Old Testament: Joshua 1 - 12
After Moses died, God told Joshua to lead the people, to be strong and courageous, and to meditate on God's Word day and night. How are these commands important to you? How will your life be influenced by being strong and by meditating on God's Word?
What did Rahab and her family have to do to be protected when Jericho was attacked by Israel?
How did the Israelites get across the river in chapter 3?
What was the purpose of the 12 stones taken from the Jordan River?
When Joshua asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” why did the man answer, "Neither," in 5:14?
What was the purpose of marching around Jericho in chapter 6?
Achan committed a sin that he thought was a small thing done in secret, but God treated it as a great sin that affected the whole nation. How does your sin or obedience impact others around you?
In chapter 9 Israel made a treaty with the Gibeonites because the Gibeonites lied to them and Israel failed to pray about it. Did God expect them to honor a treaty that was made this way?
Why did the Amorite kings join forces to attack Gibeon?
According to chapter 12, how many kings did Joshua defeat?
Psalm 37
37:4 says, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." How do you take delight in the Lord? Are you?
37:16 says, "Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;" Why is this true?
New Testament: Mark 9 - 12
In 9:24 a man said to Jesus, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" What should you do if you believe the Lord, but struggle with unbelief at the same time?
Why do you think the disciples rebuked those who were bringing children to Jesus?
In 10:43 Jesus said, "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." What opportunities do you have to serve other believers?
In 11:25 Jesus said, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Why would a time of prayer be the moment you become aware of your need to forgive someone? Is there anything that you hold against anyone that you need to forgive?
Why wouldn't the Jewish leaders in chapter 11 answer Jesus' question about John the Baptist?
Who is "the stone the builders rejected" that Jesus referred to in 12:10?
What did Jesus say was the greatest commandment?
Why did Jesus say that the widow who contributed two small copper coins had given more that those who had given large amounts?
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Week 12, March 19 - 25, 2017
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 25 - 34
25:16 says the Lord detests anyone who deals dishonestly (such as having two sets of weights, heavy ones for buying and light ones for selling). Why does this matter?
In 26:1-11 God required that some of the firstfruits of the Promised Land be taken to the priest with a declaration recognizing that God had taken Israel from a wandering individual to slavery in Egypt to a great nation possessing the Promised Land. How can remembering the great things God has done for you impact the way you enjoy today's blessings?
In chapter 27 God instructed that half the nation was to stand on one mountain to pronounce God's blessings for obedience. The other half was to stand on another mountain to proclaim curses for specific acts of disobedience. How do you think participating in this would have affected you?
Chapter 28 clearly describes the blessings of obedience that God promised to Israel. It goes on the describe the curses that would come upon Israel if they were disobedient. With such clear consequences, why did Israel ever have the tendency to disobedience?
29:29 says, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law." Why should you focus on the "things revealed" and obey the Lord?
In chapter 30 God promises that even if Israel is scattered because of disobedience, He will gather them together again if they return to the Lord. What does this show us about God?
What was the purpose of the song God had Moses teach Israel?
In 32:47 Moses tells the people concerning God's Word, "They are not just idle words for you—they are your life." Do you treat God's Word this way?
What do you think was the purpose of Moses speaking a brief word of blessing to each of the tribes?
Why did God show the Promised Land to Moses in chapter 34 if He wasn't going to let him enter it?
Psalms 35 - 36
In 35:1, David wrote, "fight against those who fight against me." Since God loves everyone and Jesus told us to love our enemies, what would give someone the right to ask God to fight against those who fight against them?
In 36:9, David wrote, "in your light we see light." What do you need to do to stay in God's light?
New Testament: Mark 5 - 8
In chapter 5 a man who had just been set free from demons begged Jesus to let him go with Him. Why did Jesus tell him "no"?
Why do you think Jesus sent out the 12 in chapter 6 without any provisions, such as money or extra clothes?
Why was John beheaded in chapter 6?
Why did Jesus tell the woman in 7:27, "for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs"?
In chapter 8, why did Peter rebuke Jesus when Jesus explained how He was going to die and rise again?
In 8:35 Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it." When have you faced the kind of decision Jesus was talking about?
