Old Testament: Job 1 - 21
What did Satan believe would cause Job to curse God?
How did Job respond when his children were killed and his animals were killed or stolen?
Why did Job's wife tell him he should curse God?
If Job refused to curse God, why would he curse the day of his birth in chapter 3?
In 4:8 Eliphaz implies that Job was reaping what he had sown. What his basis for saying this?
What do you think of Eliphaz's advice in 5:8, "But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him"?
According to 6:21, why did Job think his friends had failed to be helpful?
Why does Job say in 7:11, "I will complain in the bitterness of my soul"?
In 8:5-6, Bildad says, "But if you will seek God earnestly and plead with the Almighty, if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your prosperous state." Why was Bildad convinced that Job just needed more earnest prayer?
In 9:33 Job wishes he had a mediator. Who is our mediator?
11:13-16 shows that Zophar also believed that Job needed to pray and repent and his troubles would be over. What do you think motivated these three men to continue to argue with Job when they initially had come to comfort him?
In 12:5 Job says, "Those who are at ease have contempt for misfortune." This was evident in Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. How can you avoid having contempt for misfortune and be compassionate toward those in difficult circumstances?
Job says in 13:15, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him." What did Job base this hope in?
Job describes God's forgiveness in 14:17, "My offenses will be sealed up in a bag; you will cover over my sin." Do you believe that God has forgiven your sin and has put them in the past?
In 15:4, Eliphaz told Job, "you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God." What did he mean by this and was it true?
Job told his friends that if their situation was reversed "my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief." (16:5) How would your encourage and comfort someone in Job's situation?
18:21 implies that Bildad thought Job was an evil man who did not know God. Why did he say this?
In chapter 19, even though Job says, "All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me," (19:19) he also says, "I know that my redeemer lives." (19:25) Who did he think was his redeemer?
What was Zophar's purpose in chapter 20 in describing all the bad things that will happen to the wicked?
Psalms 86 - 88
David wrote in 86:11, "give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." What is an undivided heart and what do you have to do to have one?
Psalm 87 proclaims that God will record, "This one was born in Zion," of people from other nations who had been enemies of Israel. What is the significance of God saying that these were born in Zion?
Psalm 88 is written in a place of deep trouble. Verse 3 says, "I am overwhelmed with troubles." But verse 9 says, "I call to you, Lord, every day." How can you pray with persistence and faith even when you are going through great trouble?
New Testament: Acts 21 - 24
Did Agabus tell Paul not to go to Jerusalem?
Why was Paul dragged from the temple and beaten in chapter 21?
In chapter 22 the crowd listened quietly until Paul said one word that enraged them. They began to shout and throw dirt in their anger. What was the word that angered the crowd?
What did the Sadducees and Pharisees disagree about in chapter 23?
Why was Paul sent to Caesarea?
In 24:25 Felix stopped Paul because Felix was afraid. What was he afraid of?
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Week 30, July 23 - 29, 2017
Old Testament: Esther 1 - 10
How did Vashti lose her position?
Why do you think Mordecai told Esther not to let anyone know she was Jewish?
Why did the king agree to Haman's plan to have all the Jews killed?
Why did Esther fast and want others to fast before she appealed to the king?
In chapter 5 Haman illustrates an odd feature of human nature. There were many things he was happy about, but one thing he wasn't happy about that overshadowed everything. He said in verse 13, "But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai..." Is there anyone in your life that you have given the ability to overshadow your happiness? What should our happiness be based on?
In 6:13 Haman's wife and advisers told him, "Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!" Why did they come to this conclusion?
Why did the king have Haman executed in chapter 7?
8:17 says that wherever the kings new edict came giving the Jews the right to defend themselves, "there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating." Which was more important, celebration or making sure everyone heard the news?
How did Purim become a two-day celebration?
Psalms 82 - 85
82:3 says, "Defend the weak and the fatherless." What opportunities do you have to do this?
Psalm 83 is a prayer for God to act against those who say, "let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more." (83:4) What do you expect from God today for those who now want to destroy Israel as a nation?
84:10 says, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." How can you experience God's presence in a way that one day in His presence would be better than a thousand doing anything else?
85:6 says, "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" Revive means to restore to life. Who or what should you be asking God to restore to life?
New Testament: Acts 17 - 20
What did the Jews in Berea do that showed that they were of "more noble character than those in Thessalonica"?
