Discerning God's Will (Zechariah 7:1-14)

The Israelites inquire about fasting. They want to know if they should continue their fast regarding the temple's destruction. Their history is a place of limbo. On the one hand they are back in the land, but on the other hand the temple is not finished. This question is very pious as they are inquiring about how to honor the Lord. However, the Lord questions why Israel is asking about this fast. The Lord does not want our outward acts, but we learn that God wants his people.

Sharing our Sojourn (2) (1 Timothy 5:9-16)

Paul continues with the reminder of what it means to care for the widows.  There are the young widows who might need assistance and there are the older widows who need assistance.  How is the church supposed to know who receives the assistance and who does not?  What is a way of doing this that honors the Lord?

Sharing our Sojourn (1 Timothy 5:1-8)

The Apostle Paul lays out how the church is to function as a family.  First, there is the reminder that Paul has for Timothy that we view the members of the church as family members.  However, this has implications for how we widows who are part of the church.  How are we to treat widows?  Do all widows receive the same amount of funds from the church?  Is there a provision for widows not to receive any funds?  How do we know who is to receive and who is not as we are all one family?

Ordained Servants (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13)

What is the office of deacon?   How are we to view this office, and who is qualified to serve in this office?  Is this an office that is for women, men, men and women, or just men?  How does Paul prescribe the duties for this office?