25:16 says the Lord detests anyone who deals dishonestly (such as having two sets of weights, heavy ones for buying and light ones for selling). Why does this matter?
In 26:1-11 God required that some of the firstfruits of the Promised Land be taken to the priest with a declaration recognizing that God had taken Israel from a wandering individual to slavery in Egypt to a great nation possessing the Promised Land. How can remembering the great things God has done for you impact the way you enjoy today's blessings?
In chapter 27 God instructed that half the nation was to stand on one mountain to pronounce God's blessings for obedience. The other half was to stand on another mountain to proclaim curses for specific acts of disobedience. How do you think participating in this would have affected you?
Chapter 28 clearly describes the blessings of obedience that God promised to Israel. It goes on the describe the curses that would come upon Israel if they were disobedient. With such clear consequences, why did Israel ever have the tendency to disobedience?
29:29 says, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law." Why should you focus on the "things revealed" and obey the Lord?
In chapter 30 God promises that even if Israel is scattered because of disobedience, He will gather them together again if they return to the Lord. What does this show us about God?
What was the purpose of the song God had Moses teach Israel?
In 32:47 Moses tells the people concerning God's Word, "They are not just idle words for you—they are your life." Do you treat God's Word this way?
What do you think was the purpose of Moses speaking a brief word of blessing to each of the tribes?
Why did God show the Promised Land to Moses in chapter 34 if He wasn't going to let him enter it?
Psalms 35 - 36
In 35:1, David wrote, "fight against those who fight against me." Since God loves everyone and Jesus told us to love our enemies, what would give someone the right to ask God to fight against those who fight against them?
In 36:9, David wrote, "in your light we see light." What do you need to do to stay in God's light?
New Testament: Mark 5 - 8
In chapter 5 a man who had just been set free from demons begged Jesus to let him go with Him. Why did Jesus tell him "no"?
Why do you think Jesus sent out the 12 in chapter 6 without any provisions, such as money or extra clothes?
Why was John beheaded in chapter 6?
Why did Jesus tell the woman in 7:27, "for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs"?
In chapter 8, why did Peter rebuke Jesus when Jesus explained how He was going to die and rise again?
In 8:35 Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it." When have you faced the kind of decision Jesus was talking about?
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Week 11, March 12 - 18, 2017
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 13 - 24
In chapter 13, what was Israel to do with someone who tried to get people to follow other gods?
Why was it okay for a foreigner to eat something found dead, but it was not okay for an Israelite?
15:7 commands that people not be "hardhearted or tightfisted" toward the poor. What would cause you to be hardhearted or tightfisted?
15:4-6 says that there wouldn't need to be any poor in the land if Israel would be obedient. But 15:11 says there will always be poor in the land. How can both of these be true?
Chapter 16 describes three annual festivals. All men were expected to appear at each of these festivals. Verses 16 and 17 say, "No one should appear before the Lord empty-handed: Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you." Why did the Lord want no one to come empty handed?
How often was a king expected to read Scripture?
What test does 18:22 give to determine whether a prophet is authentic?
In chapter 19, when was a killer not protected in a city of refuge?
Why did God say in 20:1 for Israel not to be afraid when they went to war and found themselves outnumbered? How does this verse apply to you?
Why did chapter 21 require a sacrifice to be made for an unsolved murder?
22:4 says, "If you see your fellow Israelite’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help the owner get it to its feet." This shows that we have a responsibility to help another person when we see them in need. What situations have you been in that this principle applies to?
What does 23:15 say about a fugitive slave?
Why was a newly married man exempt from being sent to war (24:5)?
Psalms 32 - 34
In Psalm 32 David describes the blessing of forgiveness. He says in verse 1, "Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." In verse 5, describing repentance and confession, he says, "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity." (The same Hebrew word is used in both verses.) Why is it good if God covers our sin, but bad if we cover our own?
33:3 says, "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy." What should you do if you have no skill for music?
In 34:8 David wrote, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." What does it mean to taste that the Lord is good?
New Testament: Mark 1 - 4
How did John the Baptist describe the One who would come after him?
When people were asking why Jesus spent time with tax collectors and sinners, He said in 2:17 "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Do you have this attitude toward all who need Jesus?