In 17:30 Paul says that God, "commands all people everywhere to repent." How do people everywhere know that God commands them to repent?
God encouraged Paul in 18:9-10. Why did He do this? Do you need to hear God's encouragement? What can you do to be more receptive to His encouragement?
What happened to the twelve men in chapter 19 after they were baptized and prayed for by Paul?
Why did the sons of Sceva get beat up after using the name of Jesus? What should we learn from their experience?
In chapter 19 new believers who had practiced sorcery burned scrolls that would have been worth millions of dollars in today's currency. Are you willing to put the old life behind even if there is sacrifice involved?
Who started the riot in chapter 19 and why?
In 20:24 Paul said, "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." Do you know that task the Lord has given you? Do you aim to complete it?
How did Vashti lose her position?
Why do you think Mordecai told Esther not to let anyone know she was Jewish?
Why did the king agree to Haman's plan to have all the Jews killed?
Why did Esther fast and want others to fast before she appealed to the king?
In chapter 5 Haman illustrates an odd feature of human nature. There were many things he was happy about, but one thing he wasn't happy about that overshadowed everything. He said in verse 13, "But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai..." Is there anyone in your life that you have given the ability to overshadow your happiness? What should our happiness be based on?
In 6:13 Haman's wife and advisers told him, "Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him—you will surely come to ruin!" Why did they come to this conclusion?
Why did the king have Haman executed in chapter 7?
8:17 says that wherever the kings new edict came giving the Jews the right to defend themselves, "there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating." Which was more important, celebration or making sure everyone heard the news?
How did Purim become a two-day celebration?
Psalms 82 - 85
82:3 says, "Defend the weak and the fatherless." What opportunities do you have to do this?
Psalm 83 is a prayer for God to act against those who say, "let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more." (83:4) What do you expect from God today for those who now want to destroy Israel as a nation?
84:10 says, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere." How can you experience God's presence in a way that one day in His presence would be better than a thousand doing anything else?
85:6 says, "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" Revive means to restore to life. Who or what should you be asking God to restore to life?
New Testament: Acts 17 - 20
What did the Jews in Berea do that showed that they were of "more noble character than those in Thessalonica"?
In 17:30 Paul says that God, "commands all people everywhere to repent." How do people everywhere know that God commands them to repent?
God encouraged Paul in 18:9-10. Why did He do this? Do you need to hear God's encouragement? What can you do to be more receptive to His encouragement?
What happened to the twelve men in chapter 19 after they were baptized and prayed for by Paul?
Why did the sons of Sceva get beat up after using the name of Jesus? What should we learn from their experience?
In chapter 19 new believers who had practiced sorcery burned scrolls that would have been worth millions of dollars in today's currency. Are you willing to put the old life behind even if there is sacrifice involved?
Who started the riot in chapter 19 and why?
In 20:24 Paul said, "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." Do you know that task the Lord has given you? Do you aim to complete it?
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Week 29, July 16 - 22, 2017
Old Testament: Nehemiah 1 - 13
What did Nehemiah ask for when he prayed in chapter 1?
In chapter 1 Nehemiah spent days praying with fasting and mourning. In chapter 2, verse 4 and 5 he says, "The king said to me, 'What is it you want?' Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king..." How do you think this prayer was different from his prayer in chapter 1?
If Nehemiah believed that God was calling him to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem, why did he ask the king for permission instead of just acting on his own in obedience to God?
Chapter 3 describes the many people who went to work rebuilding the wall. The builders included goldsmiths, merchants, a perfume maker, priests, and several district rulers. But verse 5 says of the men of Tekoa, "but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work." When so many people were pitching in why would this group of men refuse?
How did Nehemiah respond to opposition in chapter 4?
Nehemiah did not place the same tax burden on people that earlier governors had. In 5:15 he said that this was "out of reverence for God." What does this have to do with reverence for God?
How long did it take to complete the rebuilding of the wall?
What does the phrase Nehemiah used in 8:10, "for the joy of the Lord is your strength" mean?
9:2 says that the people "confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors." In their prayer of chapter 9, they recall many of the sins throughout Israel's history. What was the purpose of confessing sins of generations past?
What did the people commit to in chapter 10?
Why were people chosen by lot to move into Jerusalem in chapter 11?
The completion of the wall was celebrated in chapter 12 with two large choirs singing praises on top of the wall. In chapter 4, the builders had been ridiculed by one of their opponents who said, "even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!" What is the value of celebrating what God has done for you?
