book “Refresh Your Heart”. On the second and fourth Fridays of each month (from February to November) there is a share and prayer session at 9:30 am. Usually these sessions begin with the singing of a few hymns followed by a time for the attendees to share something to encourage each other, for example, a Bible verse and something it teaches us. Then there is time for sharing prayer items before we take it in turns to pray. However, Ladies Fellowship is more than just about these meetings. It is a ministry group. There are opportunities to serve through visitation, hospitality, helping new mums (e.g. by providing food), being a “mum” or “big sister” to young people, being a prayer partner, bringing flowers. This year’s committee consists of Sisters Peng Ha Yeo, Ruth Ngoma, Yvone Kam, Sally Teng, Sally Law and Piah Buey Yeo. If you are interested in participating please talk to one of them or me.

Finally there are the neighbourhood Bible study groups. They are called that because initially they were roughly set up based on location but these days people are free to go which ever group they like. The groups either meet at church or at the home of a group member. Locations are printed in the Lively Hope. One group, the Bible Study Action Group (BSAG) meets on alternate Thursday nights at 7:30 pm. The other two groups (Joy and Maranatha), meet on the first and third Saturday of each month at 7:30 pm. We begin with a time of singing followed by prayer (more focused on items specific to people in the group) and then Bible study. The night normally ends with some supper. All groups are currently studying the book of First Corinthians.

Now, I haven’t forgotten about Men’s Fellowship. They are having a break at the moment but I’m sure that once it resumes there will be plenty of announcements.

As we begin a new week, if you don’t already attend any Bible classes or aren’t part of any fellowship groups then I would like to encourage you to take a look at the back page of Lively Hope, see what is on and come and join.

God bless,
Dns Purdee Yeo

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© Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
14 Bedford Square, Colonel Light Gardens, South Australia 5041