Why did Jesus' family think He was out of His mind in 3:21? Why did the teachers of the Law think He was possessed by a devil in 3:22?
In 4:17 Jesus speaks of people who have no root and fall away quickly when trouble or persecution come. How can you develop deep roots that will allow you to stand strong in the face of trouble and persecution?
In 4:40 Jesus questioned why the disciples didn't have more faith in the storm. What would more faith have done for them during the storm? 1) make them know that Jesus would calm the storm, 2) make them know that even if they died they would be in God's hands, or 3) made them able to calm the storm through prayer themselves?
In chapter 13, what was Israel to do with someone who tried to get people to follow other gods?
Why was it okay for a foreigner to eat something found dead, but it was not okay for an Israelite?
15:7 commands that people not be "hardhearted or tightfisted" toward the poor. What would cause you to be hardhearted or tightfisted?
15:4-6 says that there wouldn't need to be any poor in the land if Israel would be obedient. But 15:11 says there will always be poor in the land. How can both of these be true?
Chapter 16 describes three annual festivals. All men were expected to appear at each of these festivals. Verses 16 and 17 say, "No one should appear before the Lord empty-handed: Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you." Why did the Lord want no one to come empty handed?
How often was a king expected to read Scripture?
What test does 18:22 give to determine whether a prophet is authentic?
In chapter 19, when was a killer not protected in a city of refuge?
Why did God say in 20:1 for Israel not to be afraid when they went to war and found themselves outnumbered? How does this verse apply to you?
Why did chapter 21 require a sacrifice to be made for an unsolved murder?
22:4 says, "If you see your fellow Israelite’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help the owner get it to its feet." This shows that we have a responsibility to help another person when we see them in need. What situations have you been in that this principle applies to?
What does 23:15 say about a fugitive slave?
Why was a newly married man exempt from being sent to war (24:5)?
Psalms 32 - 34
In Psalm 32 David describes the blessing of forgiveness. He says in verse 1, "Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." In verse 5, describing repentance and confession, he says, "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity." (The same Hebrew word is used in both verses.) Why is it good if God covers our sin, but bad if we cover our own?
33:3 says, "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy." What should you do if you have no skill for music?
In 34:8 David wrote, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." What does it mean to taste that the Lord is good?
New Testament: Mark 1 - 4
How did John the Baptist describe the One who would come after him?
When people were asking why Jesus spent time with tax collectors and sinners, He said in 2:17 "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Do you have this attitude toward all who need Jesus?
Why did Jesus' family think He was out of His mind in 3:21? Why did the teachers of the Law think He was possessed by a devil in 3:22?
In 4:17 Jesus speaks of people who have no root and fall away quickly when trouble or persecution come. How can you develop deep roots that will allow you to stand strong in the face of trouble and persecution?
In 4:40 Jesus questioned why the disciples didn't have more faith in the storm. What would more faith have done for them during the storm? 1) make them know that Jesus would calm the storm, 2) make them know that even if they died they would be in God's hands, or 3) made them able to calm the storm through prayer themselves?
Sunday, March 05, 2017
Week 10, March 5 - 11, 2017
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 1 - 12
In chapter 1 Moses describes the disobedience of the people when they heard from the spies and were afraid to enter the Promised Land. In 1:27, Moses said, "You grumbled in your tents." What is grumbling and why is it more likely to be done in your tent? How can you avoid becoming someone whose faith fails while grumbling in your tent?
According to 2:14, how long did it take for the generation that refused to enter the Promised Land to die off?
In 3:26, not only did God tell Moses "no" to something he was asking, but He told Moses to quit asking. Jesus has taught us to be persistent in prayer. How do you know when it is time to accept a "no" answer from God or when it is time to keep asking?
4:29 says, "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." Are you seeking God? with all your heart and soul?
In 5:2-3, Moses said, "The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. It was not with our ancestors that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today." The covenant at Horeb (Mt. Sinai) had been made nearly 40 years earlier with a generation that was now dead. Why does Moses say the Lord made this covenant with those who were living?
What method does 6:7 give for parents to impress on their children the commands of the Lord?
6:11-12 warns against turning away from God during good times, saying "when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord." How can you maintain a love for God during good times?