Why did Nehemiah throw out all of Tobiah's household goods?
Psalms 79 - 81
79:8 says, "may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need." What basis do we have for asking God for mercy?
Psalm 80 is a prayer for restoration. Verses 3, 7, and 19 say "Restore us." The King James Version says, "Turn us again." This Hebrew verb, shuwb, could be translated, "Cause us to repent," or "Turn us around." How much does repentance depend on your decision and how much depends on God's action?
In 81:13-14 God says, "If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" If this is true, why were there times when Israel didn't listen to God? (In 81:11 he says, "But my people would not listen to me.")
New Testament: Acts 13 - 16
Why did Paul call Elymas a child of the devil?
Why were the disciples filled with joy in 13:52? Do you have that joy?
In 14:9 as Paul was speaking he looked at a lame man and "saw that he had faith to be healed." What did Paul see that made him believe that this man had faith to be healed?
How could a crowd go from wanting to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas to stoning Paul, thinking they had killed him?
Why did Paul and Barnabas sharply dispute the teaching that people had to be circumcised to be saved? Why was this so important?
What caused Paul and Barnabas to disagree with each other so strongly that they parted company?
After Paul contended in chapter 15 that believers didn't have to be circumcised, why did he circumcise Timothy in chapter 16?
In chapter 16 why did the Holy Spirit tell Paul not to go into the province of Asia or Mysia before Paul got direction to go to Macedonia?
How could Paul and Silas sing after they had been beaten and thrown into prison?
What did Nehemiah ask for when he prayed in chapter 1?
In chapter 1 Nehemiah spent days praying with fasting and mourning. In chapter 2, verse 4 and 5 he says, "The king said to me, 'What is it you want?' Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king..." How do you think this prayer was different from his prayer in chapter 1?
If Nehemiah believed that God was calling him to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem, why did he ask the king for permission instead of just acting on his own in obedience to God?
Chapter 3 describes the many people who went to work rebuilding the wall. The builders included goldsmiths, merchants, a perfume maker, priests, and several district rulers. But verse 5 says of the men of Tekoa, "but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work." When so many people were pitching in why would this group of men refuse?
How did Nehemiah respond to opposition in chapter 4?
Nehemiah did not place the same tax burden on people that earlier governors had. In 5:15 he said that this was "out of reverence for God." What does this have to do with reverence for God?
How long did it take to complete the rebuilding of the wall?
What does the phrase Nehemiah used in 8:10, "for the joy of the Lord is your strength" mean?
9:2 says that the people "confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors." In their prayer of chapter 9, they recall many of the sins throughout Israel's history. What was the purpose of confessing sins of generations past?
What did the people commit to in chapter 10?
Why were people chosen by lot to move into Jerusalem in chapter 11?
The completion of the wall was celebrated in chapter 12 with two large choirs singing praises on top of the wall. In chapter 4, the builders had been ridiculed by one of their opponents who said, "even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!" What is the value of celebrating what God has done for you?
Why did Nehemiah throw out all of Tobiah's household goods?
Psalms 79 - 81
79:8 says, "may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need." What basis do we have for asking God for mercy?
Psalm 80 is a prayer for restoration. Verses 3, 7, and 19 say "Restore us." The King James Version says, "Turn us again." This Hebrew verb, shuwb, could be translated, "Cause us to repent," or "Turn us around." How much does repentance depend on your decision and how much depends on God's action?
In 81:13-14 God says, "If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" If this is true, why were there times when Israel didn't listen to God? (In 81:11 he says, "But my people would not listen to me.")
New Testament: Acts 13 - 16
Why did Paul call Elymas a child of the devil?
Why were the disciples filled with joy in 13:52? Do you have that joy?
In 14:9 as Paul was speaking he looked at a lame man and "saw that he had faith to be healed." What did Paul see that made him believe that this man had faith to be healed?
How could a crowd go from wanting to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas to stoning Paul, thinking they had killed him?
Why did Paul and Barnabas sharply dispute the teaching that people had to be circumcised to be saved? Why was this so important?
What caused Paul and Barnabas to disagree with each other so strongly that they parted company?
After Paul contended in chapter 15 that believers didn't have to be circumcised, why did he circumcise Timothy in chapter 16?
In chapter 16 why did the Holy Spirit tell Paul not to go into the province of Asia or Mysia before Paul got direction to go to Macedonia?
