“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
While you are mulling over all the ways you resolve to clean up, simplify, and vastly improve yourself in 2013, put spiritual nurture at the top of your list. Join a Bible study. It is a great place to deepen your relationship with others and with God, and an amazing way to live with joy in the middle of these uncertain times. We did a little research and thought we would mention a few we know about.
■ Explorers Bible Study is an in-depth curriculum that meets for lecture and group discussion. A group made up of men and women meet on Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. at Riverwood Bible Church at 5228 Old Canton Road in Jackson. The group is studying the book of Romans. Contact Kathy Hays at 601.362.2693 for details. This is a great choice for couples!
■ MOMS is a ministry of Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church and is open to moms of children, sixth grade and under. Beginning January 16, their topic will be “Treasuring God’s Word.” What’s the big story of the Bible? How do all the pieces fit together? The study will focus on how God reveals himself, his plan for the world, and his will for his people in the Bible. They will also look at principles of Bible interpretation and how to use the whole story of the Bible to share the gospel with others. MOMS meets from 9-11 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. There is a $10 registration fee. To register, please call Laura at 601.366.3073 beginning January 1. There is limited nursery care available.
■ Explorer’s Day Group began meeting in 1978. They meet on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church at 6000 Old Canton Road in Jackson. They will begin a new series called “Making Sure of the Truth” on January 23—studying the Minor Prophets and Philemon, Jude, Colossians, 1 and 2 Peter and the three letters of John. The format is lecture and small group discussion. Contact Martha Holt at 601.956.1052.
■ Riverwood Bible Church at 5228 Old Canton Road hosts a weekly Wednesday morning bible study led by Grace Bible Church pastor, John Ward. The study resumes January 9 and the study is Romans. The time is 10-11 a.m.
■ Riverwood also hosts a Thursday evening study led by Grace Bible Church pastor, John Ward. The new study begins January 10, 6-7 p.m. and will be an Old Testament survey course.
■ The Ridgeland Recreational Center is located at Old Trace Park right off Post Road in Ridgeland, and Mr. Bob Shirley, a seasoned student of scripture, leads a weekly men’s bible study on Tuesday’s from 9-10:30 a.m. The group resumes on January 8 and will be in the 11th chapter of John’s gospel. Mr. Shirley can be reached at 601.856.6761.
■ Ladies Thursday Group is a multi-denominational group that meets at Christ United Methodist church on Thursday afternoons from 1-3 p.m. Beginning January 10, they will begin Beth Moore’s Beloved Disciple, The Life and Ministry of John. The format is small-group discussion and DVD lecture. Contact marilyn@metrochristianliving.com for more information.
■ Gulf Coast Blessings is now a non-profit organization and ministry that began with a small ladies Bible Study around a kitchen table in 2007. They now meet in their own Blessing Place on Intraplex Parkway in Gulfport with a morning group from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday’s and a night group on Monday’s from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Many ages and stages of life are represented and regulars come from the entire South Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana region. Currently working through an original study on the Letters of John, you can find more information on their website at www.gulfcoastblessings.org.
■ Broadmoor Baptist Church offers several unique and exciting opportunities for women of all ages to plug-in and experience real spiritual growth. Broadmoor is located at 1531 Highland Colony Pkwy in Madison. Offering classes on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. and Thursday mornings from 9-11 a.m. Upcoming studies include James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore starting January 16 and Nehemiah by Kelly Minter beginning January 24. For a complete listing of classes and times for women, men, and couples, visit www.broadmoor.org or call 601.898.2345.
