Sunday, September 30, Jeremiah 1 - 2, John 13
- When did God say He had appointed Jeremiah as a prophet?
- What two objections did Jeremiah give God when God called him to prophesy?
- What sin was Israel guilty of according to Jeremiah 2:11? What picture does verse 13 give us to describe this sin?
- In John 13:15 Jesus said, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." What opportunities do you have to follow His example?
- John 13:29 says that Judas was in charge of the money. If Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him, why did He allow him to be in charge of the money?
- According to John 13:34-35, what marks a person as a disciple of Jesus?
Monday, October 1, Jeremiah 3 - 4, Psalm 108
- In Jeremiah 3 God rebukes Judah and Israel for idolatry, picturing it as adultery. God says in verses 12 and 13, "I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt." Why is it important that we acknowledge our guilt?
- In Jeremiah 4 God invites Israel to return to Him. He tells them in verse 3 to break up their unplowed ground and in verse 4 to circumcise their hearts. What motivates a person to genuinely repent and return to God?
- In Psalm 108:12 David wrote, "Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless." What should our attitude be toward human help?
Tuesday, October 2, Jeremiah 5 - 6, , John 14
- According to Jeremiah 5:1 how many people who were honest and seeking the truth would it have taken for God to forgive the city?
- In Jeremiah 6:19 God says, "I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law." Verse 20 says, "Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please me." Why would people go through the motions of offering sacrifices to God while being unwilling to listen to Him?
- Jesus said in John 14:6, "No one comes to the Father except through me." Why aren't other religions able to bring people to God?
- Jesus said, "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." (John 14:14) What should we be praying about?
Wednesday, October 3, Jeremiah 7 - 8, Psalm 109
- Why did God tell Jeremiah in Jeremiah 7:16 not to pray for the people of Judah?
- In Jeremiah 8:4-5, God says, "When people fall down, do they not get up? When someone turns away, do they not return? Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away?" This passage shows that failing (falling down or turning away) is not an unusual problem but the refusal to correct the failure is a major problem. How do you react when you know you have done wrong?
- In Psalm 109 David asks for harsh judgment on his accusers. Jesus taught us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44) Why didn't David display love for his enemies?
Thursday, October 4, Jeremiah 9 - 10, John 15
- In Jeremiah 9:1-2, Jeremiah wishes for the ability to weep day and night for his people, but also wishes to go away and hide from them. Why would he want to do both?
- What does Jeremiah 9:23-24 teach us not to boast about? What does it teach us to boast about?
- How does Jeremiah 10 contrast idols with the true God?
- What does John 15 say we need to do to bear fruit?
- According to John 15:10-11 how are obedience, love, and joy connected?
Friday, October 5, Jeremiah 11 - 12, Psalm 110
- Why did the people of Anathoth threaten to kill Jeremiah?
- Why did God say,"I will forsake my house, abandon my inheritance," in Jeremiah 12:7?
- Psalm 110 is quoted in Matthew 22:44, Hebrews 1:13, Acts 2:34-35, Hebrews 7:17, and Hebrews 7:21. How could David write things that would be relevant centuries later?
Saturday, October 6, Jeremiah 13 - 14, John 16
- What did the linen belt in Jeremiah 13 illustrate?
- According to Jeremiah 14 what were false prophets saying?
- Why did Jesus say that people would kill Christians and think they are offering a service to God?
- In John 16:12 Jesus told His disciples that He had more to tell them, but it was more than they could bear at that time. Do you believe that there is more that God wants to show you as you mature as a Christian?
- What kind of peace was Jesus talking about in John 16:33? Do you have that peace?
Sunday, September 23, Isaiah 51 - 52, John 9
- Isaiah 51 commands us in verses 7 and 12 not to fear mere mortals. Verse 13 says that forgetting God causes a person to "live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor." How can we be free of fear of mortal man?
- Isaiah 52 begins with a command to awake. How would you obey that command?
- In John 9:2 why did the disciples assume that the man's blindness was caused by someone's sin?
- Why were the parents of the man who had been blind afraid of the Jewish leaders?
Monday, September 24, Isaiah 53 - 54, Psalm 107
- Centuries before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Isaiah wrote chapter 53. It describes our sin, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray," and Jesus's sacrificial death for us, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Why is it important to understand what Jesus's death on the cross accomplished?
- In Isaiah 54:7 God says to Israel, "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back." Why does God refer to a period of many years as "a brief moment"?
- Psalm 107:2 says, "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story." What opportunities do you have to tell your story?
Tuesday, September 25, Isaiah 55 - 56, John 10
- What does God mean in Isaiah 55:11 when He says that His word will not return to Him empty?
- In Isaiah 56:10-11 God compares Israel's watchmen to dogs who eat and sleep but don't bark. Who were Israel's watchmen and what should they have been doing?
- In John 10:4 Jesus said that the sheep follow the shepherd "because they know his voice." How do we learn the voice of the Lord?
- According to John 10:10 why did Jesus say He came?
Wednesday, September 26, Isaiah 57 - 59
- God says in Isaiah 57:15, "I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit." What does it mean to be lowly in spirit and why does God live with the person who is lowly in spirit?