How could Paul and Silas sing after they had been beaten and thrown into prison?
Sunday, July 09, 2017
Week 28, July 9 - 15, 2017
Old Testament: Ezra 1 - 10
Why did a Persian king allow and provide for the rebuilding of the temple?
In chapter 2, how many people returned to rebuild the temple?
Why was the altar rebuilt before the temple was?
Why were there both joy and weeping when the foundation of the temple was laid?
Why did Zerubbabel and Joshua turn down help in chapter 4?
What stopped the building of the temple in chapter 4?
What caused work on the temple to start again in chapter 5?
What was Ezra gifted with that made it useful for him to come to Jerusalem?
Why did Ezra proclaim a fast in chapter 8?
Why was it wrong for people of Israel to intermarry with people from neighboring groups?
Psalm 78
Psalm 78 emphasizes the impact one generation has upon the next. Verses 6 and 7 say, "so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands." What does an older generation need to do to pass their faith along to a younger generation?
New Testament: Acts 9 - 12
If God's intent in chapter 9 was to heal Saul of his blindness, why would he do it through a reluctant man, Ananias, instead of just healing him in response to Saul's own prayer?
Who helped Saul join the disciples in Jerusalem when they were afraid of him?
Why would the angel have Cornelius bring Peter to present the gospel when the angel could have presented the gospel himself?
What convinced those who had come with Peter that Cornelius and his household had received the Holy Spirit?
Why did Barnabas bring Saul to Antioch?
How did Peter get out of prison in chapter 12?
Why did a Persian king allow and provide for the rebuilding of the temple?
In chapter 2, how many people returned to rebuild the temple?
Why was the altar rebuilt before the temple was?
Why were there both joy and weeping when the foundation of the temple was laid?
Why did Zerubbabel and Joshua turn down help in chapter 4?
What stopped the building of the temple in chapter 4?
What caused work on the temple to start again in chapter 5?
What was Ezra gifted with that made it useful for him to come to Jerusalem?
Why did Ezra proclaim a fast in chapter 8?
Why was it wrong for people of Israel to intermarry with people from neighboring groups?
Psalm 78
Psalm 78 emphasizes the impact one generation has upon the next. Verses 6 and 7 say, "so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands." What does an older generation need to do to pass their faith along to a younger generation?
New Testament: Acts 9 - 12
If God's intent in chapter 9 was to heal Saul of his blindness, why would he do it through a reluctant man, Ananias, instead of just healing him in response to Saul's own prayer?
Who helped Saul join the disciples in Jerusalem when they were afraid of him?
Why would the angel have Cornelius bring Peter to present the gospel when the angel could have presented the gospel himself?
What convinced those who had come with Peter that Cornelius and his household had received the Holy Spirit?
Why did Barnabas bring Saul to Antioch?
How did Peter get out of prison in chapter 12?
Sunday, July 02, 2017
Week 27, July 2 - 8, 2017
Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 19 - 36
When Jehoshaphat appointed judges, he told them, "with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery." Why is this true?
In chapter 20, when Jehoshaphat was about to be attacked, he assembled the people for prayer and fasting. In his prayer he said, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." What is the benefit of praying without a plan rather than making a plan and asking God to bless it?
What is the meaning of the statement in 20:15, "the battle is not yours, but God’s"?
How did Jehoram die and why?
When Ahaziah was king, 22:3 says, "his mother encouraged him to act wickedly." Why would someone's mother encourage them to act wickedly?
What changes were made immediately when Joash was proclaimed king in chapter 23?
Why did Joash and the people of Judah turn away from God after the death of Jehoiada?
In chapter 25 a prophet told Amaziah to send troops home that Amaziah had hired. He said that God was not with them and Amaziah would not succeed if he took them into battle. Amaziah was reluctant to send them home because of the money he had spent on them. Are you able to obey the Lord and not let money you have already spent affect your decisions?
26:5 says of Uzziah, "As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success." Then verse 16 says, "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall." How can a person enjoy God-given success without becoming prideful?
According to 27:6, why did Jotham grow powerful?
In chapter 28 what stopped Israel from keeping slaves they had captured from Judah?
What did Hezekiah have to do in chapter 29 to reestablish worship at the temple?
What responses did the couriers get in chapter 30 when they went from town to town inviting people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover?
In chapter 31 the people brought tithes, which they had previously neglected to do. The priest said in 31:10, "Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over." Have you experienced God's blessing in response to obedient giving?