Why did God want Israel to completely destroy the seven nations he names in 7:1?
In 8:3 God says, "man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." What does it mean to live on the word that comes from the mouth of the Lord?
According to 9:4 why was God going to drive out the inhabitants of the Promised Land?
How does Moses summarize God's requirements in 10:12-13?
11:8 says, "Observe therefore all the commands I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess." Why would obedience give someone strength?
In 11:18 God says, "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds." How would you do that?
Why did God command in chapter 12 that there was to be only one place of worship where sacrifices were to be offered?
Psalms 29 - 31
29:2 says, "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name." How do you do this?
30:5 says, "weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." When is it most important for you to keep this principle in mind?
31:19 says, "How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you," What do you think are the good things God has stored up?
New Testament: Romans 11 - 16
What does Paul mean in 11:17 referring to us as a wild olive shoot grafted in?
In 12:1 Paul tells us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice. What does this mean and how do you do it?
12:5 says that among Christians, "each member belongs to all the others." Does your life reflect this? How are you using the gifts God has given you to serve other believers?
We are commanded in 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Are you able to do both of these?
Based on 13:1-7 what should our attitude be toward the government?
14:1 commands us, "Accept the one whose faith is weak." What does it mean to accept someone and why is this important?
Paul says in 14:10, "we will all stand before God’s judgment seat." How does knowing this affect the way you live and the way you treat others?
15:1 says, "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak." What do you need to do to bear with someone's failings?
Paul warns us to watch out for "those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned." (16:17) What does he say motivates people to do that?
In chapter 1 Moses describes the disobedience of the people when they heard from the spies and were afraid to enter the Promised Land. In 1:27, Moses said, "You grumbled in your tents." What is grumbling and why is it more likely to be done in your tent? How can you avoid becoming someone whose faith fails while grumbling in your tent?
According to 2:14, how long did it take for the generation that refused to enter the Promised Land to die off?
In 3:26, not only did God tell Moses "no" to something he was asking, but He told Moses to quit asking. Jesus has taught us to be persistent in prayer. How do you know when it is time to accept a "no" answer from God or when it is time to keep asking?
4:29 says, "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." Are you seeking God? with all your heart and soul?
In 5:2-3, Moses said, "The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. It was not with our ancestors that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today." The covenant at Horeb (Mt. Sinai) had been made nearly 40 years earlier with a generation that was now dead. Why does Moses say the Lord made this covenant with those who were living?
What method does 6:7 give for parents to impress on their children the commands of the Lord?
6:11-12 warns against turning away from God during good times, saying "when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord." How can you maintain a love for God during good times?
Why did God want Israel to completely destroy the seven nations he names in 7:1?
In 8:3 God says, "man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." What does it mean to live on the word that comes from the mouth of the Lord?
According to 9:4 why was God going to drive out the inhabitants of the Promised Land?
How does Moses summarize God's requirements in 10:12-13?
11:8 says, "Observe therefore all the commands I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and take over the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess." Why would obedience give someone strength?
In 11:18 God says, "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds." How would you do that?
Why did God command in chapter 12 that there was to be only one place of worship where sacrifices were to be offered?
Psalms 29 - 31
29:2 says, "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name." How do you do this?
30:5 says, "weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." When is it most important for you to keep this principle in mind?
31:19 says, "How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you," What do you think are the good things God has stored up?
New Testament: Romans 11 - 16
What does Paul mean in 11:17 referring to us as a wild olive shoot grafted in?
In 12:1 Paul tells us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice. What does this mean and how do you do it?
12:5 says that among Christians, "each member belongs to all the others." Does your life reflect this? How are you using the gifts God has given you to serve other believers?
We are commanded in 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Are you able to do both of these?
Based on 13:1-7 what should our attitude be toward the government?
14:1 commands us, "Accept the one whose faith is weak." What does it mean to accept someone and why is this important?
Paul says in 14:10, "we will all stand before God’s judgment seat." How does knowing this affect the way you live and the way you treat others?
15:1 says, "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak." What do you need to do to bear with someone's failings?
Paul warns us to watch out for "those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned." (16:17) What does he say motivates people to do that?
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