Bruce Stevens is offering another Bible Study, this time focusing on the book of Job. It will commence at 7pm on Wednesday 1st June and run for four weeks over Zoom.
The Old Testament Book of Job asks the big questions. Does it provide any answers? This is less clear… certainly not the trite responses we so often hear in church circles. This Bible study series examines pastoral care themes in Job. It is a great work of literature expressing the anguish of belief.
Week 1– “Between Heaven and Hell” Introduction to the form of the book [prose and poetic dialogues], evidence of great literature, is it Jewish black humour? Irony. The invitation to ‘curse God and die’. Or to wrestle with God like Jacob?
Week 2– “Taking God to Court: Integrity at What Cost?” The forensic structure of the book with a central theme of issuing a subpoena to God to show up in court and justify his actions. The anger of Job against the injustice of his treatment by God. The path of integrity. What are the implications for us?
Week 3– “The Risk of Transgressing Orthodoxy” Job challenged the established orthodoxy of the Old Testament based on a covenant relationship with God. We will look at Job’s ‘four counsellors’ Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, with the late addition of Elihu. What was their message to Job and why did he reject it?
Week 4– “Why do the Innocent Suffer?” The question of innocent suffering is different for us. We have a post-enlightenment view of pain where the ancient Hebrews saw it in relational terms: a breach of the covenant. How is the New Testament, with the centrality of Jesus, different?
If you are interested in attending this study, please fill out the following Google Form so Bruce can make contact with you.