What did Hezekiah mean in 32:7 when he said, "there is a greater power with us than with him"?
What did Manasseh do that was wrong? What caused him to repent?
How did Josiah respond in chapter 34 when he heard the Law read?
In chapter 35 Josiah celebrated the Passover. How long had it been since it had been celebrated in the way it was this time? What do you think had been different in all those years past?
What is the meaning of the statement in 36:16, "there was no remedy"?
Psalms 76 - 77
In 76:7 Asaph said, "It is you alone who are to be feared." Does God want you to fear Him?
In Psalm 77, Asaph describes a difficult time and said in verses 11 and 12, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds." What is the value of remembering the things that God has done in the past?
New Testament: Acts 5 - 8
What do you think motivated Ananias and Sapphira to lie about the sale of their property?
Why did the apostles rejoice in 5:41?
In chapter 6, how was the apparent conflict between the Greek speaking Jews and the Hebraic Jews settled?
Why did people bring accusation against Stephen?
In chapter 7 Stephen summarizes the history of Israel. He said that after the Israelites left Egypt, "in their hearts turned back to Egypt." What does it mean to turn back in your heart?
Why did the members of the Sanhedrin cover their ears in 7:57?
8:13 says that Simon believed and was baptized. Why then did Peter tell him in verse 21 that his heart was not right before God?
If you were Philip how would you feel about being told by an angel to go down a desert road if it meant leaving all the exciting things that were happening in Samaria?
When Jehoshaphat appointed judges, he told them, "with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery." Why is this true?
In chapter 20, when Jehoshaphat was about to be attacked, he assembled the people for prayer and fasting. In his prayer he said, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." What is the benefit of praying without a plan rather than making a plan and asking God to bless it?
What is the meaning of the statement in 20:15, "the battle is not yours, but God’s"?
How did Jehoram die and why?
When Ahaziah was king, 22:3 says, "his mother encouraged him to act wickedly." Why would someone's mother encourage them to act wickedly?
What changes were made immediately when Joash was proclaimed king in chapter 23?
Why did Joash and the people of Judah turn away from God after the death of Jehoiada?
In chapter 25 a prophet told Amaziah to send troops home that Amaziah had hired. He said that God was not with them and Amaziah would not succeed if he took them into battle. Amaziah was reluctant to send them home because of the money he had spent on them. Are you able to obey the Lord and not let money you have already spent affect your decisions?
26:5 says of Uzziah, "As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success." Then verse 16 says, "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall." How can a person enjoy God-given success without becoming prideful?
According to 27:6, why did Jotham grow powerful?
In chapter 28 what stopped Israel from keeping slaves they had captured from Judah?
What did Hezekiah have to do in chapter 29 to reestablish worship at the temple?
What responses did the couriers get in chapter 30 when they went from town to town inviting people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover?
In chapter 31 the people brought tithes, which they had previously neglected to do. The priest said in 31:10, "Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over." Have you experienced God's blessing in response to obedient giving?
What did Hezekiah mean in 32:7 when he said, "there is a greater power with us than with him"?
What did Manasseh do that was wrong? What caused him to repent?
How did Josiah respond in chapter 34 when he heard the Law read?
In chapter 35 Josiah celebrated the Passover. How long had it been since it had been celebrated in the way it was this time? What do you think had been different in all those years past?
What is the meaning of the statement in 36:16, "there was no remedy"?
Psalms 76 - 77
In 76:7 Asaph said, "It is you alone who are to be feared." Does God want you to fear Him?
In Psalm 77, Asaph describes a difficult time and said in verses 11 and 12, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds." What is the value of remembering the things that God has done in the past?
New Testament: Acts 5 - 8
What do you think motivated Ananias and Sapphira to lie about the sale of their property?
Why did the apostles rejoice in 5:41?
In chapter 6, how was the apparent conflict between the Greek speaking Jews and the Hebraic Jews settled?
Why did people bring accusation against Stephen?
In chapter 7 Stephen summarizes the history of Israel. He said that after the Israelites left Egypt, "in their hearts turned back to Egypt." What does it mean to turn back in your heart?
Why did the members of the Sanhedrin cover their ears in 7:57?
8:13 says that Simon believed and was baptized. Why then did Peter tell him in verse 21 that his heart was not right before God?
If you were Philip how would you feel about being told by an angel to go down a desert road if it meant leaving all the exciting things that were happening in Samaria?
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