- What does Isaiah 58 teach about fasting?
- Isaiah 59:2 says, "your iniquities have separated you from your God." How does sin separate us from God?
Thursday, September 27, Isaiah 60 - 61, John 11
- When will Isaiah 60:19 be fulfilled?
- Jesus read from Isaiah 61:1-2 and said it was fulfilled by Him (Luke 4:18-19). How is the good news to be proclaimed?
- What promise did Jesus make in John 11:26 to those who believed in Him?
- First Martha and then Mary said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." They had full faith in Jesus's ability to heal their brother when he was sick, but no expectation that He would raise him now that he was dead. Are there limits on what you believe God can do, even though the Bible teaches that He can do anything?
Friday, September 28, Isaiah 62 - 64
- Why does Isaiah 62:6-7 say to give yourself no rest and give God no rest?
- What is Isaiah 63:17 asking for?
- Isaiah 64:2 is a prayer saying, "come down to make your name known to your enemies." However, verse 7 says, "No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you." How is God going to come down if no one is calling on Him?
Saturday, September 29, Isaiah 65 - 66, John 12
- Who is being compared to the juice in a cluster of grapes in Isaiah 65:8?
- Why does God promise in Isaiah 65:17 to create a new earth?
- In Isaiah 66:19, for what purpose does God say He will send people to distant islands?
- It is clear how John 12:24 applied to Jesus. Jesus died for us. Does the verse also apply to you? How?
Sunday, September 16, Isaiah 34 - 36, John 5
- Isaiah 34:2 says that the Lord is angry with all nations. Why would He be?
- When will the promises of Isaiah 35 be fulfilled?
- In Isaiah 36 Sennacherib's field commander tried several ways to confuse and demoralize the people of Jerusalem. How can you stand against attacks on your faith?
- In John 5:7 the man didn't answer the question Jesus asked in verse 6. Instead, he gave reasons why he couldn't get well. Are there things you accept as barriers that are keeping you from what God has in mind for you?
- How did Jesus respond when, in John 5:18, He was accused of "making himself equal with God"?
Monday, September 17, Isaiah 37 - 38, Psalm 106
- In Isaiah 37:6 God's first response to Hezekiah's officials was "Do not be afraid." Then He told them what He was going to do. Are you able to receive peace from God before you know what He is going to do about something that you are troubled about?
- What did God do in Isaiah 37 to stop the Assyrians from invading Jerusalem?
- Why did God give Hezekiah 15 more years of life?
- Psalm 106 describes many examples of Israel's disobedience. Why did God show them mercy?
Tuesday, September 18, Isaiah 39 - 40, John 6
- What comfort did Hezekiah find in Isaiah's prophecy that everything in Hezekiah's palace would be carried away to Babylon?
- Why does Isaiah 40:6 compare people to grass?
- What promise does Isaiah 40:31 make to those who hope in the Lord or wait upon the Lord?
- In John 6:7-9, Philip and Andrew both looked at feeding the crowd as impossible. What was the difference in their thinking?
- Why would Jesus have the leftovers gathered up, letting nothing be wasted, when He was able to feed the crowd miraculously?
- What did Jesus mean when He said, "I am the bread of life," in John 6:48?
Wednesday, September 19, Isaiah 41 - 43
- God speaks to Israel in Isaiah 41:10, saying, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Do you expect this strength and protection from God?
- When will Isaiah 42:13 be fulfilled?
- According to Isaiah 43:10 how many gods are there?
Thursday, September 20, Isaiah 44 - 45, John 7
- What does God mean in Isaiah 44:6 when He says He is the first and the last?
- What does Isaiah 45:13 say Cyrus will do?
- In John 7:16 where did Jesus say His teaching came from?
- In John 7:37 Jesus invited anyone who is thirsty to come to Him and drink. How is your thirst satisfied by coming to Jesus?
Friday, September 21, Isaiah 46 - 48
- God says in Isaiah 46:11, "What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do." How should knowing that God keeps His promises impact the way you live each day?
- What does Isaiah 47:11 say will happen to Babylon?
- In Isaiah 48:9, why does God say He delays His wrath?
Saturday, September 22, Isaiah 49 - 50, John 8
- In Isaiah 49:6, who is speaking and who is being spoken to when it says, "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles"?
- In Isaiah 49:15 God says His compassion for His people is stronger than a nursing mother for her baby. Do you have confidence in His compassion?
- Who is speaking in Isaiah 50:6?
- In John chapter 8 why did the Pharisees claim that Jesus's testimony was not valid?
- Under what circumstances did Jesus say people would die in their sins?
- What prompted the Jews to try to stone Jesus at the end of John 8?
Sunday, September 9, Isaiah 18 - 19, John 1
- What does Isaiah 18 say will happen to a "people feared far and wide"?
- Isaiah 19:21 says, "the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord." When will this happen?
- According to John 1:12, who has been given the right to become children of God?
- Who did John the Baptist say he was?
- What did John the Baptist say about Jesus?
Monday, September 10, Isaiah 20 - 22, Psalm 104
- What does the lookout report in Isaiah 21:9?
- Isaiah 22:11 says, "You built a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the Old Pool, but you did not look to the One who made it, or have regard for the One who planned it long ago." How do you put your trust in God when you may be tempted to rely on yourself?
- What does Psalm 104:5 mean when it says, "He set the earth on its foundations"?
Tuesday, September 11, Isaiah 23 - 24, John 2
- Isaiah 23 foretells the destruction of Tyre, followed by a recovery after 70 years. After the 70 years, what will happen to the profits from Tyre's trading?
- Why does Isaiah 24 describe the earth being laid waste?
- In John 2 who knew that Jesus had turned water into wine?
- What sign was Jesus referring to in John 2:19?
Wednesday, September 12, Isaiah 25 - 26, Psalm 105
- Isaiah 25:4 says that God is "a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat." What do you need to do to take shelter in God?
- Isaiah 25:8 says that God will "swallow up death forever." When and how will He do that?
- Isaiah 26:20 advises people to go hide for a little while. When should someone do this?
- Psalm 105:2 says, "Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts." What is the purpose of singing to God?
Thursday, September 13, Isaiah 27 - 28, John 3
- Has Isaiah 27:6 been fulfilled or is that still to come?
- Isaiah 28:6 says that God will be "a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate." What opportunities do you have to turn back the battle at the gate?
- In John 3, why does Jesus say we need to be born again?
- Why did John the Baptist say, "I must become less"?
- According to John 3:36 who has eternal life?
Friday, September 14, Isaiah 29 - 31
- God says in Isaiah 29:13, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." Why would anyone whose heart is far from God want to honor Him with their lips?
- Why does Isaiah 30:1-5 say that Egypt's help will be of no value?
- Isaiah 31:1 rebukes those who trust in horses and chariots but who do not seek help from God. Are there areas in your life where you are trusting someone or something other than God?
Saturday, September 15, Isaiah 32 - 33, John 4
- Isaiah 32:8 says, "But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand." What does it mean to be noble?
- James Madison is credited with proposing three branches of government, inspired by Isaiah 33:22. Do you view God as your judge, lawgiver, and king?
- According to John 4:10, what were the only two things needed for the Samaritan woman to have living water?
- What does it mean to worship God in spirit and in truth?
- What food was Jesus referring to in John 4:32?
Sunday, September 2, Isaiah 1 - 2, Colossians 1
- In Isaiah 1, why does God refer to Israel's sacrifices and burnt offerings as meaningless? Why does God say He isn't listening to their prayers?
- In Isaiah 2:22 God commands us, "Stop trusting in mere humans." How do we put our complete trust in God?
- Based on Colossians 1:15-20, how would you explain who Jesus is?
Monday, September 3, Isaiah 3 - 5, Psalm 102
- In Isaiah 3 why does God call out haughty women for judgment?
- Who or what is the Branch of the Lord mentioned in Isaiah 4:2?
- What does the vineyard in Isaiah 5 represent? What good fruit was God looking for? What bad fruit did it yield instead?
- Psalm 102:13 says, "You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come." When would it be time for God to have compassion on Zion?
Tuesday, September 4, Isaiah 6 - 7, Colossians 2
- Why did Isaiah react the way he did in Isaiah 6:5?
- Isaiah told Ahaz in Isaiah 7:9, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." In what situations does this statement also apply to you?
- Paul says in Colossians 2:7, "just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him." What do you have to do to live in Him?
- Why does Paul call the observance of special days and dietary restrictions, "a shadow of the things that were to come" (Colossians 2:17)?
Wednesday, September 5, Isaiah 8 - 10, Psalm 103
- God warned Isaiah in Isaiah 8:12-13 not to fear what people fear, but only to fear God. How can you eliminate fear, other than reverential fear of God, from your life?
- What does Isaiah 9:6 tell us about a child who would be born?
- In Isaiah 10:20-22, what does the word "remnant" mean?
- David wrote in Psalm 103:2, "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits." How does it help you to remind yourself of God's goodness?
Thursday, September 6, Isaiah 11 - 12, Colossians 3
- Who is being spoken of in Isaiah 11:1-5?
- Isaiah 12:3 says, "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." What does this mean?
- What does it mean to "set your hearts on things above"? (Colossians 3:1)
- We are commanded in Colossians 3:13, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Is there anyone you need to forgive?
Friday, September 7, Isaiah 13 - 15
- God says in Isaiah 13:11, "I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins." How is God able to be a just God who punishes sin while offering forgiveness to the sinner?
- Isaiah 14:4 is speaking to the king of Babylon, but verses 12-15 describe Satan's fall from heaven. The King James Version uses the name "Lucifer" in verse 12. Why would Isaiah speak about Satan in this passage?
- Whose destruction does Isaiah foretell in chapter 15?
Saturday, September 8, Isaiah 16 - 17, Colossians 4
- What does Isaiah 16 say would happen to Moab?
- Isaiah 17:10 says, "You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress." What would cause a person to "forget" God?
- Colossians 4:2 instructs us to be devoted to prayer. What does it mean to be devoted to something? Are you devoted to prayer?
